Michelle Bishop Writes

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of visiting a new club here in the ATL, The Foreign Exchange Cafe, which is situated just off I-20 near I-75/I-85.  On first glance, the exterior is none too impressive.  In fact, were it not for the extremely good lighting over the front door and the cars in the parking lot I would have had no idea what a treat awaited me inside the nondescript square-shaped building.

Upon entering, one is greeted by friendly staff offering a level of hospitality that I have not seen, even in Atlanta the seat of Southern hospitality, in many moons. Admission was only $5.00 on this particular night. With an additional $5.00 dinner and a drink were on offer. I walked through the bare foyer into a sensuously lit cafe-like setting. Cafe tables of varying shapes and sizes with an interesting array of chairs held sway in the middle of the room while sofas and arm chairs created conversation spaces on one side and along the rear wall. A moderate bar on the opposite side of the room and a small dance floor in front of the stage completed the setting. Strategically dim lights made for a soothing ambiance that also is quite flattering to the imperfect human form.

The interior is decorated with the exposed brick of the building being well utilized as a backdrop to a slightly industrial look with exposed vents and metal embellishments on a couple of the walls and the exterior of the bar. Music posters, funky lamps, and drop light fixtures add an edgy jazz/blues club feel to the space. The sound system was carefully designed to provide loud music that is not eardrum busting and allows for non-shouting conversation in all areas of the room. Instead of the Hip Hop music from Billboard’s list; the DJ selects a wide variety of positive message Hip Hop/Funk fusion that emphasizes that The Foreign Exchange Cafe is not trying to be just another Atlanta dance spot but a place with a soul and a message.

Since I already had eaten before coming out, I asked the kitchen to give me whatever they felt like I should try and a down home plastic plate with fried fish, seasoned crinkle fries and bread magically appeared before me. The flavor was wonderful and the meal was just the right size for a snack while out on the town. Dieting may be out of the question at The Foreign Exchange Cafe so take your low-fat issues to Buckhead.

Marketing Manager, George “g-phenom” Leslie, and his wife and business associate, Tineja Leslie, are striving to create a positive environment for local artists to showcase their work for the public. It is clear that they are lovingly crafting a space where people can come together to share in the musical experience in a way that is safe, supportive, and enjoyable for both the artists and the audience. For those who live outside Atlanta city limits, the drive may seem daunting but The Foreign Exchange Cafe is easy to locate and, in my opinion, worth the drive. It is a joy and a pleasure to enjoy the company of African-American/Caribbean people building an enterprise such as this one in our community for our community.

Upscale but not pretentious, The Foreign Exchange Cafe will prove to be an exciting new addition to Atlanta nightlife.

The Foreign Exchange Cafe
658 Whitehall St.
Atlanta, GA 30310
(404) 584-7700
http://www.foreignexchangecafe.com

M.B.
20 March 2009