Category Archives: Atlanta

Restaurants in Atlanta

KR SteakBar

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KR SteakBar, Buckhead

Rathbun restaurants have not failed me in the past and I didn’t think this one would either. This is smaller compared to his other restaurants and had a laid-back lounge feel with a very swanky bar. My friend and I went early on a Sunday night and throughly enjoyed ourselves. We started with the Artichokes roasted with lemons, which were bright and very delightful. Next we split a house-made Pasta with Lamb and Kale Sausage. My friend is gluten-free and they had no problem using gluten-free pasta, which they also make in-house and it was incredible! In a blind taste I’m not sure I would be able to tell the difference. It was cooked al dente and so satisfying. Then I sunk my teeth into the Ribeye and in classic Rathbun fashion it was wonderful; perfectly seared on the outside and packed with flavor. Now we weren’t going to get dessert, however,  decided to split the Pumpkin Panna Cotta. I’m normally not into everything pumpkin but this flavor was subtle enough that it was still pleasing for the taste buds. This spot has awesome food and a chill vibe I would have no trouble coming back here again.

One Eared Stag

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One Eared Stag, Inman Park

If you’ve been to a brunch spot in Atlanta or really any city for that matter you know the agony of waiting for a table but when I came to One Eared Stag on a Saturday I was shocked that it wasn’t crowded. I’m not sure if people just don’t know they serve brunch or what but it was a welcomed change of pace. The menu was smaller but don’t let that fool you, I had to carefully read each line.

I ended up going with the Chef’s Breakfast where the chef gets to choose what to put on your plate, typically its four smaller versions of things on that days menu, however, I heard that’s not always the case. There were two standouts for me; first were the Vanilla Pancakes with powdered duck liver butter (yes– you read that correctly), cane syrup, & bacon. And second, Fried Rabbit on a Black Pepper Biscuit.

What I liked most about the pancakes is that the butter and syrup were already on the them so I wasn’t able to ruin them by throwing the appropriate proportions of said butter and syrup out of whack.  Clearly there were a lot of flavors going on and I was pretty confident if that is how to chef wanted to prepare them that is how I should eat them.

Rabbit being more savory than chicken complemented the peppered biscuit and with it being so large I attacked it with a fork and knife, although eating it with your hands probably would have been more satisfying. Since fried chicken is served a lot in Atlanta it was a favorable exchange and perhaps even an upgrade!

The decor is funky mixing clean white walls with an overabundance of mounted deer heads but it works since their dishes have a parallel theme. If only all restaurants aligned their menu and setting accordingly.

Shucks Oyster & Wine Bar

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Shucks Oyster & Wine Bar, Brookhaven

This restaurant is combining oysters and grilled cheese, while I’m not sure how many people order both I think it’s a good idea to have something for everyone and when limiting to two “dishes” the restaurant can really spend time making all food worth while. It was a Friday and I was the first to arrive from my group so I wasted no time ordering a glass of Martin Codax from Albarino Spain, an agreeable dry crisp white wine. I admit that Atlanta doesn’t get that cold but on Friday night I was cold and when I saw chowder I didn’t hesitate. I ordered a cup of the Oyster Chowder, which was thick and creamy and actually had a worthy number of oysters in it. I then moved on to the Steamed Mussels which were in a traditional white wine broth, also very delightful. While I’m aware that this is an oyster bar and I didn’t order any on the half shell I noticed that they have a happy hour deal during the week that I will have to come back and try!

 

 

 

Holman & Finch Public House

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Holman & Finch Public House, Buckhead

If you go, go with a group. I went with three others who were all down to share and it was perfect! I think in total we ordered eleven dishes. The restaurant is small and doesn’t take reservations so we had to wait a while but they did a good job of making sure we had drinks, thank heavens! The cocktail list was fun and nothing run of the mill but since I was still on a high from my Manhattan the other night I didn’t stray away.

Once we sat down and asked if there were any more burgers (they had 1 left!) we got down to business. First up was the Soft Pretzel and Deviled Eggs Three Ways next we tossed & turned about which wine; we ended up going with a bottle of Château d’Oupia Les Hérétiques which was a pleasant wine to drink with food since it didn’t detract from what we were eating, over all pretty enjoyable but not remarkable. The out-of-towner got The Burger since the rest of us had all previously enjoyed one. I would say our table was lucky too since we asked around 9:15 and burger time is promptly at 10.

Then for the next forty minutes our table became an awesome turn table for food. The Hot Dog which could seem out-of-place was dang good, they put these pickled jalapeños on it that made it more exciting than your average ol’ dog. The Potato Dumplings were a fantastic delicate combination of potato and squash! The Steak Tartare was mixed with a farm egg and creole mustard, which did not disappoint. It was topped with shoestring potatoes and they through us all for a loop, they didn’t taste like anything but the airy crunchy texture kept you wanting more. Red Beans & Rice on its own did not sound like much but with the addition of pickled pigs foot I would say this dish was the most surprising. The Fish & Chips and Wild Catfish were the last to come out. Never having catfish before I was curious but half of the table was not feeling it. My friend who has had it before was actually surprised at how good it was normally mushy this was nice and firm. The grits and gravy didn’t hurt the dish either.

Last but not least the table gave into examining a couple of desserts, the Bacon Carmel Popcorn and the Sticky Toffee Pudding. This popcorn didn’t just have a spirit of bacon but rather a hearty dosage. If you like sweet and salty all in the same mouthful this would be your jam. The toffee pudding was warm and sweet a good counter to the popcorn.

While all the food was “American” if you’re looking for traditional fixings I would advise against going here. But if you’re up for whatever spin the kitchen wants to put on food you’ve found the right place.

Canoe

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Canoe, Vinings

The whole meal was simply marvelous. I sat in the bar area which served its full menu and had pretty lush seating, looked more comfortable than the chairs in the dining room! I peaked outside and would have loved to sit at that bar and listen to the live music (Blue Grass) but it was cold and I of course forgot a jacket. My server, Leigh, was well attentive, personable and of course steered me well through out the meal.

She informed me that they are known for their Manhattan’s so I order one on the rocks with Buffalo Trace. I’m not well versed with whiskey and have not indulged with many Manhattan’s but after this stellar example I think I just might start enjoying them more. For food I started off with another house favorite the House Smoked Salmon, which rest upon a crisp potato pancake and a goat cheese spread. It was indeed rich but ordering the smaller portion allowed me not to feel overwhelmed. With all flavors and textures being perfected this appetizer would probably rank in my top five. Another thing that I hadn’t seen before was bread being served piece by piece. They make all their own bread in-house daily; I opted for a piece of the sourdough and the spicy flat-bread.

For my entrée I excitedly picked the Slowed Roasted Carolina Rabbit, it was de-boned and oh so tender– no knife needed. It was served with swiss chard and bacon ravioli, sweet potato, and a candied ginger sauce. Only one word would be able to describe this dish and it would be…decadent. I had a glass of Muga Reserva from Rioja Spain and it was a great tempranillo, very jammy on the front end but had a spicy finish, which paired with the rabbit sublimely.

And last but not least I ordered the Mercier Apple & Almond Butter Cake with Cinnamon Creme Fraiche. After such a rich meal I didn’t want anything heavy or overly sweet. This was perfect– light and savory but still satisfied my need for something sweet at the end of the meal. I have never had cinnamon creme fraiche and it was a welcomed fall twist to the original. Canoe is known for their fish & game and having the  pleasure of trying both I was not disappointed. I can now see why Canoe continues to be highly regarded year after year.

Heirloom Market BBQ

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Heirloom Market BBQ, Cumberland

Heirloom was ranked #1 by Atlanta Magazine for BBQ in May 2013 and while I have not tried all of the others on the list I would agree. I have been here for lunch before so I knew to come late in order to avoid the crowd. I ordered the two meat plate with one side; I decided on the Pulled Pork & Brisket with the kitchen sauce and Green Tomato Kimchi. I wouldn’t necessarily say that this joint is Korean BBQ but BBQ with hints of Korean flair. The brisket was heavily smoked and the pulled pork just fell apart, both insanely good. The kitchen sauce was awesome because while it was spicy it wasn’t your typical spicy BBQ sauce, it tasted clean and fresh– if that makes any sense. The kimchi was chilled and crunchy which just added another satisfying texture to the meal. This place rocked but you must order your food to-go and the restaurant itself is very small, I can only hope that with time this place will be able to expand and perhaps relocate so it’s not next to the perimeter.

Revolution Doughnuts

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Revolution Doughnuts & Coffee, Decatur

I think it’s official that finding a true cider donut cannot be done south of Massachusetts, however, I did stumble upon a Pumpkin Spice doughnut at Revolution. This spot has some extravagant combinations most famously known for their bacon and salted caramel yeast style doughnut. I can’t say it has the best location but that does not stop true doughnut lovers, I have been twice and it either had a steadfast line or was engorged with groups. Now like I mentioned before there was no cider doughnut to be found but the pumpkin spice was an awesome fall find that went swimmingly with a coffee on a cloudy day!

Sunday Satisfaction

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The Jane, Grant Park

Little Tart Bakeshop

Octane Coffee

The south east corner of this refurbished building is shared with Octane Coffee & Little Tart Bakeshop. It has a loft like feel and huge windows to let the wonderful warm October air drift through. I went to pick up a Croissant from Little Tart Bakeshop but once I saw how welcoming the space was I promptly decided to stay and order a Latte. There were all kinds of seating, which was awesome because surely this place gets crowded. The croissants are made fresh daily and were buttery as well as flakey like promised. The latte was not to be faulted with the perfect share of espresso and milk. I was able to sit, sip, eat, and read without feeling the slightest bit rushed.

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The General Muir

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The General Muir, Emory

Sometimes I wish I grew up in New York City so Jewish delicatessens would have been within in walking distance and I would have a reason to crave bagels with lox or Reuben’s, however, I didn’t so I don’t really have an excuse. Nevertheless I am still a fan of Reuben’s and as luck would have it in 2013 Atlanta was presented with a restaurant that pays homage to classic Jewish delicatessens of New York City. I went last spring for brunch and got the Lower Eastside Platter with both lox and nova samples and quickly realized this place was the real deal. I only just went for lunch and ordered the Reuben, which came with a Dill Pickle and a side of Potato Salad. The corned beef on the Reuben wasn’t the thin kind but rather hardily sliced, which gave you much more than just an essence. The one switch they made on the classic was the cheese. They opted for Gruyère and not swiss but I am in support of this since Gruyère melts way better. The potato salad was not mayonnaise laden and had great notes of dill and thyme. And since the dessert menu looked promising I tested out the Spiced Apple Cake that was topped with cream cheese frosting that was anything but shy is quantity. The quality and care of its food, service, and presentation will only have me coming back for seconds!

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Hal’s

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Hal’s, Buckhead

I had the best time at Hal’s recently, knowing it is a Buckhead staple I was fervent to have the pleasure of dining here to celebrate my 24th anniversary on earth. I went with great group, all who love food. To start we ordered the Beef Carpaccio and the Grilled Oysters. The carpaccio was tissue paper-thin fillet mignon and melted in your mouth. While the fillet is one of the more popular cuts on the menu I choose to go with the 22 oz Prime Bone-in Ribeye, also known as The Cowboy, and it was no mistake. It was cooked medium rare and drizzled with melted butter; keeping a steak simple is in the only way to go! We shared a few sides as a table and picked the famed Truffle Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, and Sautéed Mushrooms. I would definitely order the first two again but probably not the mushrooms, they were okay but just not comparable to Rathbun’s. My favorite desserts that we decided on were the Chocolate Cake and the Bourbon Bread Pudding, one word of warning though one must like bourbon to appreciate the bread pudding because the bourbon glaze was no joke. I have a love for steak along with a passion for quality steak and it was clear that the meat here is a cut above. And oh I almost forgot to mention the wine, their list is long and noteworthy. We joyously picked a magnum bottle of Belle Glos Pinot Noir,  which to my knowledge went well with all cuts present at the table! The service was old-fashioned with the waiters being polite and knowledgeable. The atmosphere was welcoming and comfortable. After looking into Hal’s more I found out that most of the staff has been together for 17 years, which was clear considering the place ran with an air of ease. While I won’t be able to make this restaurant a weekly habit I will make a promise to come back and over indulge again.