Category Archives: Atlanta

Restaurants in Atlanta

The Luminary

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The Luminary, Inman Park (Krog Street Market)

I went on a Friday night (do make reservations!!) after it had been open for a while and can definitely say all kinks of a new restaurant had been worked out. The waiter was not only funny but also knew the menu well. We all enjoyed cocktails, Ceviche, & Pate while we looked over the menu. While they have something for every palette I wouldn’t say the menu is overwhelming. Luckily we all got something different; I ordered the Duck Leg Confit, Kiffy the Swordfish “Amandine”, & Taylor the Crispy Rabbit Leg. strangely enough the most memorable part of the meal was the coffee. Sounds odd I know but it came in a french press and was probably some of the best restaurant coffee I’ve ever had. I enjoyed it so much that when I went home for Christmas I asked my mom for hers (I promised her it was going to a good home). I can clearly see why all sorts of crowds have been raving about this place as it really has something for everyone.

P.S. If you’re in the mood for ice cream after dinner Jeni’s is right across the way!

Waffle House

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Waffle House, 1,764 locations (across 25 states)

It’s probably no surprise that I’m a fan of NPR and tend to listen most mornings and evenings when I’m in the car. One morning last week I heard an interview with the Andrew Knowlton, The Bon Appetit Restaurant Editor, about working at a Waffle House in Atlanta as a line cook for 24 straight hours. He said it was the hardest job he ever had and I whole heartedly believe him. After hearing this I got rather interested in trying one since I typically write them off. Tom also happens to be a huge fan and had no problem going on Sunday.

I went hungry as I wanted to try more than one thing! I ordered a Chocolate Chip Waffle, smothered and covered (code for onions & cheese) Hash Browns, and a Patty Melt on whole wheat toast (not Texas toast). I have to say my whole meal was delicious, a true brunch as I ate a little breakfast and a little lunch. We sat at the counter and I was instantly mesmerized by all that was going on in the open kitchen. You have the waffle station and the grill; a third of the grill for potatoes (all shredded in-house), a third for eggs (each cooked to order), and a third for meat. The line cooks also never see a piece of paper. They know what to cook and of course how to prepare it depending on where the condiments are placed on the plate. Talk about having to remember an insane amount!

I also learned two awesome fun facts** while I was there. One, all Waffle Houses are open 24 hours and only close if a disaster is truly horrible. Waffle House’s can operate when most cannot since they have some of the strongest generators around, there is actually a Waffle House Index used by FEMA to let people know how bad the damages are. And two, they do not discriminate from their employee’s past. So there you have it I am now a Waffle House enthusiast.

**Fun facts supplied by Tom Ream (his true passion in life).

 

Gunshow

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Gunshow, Glenwood Park

I can’t remember the last time I’ve heard so much about a restaurant before I got to go; from Esquire to friends it was one of the few Atlanta restaurants anyone could or would talk about towards the end of 2014.

The restaurant itself has a different feel. It is totally open, unpretentious in all the right ways, and you don’t order like you would at another restaurant. Picky eaters seriously don’t come and take a coveted seat– had to make reservations a month in advance (was 100% worth the wait)! Kevin Gillespie along with six other chefs concoct two dishes each, come to your table, and try to “sell” you on their creation. If you’re thinking of dim sum you’re right on the money. The menu does change frequently and on average each dish is on the menu for a couple of weeks.

My tablemates and I went with wide eyes and empty stomaches, which was a great thing since we ordered 13 out of the 16 dishes being offered that night. While some dishes are a little larger I’d say most are sharable small plates just like tapas. So without further delay below are all the dishes we devoured.

  • New Mexican style cheese enchiladas. short rib peccadillo. crema*
  • Goat cheese agnolotti. wild mushroom. beet. truffle
  • Middle Eastern style pizza
  • Lobster roll… like in Boston
  • Crispy pork belly. marinated octopus. charred scallion. chorizo vin
  • Ceviche made like they do in Peru*
  • Smoked Berkshire pork loin. creamy polenta. coke braised figs. broccoli
  • Falafel. tahini sauce. house made pita. skoog
  • Olive oil poached halibut. orange braised endive. citrus. olive. fennel
  • Vietnamese style chicken wings
  • Warm old-fashioned banana pudding (always on the menu as it was Kevin’s grandmother’s recipe plus it’s just the BOMB)
  • Chocolate bread pudding. pecan pie innards. bourbon, candied bacon
  • Chocolate-peanut butter cheese cake. pretzel

the * annotate Kevin’s dishes and while you shouldn’t skip on any definitely don’t miss his!! You can tell all dishes are perfected but it didn’t stop with the kitchen as the bar is a worthy opponent. Cocktails have two categories: “while you wait” that are made behind the bar and “from the cart” literally a cart comes to your table and you see it made right there. I didn’t ask what the difference was but I had one from each and both were delectable.

There are flavors from all over the world and the style of eating can be compared to a variety of places, it may not be totally new but in Atlanta it is a breath of fresh air. If I could only choose one restaurant in Atlanta not to miss this surely would be my pick.

This was also a farewell dinner to a close friend. I’ve shared many tables and even more charcuterie plates with Kiffy but am glad we got to partake in one more restaurant together. Best of luck in Birmingham!

Illegal Food

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Illegal Food, Virginia-Highlands

While I was sad to see Bar Meatball go I am beyond thrilled Illegal Food took its spot. Who doesn’t need a neighborhood burger joint that is walking distance from their apartment?! I never made it to their hole in the wall kitchen at Joystick and for that I apologize, however, I promise to make it up! We went at 8 on a Saturday night and the wait for a table was 45 minutes but there just so happen to be two seats at the bar that we quickly grabbed. They have specials that go beyond the bun but since I was a first timer I didn’t feel right straying away from their pride & joy. I ordered The Hank, which was a dry-aged grass-fed beef burger topped with American cheese, iceberg , Vidalia onion, house made dill pickles, and special sauce. This can also easily be made into a double. All meat is ground in-house and comes from the same cow. Sorry vegetarians, you can no longer make me feel guilty about not knowing where my meat comes from! Tom ordered the Le Cluck, which was house ground chicken topped with the Warden’s special blend of herbs & spices, iceberg, fridge pickles, and 12 yolk mayo. While this “burger” was good there was no comparison to the Hank…but seriously who gets chicken at a burger place? The fries were top grade and the catsup homemade!! The beer selection was solid and the cocktails looked tempting but I couldn’t wander from the Humboldt Brown Hemp Ale. Now all I’m wondering is how long it will take me to go back.

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!

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.