From the founder of Kitty Dare comes Natalie Bianca, a “New Southern” restaurant in Cascade Heights

Jamshad “Jaamy” Zarnegar and Natalie Bianca Coward met in 1983. It was 3 a.m. They were students, dancing in a club, and became fast friends. Nearly 40 years later, Coward fell victim to a heart attack and Zarnegar was devastated. Owner of Inman Park Mediterranean restaurant Kitty Dare—also named after a deceased friend—Zarnegar was approached about taking over the Serenidad/La Panarda space in Cascade Heights and instantly knew what to do. Last week, Natalie Bianca opened at 2317 Cascade Road serving dinner nightly.

“I wasn’t looking to open a second restaurant. I’m 66 now,” says Zarnegar, who managed Last Resort in Athens for three decades. “But I have a great feeling about being a part of this community.” Plus, Coward happened to grow up a mile from “her” restaurant. “I feel like this is the last frontier. It’s a beautiful, historic area, just starting to be discovered, where young couples can still afford to buy a house,” he continues.

Courtesy of Natalie Bianca

The space is smaller than Kitty Dare and intentionally more casual. Zarnegar intends for it to be family-friendly and offers a children’s menu with basics like butter noodles and grilled cheese. The regular menu features Mexican influences inspired by the proximity of Latin Buford Highway restaurants Zarnegar visits. Small plates include griddle-fried green tomatoes topped with red onion rounds and a creamy sweet onion and bacon sauce, polenta cakes, and black bean crepes. A sampler “board” features all three, plus a crab cake. For entrees, there’s a three-cheese stuffed chicken breast topped with honey walnut sauce, wild-caught salmon with creamy Southern grits, slow-cooked boneless beef short rib, and Miss Natalie’s Shrimp Pasta in a creamy tomato sauce with toasted breadcrumbs. Churros and peach pound cake offer a taste of Mexican and Southern treats.

Courtesy of Natalie Bianca

There are six cocktails, each named in memory of friends Zarnegar has lost. Eti’s G&T recognizes his mother, who loved gin and tonics. This one has a little extra flavor with lavender and sea salt syrup, lemon juice, and elderflower. For Marti offers a spin on an espresso martini—this one made with Carton coffee liqueur, black walnut bitters, and vanilla bean paste. A diverse wine program includes options by the glass and the carafe, as well as a 100-bottle list. Select canned beers and nonalcoholic options are available.

“Everybody wants to be remembered. Kitty, Natalie, and I were lifelong friends. We were like a family,” Zarnegar says.

Courtesy of Natalie Bianca

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