Omnivore Atlanta

Here’s the (abbreviated) official word from Carmen Cappello, announcing the closing of Lamplighter:

Lamplighter, located in Atlanta’s Grant Park district, has decided to cease operations as of Feb. 1. Lamplighter…was founded by Chef Carmen Cappello in August of 2008. Lamplighter was well received in the Grant Park area and received high marks from several food critics, including Cliff Bostock of Creative Loafing…

The decision by Chef Cappello and his team to close the restaurant was difficult, but the decision had to be made and was based mainly on the rash of criminal activity over the course of the last several months in the immediate Grant Park area. Lamplighter was not excluded from these activities, as the restaurant was burglarized over the Christmas holiday. While vigilantly pursuing all options to recover from this event, it was deemed impossible to re-open as Lamplighter due to the heavy burden placed on the financial position of the company.

I’m not sure how the burglary relates to the decision to close, but that’s the story sent me today.

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I haven’t confirmed it, but I heard from a reliable source this evening that the Holy Taco folks in East Atlanta Village have inquired about taking over the Grant Park location that was most recently Lamplighter. The source said Carmen Cappello, the chef-owner of Lamplighter, will not be reopening at the location, despite earlier announcements he would start a burger operation…

Speaking of burgers, Richard Blais reports that three new locations of Flip will open in the next year — one in Washington, DC; one on the east side of Atlanta; and one in another city yet to be determined.

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Chef-owner Carmen Cappello has posted a comment on an earlier post here about the closing of Lamplighter in Grant Park. We are missing the restaurant! Here’s the comment, which was originally posted on Atlanta Cuisine:

It seems that I need to address what has been going on with the Lamplighter since there seem to be so many stories out there — shout to Cliff for putting up the picture that was on my door — I put it up and I believe it was the right thing to do –

We had closed Lamplighter for the Christmas holiday from December 22nd until December 27th — I was going on holiday to meet up with my family in Tampa –

I returned on the 26th early and headed to the restaurant to get the restaurant ready for Saturday service — as I pulled up to the Lamp — I saw one of the doors was open and i said “OH SHIT” — went to the door and low and behold we had been robbed — they took everything from the Flat Screen TV to the POS to the cash drawer and everything else in between –

The reason I put that sign on the door was because it was because of the ASSHOLES that robbed us that we would be able to open back up immediately — as you all know who read and write on this blog that the restaurant industry is tight right now and that includes the little people like me too — I did not have enough capital to get the doors open from what was taken — so yes the Lamplighter has been closed indefinitely — so to answer some questions of others:

1. I didn’t set up the robbery of my own place –
2. We do have insurance and I am learning that it is a lengthy process –
3. This is not a PUBLICITY stunt! We were robbed and it offends me that people would even entertain that idea –

As for SHAME Burgers — it will reopen in the space of Lamplighter sometime in the near future — IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE INSURANCE….

Please look on www.shameburgers.com and on facebook if you are a member under the SHAME groups page –

I apologize in advance if this rubs people the wrong way — I am tired of people speaking and making accusations about this issue when they no  nothing about what is going on with MY TEAM’s restaurant –

Thank you for understanding!

Chef Carmen

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I haven’t been able to get details, but Lamplighter in Grant Park has closed and this sign on the door at least partly explains why. “Asshole” is an understatement to describe anyone who robs someone on Christmas Day.

I was dining regularly at the restaurant, since it’s close to our home. Owner-chef Carmen Cappello is one of the city’s more gifted, kinkier cooks. Prices were low, the food was good, but the location, on a side street off Memorial Drive, made the place invisible to passersby — with the exception of thieves, apparently. This is the second restaurant to close in the building.

(Photo by Cliff Bostock)

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Carmen Cappello, formerly chef at Mix and Sweet Lowdown, has opened Lamplighter (280 Connally St., 404-835-7167) in Grant Park. This was formerly the Lamplighter Cafe.

We had a good meal here Thursday night, less than two hours before the vice-presidential debate. Talk about an appetite spoiler.

Above is my entree, slices of rare duck over rice and zucchini with a Thai curry sauce. Wayne had shrimp and calamari in a spoon-able, sop-able broth that was seasoned with shaved garlic, chiles, basil and extra-virgin olive oil. Also: butterbean hummus, an antipasti plate and bread pudding.

Happily, Cappello has abandoned the floor tiles that much of the food was served on in the restaurant’s earlier incarnation. The interior has been spruced up a bit and the kitchen is open to view.

The menu, which changes regularly, does not so far include any of Cappello’s more playful dishes. Prices are relatively low — $10 to $15 for entrees and $4 to $7 for starters.

More in an upcoming “Grazing” column.

(Photos by Cliff Bostock)

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Here’s some good news: Carmen Cappello has reopened the Lamplighter in Grant Park. Cappello left an announcement on an earlier post, but it’s worth top billing:

Hello Omnibloggers –

Just wanted to let everyone know that Lamplighter reopened Monday, Sept. 22. Below is our menu from Monday night.

Brunch begins this Sunday, Oct. 5, at 11 a.m.

Lunch begins Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m.

Please check http://www.lamplighteratl in the coming weeks for more info.

First course

Tomato, Red Onion & Goat Cheese Salad, Croutons, Basic Dressing 6
New England Clam Chowder 5
Hummus, EVOO, Toasted Naan 3
Romaine, Roasted Garlic Dressing, Parmesan, Anchovy 4
Antipasta, Guanciale, Coppa, Sicilian Tuna, Italian Olive Salad 7

Second Course

Hanger Steak, Sautéed Vegetables, Lentils 15
Mussels, Coppa, Tomatoes, Onion, EVOO, Bread 12
House Burger (no temp, always well done), Scrapple, Fried Egg, American cheese, Salad 10
Mezze Penne, Mushrooms, White Beans & Tomato Butter 12
Skewered Shrimp, Toasted Potatoes, Kale, Chimichurri Sauce 14

Dessert

Bread Pudding 5
Chocolate Mousse 5

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On September 27th, chef Carmen Cappello will prepare five farm-fresh Southern courses to be paired with five local brews. The dinner will feature produce from Georgia’s Terra Madre farmer delegates. This Slow Food Event is located at the Studioplex and begins at 7:30 p.m. Planning on attending? Mail a check for $75 (which includes tax and tip) to:

Slow Food Atlanta, 4148 Kings Troop Rd. Stone Mountain, GA 30083

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