Ali's submits building plans for permits on a (what else?) giant cookie cake.

After the explosion of cupcake shops over the past few years, cookies may try for a comeback.

Ali’s Cookies, with a retail location in East Cobb for 30 years, just filed for a building permit to open a new store at Perimeter Place in Dunwoody.

The cookies here are hand-scooped, contain no preservatives and are certified kosher (under the supervision of the Atlanta Kosher Commission). Ali’s offers over 20 varieties of cookies, including a line of lactose-free treats, cookie cakes, cupcakes, cakes and more. Both shipping and local delivery are available.

East Cobb location: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fridays, closed Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sundays. 1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta. 800-220-7644.

In other news:

• Istanblue, serving Turkish cuisine, recently opened in Buckhead. The restaurant and bar prepares a variety of wood-fired pide (pita-type bread stuffed or topped with assorted fillings), grilled kebabs and house specialties including stuffed cabbage rolls and moussaka (eggplant-based dish, here with beef and lamb). Check the website for coupons and special events. The restaurant will validate parking for the lot directly behind it. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sundays-Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – midnight Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Thursdays. 262 Pharr Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-214-5404. $$$.

• There’s a new corner store in town. The Boxcar Grocer opened recently in the Castleberry Hill district near downtown Atlanta. It works with area farms and businesses to provide organic produce, baked goods, dairy products and other locally made items. The Boxcar Grocer features goods from vendors such as High Road Craft Ice Cream, Sweet Georgia Grains, The Pop Shop and Zocalo Salsa. Private parking and bicycle stations are available. The shop also provides free Wi-Fi in its cafe area. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sundays-Mondays, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. 249 Peters St. S.W., Atlanta. 404-883-3608.

• John Kessler recently reported that Morton’s Steakhouse has closed its Buckhead location, but the downtown Atlanta location will remain open.

• Zucca Bar & Pizzeria will close its Decatur location as of Feb. 20. The remaining locations in Kennesaw, Towne Lake and Smyrna will remain open. The Smyrna location has confirmed that it will remain open.

Event:

Mardi Gras party  at Serpas True Food

On Fat Tuesday, Feb. 21, Serpas will host its annual Mardi Gras party in conjunction with a celebration of its third anniversary. In addition to an abbreviated version of its regular menu, the restaurant will offer a number of New Orleans-inspired dishes, cocktails and beers. Entertainment will be provided by a street-jazz band. 5:30-10:30 p.m. No entry fee, meal cost only.

–by Jenny Turknett, Food and More blog