ATLANTA (January 24, 2002) - Busy convention attendees have a new dining option for escaping the hustle and bustle of the trade show floor. Terraces Restaurant, located in the International Blvd. entrance concourse of the Georgia World Congress Center, re-opens this week with new look and feel. The fine dining restaurant, originally opened in 1984, has been completely renovated to remain in the style and design of the convention center's latest expansion.

Terraces features the imagination and creativity of noted restaurant architect Bill Johnson. The new design incorporates nautical themes in a modern day setting. The restaurant boasts of eclectic lighting and furniture that invites conventioneers to a relaxing atmosphere off of the trade show floor. The restaurant features a striking European-inspired design that gives both convention and other visitors a calming atmosphere in which to dine. To achieve a resort-like ambiance, they used warm mahogany and maple woods, along with natural materials such as limestone and sisal in the design. Once there, they will experience first class a la Carte or buffet dining as well as a full cocktail lounge

Terraces originally opened in 1984 and was re-modeled in 1998. The restaurant was one of the first to offer a full-service, fine-dining concept within a convention center. "We want to maintain the our tradition of the GWCC leading the way in the convention industry," said Jane Nipps, Vice-President of Sales, Marketing and Human Resources for MGR Food Services "There is definitely a demand for what we offer at the Terraces where service and quality cuisine are first and foremost."

Under the guidance of MGR's Senior Executive Chef David Bidwell, Sous Chef Rhimbold Bordeau oversees the new menu themed: Global Flair, Southern Taste. "We're using fresh, local ingredients and creating comfortable foods with lots of style," said Nipps. The menu features a wide selections of starters, salads, pastas and special entrees along with two old favorites from the original menu: Savannah She-Crab Soup and Vidalia Onion & Sausage Strudel. The added sandwich selection is a new concept for the Terraces menu and has become very popular.

Terraces offers a la Carte dining Monday through Friday, and during busy show days will add lavish buffet concepts featuring anti-pastas and salads, hot entrees, specialty stations and desserts. The new Terraces also features three private dining rooms for board meetings and other VIP functions.

The restaurant will be open on all major event days as well as for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30a.m. - 2p.m. Terraces is also available for private parties and other special events. To learn more about the Georgia World Congress Center's latest dining attraction, please call 404.223.4500