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CUISINE SCENE: Ted's Grill now open in Norcross Big draw is low-fat bison BYLINE: H.M. CAULEY; For the Journal-Constitution Ask Ted Turner for his ideas on health food and you don't get a speech about sprouts and cottage cheese. Instead, you get Ted's Montana Grill, the Atlanta mogul's latest enterprise. Turner unveiled the third and most recent addition to the Grill family in Norcross last week before the doors opened to the public on Monday. The big draw at the Grill is bison, a lower-fat alternative to beef that shows up on the menu in the form of juicy cheeseburgers and fat slices of filet. The meat has long been a favorite of Turner. "I've been a meat-eater all my life and I've been eating bison for years," said Turner. "I know how good it is. But it has to be cooked right." At the Grill, bison comes in 7-ounce patties topped with traditional burger fare (mushrooms, bacon, cheese and fried onions) to the more exotic (avocado, jalapenos, grilled ham, a fried egg). In addition, there's a roasted strip loin of bison, rubbed down with garlic, rosemary and oregano that comes in 6- or 9-ounce portions for $15.95 or $18.95. At the other two Ted's locations, in Ohio and Peachtree City, bison is proving to be a hot item. "It's really exceeded our expectations," said Brian Lyman, Ted's operations vice president. "Seventy percent of all our sandwich sales are bison. We had no idea it would be so popular. I think once people see the nutritional value, they go for it." Ted's servers spout comparisons of bison's fat content to guests, pointing out its lower calorie count. But if you're not game, they'll gladly take your order from a menu that also includes ground beef burgers and 20 varieties of "brick" chicken -- marinated chicken breasts that are seared on the grill under a glazed brick before cooking. There are also health-conscious options in soups, salads and an array of veggie burgers. Prices range from $3.75 to $10. Daily blue plate specials, from $8 to $10.50, include pecan trout, pot roast, skillet chicken, roast pork, fish sandwiches, meatloaf and turkey. In keeping with the outdoorsy Montana theme, the restaurant's interior is decorated with pastoral scenes of the West, many copied from artworks in Turner's personal collection. There's a spacious bar, plus an open kitchen at the edge of the dining room, which seats 104. The Grill anchors a corner of the new Forum shopping center at 5165 PeachtreeParkway. The kitchen serves continuously from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. For details, call 678-405-0305. Aussie invasion More than 60 wines from top producers in western and southeastern Australia will be featured at the June 15 tasting sponsored by the Wine List in Duluth. The $15 admission includes tastings, hors d'oeuvres and live music. Case discounts on purchases will be given. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Medlock Bridge Clubhouse, 5810 Wilson Road. For more information, call 678- 475-9636. In the oven More meat is headed to Grayson. Construction is under way on Sydney's, the area's latest steakhouse going up in the Grayson Commons shopping center at Rosebud Road and Ga. 20. The 150-seat eatery should be open sometime in August. Also under construction at Grayson Commons is China Cafe, a dine-in and take-out restaurant. Look for an opening in about four months. The same center recently welcomed McDonald's, Zaxby's and the Philly Connection.
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