Food & Drink
Familiar but Better: The Delectable Comfort of Eating Americana
Tucked away in the Peachtree Parkway Shopping Plaza at the corner of Peachtree Parkway and Spalding Drive, Eating Americana is a casual cafe that specializes in locally sourced American comfort foods. Owned and operated by Chef James Chien, the menu features familiar favorites like fried chicken, hoagies, burgers, wings and brunch.
Chien officially opened the doors to Eating Americana on March 16, 2020. An infamous date, it just so happened to be the same day that Trump declared a national pandemic. Despite the fact that Chien had signed the lease 10 months prior in May of 2019, he wasn’t able to access the space to begin buildout until October 2019. Consequently, Eating Americana was not granted any government aid during the lockdowns.
Somehow, despite all the odds stacked against him, Chien has managed to build a successful eatery with a loyal following.
Don’t just take my word for it, check the reviews to see for yourself. Eating Americana is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google with a whopping 102 reviews, 5 out of 5 stars based on 17 reviews on Facebook, and 5 out of 5 stars with 51 reviews on Yelp. With ratings like this it’s clear that Chien is doing something right.
“I knew what I was capable of when I selected this retail space,” explained Chien, who previously owned and operated two restaurants in the area before opening Eating Americana.
“I still had customers dating back to my first restaurant that are patrons now. Word of mouth has spread, and Peachtree Corners residents have been wonderful and supportive through the pandemic.”
Great Americana foods
Chien’s first two restaurants, Some Like It Hot and Alligator Blues, featured New Orleans cuisine. Over time he realized that a portion of his clientele was turned off to these concepts because the food was too spicy, so when he opened Eating Americana, he wanted to offer something more mainstream. “My catch phrases include ‘Everything Familiar But Better,’ ‘Great American Comfort Foods’ and ‘Unapologetically American,’” said Chien.
The most popular items on the menu include blue plate entrées like the seafood pasta, the fried shrimp plate, Southern fried chicken, meatloaf and boneless fried chicken. Don’t miss other fan favorites such as the shrimp hoagie, the Chef’s Burger, and his famous sautéed green beans.
I asked Chien what dish on the menu was his favorite, and he said he really couldn’t choose. “It’s like asking me which child I love most?!” he exclaimed. As for his favorite thing to make? “Reservations,” joked Chien.
Chien’s journey that led him to opening Eating Americana started back when he was a kid growing up in Kowloon, Hong Kong. His mother took culinary classes as a hobby, and her enthusiasm and love of food greatly impacted his desire to also master the art of cooking.
“I had a deep passion for cooking early in my childhood and was inspired by my mother and Graham Kerr, the Galloping Gourmet,” said Chien.
The Galloping Gourmet was a Canadian cooking show starring Kerr, a British culinary TV personality, which ran from 1968 to 1973. The show featured dishes from around the world and was known for Kerr’s humor and tomfoolery, which further endeared him to budding young chefs like Chien.
A winding road to success
While Chien’s culinary prowess today includes a vast array of types of cuisines and styles from New Orleans to Japanese and beyond, his path to owning an Americana restaurant in Peachtree Corners was by no means a linear one.
As a young adult, Chien attended the Fashion Institute of Technology where he received a Menswear Design and Merchandising Degree. He then went on to work in illustration, design and production in the fashion industry for eight years. His first job was with a textile company on Sixth Avenue in New York City, later designing outerwear and womenswear, and lastly overseas production.
In 1988 Chien moved to Atlanta and revisited his passions for food.
Since beginning his culinary career, Chien has worked in a variety of settings including fine dining, catering, five-star hotels, country clubs and city clubs. Possessing an entrepreneurial spirit, this path led him to open those initial New Orleans restaurants more than 20 years ago.
Given his depth of experience, Chien is outspoken on his disapproval of substitutions and modifications made to dishes except when accommodating an allergy. The process to develop his recipes and their place on Eating Americana’s menu is one he has developed with great care and attention to detail. For Chien, it’s personal.
“Chefs create menus to be consumed the way we designed them,” said Chien. “Our menus are not just a bunch of words on a page. It wasn’t meant to be dissected and replaced with or without items and ingredients, et cetera. When a guest does so, they’re only setting themselves up for disappointment.”
Commitment and joy
Chien’s commitment to his menu and the dishes he offers has certainly paid off, with many online reviewers singing their praises. It takes a lot to impress Southerners with traditional Southern cuisine, and at Eating Americana he does just that, day after day.
Chien expressed his gratitude for the support of his clients during the ever-changing landscape of the pandemic and remains hopeful for the future of his restaurant. Staffing issues, supply chain disruptions and the lack of consistent food pricing has posed a significant challenge to Chien but has not managed to hinder his success.
As a resident of Peachtree Corners, Chien and his wife often go out to eat at different restaurants nearby and even beyond the Atlanta area. Making a conscious choice to enjoy the food as diners and not critics, they enjoy exploring all of the incredible eateries that this part of the country has to offer.
You can also often find Chien and his wife biking or visiting parks in the area, walking along the river and making friends everywhere they go.
The average day for Chien starts in the early hours of the morning when he arrives to prepare for the day and make any necessary food purchases before it opens. Eating Americana operates from 10 a.m. on the weekends, and 11 a.m. during the week, until 2 p.m., seven days a week; dinner hours are from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. every day except Sunday.
Chien’s greatest joys as owner and chef of Eating Americana, above and beyond the physical act of making food for his clients, is forming long-standing relationships with his customers.
“The gratification comes from long-time customers dating back to my first restaurant, and the new customers and their joyous expressions on their faces when they eat my food,” Chien continued. “This is my joy.”
Explore Gwinnett celebrates a decade of culinary creativity with $10 chef-crafted burgers at 23 locally owned restaurants
Explore Gwinnett, the official tourism organization of Gwinnett County, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its popular Gwinnett Burger Week. Making its anticipated return March 17–23, 2025, the event invites burger lovers to enjoy exclusive, chef-crafted creations for just $10 at 23 locally owned restaurants across the county.
“We are proud to celebrate a decade of Gwinnett Burger Week and the incredible talent of some of our very best local chefs,” said Lisa Anders, chief operating officer of Explore Gwinnett.
“What started as a way to highlight locally owned eateries has grown into a beloved tradition, and we cannot wait for the community to see what we have in store for them this year!”
Throughout the week, each of 23 participating restaurants will feature an exclusive, off-menu burger.
Peachtree Corners highlights include:
- “The Alma” at Marlow’s Tavern — a perfectly seasoned and grilled burger with salsa verde, pepper jack, fried jalapenos, avocado, tortilla strips, lettuce, tomato and onion on a buttered sesame brioche bun.
- “The Blue Flame” at LOL Burger Bar — a 5 oz. premium beef patty topped with homemade macaroni and cheese, pulled pork, blue cheese crumbles and the restaurant’s secret sauce to add a bit of spice.
- “Fired Up Burger” at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill — a wood-grilled burger, lettuce, tomato, pepper jack cheese, jalapeno bacon jam, fried onions and tangy mayo topped with fried pickles garnish.
- “K-BBQ Burger” at Stäge — an Angus beef smash burger with Korean BBQ glaze, roasted cheese corn, house-pickled veggies and gochujang mayo on a sesame brioche bun.
Gwinnett Burger Week digital pass
Back for its second year, the Gwinnett Burger Week Digital Pass encourages diners to check in at participating restaurants and earn points throughout the week, which are redeemable for prizes.
Each check-in is worth one point. Points can be redeemed for exclusive Gwinnett Burger Week merchandise from Explore Gwinnett, including restaurant gift cards, t-shirts, totes, sicker packs and a special edition 10th anniversary burger sticker designed by Lawrenceville-based artist Max Eve in celebration of this milestone.
Diners can also vote for their favorite burger by uploading an image of their receipt to the Gwinnett Burger Week website.
The Wall of Fame
Participants who track their dining experience at 10 or more restaurants throughout the week will be inducted into the Gwinnett Burger Week Wall of Fame with their photo published on Explore Gwinnett’s website.
“Our 10th anniversary milestone reflects the passion and creativity of Gwinnett County’s culinary community and the enthusiasm of all those who make this event a success year after year,” said Anders. “We can’t wait to indulge in the exclusive $10 burger creations ourselves, as we toast to 10 years of one of our favorite events!”
More details
To sign up for the Gwinnett Burger Week Pass, visit ExploreGwinnett.org/Gwinnett-Burger-Week/Burger-Week-Prize-Pass and provide the participant’s name, e-mail address and mobile phone number. A link will be sent to the participant’s phone, allowing them to access the pass and add the pass icon to their home screen.
For a full list of participating restaurants and limited-time burger offerings, visit exploregwinnett.org/gwinnett-burger-week.
Stay up-to-date on the latest Explore Gwinnett news by following @ExploreGwinnett on Instagram or ExploreGwinnett on Facebook. Diners are encouraged to share their experience on social media by using the hashtag #GwinnettBurgerWeek.
The South African fast-casual favorite expands in Georgia, bringing its signature flame-grilled spice and art-filled interiors to Peachtree Corners
Less than six months after opening its flagship Atlanta-area location at Perimeter’s High Street, world-famous South African restaurant brand Nando’s PERi-PERi opened its second Georgia restaurant to the public — for lunch and dinner service — on Tuesday, February 25.
Located within the premier mixed-used development and outdoor lifestyle center The Forum Peachtree Corners, Nando’s PERi-PERi is ready to offer its beloved flame-grilled chicken dishes, signature hot sauces and more to Atlanta-area locals and visitors alike.
“Atlanta has shown us so much love with the opening of our first location at High Street, so we couldn’t be more thrilled to expand our footprint in Georgia by bringing Nando’s to The Forum Peachtree Corners,” said Sepanta Bagherpour, chief brand officer at Nando’s PERi-PERi. “As a brand so rooted in community, we are excited to be a part of this lively hub where food, fun and connection unite.”
PERi-PERi flavor
Nando’s is known around the world for their flavorful flame-grilled chicken, and the concept’s popularity can be traced to PERi-PERi — or African Bird’s Eye Chili — the heart and soul of the Nando’s experience.
“We marinate our chicken in PERi-PERi for at least 24-hours, so the flavor goes right through to the bone,” Bagherpour explained. “Then we grill it over an open flame and baste it with PERi-PERi sauce to the customer’s preferred spice level. That’s what makes our chicken so addictive.”
Nando’s sources its PERi-PERi in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa via a network of 1,400 local farmers who are empowered with upfront access to funds, equipment and seedlings. And before the growing season even starts, they are guaranteed a fair price purchase commitment.
Warm space and friendly service
Nando’s intensely loyal following has not only been driven by its high-quality food, but also by its friendly service presented in a relaxed atmosphere that elevates the typical fine-fast casual experience.
Every Nando’s location is uniquely designed with earthy textures and vibrant colors that reflect its sunny African heritage while retaining a sense of place in which it lives and breathes.
The restaurant’s location in Peachtree Corners is no exception.
Designed by Fusion, Nando’s at The Forum is packed with custom lighting, furniture and authentic art imported from South Africa, showcasing the strong ties to its cultural heritage.
On a prominent corner within the newly refurbished open-air development, the new Nando’s visibility is boosted by its large, canopy-covered outdoor seating area. Inside the restaurant, guests will feel warm and welcome with design elements that balance the contrast of raw, textural finishes and saturated hits of color and pattern.
A great fit for The Forum
“As we continue energizing The Forum with new experiences for guests, Nando’s PERi-PERi stood out as an international favorite that would excite the community,” said Adam Schewgman, director and head of retail leasing at Jamestown. “From the inventive menu options to the meticulously selected design elements, we’re looking forward to giving visitors a taste of South Africa right here in Peachtree Corners.”
About Nando’s PERi-PERi
Since making its 1987 debut in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nando’s has spread its flame to legions of fans in 24 countries on five continents. The company entered the US market in 2008 with the opening of its first location in Washington, D.C., and now operates nearly 50 restaurants in and around Virginia, Maryland, Washington, Chicago, Texas and now Georgia.
For more information visit nandosperiperi.com or follow @nandosusa on Instagram.
Metro Atlanta’s food scene is a tapestry of flavors, cultures and culinary creativity. Long known for its traditional Southern fare, recent years have also seen an increase in the number of restaurants — both independent and franchise — showcasing international, fusion or new South cuisines opening throughout the city.
While the busy food halls and trendy eateries in Midtown and Buckhead may get a lot of press, the northern suburbs, including Peachtree Corners, Norcross and Duluth, are experiencing a culinary Renaissance of their own.
Dozens of new and exciting restaurants have opened in Peachtree Corners over the last few years, with more planned for 2025.
Reflecting the eclectic tastes of a growing community, places like Stäge, H&W Steakhouse, and Fire & Stone Italian Pizza Kitchen have joined long-standing favorites such as J. Alexander’s and Taqueria del Mar in finding a following.
The upcoming scheduled openings of Golestan, Sei Ryu and the multi-restaurant lineup at The Forum’s new Politan Row has only added to the buzz around dining in Peachtree Corners.
With so many incredible places to choose from, figuring out where to enjoy your next lunch or dinner out can be a challenge. So, we turned to a few experts for help. And who knows the local food scene better than the influencers who get out, taste and share their thoughts on the latest and greatest spots in the city?
The following foodies answered the call to share some of their picks for must-try restaurants in Peachtree Corners and Norcross, with choices that offer something for just about every taste.
From Southern favorites to sushi, seafood, steak and more, these are a few of the local restaurants to check out — or revisit — in 2025.
Lena Ahn (@atlbestbites)
Dahlia’s Restaurant & Porch
One of Peachtree Corners newest restaurants, Dahlia’s Restaurant & Porch serves Southern American fare in the heart of the city. The setting is casual, and they often have live music in the evenings, which is a nice touch. They also have a beautiful patio, so be sure to dine outside when you can to truly enjoy the facilities.
On my most recent visit, I ordered the Bourbon Glazed Peach Pork Belly, Grilled Steak, Red Chile Glazed Shrimp and Bourbon Pork Tenderloin. The shrimp was crispy and flavorful, and you can’t go wrong with steak!
Mai Le (@lemaitravel)
Stäge Kitchen & Bar
This was our third visit to Stäge Kitchen & Bar, and once again, it did not disappoint. The quality of the sushi here remains absolutely incredible. Every roll is fresh, flavorful and beautifully presented, showcasing the attention to detail that sets this place apart.
The consistency of the flavors and the impeccable service make it a standout spot. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or just starting to explore Japanese cuisine, Stäge delivers an experience that keeps you coming back.
Highly recommend this gem for anyone seeking high-quality sushi in a welcoming atmosphere!
The Spider-man, Phoenix, Hotel California, Smoking Gun, Tsunami and Goku rolls were melt-in-your-mouth good! (My personal favorites were the Hotel California and the Phoenix.)
We loved their calamari and grilled Spanish octopus. Both were very flavorful and fresh.
The Lychee Martini and Whiskey Sour were the best drinks we’ve had in a while — strong but perfectly not-too-sweet that will warm you up.
And you need to get the brownie as the complimentary dessert; It’s our favorite!
Adam & Cole (@atlfoodiesofficial)
H&W Steakhouse
One of the BEST meals we had in 2023 and one of the best new restaurants we’ve dined at overall is hands down H&W Steakhouse in Peachtree Corners.
This stunning, fine-dining steakhouse is located 30 minutes outside of Atlanta and is one of the most beautiful restaurants we dined at [last] year.
Serving everything from high-end steaks to luxury delicacies like caviar and A5 Japanese Wagyu, with over-the-top, tableside presentations, you will be absolutely blown away by your meal there.
You also have to end the meal with their famous Turtle Gelato Pie and Carajillo (a Spanish coffee cocktail made with espresso and liquor)! Both were absolutely phenomenal and a great way to end an amazing dinner.
Saadia Raja (@peachy_palate)
Pêche Modern Coastal
Good cheese needs good companions!
Our long overdue Girls’ Night Out led us to Pêche Modern Coastal where we had a cheesy good time.
We started our night with a cheese board and croissants followed by the Beet Cannelloni and Burrata and Peach salad from their small plates menu.
For our entree, we had the Truffle Pasta, which was delicious.
I loved the patio at Pêche. We hung out [there] even after they closed. I can’t wait for spring and summer to come so I can enjoy it again.
Helen Dong (@_helenfoodie)
Super Banh Mi Pho
I finally got to try Super Banh Mi Pho, and I’m definitely coming back!
This Vietnamese restaurant has been on my list to try, and everything we got was so good! Some of my favorites are their banh mi and pho, which are made with fresh ingredients. The broth was so good, and adding in all the fresh ingredients made it taste even better!
Editor’s note: Serving traditional Vietnamese dishes, the family-run Super Banh Mi Pho has developed a following among local foodies not just for its excellent food, but for its buzzworthy Dragon Ball Z décor, lively atmosphere and fun events.
This article originally ran in the February/March issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine. A digital edition of the publication can be found here.
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