More than 15 years ago, Salih Ozgurdal and his business partner, orthopedic surgeon Raj Pandya, began brainstorming ideas for a Mediterranean restaurant in Atlanta. But they wanted something to make it stand out. Ozgurdal had worked in the hospitality industry long enough to know that having a differentiating factor is key to restaurant success. (He’s spent 30 years in the business, working at Chops Lobster Bar , Pano’s & Paul’s, and Eclipse di Luna .) When the Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones documentary series premiered in 2023, Ozgurdal and Pandya were inspired. They decided to open a Blue Zone-based restaurant along the Beltline. Named Azara Kitchen, it’s slated to start serving in the former Brasserie at Bazati and Estrella Rooftop spaces on November 21.

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