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SOHO Is Celebrating Cobb Foodie Week With A Special 3 Course Menu!

09 Wednesday Sep 2020

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Are you ready for a week to celebrate Foodies? We are participating in #CobbFoodieWeek again, and we’re offering this amazing 3 course menu for you, for $35/guest. Come see us Sept 12-19th to enjoy your special meal! We’re sure you’re going to find your new favorites with us…

Please make reservations with us to plan for social distancing protocols here: https://www.opentable.com/r/soho-atlanta

Celebrate Your Love At SOHO This Valentine’s Weekend! 💖

31 Friday Jan 2020

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Do you like the hustle and bustle of Valentine’s Day? Perfect! Want to avoid the crowds on Friday night? We’ve got you covered. 

We’re featuring our Chef’s specials both Friday and Saturday so you can choose  which day is best for you, and your love. Our popular regular menu is available as well, so make reservations before we book up!

Please call us at 770-801-0069 for a table, or press here to book online: https://www.opentable.com/r/soho-atlanta

Valentine's Dinner Menu

SOHO’s New Year’s Eve 2019 Special Menu

28 Saturday Dec 2019

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Celebrate the end of the decade, and the beginning of the 20’s with SOHO American Bistro! We have a special a la carte menu in addition to our regular menu, so make your reservations with us in Vinings at 770-801-0069, or at OpenTable here: https://www.opentable.com/r/soho-atlanta

The SOHO Team wishes you a very happy and prosperous 2020!

SOHO NYE 2019

New Year’s Eve 2019 Menu

Butter Poached Lobster Wedge~Baby Iceberg, Bacon, Avocado, Tomato and Buttermilk Dressing  $14

Lobster Bisque, Sherry Reduction, Saffron Creme Fraiche   $8

Blue Pointe Oysters, Cocktail & Mignonette   $15/half dozen

Braised Pork Belly, Red Eye Grits, Grain Mustard Béarnaise   $10


 Grilled 8oz Filet, Four Cheese Mac & Cheese, Carmelized Tuscan Kale, Soho Steak Sauce    $42.

Red Chile Seared Scallops, Purple Potato Puree, Sauteed Swiss Chard, Bacon Vinaigrette    $38.

SOHO’s Executive Chef Zoey Zelinka Is Featured In The Atlanta Business Cronicle!

04 Monday Nov 2019

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Wine & Dine: Soho’s Joey Zelinka learned to love cooking making hoagies

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By   – Contributing writer

 

About 20 years ago, a staffing issue opened up a delicious new world to then-teenager Joey Zelinka.

“Basically when I was 16 or 17 I was a dishwasher at my friend’s mom’s hoagie shop,” recalled native South Floridian Zelinka, now 36 and the executive chef at Soho American Bistro in Vinings. “One day, one of the cooks didn’t show up. I jumped in, and I knew right then this was what I wanted to do. We were super busy. I had been working maybe five feet away from the line, and it never dawned on me to try it.”

Turns out, one person’s absence, along with being in the proverbial right place at the right time, was the perfect recipe to inspire Zelinka to seek a career in a profession that’s proven fulfilling and fortuitous — one he said he can’t imagine life without.

Since that early foray into the culinary world, Zelinka has moved and gained more experience at various restaurants and enterprises over the years, delighting palates and filling bellies in metro Atlanta along the way. His efforts have included pop-up restaurants Junk Food and Babcia’s Fine Polish Food; his executive chef position at The Sound Table on Edgewood Avenue; and his creations at Soho, among others.

He participated in the kitchen incubation program at Joystick Gamebar, also on Edgewood. His Junk Food concept a few years ago included notched-up takes on classic comfort foods, such as the “potato chip taco” featuring a six-hour braised oxtail and other high-quality components, according to the menu posted on Eater Atlanta. The fish in the “fish sticks and shrimp hushpuppies” was bone-in snapper sticks that had been dredged and fried, and included gribiche, described on the menu as “fancy tartar sauce.” One reviewer on Junk Food’s Facebook page proclaimed in 2015 that Zelinka “has an amazing talent and the skills to back it up!”

More recently, five-star ratings and reviews about Soho’s offerings on Opentable.com describe the food as “amazing,” and “absolutely wonderful.”

Zelinka’s culinary education happened in the United States Coast Guard. “I realized that college wasn’t for me and I had to do something.” He started as a food service specialist second class with the Coast Guard, according to his bio on Soho’s website.

Zelinka didn’t have to look too far for inspiration. “I decided the military was the best way to go. My grandfather spent 32 years in the Coast Guard. That made my decision. I think everything was a set-up for what I am today,” he said.

The path definitely has benefits. According to the Coast Guard, the starting salary for food service specialists is $46,595 — that’s more than $11,500 higher than a civilian sous chef — and comes with health insurance, tuition assistance, the Coast Guard’s accredited food service speciality school, and more.

“When I was getting out of the Coast Guard, everyone was telling me ‘Don’t make the Coast Guard your career,’” Zelinka said.

Fortunately, the ingredients for a promising profession came together. “My best friend’s father [the same friend whose mother owned the hoagie shop] was partners with Douglas Rodriguez,” Zelinka said. In the late 1990s, Newsweek had named chef Rodriguez — who claims to be the “Godfather of Nuevo Latino Cuisine” on his website — one of the top 100 people influencing the approaching millennium. Zelinka said he worked as a line cook for about a year and a half at Rodriguez’s OLA restaurant.

While he’s moved on and up since his humble beginnings, Zelinka’s passion for his calling is still as piping-hot as his first stint as a fill-in cook at the hoagie restaurant. The experience “turned the light on for me for sure,” he said.

 

Q. How did you get into the restaurant business? It seemed like the obvious transition when you want to become a chef.

Q. What’s your favorite meal and drink preference, and why? It would have to be a Hoboken Hero with hot peppers at the Hoboken Cafe in Marietta, and a Mexican Coke. It’s just my favorite meal. It’s everything for me.

Q. What are some pantry staples you can’t live without? Hot sauce, from Tabasco to the most obscure Mexican ones.

Q. If you could prepare a meal for anyone in history that you admire, who would it be and what would you cook? [Musician] Brad Nowell, and I’d make burritos.

Q. What career advice would you give to new chefs? Figure out if you love it. If you don’t, get out.

Q. What do you like to cook at home? Breakfast.

Q. Any specific breakfast? Nothing specific, just breakfast.

Name: Joey Zelinka

  • Age: 36
  • Born in: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Lives in: Atlanta suburbs
  • Education: 2002-2003, University of Central Florida; 2003-2007, Coast Guard
  • Current job: Executive chef, Soho American Bistro
  • Prior jobs: participant in the kitchen incubation program at Joystick Gamebar; pop-up restaurant chef/owner of Junk Food and Babcia’s Fine Polish Food; sous chef, American Food and Beverage; executive chef, The Sound Table
  • Family: wife, Jennifer; children, Sophia and William
  • Hobbies: Magic: The Gathering and Warhammer 40,000

Top 5 Ingredients

In order of importance:

  1. Salt
  2. Pepper
  3. Onion
  4. Carrot
  5. Celery

“There’s really no sexy or abstract reason why I chose these. It’s just a matter of functionality,” Zelinka said.

It’s All About The Malbec At SOHO!

10 Thursday Jan 2019

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Happy New Year! Just for something a little different this week, we’ve decided to feature three different glorious types of Malbec. Since it’s pretty cold and gloomy in Atlanta, these red wines from South American and France will cheer you up! (Honestly, it’s hard to be grouchy when you’re enjoying good wine, no?) So kick off your new year with us and plan to come by to experience our Flight Nights on Wednesdays, or the flights and tapas themselves the rest of the week.  Let’s make 2019 the year of good food, wine, and people!

This Flight Night begins on Wednesday, January 9th, and the wines and their tapas will be available through January 15th.

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First, SOHO will pour a Finca Decero Malbec 2016 from Mendoza, Argentina.  The winemaker offers,

“2016 Decero Malbec continues with the style that characterizes our Remolinos Vineyard, displaying intense violet aromas over a core of red fruits with notes of cherries and raspberries. A medium-bodied, very well balanced wine with fresh acidity.”

Next, SOHO will pour a Dona Paula Malbec 2017 from Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. The wine is described by the winemaker,

“Deep violet red color. Intense, spicy, sweet aromas, with notes of red fruit and floral hints such as violets. In the mouth, it is soft, velvety, fresh, and well balanced.”

Finally, SOHO will pour a Chateau Du Cedre Cahors 2014 from Cahors, France. Notes on the wine,

“This wine has sworn eternal fidelity and it sticks to it! Each year, it presents itself with a friendly handshake and a few attentive words. After that, it can’t wait to show off the full range of its ripe and juicy fruits, spices and herbs accompanied by precise tannins, refreshing acidity and a little sweetness.”

SOHO’s Executive Chef Joey Zelinka has created a suggested tapa plate to pair with each of the wines!

Finca Decero Malbec 2016
100% Malbec
Paired with: Shaved Prime Beef Carpaccio, Barely Buzzed Cheese, Red Wine-Cherry Reduction

Donna Paula Malbec 2017
100% Malbec
Paired with: Braised Short Rib Stuffed Piquillo, Red Wine Demi

Chateau Du Cedre Cahors 2014
90% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 5% Tannat
Paired with: Red Wine Moules Frites, Herbs

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $14.25. Or, pair the flight with a tapa plate for $19. Try a full glass of wine and tapa plate for $13. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9.50/glass and $6.50/tapas)

We can’t wait to see you!

Last Chance to Enjoy Your Favorite Wines of 2018 at SOHO!

23 Sunday Dec 2018

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This is it, Atlanta. The final two weeks of 2018! We hope that you all aren’t running around too much, and that you’re able to enjoy the holiday season with loved ones.

For the remainder of the month, we’re featuring the wines that were your favorites this year, so you can come back to see us and enjoy them one last time.  Make sure to take some time to slow down and savor the season with us. We’re always here for a fantastic meal, special bottle of wine, and good company.  Happy holidays from SOHO!

This Flight Night begins on Wednesday, December 19th, and the wines and their tapas will be available for two weeks through December 31st.

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First, SOHO will pour a Cuvelier Los Andes – Colección 2011 from Valle de Uco, Argentina.  The winemaker offers,

“The Colección is a blend of varietals. Purple in color, with a brooding bouquet, it is a dense, structured, rich wine with impeccable balance, volume, and length. It has the structure to evolve for 2-3 years but can be approached now. It is a great value.”

Next, SOHO will pour a Four Vines “The Biker” Zinfandel, Paso Robles 2016 from Paso Robles. The wine is described by the winemaker,

“Dark berry and spicy notes aromas lead to a palate rich with jammy, ripe plum and blackberry flavors bolstered by a touch of black pepper and sweet, toasted oak. The 2016 offers a plush mouthfeel and a long, velvety finish.”

Finally, SOHO will pour a Piccini Brunello Di Montalcino 2012 from Montalcino, Tuscany. Notes on the wine,

“This wine plays its cards close to its chest and reveals characteristics aromas of wild berry, cherry cola, grilled herb and toasted almond. The bouquet is not too intense. The wine is refined in large oak casks for two years. The quality of the tannins is not totally smooth, but this is acommon trait in the Brunello’s from this vintage.”

SOHO’s Executive Chef Joey Zelinka has created a suggested tapa plate to pair with each of the wines!

Cuvelier Los Andes – Colección 2011
58% Malbec, 18% Cabernet, 12% Petit Verdot, 8% Syrah, 4% Merlot
Paired with: Seared Duck Breast, Mushroom Risotto, Red Wine-Cherry Reduction

Four Vines “The Biker” Zinfandel, Paso Robles 2016
94% Zinfandel, 4% Petit Sirah, 2% Syrah
Paired with: Prime Sirloin Skewers, Blackberry BBQ

Piccini Brunello Di Montalcino 2012
100% Sangiovese
Paired with: Short Rib and Tagliatelle, Roasted Mushrooms, Shaved Calvander Cheese

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $14.25. Or, pair the flight with a tapa plate for $19. Try a full glass of wine and tapa plate for $13. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9.50/glass and $6.50/tapas)

We can’t wait to see you!

You Loved These Wines So Much, We’ve Brought Them Back For A Second Chance!

13 Thursday Dec 2018

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As we wrap up another amazing year at SOHO, we would like to thank our guests, friends, and family who dined with us and allowed us to be a part of their day to day, and also milestone moments. As a thank you, for the month of December, we bring back the guests’ favorite wines for an encore performance as we close out the end of the year! Will your favorite be a feature?

This Flight Night begins on Wednesday, December 12th, and the wines and their tapas will be available through December 18th.

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First, SOHO will pour a Benton Lane Pinot Noir 2014 from Willamette Valley, OR.  The winemaker offers,

“Our 2014 Estate Pinot Noir is there. The aromatics are smoky cedar and floral notes. They are delicate and not over powering. There is rich, black cherry flavors,  candied fruit sweetness, a slight hint of black licorice, and rose petals. The wine is amazing in its balance. You really have to taste it to get it. I have no idea why some wines are balanced and some not. I do know that this one is…..enjoy.”

Next, SOHO will pour a Piatelli Premium Reserve Malbec 2016 from Mendoza, Argentina. The wine is described by the winemaker,

“Intensely aromatic on the nose. Aromas of blueberries, plums, & blackberries. Extremely well balanced fruit to acidity balance. This is a medium to heavy weight wine. Mouth-filling, and smooth finish.”

Finally, SOHO will pour a Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 from Paso Robles. Notes on the wine,

“Full bodied with bright black cherry, blackcurrant and berry fruit with an underpinning of oak barrel accents on entry. The mid palate shows continued fruit with savory herbal notes, mint and a hint of violet. The finish is clean, long and layered with lingering dark fruit surrounded by soft chewy tannins balanced by crisp acidity and subtle floral notes.”

SOHO’s Executive Chef Joey Zelinka has created a suggested tapa plate to pair with each of the wines!

Benton Lane Pinot Noir 2014
100% Pinot Noir
Paired with: Grilled Prime Sirloin, Smoked Polenta, Beurre Rouge

Piatelli Premium Reserve Malbec 2016
100% Malbec
Paired with: Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini, Plum Jam

Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Paired with: BBQ Lamb & Veal Meatballs, Mint Jasmine Rice

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $14.25. Or, pair the flight with a tapa plate for $19. Try a full glass of wine and tapa plate for $13. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9.50/glass and $6.50/tapas)

We can’t wait to see you!

🥂 Get Festive with Holiday Dining & Parties at SOHO!

05 Wednesday Dec 2018

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We love celebrating the holidays with our guests and friends that we’ve gotten to know for over 21 years now. Whether it’s an intimate group for dinner, or a much larger party, we can accomodate your needs and we offer set menus to make your event easy and enjoyable!

Peek at our set menus here: https://www.sohoatlanta.com/private-events/

See our beautiful spaces below:

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THE BAR

The perfect gathering place for after work cocktailing and light snacking..the bar is famous in Vinings for its regulars, old and new, people watching, and engaging bartenders! Come try our extensive and unique wine list and speciality cocktails. You may just stay for dinner!

room 1

THE SUN PORCH

Enclosed by windows overlooking the Vinings Jubilee courtyard, the Sun Porch is an intimate gathering area that accommodates from 14 to 22 guests in a semi-private setting and up to 46 as a private room.

CAPACITY: 48 seated only

 

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THE PACE ROOM

The Pace Room is engaging.  Accommodating up to 50 seated guests, and 75 in a standing meet and greet, we offer set menus that allow you to control the flow of dinner as well as the cost.

CAPACITY:  48 Seated, 75 Standing

 

Give us a call at 770-801-0069 today to book your holiday party, we still have a few remaining evenings available! We would love to host your event and get festive with you!

“We held our Department holiday party at SOHO… This is one of the many events they have handled for us this year. I cannot say enough about the quality of service, food, and atmosphere at SOHO. I actually live in the neighborhood close to SOHO so I can say not only do they do amazing group events but individuals are treated with the same fantastic hospitality.”  

— Stephanie W. via Yelp (Dec 2017)

Southern Hemisphere Wines Are A Go At Flight Night!

29 Thursday Nov 2018

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Welcome to the last week of Wines from Down Under, and the Southern Hemisphere! We can’t think of a better way to finish these beautiful regions with three reds that will knock your socks off, PERFECT for this cold weather we’re having in Atlanta at the moment! Paired with some hearty, savory tapas, you will leave us happy and satiated, two things that we love!

This Flight Night begins on Wednesday, November 28th, and the wines and their tapas will be available through December 4th.

Cape wine route, South Africa

First, SOHO will pour a Boschendal Elgin Pinot Noir 2015 from Western Cape, South Africa. The winemaker offers,

“Translucent ruby with a youthful strawberry edge. On the nose a vivid flourish of raspberry, cranberry and red cherry aromas with discreet roasted nuts. Palate is an intricately structured wine with a delicate entry, blossoming into a poised concentration of wild berry flavours and oak spice. Gains complexity and richness before ending with a long, finely textured finish.”

Next, SOHO will pour a Yalumba Old Bush Vine Grenache ‘16 from Barossa Valley, AU. The wine is described by the winemaker,

“Vibrant and elegant Grenache, the old bush vines really display their class in the 2016 vintage. The wine is fragrant, fresh and full of red cherries, raspberries and crunchy pomegranates. Savory characters evolve into spices and dried herbs. A concise yet fleshy palate with rich red fruits weaving through a juicy, mouth-watering mid palate, with elegant tannins and fresh acidity to finish.”

Finally, SOHO will pour a The Chocolate Block 2016 from Western Cape, SA. Notes on the wine,

“The nose is exceptionally perfumed with an abundance of complex red and dark berry fruit, violets and intense aromas of white pepper. Dark brooding fruit follows through onto a structured, opulent palate with notes of cardamom, cumin, cloves and black pepper. The midpalate is rich, textured and balanced with integrated acidity, cocoa powdery tannins and a definite cedarwood character derived from French oak. White pepper lingers on a smooth, lifted finish.”

SOHO’s Executive Chef Joey Zelinka has created a suggested tapa plate to pair with each of the wines!

Boschendal Elgin Pinot Noir 2015
100% Pinot Noir
Paired with: Whipped Goat Cheese Crustini, Red Wine-Berry Compote

Yalumba Old Bush Vine Grenache ‘16
Grenache
Paired with: Seared Prime Sirloin, San Joaquin Gold Polenta, Pomegranate-Red Wine Reduction

The Chocolate Block 2016
Syrah 79%; Grenache 11%; Cabernet 6%; Cinsault 3%; Viognier 1%
Paired with: Mole Grilled Steak Skewers

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $14.25. Or, pair the flight with a tapa plate for $19. Try a full glass of wine and tapa plate for $13. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9.50/glass and $6.50/tapas)

We can’t wait to see you!

Join SOHO In Our Journey Through New Zealand & Australian Wineries!

14 Wednesday Nov 2018

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The recent chilly bite in the air in Atlanta has made us want to hibernate (with wine of course) as we enter into holiday season mode.  Fall is such a great time of year here, with a few patio days sprinkled in for optimal foliage watching, coupled with wine drinking!

Our wine feature this next two weeks illustrates the perfect drinking choice: A lovely Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from New Zealand, and a complex Cab from Australia.  The tapas pairings are on point as well, and we would encourage you to stop by to say hello, and take a moment to enjoy life before the holiday craziness hits.  We look forward to seeing you!

This Flight Night begins on Wednesday, November 14th, will last two weeks, and the wines and their tapas will be available through November 27th.

New-Zealand-winery

First, SOHO will pour a Esk Valley Hawkes Bay Chardonnay ‘16 from Hawkes Bay, N.Z.. The winemaker offers,

“This is a full bodied yet elegant style of Hawkes Bay Chardonnay exhibiting aromas of peach and melon intermingled with hints of butter, grapefruit, nuts and French oak spice.”

Next, SOHO will pour a Neudorf Tom’s Block Pinot Noir 2014 from Nelson, N.Z. The wine is described by the winemaker,

“Fragrant with hints of violets and chocolate supported by elegant restrained tannins.”

Finally, SOHO will pour a Franklin Tate Alexander’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 from Margaret River. Notes on the wine,

“Appearance: Medium to deep red with a deep purple hue. Nose: This wine shows aromatic red fruits, mint, spice and savory leafy eucalypt characters and a hint of dark chocolate. Palate: Complex pretty fruits with flavors of blackberry and raspberry are complimented with toasty oak. The mid palate has fine grained tannins, which gives length and finesse to the wine.”

SOHO’s Executive Chef Joey Zelinka has created a suggested tapa plate to pair with each of the wines!

Esk Valley Hawkes Bay Chardonnay ‘16
100% Chardonnay
Paired with: Scottish Salmon Ceviche, Grapefruit, Melon

Neudorf Tom’s Block Pinot Noir 2014
100% Pinot Noir
Paired with: Prime Beef Carpaccio, Cherry-Red Wine Reduction, Shaved Ewephoria

Franklin Tate Alexander’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Cabernet
Paired with: Lamb Meatballs, Mint & Blackberry Jam

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $14.25. Or, pair the flight with a tapa plate for $19. Try a full glass of wine and tapa plate for $13. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9.50/glass and $6.50/tapas)

We can’t wait to see you!