Monthly Archives: January 2015

Lusca

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Lusca, Buckhead

I don’t want to limit Lusca and say it is New American and while it is It’s so much more than that since I feel this restaurant has more appeal than the average dining establishment following a fad. Bon Appétit did name it one one of American’s Best New Restaurants of 2014!

They offer oysters and some nigiri to start but you should head straight for the killer charcuterie plate. The have some guy from Boston come down once a month and prepare all the meats. Unlike any other I’ve had in Atlanta.

Their menu does change daily so while I had the quail I have not seen it since when I’ve randomly checked and Tom got the wild mushroom risotto which I have seen on the menu again. This is probably because this risotto was everything a risotto should be and more.

The wine we had was one that we’ve never had before. The Marcel Lapiere Morgon and according to the Som sets the standard for other Gamay’s and on the plus side at a pretty good price point.

Umi

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Umi, Buckhead

There is sushi and then there is Japanese cuisine. Some might confuse them but they really shouldn’t. Many can grab a few ingredients, buy decent tuna, and get rolling. I’m not going to say this is bad but just on a few levels lower than what I ate at Umi.

To start we enjoyed Jizake Tenzan Sake (in non bomb form), tuna carpaccio, and avocado salad, which was truly a piece of art. I almost didn’t want to eat it but have no fear I did. The salad had a citrus vinaigrette which I may or may not still be having blissful dreams about.

Then we turned to an assortment of sashimi: Uni, Oroto, & Unagi; nigiri: Tako, Tamago, & Sake; and a lobster roll. If that wasn’t enough we order the best dessert on the planet (might be an over statement BUT you get to smash it with a small wooden hammer) the chocolate kyu and Lamill coffee.

If you’re willing to put in the time and lay down a pretty penny you will have a great night at Umi.

Restaurant Eugene

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Restaurant Eugene, Buckhead

If you want the Bacchanalia experience but without the stuffiness indulge with Restaurant Eugene; it is where a welcoming but sophisticated setting meets fine dining. The goal in the kitchen is to make absolutely as much as possible from scratch. Local flavors drive the menu and respect for ingredients is just as important.

We opted for the chef’s tasting + wine pairings because when you’re going to do it do it big! Below is the menu in all its glory:

marinated red snapper, pickled Vegetables, Citrus
Foie Gras, Strawberry preserves, Peanut, milk, Brioche
farm Egg, Morels, short Rib, wild Horseradish
Cremont, Cherry compote, sesame benne cake, Strawberry, Praline, citrus

I wish I was smart enough to have asked for the wines because classic me I spent too much time enjoying them rather then taking note! Oh well…guess this means I’ll just HAVE to go to another dinner with wine selected by a Sommelier. Oh darn!

The kitchen was fantastic and pairings ever so delicious but the service just blew everything else out of the water. The time and energy they spent to make you feel comfortable was truly a magically delight.

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My lovely dining companions for the evening!

Savannah, GA

Posted in Southeast Weekends by

Before I jump into things I will say it’s been awhile and it’s time for me to catch up! I really don’t have an excuse just thought I’d take a break. But now on to more important things!

I went to Savannah with my sister over the summer and quickly discovered this was another town with few disappointments! We got in late and went to Maxwell’s, which is on the outskirts of town but should not be overlooked just because it is not on a square. It’s pretty eclectic with many small plates to choose from. The cocktail menu is also wonderfully curated and has a pretty solid wine list to boot.

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View from the top!

On Friday we trotted over to Tybee Island to check out the The Crab Shack but before that we went to the lighthouse, which we climbed to the top of so needless to say were ready to E-A-T! At the Shack we ordered the Capt’n Crabs Sampler. If you see below we were anything but short of seafood. If you want a place to enjoy food without ANY FUSS look no further. Their catch phrase is honest to god “where the elite eat in their bare feet.”

Capt’n Sampler

After wondering around all afternoon we headed to The Olde Pink House for a more refined meal as the Pink House is one of Savannah’s most popular and historic restaurants. The service and quality were all on par and we timed finishing up perfectly as we walked home just as the fireworks were starting. Talk about an awesome way to light your walk home! (P.S. it was Fourth of July Weekend)

On Saturday we ever so eagerly went to tea at the Gryphon. It’s owned/ operated by SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design) and has a killer location. The tea was rather traditional, which was just what I was hoping for. However, I noticed we had to ask for the tea menu and when another table saw what we got they were confused on why they weren’t aware of the tea option!

We continued our food tour of Savannah and landed at Alligator Soul for dinner that night. It’s contemporary southern with a heavy focus on game meat. We feasted on alligator, buffalo, and kangaroo. This is also where I feel in love with beerenauslese; I’d call it German port but according to Wikipedia is a “late harvest wine from Germany.”

Before we headed out of town we went to SoHo South Cafe for breakfast on Sunday. While it was good I wouldn’t say it was worth the 45 minute wait …which is what some people were willing to do when we left.

Other things I truly enjoyed while in Savannah was the farmer’s market on Saturday. The watermelon juice was probably my favorite stop!

And lastly the Spanish moss trees.

Until next time….