Food & Drink
A Passion for Latin: Peachtree Corners’ Newest Latin American Restaurant
It was a sunny and warm spring day when I pulled up to Latin Fresh on South Old Peachtree Road. Pops of color alluded to the tropical vibe I was about to encounter in this charming and innovative restaurant.
Latin Fresh, open only since January 24, 2022, is a restaurant unlike any other in the area. Offering traditional dishes that hail from Latin American countries such as Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela, the menu is fresh, bold and creative.
For many Southerners, Latin American food might be synonymous with burritos, tacos and other Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes. That’s something that the family behind Latin Fresh wants to change.
“I realized there were a lot of Mexican restaurants,” said David Aaron who co-owns the restaurant with his fiancé Juanita and his parents Jay and Ofelia. Aaron, who recently moved to Peachtree Corners from Colombia, hopes to provide a menu that not only speaks to his personal passion for Latin cuisine but also offers an opportunity for locals to expand their palates.
A variety of flavors and experiences
“No Latin American country is exactly the same; we are all full of colors, cultures, music, traditions, dialects, all across Latin America. Latin America is composed of Central America, the Caribbean, South America and every single country is completely different,” Aaron explained.
Fortunate enough to travel extensively, Aaron has been able to see firsthand the variety of cuisines in the 33 countries that comprise Latin America. “The food in Colombia on the east side is completely different to that on the west, the south or the north side,” he said. “It’s completely different, and that’s just one country.”
Aaron, a chef who has been working in the restaurant industry for 21 years, has cooked in settings that range from cafeterias to Michelin Star restaurants. He grew up in Miami with his parents and a large, vibrant family.
Aaron’s father Jay was a pilot and when he retired, he opened a restaurant. He used his cooking skills to raise money for foundations he cared about as well as feeding his large family from his home kitchen.
“We had something like 70 first cousins, my mother has 15 siblings,” said Aaron. “We always had people coming to the house and my father was always cooking, trying different things, always homey foods and done from scratch. If he wanted a tomato sauce, he would cut the tomato and make it himself.”
Beyond his father’s obvious love for cooking, Aaron noted the financial element to making food from scratch. If you’re buying ingredients, as opposed to prepared goods, you can often stretch your dollar to create larger batches of food which is essential when you’re cooking for dozens of people on a given day.
“I have never been to cooking school, never ever, just learned from my mom,” explained Jay Aaron, David’s father. “When I came here, I was 20 years old. I never cooked in my house, but when my mom came here and saw that I was cooking, she couldn’t believe it. I like it. I really enjoy it, it’s really important that I enjoy whatever I do.”
The road to Peachtree Corners
At the onset of the pandemic, David Aaron was working in Miami and his catering business took a huge hit due to canceled events and ongoing shutdowns. As a result, he relocated to Colombia where he took a more hands-on approach in one the restaurants owned by his restaurant group.
While this restaurant in Colombia was incredibly successful, he and his fiancé Juanita Mesa decided they wanted to find somewhere in the States to settle down. Juanita’s background in hospitality — which led her to live in Australia, South Africa, Spain, London, Canada — and her ability to speak five languages has offered her a unique perspective, and it was with careful consideration that she chose this area.
Considering it to be family-friendly and inviting, they saw the area was also ripe for a dynamic Latin restaurant concept. “I think what’s special about it is it’s family,” Juanita explained. “It’s what Latin America is all about; we are all about having our family together. David and his parents, you can’t get closer to family than that. His sister lives 40 minutes away and having that support of being able to ask questions — they know the area — that was super important to us.”
Aaron’s parents relocated from Miami to be closer to their family and grandkids here and are deeply involved in the venture.
The feel and flavors of home
“The idea behind Latin Fresh is that everything is fresh, everything is cooked from scratch,” said Aaron. Customers are able to choose a base, a protein, a side and a couple of sauces. “In Latin America you drench everything in sauces,” Aaron explained with a laugh.
Whether you prefer an empanada, a bowl or a wrap, you can craft a unique and delectable dish with flavors you may have never experienced before. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are there to walk you through all the different options, explaining the ingredients and origins of all the menu items to find a dish you’re sure to love.
“It’s very homey flavors to us, which we know is probably not homey to our customers,” said Juanita. “We want people to be able to come here and taste things and feel at home like when we went into our mom’s kitchens growing up. Having that, not only in the food but also the service, to have people who can approach you like family, like a friend, to be able to ask questions.”
Describing such a varied menu can be tough, but Aaron considers it a kind of Latin American soul food. “It’s food that warms the heart.”
In fact, the very design and aesthetics of the restaurant have been chosen to evoke a familiar feeling, like that of walking into a Latin friend’s house. Along one wall, a large mural was painted by a Colombian artist who the team flew in. The opposite wall is covered with wooden planks in colors that were carefully chosen to be light, bright and joyous.
Family owned and operated, they hope that Latin Fresh is approachable, cozy and comfortable, both for local Latin neighbors and those unfamiliar with Latin American cuisine.
A fresh, family concept
Another key tenet of the Latin Fresh concept is sustainability. All of the restaurant’s furniture was refurbished, and they source their food and juices locally and from independent farmers whenever possible. Even their plates, forks and cups are all ethically made from compostable materials.
“Fresh is the concept; we don’t use canned products, preservatives or GMOs. We are big on that,” said Aaron. “I’m a big vegan activist; I think it’s the future of food. All our bases and sides are vegan, and then we have three vegan protein options.”
A family affair, it is not uncommon to see Aaron’s father working in the kitchen, his mother ensuring everything is just right on the line, Juanita manning the phones and answering questions. “To serve people is my favorite,” said Aaron’s mother Ofelia.
If you’re fortunate enough to meet the family, you’ll find they are friendly and approachable, ready to offer unique insight to their one-of-a-kind menu.
During my visit I was fortunate enough to be able to sample several dishes, and I have to say that they were each incredibly unique, flavorful and delicious. Every ingredient, though vastly different in origin and preparation, was so thoughtfully prepared it seemed as though they were destined to be paired with one another.
The drinks, made from tropical fruits — many of which I had never tried before — were delightful. I found myself cycling through the offerings, sampling sauces and going back for seconds of every dish. Thoroughly stuffed and feeling the love, I headed home with several boxes of delectable Latin soul food. What an experience.
Peachtree Corners is truly lucky to have Latin Fresh in the neighborhood.
For more information visit latinfreshgroup.com
Mayor Mike Mason and members of the Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA), business professionals, and community well-wishers recently celebrated the opening of U&ME Coffee Bakery Wine, a new establishment in Peachtree Corners.
The event was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by friends, family members of the owners, Paula Gil and Pablo Vicens, who are married, and their dedicated staff.
U&ME Coffee Bakery Wine, a local family-owned business, focuses on creating a welcoming space where families can gather, students can study, and friends can hang out.
This establishment offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, weekly specials and a cozy environment for all.
Paula Gil emphasized the importance of offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that cater to various tastes and needs.
The goal is to deliver the highest quality specialty items at fair prices.
“We are excited to bring our blend of coffee shop, wine bar, bakery, and diner spot to Peachtree Corners,” stated Paula.
U&ME Coffee prides itself on using 100% Colombian Medellin Coffee and ensuring all baking is done on-premises to guarantee freshness and quality.
Further distinguishing themselves, Paula and Pablo have incorporated homemade empanadas, pizzas, and pastries into their menu, all made from scratch to offer a unique taste experience.
In addition to their dine-in services, U&ME Coffee caters to those on the go with their to-go orders and provides catering services for special events.
Mayor Mason, alongside PCBA Board Members Lisa Proctor, Donna Linden, Allison Reinert, Suzanna Martinez, and numerous local business supporters, expressed their delight in welcoming U&ME Coffee Bakery Wine to the city.
“The city council and I are delighted you chose Peachtree Corners for your business location. We are pleased to have this new specialty restaurant available as part of our business-friendly city,” Mayor Mason remarked.
Contact: U&ME Coffee Bakery & Wine
Telephone: 470-359-6972
Facebook: Facebook U&ME Coffee Bakery Wine
Located at 3433 Medlock Bridge Road, Peachtree Corners
New owners of Cheeseburger Bobby’s bring neighborliness along with fresh, well-prepared fare.
After being shuttered for several months, locals seem happy to see that Cheeseburger Bobby’s in Peachtree Corners has reopened under new management.
Keith and Sandra Lowe took over the franchise a few months ago and are working hard to win back customers. They are committed to quality food, consistency, cleanliness and good service.
“My background is in retail operations,” said Keith Lowe. “We had restaurants within the retail cafés that we ran.”
Although his wife is more involved in the day-to-day running of the restaurant, she admittedly doesn’t have experience running a fast-casual eatery.
“It’s something that we’ve always wanted to do. We’ve always wanted to open a business for ourselves. So, this opportunity came back in April. And then we bought it and went through the whole remodel,” Sandra Lowe said.
Bringing a Peachtree Corners staple back to life
The Cheeseburger Bobby’s franchise fits well for the Lowes because of the structure and support from the corporate office.
According to its introduction to franchisees, the business aims to work easily and efficiently for restaurant industry veterans or those just entering the profession.
One thing that stood out for the couple was the fresh, made-from-scratch food and a menu that’s not too complicated.
The fact that there are vegetarian and healthy options like salads, black bean burgers, and turkey burgers was also a plus. Additionally, customers have the option of several toppings for their sandwiches as well as seasoning for fries and an extensive fixings bar.
They knew little about the previous owners or what caused them to give up the franchise, but they vowed to become a fixture in the community and build loyalty with the basics.
An inviting place for the entire community
“Cleanliness is tops for us,” said Sandra Lowe. “That’s number one. … We have a great environment, great customer service and consistent food. We talked about how those three things will win back customers.”
On a recent weekday lunch rush, a mix of office workers, holiday shoppers and construction workers came through.
As Sandra Lowe passed out samples of the signature frozen custard, the chilly late fall weather had no effect on orders for milkshakes and other confections.
The custard recipe is reminiscent of the old-fashioned, hand-churned type many grandmas used to make. Some say it has a richer, creamier texture and a smoother consistency than typical ice cream.
A recipe for success
As a homemaker and the queen of her castle, Sandra Lowe didn’t hesitate at the chance to get back into the work world. Her 15-year-old twins are old enough to be more self-sufficient, so she and her husband decided it was time to try something new.
“It works out perfectly,” she said. “I come to work in the mornings, stay until 3 p.m., and then I’m back with my kids in the evening.”
“Because my background was operations in food, sanitation and all those things, this was an easy decision,” said Keith Lowe.
Additionally, they surrounded themselves with knowledgeable, professional staff.
“We hit a home run with Kenneth, our general manager,” he said. “He has over a decade of experience running restaurants. And Archie, our shift manager, has been at this restaurant for the entire 12 years that has been open.”
A mix of experience with new energy
“We think we have a very welcoming environment,” said Sandra Lowe. “Great customer service, consistent, fresh food served with a smile and a clean environment are our focus.”
Another significant factor is the focus on community.
Although the restaurant hasn’t been open for long, the Lowes have joined the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber and have reached out to Norcross High and Wesleyan schools for partnerships.
“Being engaged with the committee is important to us,” they said almost in unison.
Making Cheeseburger Bobby’s a true family business is also essential.
“The [kids] come to work here every weekend,” said Sandra Lowe.
“We’ve seen that the kids are more social. It gets them away from the phone. It gets him interacting,” said Keith Lowe.
“We’ve talked to them about the importance of eye contact and helping the customer have a great experience. We’ve even seen them really grow in such a short time.”
Cheeseburger Bobby’s
Located in the Peachtree Square Shopping Center
6050 Peachtree Pkwy #140
cheeseburgerbobbys.com
770-696-1337
International Restaurants: Find Cuisines from Across the Globe Just Down the Road
In the heart of Peachtree Corners, a culinary gem is weaving rich Persian flavors into the fabric of the community. The epicenter of ancient Persia was located in what is now modern-day southwest Iran, and its cuisine is known for unique spice blends, savory meats, and herbaceous vegetables.
Kamel Fadavi is originally from the Middle East and moved to the Peachtree Corners area in 2014. When moving to the area, Fadavi wanted to make sure he brought some of Persia with him.
Fadavi attempted to open his first restaurant in 2014 but had a few setbacks during production.
“It was very difficult at first, trying to find a space,” Fadavi said about finding the perfect location for his restaurant. He also faced difficulties trying to get a license and permit to open his restaurant.
Yet, Fadavi persevered and was able to pursue his dream. His first restaurant opened in September of 2015. Originally named Taaj Market and Restaurant, this eatery offered both shopping and dining experiences, allowing customers to experience Persia inside and outside their homes.
Despite the success of Taaj Market in marrying the market and restaurant experience, Fadavi felt inspired to elevate the concept further.
Brand new look, same great food
In 2023, Fadavi decided to redesign the restaurant and offer customers a more elegant and exciting experience. Thus, DiBar Grill was launched.
Fadavi hired a new manager, Larry Larose, to help him with this process.
Larose has been in the service industry for several years but was looking for a change when he came across Taaj Market.
After hearing about Fadavi‘s new ideas for the restaurant, Larose stepped up to help bring them to life.
To really elevate the experience, DiBar Grill added a full bar and designed the space with a more eye-appealing look.
Revamping an established brand was a new experience for Fadavi and Larose, but together, they created and executed a beautiful vision for DiBar Grill.
Persian cuisine 101
Persian cuisine is a diverse culinary tradition that reflects the region’s long history and varied climate. It’s characterized by its bold and distinct flavors, including hardy meats, filling starches and savory sides.
Spices, including saffron, turmeric, cinnamon, dried lime, cardamom and rose petals, are staples in Persian cuisine. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill and mint are also frequently used.
“Expect a lot of red meat in many dishes, ” Kamel said. Lamb is one of the most popular meats in Persia, so when dining at a Persian restaurant, you can expect to see many different lamb preparations.
Lamb shanks and kebabs are two classic dishes that foodies can relish. While these lamb dishes are Persian must-haves, customers can also enjoy a variety of chicken, beef and seafood dishes.
The full Persian experience
DiBar Grill offers flavorful spreads and appetizers, such as hummus, labneh and roasted red peppers, along with its variety of lamb dishes. These small appetizer plates are also entirely vegan on their own. You can expect these spreads to be served with a warm sangak, a whole wheat leavened flatbread.
Cheese is another favorite in Persian dishes, but labneh is a distinctive dish patrons must try. Yogurt strained in cheesecloth for two to three days produces a smooth, creamy spread with a tangy flavor.
Whether you are in for a full meal or a palatable snack, DiBar Grill gives customers the perfect Persian dishes.
DiBar Grill offers delivery for its entire menu, which you can order from its website. Whether you’re celebrating a Sunday night at home or a special occasion at a location of your choice, DiBar Grill has you covered.
DiBar Grill
6385 Spalding Dr Suite B
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
www.dibargrill.com
770-559-8799
Find two dozen more international restaurants in Peachtree Corners here!
Photos by Kendyl Clarke
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