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What's Hot?

Morton's has recently introduced Heavenly Mortinis and bar bites.

New World of Coke. Sharing a parcel of land with the Georgia Aquarium in the newly revitalized Centennial Olympic Park area of downtown Atlanta is the New World of Coke. The company decided to get away from the site near the almost-depressing Underground Atlanta and purchase a 20-acre site on Baker Street, donating part of the land to the aquarium and a future civil rights museum. The construction boasts a modern and environmentally friendly design and is certified "green" by the U.S. Green Building Council, which means that it emphasizes recycling, reuse of resources and waste management. The facility has a much more open and visitor-friendly floor plan than its predecessor. Its museum boasts 102 years of artifacts, including an original Norman Rockwell painting, interactive exhibits, a bottling factory from which visitors can take a complimentary bottled Coke, and the ever-present tasting room where Coke beverages from all over the world can be sampled. (Thumbs up to the selection from Israel, the melon-flavored Fanta.) The facility can be booked for receptions and business dinners. 121 Baker St., (404) 676-5151, www.worldofcoca-cola.com.

Emory Conference Center & Hotel. Speaking of certified "green" buildings, the Emory Conference Center & Hotel is tucked away in 28 acres of forest preserve and is perhaps one of Atlanta's best-kept secrets. Once you walk into the building, a tribute to architect Frank Lloyd Wright, you feel as if you are in a cozy mountain lodge. The facility features 196 guest rooms and 26,000 square feet of meeting space and can host and cater business conferences, weddings and b'nai mitzvah. One taste from executive chef Michael Klein's creations and you'll know you can't go wrong with a catered menu. His lamb, stuffed potatoes and antipasto are fabulous, and even the house wine was delectable. The property also includes the Emory Inn, Le Giverny Bistro and the Houston Mill House, which itself serves as an event facility and weekday lunch gathering place. The 1920s house is the perfect romantic setting for a wedding and is just a short stroll away from the Emory Conference Center. Executive chef Vincent Marra updates the Southern fusion menu each season, and you must save room for the desserts, which include a yummy chocolate mousse cake and a champagne float. Emory Conference Center & Hotel, 1615 Clifton Road, (404) 712-6000, www.emoryconferencecenter.com. Houston Mill House, 849 Houston Mill Road, www.houstonmillhouse.com.

Morton's. One of the country's best-loved steakhouses, with locations in Buckhead and downtown Atlanta, keeps finding new ways to bring in the customers. First, the chain introduced its Heavenly Mortinis, original martinis made with top-of-the-line spirits and topped with a cloud of foam. Flavors include pomegranate, cosmopolitan and margarita. Then the chain introduced Velocity Broadcasting into its meeting rooms, enabling companies to hold conferences from a remote location, and rather than flying all visitors in, they simply go to the nearest Morton's to watch the action from a big screen. Finally, Morton's guests can now enjoy its top-notch "bar bites" menu from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 to 11 p.m. The $4 selections include chicken strips, cheeseburgers and petite filet mignon sandwiches. Morton's Buckhead, 3379 Peachtree Road NE, (404) 816-6535. Morton's Downtown, 303 Peachtree Center Ave., (404) 577-4366. www.mortons.com.