2 Tickets-Gunshow-Atlanta, GA

Every dish reflects its maker’s personality, almost as if coyly asking, “Will you let me in?” knowing full well my answer will be “ Yes, Chef. My belly awaits.”

Gunshow-924 Garrett St., Ste. C, Atlanta, 30316, USA

This place radiates good vibes from the moment you walk in. Our first stop in Atlanta was Gunshow, the brainchild of Top Chef alum Kevin Gillespie, and what an exhilaratingly delicious introduction it was to the flavors this city has to offer. Oh and coinkydinkly, Chef Joey Ward—yes, the kitchen magician from my last post—was executive chef here for six years before opening Southern Belle and Georgia Boy. Now led by the talented Chef Cody Chasser (more on that badass later.)

The moment we stepped in, the ether buzzed with a welcoming energy. It wasn’t pretentious; instead, it exuded a grounded confidence, almost whispering, “You’re in the here and now about to be your best self,Enjoy.” I kicked things off with a mocktail beautifully crafted by Harrison, who infused it with flavors like Ube and Pandan (The #5 -Salamat to my fellow Pinoy flavor lovers!). While waiting to be seated, I noticed a cheerful bartender whipping up drinks table-side, and it dawned on me: much of Gunshow’s magic lies in its visceral, almost theatrical, connection between the kitchen and the diner.

The #5 with the Ube+Pandan

Gunshow does things a little differently. Imagine a Brazilian steakhouse crossed with a dim sum parlor. For someone who loves elevated dishes with just the right amount of flair, this was perfect. Every plate is served family-style by a different chef, who presents it personally. You can choose to pass on a dish if you want (though, with these plates, why would you?), or ask for seconds, even thirds.

Duck Confit-Hickory Hill Sweet Potato-Apple

This interactive setup breaks down the usual formality between chef and diner, creating something uniquely vibrant.

We weren’t just at a restaurant; it felt like a Friday night cook-off with friends in a college town apartment away from home for the first time cooking ‘chopped style’ for each other—lighthearted, welcoming, and, above all, real.

Except in this case my friends are some of the most talented chefs out there and the apartment is one of the hottest restaurants in Atlanta. Go listen to the song ‘Somewhere on Fullerton’ by Allister. It captures that same warm, feel-good vibe.

Halibut-Napa Cabbage-Brown Butter

At the heart of all this, though, is Chef Cody, Gunshow’s CDC. With experience from places like The Catbird Seat and Husk in Nashville, he’s the Gatling gun, the Glock 17, the Gjallarhorn (Destiny fans will get it!). He sets the tone, and it’s the kind of tone we need more of in the industry: inclusive, collaborative, and grounded. Thankfully, we’re seeing fewer of those nose-in-the-air chefs, making

way for talents like Chef Cody, who understand that food isn’t just about taste—it’s about connection, like that one song by Elastica from the 90s.

At the end of our meal he goes “Hey, lets take a picture with the team” and then hands us a polaroid of it. A snapshot of an evening most wonderful. And once again, 2 days after our meal Gunshow was recognized by Michelin. That's 2 for 2 now. Super happy for them and not surprised in the slightest.

Gunshow is creativity in motion, continuously evolving. It’s one of those places you could revisit multiple times in a year and always be amazed by something new. Every dish reflects its maker’s personality, almost as if coyly asking, “Will you let me in?” knowing full well my answer will be “ Yes, Chef. My belly awaits.”