Tag Archives: Southern Cuisine

Old Vinings Inn- Attic Bar

Posted in Atlanta by

Old Vinings Inn- Attic Bar, Vinings

I have often driven past the Old Vinings Inn and wondered if it’s an inn, restaurant, or bar but as soon as I’d turn the corner the thought turned into a fleeting one. That is until Tom & I needed a place for dinner in Vinings. We were meeting a friend and thought it best to make the effort and go up to their neck of the woods. So after almost four years of wondering I finally found out that the Old Vinings Inn is a restaurant with an attic bar, which has live music Wednesday- Saturday nights.

The attic bar has three menu’s: it’s own smaller menu, the full menu from downstairs, and if you want food after 10pm a every select menu. I opted for the sliders which were of the fried chicken persuasion , truffle fries, and candied bacon. All of which were on the attic menu. The candied bacon was unreal and truly suggest getting a glass for the table. The beer list is pretty limited but it had some good choices. The wine and cocktail menu looked to be more extensive. The full menu looked awesome with very traditional southern fare and when I return I plan to try their short ribs. Seating can be limited and music does start at 8:30 Friday and Saturday nights so best if eating to get there around 7/7:30. I’m not sure who all plays there but Kurt Thomas was playing the night we went and we heard everything from Zac Brown Band to Bruce Springsteen and just had the best time.

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….

South City Kitchen

Posted in Atlanta by

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.