Latitude

Latitude is now open at Phipps Plaza.

The menu by Chef Micah Willix features a mix of globally- and regionally-sourced high-quality ingredients.

Chef Willix first gained notoriety on the Atlanta restaurant scene working as executive chef at Ecco, drawing accolades for his simple yet seductive Mediterranean cooking. Previously, he worked at Seasons 52 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

At Latitude, he focuses on locally procured fruits and vegetables, as well as ethically produced proteins and fresh fish. Moving from Mediterranean to global influences, Willix says, “will definitely be a change from what I’ve been cooking for the past five years. Latitude will be an opportunity for me to explore more options of different cuisines and cultures, but I still want to cook and create dishes that are simple and close to the source - grassroots.”

His roasted beet salad features chioggia beets, mache, toasted hazelnuts and brown butter ($10):

It's served warm and is so yummy you may find yourself licking the plate.

Beef tartare is made with sirloin with roasted garlic, fried capers and is served with toasted bread topped with fresh aioli ($9):

I don't eat raw meat, so I didn't taste this, but my dinner companions adored it and devoured the generous serving.

The pan roasted scallops are served with crispy mushrooms, lemon and chive ($13):

The scallops were seared to perfection and the mushrooms add earthy depth to the dish.

The butcher steak features grilled local beef paired with escarole and horseradish ($26). It's served with smoked potatoes, which are mixed with house-made sour cream and chives. The smoke flavor does not overpower the dish, it adds interest. It's deliciously addictive:

Louisiana redfish is pan-roasted and served atop a warm salad quinoa, red kuri squash and tangerine ($28). It was scrumptious; several of my dining companions claimed it was their favorite dish of the evening.

For dessert we sampled doughnut holes with orange marmalade ($7):

                             -Photos by Heidi Geldhauser for The Reynolds Group

...and a chocolate tart with fleur du sel ice cream ($7) that boasted rich chocolate flavor.

Willix prepares both the savory and sweet menu items -- desserts aren't made by a pastry chef. This somewhat unusual situation makes me think he should try out for Top Chef because desserts often stump Top Chef competitors beyond their skills and/or comfort zones and forces many to turn in their knives. This dude could win it.

The bar menu features more than 60 wines and re-imagined classic cocktails. Don't know what to choose? Ask for a recommendation and you might discover something new.

Bottom Line: Upscale casual dining, located in Atlanta's most upscale mall, Latitude is convenient for shoppers and also a worthy dining destination for anyone craving tasty dishes served in a pleasantly vibrant social setting.