Tag Archives: Gnocchi

4th & Swift

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4th & Swift, Old Fourth Ward

New American + Farm to Table. This is a common theme in Atlanta and many are done well. I really wanted to like 4th & Swift it’s mentioned all the time on Atlanta Eats but I just wasn’t that enamored with it since nothing really brought it home for me. While the food and service were both good there wasn’t one thing truly special. I went with my friend Kiffy one evening and we were able to sit outside since it was still so nice out. We ordered the Farmstead Cheese Plate which had five selections. I will say it was presented very well but nothing I couldn’t get at Whole Foods. I ordered the Veal Chop that came with polenta, charred baby bulb Vidalias, rapini, and baby beets. Kiffy got the Hand Rolled Gnocchi with pearl onions, swiss chard, oyster mushrooms, asparagus, and tomato confit. Both dishes were decent and again beautifully plated but still nothing that had me wanting to come back. The wine we got went well with both plates and was satisfying so I would like to thank our waiter for suggesting it! I wouldn’t mind coming here again since I would like to see what they do in another season, there menu does change daily, but I think I have a few other spots that I many try first before I give this place a second shot.

 

Floataway Cafe

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Floataway Cafe, North Druid Hills

While I realize that I won’t be a regular at Bacchanalia anytime soon I can be comforted by the fact that Floataway exists and is less formal along with being much more affordable for a twenty something. This French cafe is tucked away in North Druid Hills and in a renovated warehouse. I went with two friends and we shared the Maplebrook Burrata  to start that we needed a spoon to eat it because it was that fresh. Taylor got the Roasted Chicken over polenta, Joel the Porkchop with cabbage and chutney, and I got the Gnocchi with lamb ragu. We all shared a bottle of Malbec that was reasonably priced and enjoyed by all. For dessert we ordered the Toffee Cake with caramel sauce and the Chocolate Gateau with Chantilly cream. While we didn’t need to we finished both since they were outstanding. I never like ranking my courses but these two desserts really hit the sweet spot (pun intended)! Honestly, the service was great and the ambiance suited the food very well. I’m not sure why or how one wouldn’t have a good experience here.

Abigail Street

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Abigail Street, Cincinnati (OTR)

This will be my last post for Cincinnati (at least for now) and while all restaurants have been beyond satisfying this dinner will resonate in my mind for a while. The menu won my friend Morgan and I over before we even got there but our waitress was also perfect because she could actually advise on the food & wine and not just give the standard party line: “the whole menu is great you won’t be disappointed”. That’s a huge pet peeve of mine.

We were first overwhelmed at the wine selection because not only did they have wine by the bottle but also on tap and while the wines on tap were enticing we decided on a bottle. Morgan and I shared all dishes and I’d say got a good array. First came the Butternut Squash Soup and Gnocchi. I am typically not a fan of butternut squash but this soup blew me away. It had strong flavors of curry and was anything but ordinary. The gnocchi were pan seared similar to pierogies and came with sautéed leeks and asparagus that only contributed to the whole dish. Next came the Beets, Moroccan Spiced Carrot Salad, and Grilled Hanger Steak.  I wouldn’t classify these plates as small but if you share you can get a few and be all the more satisfied. To finish up we got Baklava one walnut and one pistachio; the honey, nut, and filo dough combination is never a disappointment.

The plates all had focused flavors from the Mediterranean but included elements from northern Europe. Although that sounds like a challenging endeavor all were executed without a glitch.

Cakes & Ale

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Cakes & Ale, Decatur

I came here in the early Fall so the menu is not the same regardless I’m sure still as pleasing. The menu was thoughtfully put together and seriously focused on local ingredients. It’s no surprise that the chef/ owner, Billy Allin worked under Alice Waters at Chez Panisse. He was also a nominee for the Food & Wine’s Best New Chef in 2010. The menu changes frequently and is driven by the vegetables that are constantly changing seasons. One also must be up for different or odd pairings. If you want run of the mill brussels sprouts and pork chop this isn’t your place. The dishes are creative and push you to see food differently.

My friend, Morgan and I started with the Chicken Liver Pâté Plate, which included three various types all good but nothing too notable. For wine we got a bottle of Schug’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon the waiter was very knowledgeable and suggested this because it was a lighter Cabernet so it would pair well with both Pork and Lamb. I got the Gnocchi with Lamb & Pork Ragu and my friend got the Pork Loin with Potato Garlic Purée and Lima & Pole Beans. While my dish was mostly meat it was the exception in the vegetable heavy menu. I thought it was fantastic but I am a carnivore at heart and also melt over gnocchi especially when they are light and fluffy. Morgan’s dish was much lighter and a better portrayal of what the dishes are typically like. The portions are small so if you come super hungry I would almost suggest two. And for dessert we got their version of Mississippi Mud, which was flourless chocolate cake topped with chocolate mousse and stout cream. Luckily, Morgan is also a lover of chocolate.

The one thing that I could see as being a problem for some is that the dinning area is very dark. The restaurant has an ideal location since it is right on the Decatur Square and has definitely added to the Renaissance of Decatur dining.