Chef Ronald “Ron” Hsu is set to open Lazy Betty restaurant later this year in Atlanta’s Poncey-Highland neighborhood. In anticipation of the opening, Chef Ron is hosting twice-monthly, preview pop-ups (schedule below) at The Poncey Highland, a culinary venue within the historic Highland Inn. Advanced reservations are available through Lazy Betty’s Eventbrite page, and more details are available here. The year-long pop-up dinner series will culminate in the opening of Lazy Betty’s brick-and-mortar restaurant, located just down the street at 652 North Highland Avenue.
An Atlanta native, Chef Ronald Hsu brings culinary chops from internationally acclaimed NYC restaurants Le Colonial and Michelin-starred Le Bernardin. He served as Executive Sous Chef and Creative Director at Eric Ripert’s Le Bernardin before transitioning to Executive Chef for two years at Le Colonial.
Aaron Phillips has been tapped to be Chef de Cuisine/Partner at Lazy Betty and brings NYC culinary talent from Jean-Georges’ The Mark Restaurant, the famed Bouley and Le Bernardin, where he met Chef Hsu. Most recently, he served as the cook at Atlas Restaurant in the St. Regis Buckhead. Chef Hsu’s and Chef Phillips’ careers in fine dining bring an elevated level of talent to the restaurant, and their menus will offer Atlantans something new that will stand out locally and beyond.
Chef Ron’s siblings, Howard and Anita Hsu, operate Sweet Auburn BBQ in Poncey-Highland and will also be partners in Lazy Betty.
Lazy Betty’s bright, well-executed and thoughtfully curated menu will feature seasonal fare using modern culinary techniques. Hsu creates innovative, refined dishes with intentionality and finesse, each ingredient contributing to taste and presentation. Inspired by his Malaysian-Chinese roots and world travels, the menu will showcase a variety of cuisines and techniques using the highest quality ingredients available.
While the pop-up menu changes each month, dishes featured on recent menus include Charred Spanish Octopus, Pear & Soy Bean Mousse with Arugula Blossoms; Roasted Duck Magret, Turnip Cakes & Five-Spiced Natural Jus; and Fairytale Eggplant, Shiso Blooms and Stracciatella.
Located in Poncey-Highland, the restaurant will offer guests an intimate dining experience in a comfortable, welcoming and approachable atmosphere. The 37-seat dining room will feature live wood-edge tables, fun design accents and banquette seating. A five-seat chef’s counter will give select diners a view into kitchen activity.
