Jack Cay’s Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is an excellent place to do business, but its diversity, cultural offerings and tree-lined streets make it an even better place to live.
Jack Cay, president & CEO of Palmer & Cay, shares his Southern city.
What’s to love >> Atlanta is an excellent place to do business, but its diversity, cultural offerings and tree-lined streets make it an even better place to live. Like New York City’s High Line, the Atlanta BeltLine adds to this in a meaningful way and is one of the best things to happen in the city in a long time. The ribbon of parks and paths connect neighborhoods like the Old Fourth Ward with Piedmont Park and Buckhead. It has enhanced our enjoyment of the city and will get even better as it’s completed.
Food trend >> I love the combination of Mexican and Southern food. No one does this better than Eddie Hernandez at Taqueria del Sol. Fresh, quick, inexpensive and so good. Garden & Gun voted the fish taco with poblano tartar sauce and pickled jalapeños one of the “100 Southern Foods You Absolutely, Positively Must Try Before You Die.”
Favorite newish restaurant >> Umi, an intimate modern Japanese restaurant, is a standout for me. The sushi is the best in the Southeast, and the chef is uniquely talented. Booking in advance is advisable, unless you know someone (or are a celebrity).
Old favorites >> Blue Ridge Grill and La Grotta in Buckhead are my go-to restaurants. BRG has the atmosphere of a North Carolina lodge. The grilled Georgia trout is not to be missed. La Grotta is one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. The veal is outstanding.
Cocktails >> We often take clients to Atlas Buckhead, the bar in The St. Regis Atlanta hotel. It’s a beautiful space with a newly renovated courtyard, and the art collection is unparalleled. It also happens to be a few steps from my office.
Stay >> I’m based in Buckhead, so many of our clients and friends stay at The St. Regis. It’s a luxurious and comfortable base for exploring all of the shops, bars and restaurants in the area.
Culture >> If you’re in town for a few days, visit the High Museum of Art or the new award-winning National Center for Civil and Human Rights. In the summer, an outdoor concert at Chastain Park makes for a great night.
Outdoors >> The Chattahoochee River runs through the middle of Atlanta, and the state parks and riverside trails are fun to explore. On weekends, my family and I often take our dogs for a walk along the river and occasionally even try to navigate it in a canoe.
Don’t miss >> Watching an Atlanta United FC soccer game in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium is hard to beat. The energy is off the charts.
