It’s no secret that Ms. Jackson has a love jones going on here in the "A". So her Rock Witchu Tour 2008 stop at Philips Arena on October 5 is like a mini-visit home. She might not quite be able to hang like she usually does because she’s due in Fort Lauderdale on October 7. Still, Janet Jackson Atlanta sightings, while rare, aren’t something only Mr. So So Def himself is privy to. They’ve been an item for, oh, six years now so a few of us mere mortals have also spied her. Where she has shown up, may surprise you.
Janet Jackson was here
Atlanta restaurants Jackson loves to frequent
By Ronda Racha Penrice
Special to MetromixOctober 1, 2008
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Aria
490 E. Paces Ferry Rd. - Atlanta404-233-7673
It’s little wonder that JD picked this Buckhead hideaway early on in their relationship. Great food and privacy. That’s a powerful combination when dodging the paparazzi is as routine as walking the dog. As the name suggests, Aria has an upscale but eclectic flair that matches Chef Gerry Klaskala’s culinary vision to a tee. Now that certainly sounds like a Jackson feast.
Sugarhill
50 Upper Alabama St SW - Atlanta404-658-0068
Not too long ago, when Chrisette Michele, who sung the hook on Nas’s “Can’t Forget About You”, came to showcase her voice for Atlanta’s music industry at Sugarhill, we doubt she was counting on Janet Jackson showing up. Before it was clear what was going on, patrons were steered away from the door and Ms. Jackson was whisked upstairs where she, with JD by her side, looked down on Chrisette. There were people hurting their necks to get a peak at her throughout the set. By the time Chrisette left the stage, Jackson and crew escaped out the front door.
Justin's
2200 Peachtree Rd - Atlanta404-603-5353
Jermaine Dupri is known for his annual Halloween party and, one year, pre-Studio 72 times, he held his invite-only bash at Justin’s. Whispers were almost deafening as people realized that playing Minnie to his Mickey Mouse was none other than Ms. Jackson herself. Yes there were some other celebrities in the house, but none trumped Janet, not even JD.
Ecco
40 Seventh St. - Atlanta404-347-9555
It wasn’t long after Ecco opened its doors in 2006 that it got a very special guest. Midtown wasn’t nearly as hot as it is now but, apparently Jackson saw the vision and really got Ecco’s European concept. Well actually she probably welcomed it, as she is no stranger to the real thing. Perhaps she fancied the restored wood motif as well as the European cuisine which includes meat and cheese boards, house made pastas, genuine wood-fired pizzas and an enviable wine list.
Studio 72
3965 Lawrenceville Hwy - Tucker770-934-2975
When her longtime boyfriend opened his own club, even though it was on Lawrenceville Highway, away from the Buckhead set, his number one girl was by his side. True, she was stashed away in the VIP section, unseen by most guests, but she was definitely there supporting her man. We should have known then just how serious this relationship was. Love will make you do crazy things, even leave the perimeter.
Park 75
75 14th St. - Atlanta404-881-9898
Atlanta media isn’t normally treated to conversations with Janet Jackson but, then again, who is? To promote her ninth studio album, 20 Y.O., select press, mainly Atlanta news crews, at most 30 in number, sat before Jackson as she fielded questions. Following the press conference, there was a mini-party where Jackson, looking fit as ever, actually posed for pictures with attendees.
