Which way on Peachtree?

Dairy Foods, May, 1998

Although many streets (55, in fact!) bear the name Peachtree, you won't find any peach trees in Atlanta. No one really knows how the name got started, but the proliferation of Peachtree streets, avenues, roads, drives, ways and circles confuses even native Atlantans.

As a result, when IFTers are deciding on entertainment and dining spots - something difficult to do in this city with many options - a taxi might be your safest bet. Just make sure you have the establishment's complete address!

The return of glamour to downtown Atlanta makes it possible to experience the city's culinary dynamics without traveling more than 10 minutes from the convention center. Mumbo Jumbo (89 Park Place, 5230330), a lush, exotic eatery with a serious theatrical dining room, provides diners with a cosmopolitan menu and environment. A cigar bar and club music on the mezzanine carries patrons into the night.

If you prefer to avoid driving altogether, just a short walk from the show is Dailey's Restaurant & Bar (17 International Blvd. N.E., 681-3303), a converted warehouse that has something for everyone's tastes. One floor features a casual menu and grill, the other a fine dining room and dazzling dessert bar.

Award-winning fajitas and margaritas can be had at Rio Bravo Grill (240 Peachtree St., 524-9224) and traditional southern cuisine at Pittypat's Porch (25 International Blvd. N.W., 525-8228).

And if your chain restaurant T-shirt collection is not yet represented by Atlanta, the Hard Rock Cafe (215 Peachtree St. N.E., 688-7625) and Planet Hollywood (218 Peachtree St. N.W., 523-7300) are both downtown.

Underground Atlanta is a historic downtown attraction. It's anchored by Depot Plaza, where the remaining portion of the 1869 Georgia Railroad Freight Depot is housed, and Peachtree Foundations Plaza, with a 138-foot light tower as its landmark. Underground Atlanta features numerous entertainment and dining options and local and national merchandisers.

In nearby midtown, in the historic King Plow Arts Center, is The Food Studio (887 West Marietta St., 815-6677), which merges urban chic with culinary art. The menu is a surprise both visually and gastronomically. Einstein's (1077 Juniper St., 876-7925), a landmark restaurant set in a 1920s bungalow, features massive pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches and more. The patio area is the largest (and many feel the best) in Atlanta.

If Buckhead is your destination, you will be able to find a multitude of things to do in this trendy community near downtown. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the Georgia Governor's Mansion on West Paces Ferry Road, see an artistic film at the Garden Hills Cinema or just simply enjoy the area's diverse nightclubs, which range from soft jazz to high-energy music.

Buckhead is where Atlanta's drinkers like to end the day. John Harvard's Brew House (3041 Peachtree Rd., 816-2739), Atlanta's first and best-known brew pub, the German-style Atlanta Beer Garten (3013 Peachtree Rd., 261-9898) and Fado, (3035 Peachtree Rd., 841-0066) the Irish pub to end all Irish pubs, are just a few of some of the best watering holes Buckhead has to offer. They also have some incredible food.

Cafe Tu Tu Tango (220 Pharr Rd., 841-6222) is a tapas-style restaurant set in an artists loft, where during prime dining hours, patrons can watch sculptors, painters and other craftsman at work. Trendy pieces from local talents cover the restaurant's walls and are typically for sale at reasonable prices.

Fine American dining opportunities in Buckhead include Anthonys (3109 Piedmont Rd., 262-7379), Azalea (3167 Peachtree Rd., 237-9939), Bone's (3130 Piedmont Rd., 237-2663) and Chops (70 West Paces Ferry Rd., 262-2675). Reservations are suggested. Trendy Italian spots include Bertolini's Authentic Trattoria (3500 Peachtree Rd., N.E., 233-2333) and Sfuzzi (2200 Peachtree Rd., 351-8222).

The Buckhead Diner (3073 Piedmont Rd, 262-3336), which was designed after San Francisco's famous Fog City Diner, was one of seven American restaurants that served as a prototype for eateries at EuroDisney in Paris. The menu consists of gourmet, nouvelle American selections and a full-service bar.

If you want a taste of Georgia Tech campus life, drive down to The Varsity, (61 North St., 881-1706) the world's largest fast food drive-in. Founded in 1928, The Varsity has become famous for its red-shirted servers who use their own special language to belt out orders. "F.O. and a naked dog walking" means a frosted orange drink and a plain hot dog to go.