Dream Wired
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Celebrity
  • DramaAlert
  • Gossip
  • Movie
  • TV
  • Music
  • Comics
  • Shop
  • Home
  • Celebrity
  • DramaAlert
  • Gossip
  • Movie
  • TV
  • Music
  • Comics
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Dream Wired
No Result
View All Result
Home Gossip

Atlanta’s SM44 Juneteenth Grand Opening

rmtsa by rmtsa
June 24, 2025
in Gossip
0
Atlanta’s SM44 Juneteenth Grand Opening
74
SHARES
1.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


On Juneteenth, a day that symbolizes liberation and Black resilience, Atlanta welcomes a new culinary jewel to the fine dining scene in 2025: Steak Market 44 (SM44).

SM44
Source: @damecreates / @damecreates

The Black-owned venue opened its doors in Midtown with a bold mission: elevate the culture, redefine luxury, and do it all with unapologetic flavor. Founded by pro basketball veteran Alade Aminu and headlined by celebrity Chef Willie Wallace, SM44 isn’t just a new elevated hotspot; it’s an experience, a journey, and a movement.

From Court to Culinary: Alade Aminu’s Vision for SM44

Alade Aminu is no stranger to the spotlight, but this time he’s trading jerseys for generational wealth. The former elite athlete and international basketball star is now building a legacy that centers his roots and uplifts his community.

“There’s not too many Black-owned fine dining places in Atlanta, you can probably count them on one hand,” Aminu told me. “So we’re setting a new standard here, pushing for elegance, for Michelin-level quality, and for us to be proud of what we’ve created.”

That pride wasn’t just talk. Throughout the evening, Aminu beamed with excitement, especially when introducing his two daughters, who joined him in the private dining room alongside close friends and family.

SM44
Source: @damecreates / @damecreates

“They’re spoiled,” he joked, “But they know they’re blessed.”

Every element of SM44 feels intentional—from the Turkish-imported tiger painting (valued at over six figures) to the velvet-lined speakeasy downstairs. Aminu’s worldly travels have shaped the ambiance, giving guests a passport to beauty and culture without ever leaving Atlanta. He’s already a pro in the restaurant industry, with popular sports eatery Bar44 in Marietta. This new establishment is a nod to not only the previous owner of Steak Market, but also his Georgia Tech jersey number: 44.

The Main Ingredient: Chef Willie Wallace Brings Star Power to the Plate

If Aminu is the visionary, Chef Willie Wallace—also known as “Thee Main Ingredient”—is the flame behind the flavor.

SM44
Source: @damecreates / @damecreates

The Flint, Michigan native has cooked for some of the biggest names on the planet, including Kanye West, Travis Scott, Kris Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Rick Ross, Rickey Smiley, Janelle Monáe, Keyshia Cole, DJ Drama, and a roster of NBA and NFL players.

Chef Willie’s résumé isn’t just hot—it’s historic. He played a vital role during the production of Kanye West’s Grammy-winning Donda album, keeping the team fed during the sold-out listening events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Soldier Field. He was also the featured chef for ESSENCE’s “My City 4 Ways: Atlanta” tour presented by Ford.

But at SM44, the red carpet is rolled out for everyone.

“It’s probably going to be the best experience they’ve ever had when it comes to food,” he told me. “I take the Creole flavors from my family in Louisiana and mix that with everything I’ve learned traveling the world.”

Fine Dining With a Soulful Kick

Let’s be clear: this food is not for the faint palate. Be ready to clean your plate of all the flavors packed into beautifully crafted plates.

I got a taste of the Korean Fried Butter Chicken—crispy, bone-in, and glazed with a sweet Gochujang sauce, served over garlic mash and green beans. It was rich, bold, and deeply satisfying. For dessert, Aminu made sure that I tried the Biscoff Croissant Bread Pudding with vanilla bean ice cream—warm, spiced, and just sweet enough to feel like a reward.

You might also like

Alleged Contract Shows Stacey Rusch Split RHOP Pay With Ex

Does Alex Vesia Have Children? He & Wife Expecting a Baby Together – Hollywood Life

Jenna Ortega ‘Uncomfortable’ In Sheer Dress While Braless

SM44’s menu pays homage to global flavor while staying rooted in Southern comfort. Many of the dishes are personal to Chef Willie, especially the Creole Bone-In Ribeye, Jerk Lamb Chops, and Ponchartrain Oysters, which reflect his Louisiana roots and world travel. Even the sides go above and beyond, including what he proudly described as “the first and only Sweet Potato Risotto on any Atlanta menu”—a buttery, brown sugar-laced twist on a traditional staple that speaks to his creative edge.

Chef Willie called the menu “blessed and highly flavored.”

I couldn’t agree more.

To round out my meal, I ordered a custom peach margarita—light, smooth, and just sweet enough to complement the richness of the food. On my next visit, I’ve already got my eye on the Lychee Martini, Cognac + Clutch, and a possible sweet red or white from their wine list. The drinks match the energy of the room: curated, elevated, and made to be savored.

A Table for the Culture

SM44’s opening night included suited servers, crystal chandeliers, live music, and Black guests in black-tie attire. The night was both refined and radiant.

Guests were greeted with affordable valet (yes, in Midtown Atlanta!), statement backdrops for photos, and three luxurious levels—including a hidden speakeasy perfect for private moments or a cigar-and-hookah lounge vibe imported straight from Dubai.

“People don’t mind spending money when they feel like it’s worth it,” Aminu explained. “So we made sure it’s worth it—from the customer service, to the food, to the parking. You’re not just dining, you’re experiencing something.”

What struck me most was how deeply Aminu and Chef Willie care about the future, not just of their business, but of young Black chefs in Atlanta. The two hinted at plans to launch a mentorship program and even a possible TV show where aspiring culinary creatives can shadow them and soak up game.

“If I had known how far this chef life would take me, I might’ve started sooner,” Willie admitted. “That’s why I want to show the youth—there’s power and purpose in this craft.”

Final Bite: Legacy on the Plate

SM44 isn’t chasing trends, it’s setting a tone. With Chef Willie in the kitchen and Alade Aminu at the helm, the restaurant is a blueprint for what happens when talent, discipline, and purpose meet. It’s not just about who’s on the guest list or how well the steak is plated (though both are top-tier). It’s about the mindset behind the mission: creating a space where Black excellence doesn’t have to be explained, only experienced.

10/10. I’ll be back.

What they’ve built here is more than a moment—it’s a message. If this opening night is any indication, SM44 won’t just survive Atlanta’s upscale haute cuisine—it’ll lead it.



Source link

Tags: AtlantasGrandJuneteenthOpeningSM44
Share30Tweet19
rmtsa

rmtsa

Recommended For You

Alleged Contract Shows Stacey Rusch Split RHOP Pay With Ex

by rmtsa
October 27, 2025
0
Alleged Contract Shows Stacey Rusch Split RHOP Pay With Ex

The Real Housewives of Potomac drama is heating up faster than ever! An alleged contract between Stacey Rusch and her former boyfriend, Thomas Anthony “TJ” Jones, has surfaced online. The...

Read more

Does Alex Vesia Have Children? He & Wife Expecting a Baby Together – Hollywood Life

by rmtsa
October 27, 2025
0
Does Alex Vesia Have Children? He & Wife Expecting a Baby Together – Hollywood Life

Image Credit: MLB Photos via Getty Images Alex Vesia is a family man first. While the MLB player is known for being a Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, he...

Read more

Jenna Ortega ‘Uncomfortable’ In Sheer Dress While Braless

by rmtsa
October 27, 2025
0
Jenna Ortega ‘Uncomfortable’ In Sheer Dress While Braless

Jenna Ortega didn't receive the best reviews as fans reacted to her latest red carpet look. The Wednesday star joined a slew of celebrities for this year's InStyle Awards last...

Read more

Tamar Braxton ‘Holds Down’ Birdman At VERZUZ In Toni’s Absence

by rmtsa
October 27, 2025
0
Tamar Braxton ‘Holds Down’ Birdman At VERZUZ In Toni’s Absence

Source: Amy Sussman/Craig Barritt Tamar Braxton may have just proved to everyone that she is, in fact, her brother-in-law’s keeper as she popped up to support Birdman at...

Read more

Who Are the Louvre Heist Suspects? Updates on the Investigation – Hollywood Life

by rmtsa
October 26, 2025
0
Who Are the Louvre Heist Suspects? Updates on the Investigation – Hollywood Life

Image Credit: AFP via Getty Images The world’s most famous museum just became the scene of one of Europe’s boldest crimes. Authorities in France are investigating a daring...

Read more
Next Post
Harvardwood Writers Competition Names 2025 Winners

Harvardwood Writers Competition Names 2025 Winners

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Browse by Category

  • Celebrity
  • Comics
  • DramaAlert
  • Gossip
  • Movie
  • Music
  • TV
  • Uncategorized
DramaWired

Browse the Latest Entertainment News on DramaWired.com. Celebrity News, Movies, Music, Gossip, Comics, TV and More News.

CATEGORIES

  • Celebrity
  • Comics
  • DramaAlert
  • Gossip
  • Movie
  • Music
  • TV
  • Uncategorized
No Result
View All Result

Recent News

  • Elsbeth – Episode 3.06 – Bunker Down
  • Renowned Artist Jackie Ferrara Dead at 95 Through Medical Aid In Dying
  • AFI Fest Reveals Grand Jury Prize Short Film Winners for 2025 Festival

Copyright © 2023 DramaWired.
DramaWired is a content aggregator and not responsible for the content of external sites.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Celebrity
  • DramaAlert
  • Gossip
  • Movie
  • TV
  • Music
  • Comics
  • Shop

Copyright © 2023 DramaWired.
DramaWired is a content aggregator and not responsible for the content of external sites.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In