This fall, Atlanta’s premier dining district greets a new safari-chic concept from renowned restaurateur Justin Anthony. YEBO Restaurant & Bar is slated to open in September 2012 at Phipps Plaza and aims to up the culinary ante with its innovative eats, drinks and ambiance.
YEBO (‘yeah’-boh) gets its name from a Zulu salutation and echoes the South African heritage of its founder, Anthony. Touting a youthful take on the austere atmosphere that prevails in Buckhead, YEBO offers a playful menu, reminiscent of the tailored bites and craft cocktail movement sweeping the city.
With his celebrated South African restaurant 10 Degrees South, Anthony has enjoyed 14 years of success in the Buckhead restaurant scene. Now, he looks forward to infusing his signature style into this new concept.
“I love the hip feel of the spots opening up in the Westside,” said Anthony. “And I wanted to bring this laidback, lounge-y vibe to Buckhead. Young professionals need a spot to hang – somewhere they cangrab a cold drink and enjoy some small bites with good company. YEBO is that place.”
First among Anthony’s acclaimed repertoire is his knack for sourcing the best ingredients, cultivating strong leadership and fostering camaraderie. In fact, he makes his business a family affair. His mother, Diane Anthony, has designed a menu ripe with everything from traditional South African cuisine to fun twists on pub fare. Executive Chef Jorge Ortiz leads the kitchen with precision and creativity, echoing the Anthony family standards of quality. From ostrich sliders to the traditional bunny chow, a dish of hollow bread stuffed with various fillings, the YEBO menu brings creativity to Buckhead.
Also in the YEBO wheelhouse is a penchant for crafting custom cocktails, perfect for complementing the chef’s creations, worthy of an all-evening chat session and everything in between. Guests can enjoy the signature Safari Sunset, a fresh and organic libation rich in flavor and hue, all day. For cubicle crusaders, Yebo offers a fun-filled weekday sunset hour, featuring drink specials and more. And for night owls, creative late-night eats and drinks provide a unique way to enjoy the moonlight.
In addition to its innovative menu, YEBO offers an inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to join the family. The brainchild of much-lauded interior designer Kelly Anthony, wife of the founder and owner of interior design boutique Anthony|Wolf, the restaurant’s ambiance is reminiscent of the warm sunsets, lush landscapes and safari-style accoutrements of South Africa. From spiced orange walls and distressed woods to grasscloth accents and bold patterns, Mrs. Anthony’s creation breeds whimsical warmth that welcomes diners to linger.
“Our goal was to mimic the South African sunset, with splashes of color and wildlife-inspired details,” said
Mrs. Anthony. “One of my favorite features is our installation of five large mounted buck heads, which symbolize the majesty of the indigenous fauna against the rich backdrop of a safari sunset. We want people to come to YEBO and stay for the food, drinks and fun. But we also want to make it interesting for them.”
Guests can take in Mrs. Anthony’s eye for design in the 80-seat dining room. In the bungalow-like bar area, diners can go big on high-top bar seating or get comfy on lounge furniture. The adjacent patio provides alfresco options, complete with European-inspired, tulip-shaped umbrellas for an extra touch of whimsy.
YEBO Restaurant & Bar is located inside Phipps Plaza at 3500 Peachtree Road in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.yeborestaurant.com.
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