Chef and owner Gary Mennie takes the "bull by the horns" with the opening of his first solo restaurant, Taurus, a new American chop-house. The restaurant which takes its name from Mennie's zodiac sign is an arena for food, service and ambiance inspired by the spirit, strength and courage of the bull.

Mennie's imagination springs to life on the menu at Taurus, where a refreshing collection of skillfully-prepared soups, salads and snacks leads the way to the modernized chop house style entrees, including familiar cuts as well as takes on the classics. The menu features Mennie's concept of "bone food," or select meats, game and seafood roasted on the bone for more intense flavors. Local and organic foods are featured on Mennie's menu as daily wood roasts, a weekly rotation of the best the farms can offer.

An old-meets-new ambiance and 1940s clubby feel is created with an array of textured red fabrics. The layout of the room and the incorporation of intricate details are inspired by a traditional bullfighting arena. An elevated central seating area is the hallmark of the dining room representing a bull ring. Plush red velvet banquettes are situated underneath an impressive circular white lighting fixture with petal shaped wings that resemble a bull fighter's cape. The main dining room seats over 240 guests in comfortable booths and relaxing banquettes. A private chef's table for up to 10 guests with a view of Mennie's kitchen, as well as a private dining room for up to 40 guests is available. A 60-seat patio wraps the perimeter of the building and overlooks a commanding and exciting view of the Midtown and Downtown Atlanta skyline.

Previous to launching Taurus, Mennie received high accolades as the executive chef at Canoe in Atlanta, Ga., where he worked since its inception in 1995. Taurus is his first restaurant venture on his own which allows him to tailor the restaurant to his personal tastes.

"I am excited about Taurus. My past experiences have been inspiring and helped me refine my skills as a chef and restaurateur; now it is time to take it to the next level," said Mennie.

Taurus is located in Selig Enterprises' Brookwood Place which is prominently positioned on Peachtree Street and 25th Street in Midtown. Selig Enterprises is pleased to welcome Mennie and Taurus to their exciting list of tenants. "We consider Gary to be one of the premier chefs in the country and are delighted that he has selected Brookwood Place on Peachtree to be the home of Taurus," said S. Stephen Selig, III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Selig Enterprises, Inc.

It has been said that the function of Taurus, more than any other zodiac sign, is to value the human senses; taste, smell, sight, sound and texture. Chef Mennie, staying true to his sign, delights and stimulates the senses at Taurus.

Taurus serves lunch Monday through Friday and dinner seven nights a week, and is located at 1745 Peachtree Street at the corner of 25th Street in Atlanta, Ga. Taurus can be contacted at 404-214-0641.