07/19/06
THE ANNUAL ATLANTA Restaurant Week kicks off July 24 and runs through July 31. Founded in 2002 by Central Atlanta Progress (and modeled on similar events in cities such as New York and Boston), its three-course, $26 fixed price menus are designed to draw locals to restaurants more often frequented by the convention crowd. Several of the downtown institutions on the roster, including Dailey's and City Grille, were once part of the powerhouse Peasant Restaurant group. Nowadays, the Peasant name mostly comes up in reference to its former helmsman, Bob Amick, creator of such now places as Piebar, Two Urban Licks and One Midtown Kitchen. But the eponymous Pleasant Peasant on Peachtree Street, not far from the Fox, is still in business under the ownership of Maureen Kalmanson. And stepping inside is like a trip back to the sights, sounds and tastes of the '70s. DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN: The first thing that's likely to greet you when you walk through the door are songs by John Denver, Seals and Crofts, Cat Stevens and the like emanating from the speakers. The original hexagonal-tiled floors, pressed-tin ceiling and bead-board wainscoting give the airy dining room a retro feel. Huge floral canvases and a towering skylight brighten the room. A small corner bar makes an agreeable spot for a snack and a glass of wine. Lunch is served weekdays and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
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