Monthly Archives: August 2014

South City Kitchen

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South City Kitchen, Midtown

Coming here on a Sunday was great idea. My sister and I had just returned from traveling and we simply wanted a fool proof meal without a lot of fuss. Their First Flavors struck our fancy more so than the main dishes so we got four and split them all. We ordered the fried green tomatoes, smoked pork belly, crab cake, and scallops. The smoked pork belly was probably the most creative as it was served with collard green kimchi and orange-Tupelo honey. Not to say the others weren’t good since they were they just didn’t have that wow factor that will keep me coming back.  What did, however, were their cocktails. They were fun and all had a southern theme. They even had one celebrating the 75th anniversary of Gone with the Wind, it was called return of the wind. I’m not sure what Rhett Butler drank but if he was around today I’m sure he would give this a try. The drink was composed of Woodford Reserve single barrel bourbon, cayrum, rhubarb tea, and braised beet liquor. If you’re looking for a sweet drink I would not recommend this one but I certainly enjoyed it. Lastly we split the peach shortcake, which ended the meal perfectly. I’m a fan of Southern cuisine and when paired with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere I’m sure to become even a bigger supporter. 

The Spence

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The Spence, Midtown

I’ve been wanting to go here for close to two years now and the time finally came. It was described as “edgy American” and while that sounds kind of like an odd description for a restaurant I know totally understand. It’s located in midtown, tech square, to be more exact and has a modern feel with sleek tables and chairs. The lighting is also at a minimal. They have oysters, bone marrow topped with tuna tartare, Mexican corn, chilled foie gras and other snacks/small plates a like. Common ingredients married with not so common ones grace the menu to excite the palate of anyone ordering. Their wine menu is also impressive but when talking to the Som make sure you tell him your price point. I was offered a glass that was $32 and while it did sound enticing my table had already drank a bottle so my taste buds surely would not have gotten everything in tended for that pour. They have a burger on the menu, which of course I ordered, called the Juicy Lucy. The patty is a combination of brisket, short rib, chuck, and dry-aged beef fat, it’s also ground in-house daily. I would consider this burger to fall under the adult category. It was stuffed with american cheese topped with grilled onions, house made bread and butter pickles and served with thrice cooked fries. The combination is one that I’ve seen all over Atlanta but I like adjustment of the cheese in the middle. The fried cauliflower and corn creme brulee were also pleasing sides. The desserts were seasonal and we enjoyed the blueberry bites as they were our servers favorite. The menu is always changing but if you’re in the mood for something fun but elegant look nowhere else.

 

Bartaco

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Bartaco, The Westside

The people who brought you Barcelona in Inman Park now present Bartaco on the Westside. If you’re not excited you should be. It recently opened and while they are still working out some service kinks the food and drinks graciously make up for the early blunders. The menu isn’t huge but all dishes are satisfying. Their house margaritas and mojitos are great but watch out as they can go down rather quickly! I would personally recommend the guacamole and grilled corn but order it off the cob as this makes it easier to share. The fish taco is good but it’s fried so can be heavy. The two tacos that a carnivore can’t pass up are the sesame ribeye and pork belly. These are street tacos so ordering two or thee would be a good idea if you’re looking for a full meal. I didn’t have the opportunity to try the rice bowls but after looking at another tables’ I plan on trying one next time. And lastly for dessert we ordered the churros; they’re the same as Barcelona’s. If you’re with a group these are easy to split too! When looking for a fun casual but quality place to eat make sure this place is on your radar.

Charleston, SC

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I was finally able to make my way over to Charleston this summer and in doing so I was able to eat my way through the town! I was also fortunate enough to make this trip with my mom who is not only my inspiration in the kitchen but also the one who is responsible for making me aware of the joy that a good meal can bring. Below are four restaurants that I would easily recommend if you happen to find yourself in Charleston, South Carolina.

Circa 1886

Two words. Chef’s tasting. From seasonal foods to the presentation the whole night was outstanding. We even had a little excitement as we got to met the chef himself! One course that really stuck out was as the server put it upscale egg ‘n’ a hole. The egg was cooked in an oscillating hot bath so it’s similar to a  poached egg but it was so much more than that since the consistency wasn’t as aqueous. To be honest I don’t think I’ve ever had an egg like it. The cuisine is most definitely southern but don’t expect your typical fried chicken as the menu has the essence of fine dining.

My mom and me after the Chef's Tasting at Circa 1886!

My mom and me after the Chef’s Tasting at Circa 1886!

Husk

Brunch is a must at this place but don’t caught with a 2 hour wait, make reservations! The skillet corn bread is killer and so is the honey pork butter. I asked for more it was that good. I had the french toast with berries and cane syrup. My mom got the Funnel Cake with fried chicken, house cured ham, pickled red onion, a poached farm egg, and hollandaise. The plate was overwhelming with flavor but if you worked at getting everything on your fork for one bite it was fantastic. I have also never seen an eggs Benedict with funnel cake and suspect I won’t again. The restaurant is in a gorgeous house set in historical Charleston. The menu is updated twice a day based on what is available at that moment. The one rule of the kitchen is that if it doesn’t come from the South it doesn’t come in. While southern favorites are on the menu I would say all dishes have a modern twist that many other restaurants just don’t seem to be able to create.

82 Queen

This was my first true lowcountry cuisine dining experience and in classic fashion I started out with she crab soup. My mom and I also split the fried green tomato bites because I’m often eager to try them wherever I happen to be. It was a lovely warm summer night so we were able to enjoy the evening on their patio. I ordered the barbecue shrimp and grits and my mom the Carolina crab cakes. When you’re near the ocean it would be sin not to order seafood! This restaurant has been a main stay in Charleston since 1982 and was the first to really define all the influences of the area with African, Anglo, Caribbean, and French flavors popping in and around all dishes. When you’re here you get a sense that this is more than a restaurant that is following a popular trend. The care that is put into all dishes was definitely noticed and appreciated.

Butcher & Bee

Just before leaving we stopped at this sandwich shop but one shouldn’t really think of this as any old shop serving turkey and ham. They are known for their burger with pimento cheese but also serve an eggplant banh mi. I dare you to name anther place that serves both. On the day that my mom and I went there were probably 5 or 6 sandwich options. My mom got the lamb pita and I the BBQ pork with fried pickles. There is a reason why publications from GQ to Bon Appetit are taking about this place and it’s because whatever they create and produce turns out fabulously. They’re open for lunch, dinner, and late night. They also happen to be the only place in Charleston that is BYOB. While it may not be downtown you would be very sorry to have missed this place if you’re in or around Charleston.

 

I would also like to recommend the Andrew Pinckney Inn if you’re in need of a hotel. They were located in the heart of the historic district and had wonderful accommodations.