Mingle's International Cafe Closes

The Pavilions at East Lake eatery, which opened in 2011, served Caribbean and Mediterranean fare.

East Cobb diners are without one of the new ethnic fusion restaurants to come to the area in recent years.  Mingle's Inernational Cafe, which opened at the Pavilions of East Lake Shopping Center on Roswell Road a little more than a year ago, has closed. The sign has been removed and the windows have been covered up. The restaurant's website has been taken down and there is no information available on the Mingle's Facebook page. Mingle's specialized in Caribbean and Mediterranean dishes, ranging from Jamaican Jerk Chicken to Shawarma platters. East Cobb Patch reviewed Mingle's in June 2011, not long after it opened.  Mingle's was located in the former spot occupied by the Formosa Chinese Restaurant.

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Small Business Q&A: Botekim

East Cobb is home to a Brazilian bistro that serves only an a la carte menu.

Botekim is Portuguese for small bar and restaurant. A 35,000-square-foot, free-standing building at the busy intersection of Terrell Mill and Powers Ferry roads is not too small for Botekim Brazilian Bistro. The painted floor of the front porch welcomes diners with a replica of the famous boardwalk along Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. The black-and-white pattern primes the senses for the interior of the bistro, which is decorated with touches of Brazil, family and white linens. Co-owners Romulo Costa and Alex DeGrossi are both sons of Rio de Janeiro. Rio is a sister city of Atlanta, a formal relationship that began in 1972 at the request of Gov. Jimmy Carter. Both Costa and DeGrossi studied English as Brazilian schoolboys. They said …

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East Cobb Restaurant Inspections

We've got the latest results from Dec. 31. to Jan. 6.

The following East Cobb restaurants were subject to inspections from the Cobb and Douglas Public Health Department the first week in January.  2100 Roswell Road (Inside Kroger)

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East Cobb Restaurant Inspections

We've got the latest scores for selected eating establishments.

East Cobb restaurants inspected the Cobb and Douglas Public Health Department from Dec. 5-9 received good scores. 

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Bites Nearby

Rediscovering Shillings on the Square

Whether you're new to town or something close to a native, this venerable Marietta Square restaurant still satisfies.

Shillings on the Square isn't the type of restaurant I would usually walk into due to the suspicion that the food is a little too upscale for my taste. However, after visiting almost every other establishment on the square, my curiosity got the best of me, and I'm glad to say I went in. The restaurant is divided into two floors with rather different ambiences. The Streetside Grill, which is located on the main floor, is more casual. The pub-like restaurant has a classic, woody look. Hanging stained glass lamps and an abbey-like feel make for an impressive yet comfortable setting to dine. However, it is a little hard on the eyes given the dim lighting. There is also outdoor seating facing the square available. Top of the Square is located …

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Bites Nearby

Spicy As You Like It at J. Gumbo's

This Cajun-inspired eatery with a Windy Hill Road location has a menu to suit even the mildest of tastes.

Overview: It’s always a nice surprise to find a restaurant that’s really unique, creating a niche in the fast food world no one else has thought of yet. J. Gumbo’s is one of those restaurants. The food is Cajun inspired, is delicious, hearty, served in fast food time and cheap. The most expensive entrée on the menu is $7 and there are daily lunch specials. The decor is artsy and displays original artwork by Kennesaw artist Holly Jones. The Food: J. Gumbo’s offers a variety of gumbos, creole, etouffee and Po’Boys that will excite, not overpower the taste buds. As a result, J. Gumbos is quickly becoming popular with Cajun and non-Cajun lovers alike. The menu is broken down by level of spiciness, allowing the diner to choose. Vegetarian and …

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Bites Nearby

Trout, Smoky BBQ Treats at Old Ephraim's

Marietta Square establishment also specializes in late weekend breakfast.

Overview: I’m not sure how I have managed to drive by Old Ephraim’s Restaurant and Catering on the Marietta Square countless times and not known it was there, but I did, and I’m told it’s been there for three years. My bad – it is really good. Named for a gigantic grizzly bear that roamed the Cache National Forest from 1911 to 1923, Old Ephraim’s Restaurant looks like a rustic hunting lodge, complete with stone fireplace, stained wood floors and lots of windows. Lunch and Dinner is served seven days a week. On Saturday and Sundays, breakfast may be ordered from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Food: I had every intention of ordering fish because I’d heard they serve great seafood. The smell of freshly smoked BBQ wafted through the restaurant and by …

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Bites Nearby

Upscale and Casual at Paper Mill Grill

Steak and seafood lovers will delight in hallmark East Cobb dining spot.

Overview: It is rare these days to find a really good steak and seafood restaurant that’s not part of a big commercial chain, one that feels upscale and still casual, that’s picturesque without depending on a lot of artifacts hanging on the walls. One that has a separate, cozy bar to have a drink, listen to music or enjoy friends in. One that has great, unrushed service. I’ve found one and it’s Paper Mill Grill, located off Johnson Ferry Road in East Cobb. The husband-wife owners of Paper Mill Grill, Ritter and Brigid Jones,  are chefs with an impressive resume including Marietta Country Club, Piedmont Driving Club, Barnsley Gardens and the Ritz-Carlton. Their experience is reflected in more than the delicious food they prepare; the …

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Get Out

Rose & Crown's Birthday; Rodeo; Used Books

Plenty of activities on tap to encourage you to Get Out this weekend.

1. Rose & Crown Celebrates. The first anniversary of the English-themed tavern on Powers Ferry Road takes place on Friday with live music, drink specials and a buffet served from 5-8 p.m. Located in the former Le Madeleine space, the Rose & Crown's opening has signalled a gradual revival of restaurant, entertainment and shopping options in that corridor.  2. Go to a rodeo. The Down and Dirty Rodeo arrives this weekend at Jim Miller Park, starting at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and again at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. This rodeo features champion bulls and bullriders, but competitions also include team roping, bareback riding, ladies steer undecorating, calf roping and steer wrestling. Proceeds for the event go to support prostate cancer awareness. …

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Bites Nearby

East Marietta's Cuban Diner an Authentic Delight

And whatever you order, do not forget the garlic sauce.

Overview: Cuban food lovers rejoice: There is such a thing as authentic Cuban food right here in "Mayretta." When I say authentic, I really mean it. Cuban Diner is the real thing, folks and it is GREAT (the Tony the Tiger kind). To me, authenticity requires certain basics: First, I need to see people from Cuba in the restaurant. It can be the owners or guests, but I must know beforehand that a real live Cuban is there because of the food. Second, the food must be prepared, cooked and served in a way different from any I have ever experienced–a signature of sorts. Third, the atmosphere and décor should reflect the heritage of its name. Check, check and check. The owner, Lou, came right over when I first walked in and asked me if I had ever …

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