Eater’s got more details on the new “Asian comfort food” restaurant that will soon inhabit the long-vacant restaurant space in the Decatur Courtyard by Marriott, including this press release…

MAKAN DEBUTS NEW CONCEPT IN SPRING 2014
Second Generation Restaurateurs Bring Asian Comfort Food to Decatur

Makan is ushering in a new brand of Asian comfort food with its arrival in spring 2014. The restaurant showcases the flavors of Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea in a convivial atmosphere, similar to the night markets, noodle shops and street stalls of the region.
“We’re proud and excited to bring the Atlanta community delicious, flavorful and fun Asian food without censors,” says George Yu, co-owner and executive chef. “Our team of second generation restaurateurs admires the way great chefs like Roy Choi in LA and David Chang and Dale Talde in NYC are redefining Asian food in America, and we can’t wait to share our food with Atlanta.”
Yu, who grew up helping out in his parents’ Chinese restaurant, attended culinary school at Atlanta’s Le Cordon Bleu and worked in several kitchens in the city, most recently as the sous chef at Ecco. Makan’s menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients, and example of signature dishes include pork broth ramen, Taiwanese beef noodle soup, housemade dumplings, Korean barbecue and whole roasted ducks. Guests can look forward to the restaurant’s housemade kimchi, made with local vegetables like okra and Brussels sprouts; a Banchan cart of rotating small plates; and large format meals for groups to share communally.
The owners are working with architecture, planning and design firm Square Feet Studio, whose recent clients include Kimball House and The General Muir. Design plans for the 3,300-square-foot space feature an open kitchen, a chef’s counter, a full bar and a lively 1,500-square-foot patio with a night market-inspired feel. The restaurant seats 90 guests inside and 50 on the patio and serves lunch and dinner daily.
Makan is located at 130 Clairemont Avenue in Decatur inside the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel. Starting January 1, visit makanatl.com for more information, updates on construction progress and Makan’s menu testing blog.

UPDATED: Santa actually won’t be at the Bonfire this evening according to The Decatur Minute.

The Decatur Business Association’s annual bonfire and marshmallow roast on Decatur Square is tonight from 7p-8p.  And Santa will be in attendance!

And then of course, stroll the streets of Decatur for another Terrific Thursdays.  Wondering where to encounter discounts (and perhaps even complementary alcohol) at Decatur shops?  Click HERE!

Photo courtesy of DBA website

An excellent question/post-suggestion from Kristin…

Could you do a post asking people to comment on best decorated houses in the area?  Taking the kids around to see the lights on Thursday night and I’m not sure where to go!  Thank you.

After we gather all the locations, perhaps we could then brainstorm the best route to drive…uh…I mean walk! bike! scoot!  Phew…that was close.

Photo courtesy of the Decatur Minute