Cellar 56 is Delicious and Friendly on the Wallet

Located in the heart of Buckhead in the space formerly occupied by the Café at East Andrews, Cellar 56 has been serving up delectable small plates since their January of 2009 opening.

After several recommendations from friends, the B.F. and I decided we had to hear what all the fuss was about.

The restaurant was surprisingly empty when we arrived on a Thursday night for dinner. We hoped that this sparseness wasn’t indicative of the quality of the restaurant and were pleased to find out it wasn’t. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable, the food was delicious and the prices were beyond reasonable.

Cellar 56 gets its name from the 56 wine options diners have to choose from, but aside from bottles, half and full glasses are also available for a wallet-friendly $3 and $6. The small-plates menu is divided into Garden, Land, Sea, House and Sweets and none of the plates are over $6.

From Garden, the B.F. and I sampled the Sautee of Wild Mushrooms with Locatelli Polenta. The mushrooms were sautéed wonderfully and complemented the polenta well. The polenta was deliciously crisp on the outside and grainy and crumbly on the inside, if a bit messy.

From Land we tried three different dishes, and at only $5.50 a plate, we could afford to splurge. We had the Herb Roasted Prestige Farms Chicken with Caramelized Shallot Butter, the Chipotle Pork with Corn Relish and Arbol Vinaigrette and the Green Chile and Prosciutto Mac and Cheese. The chicken was succulent, tender and flavorful, and a perfect portion for sharing. The real treat was the modern take on mac and cheese. I had heard from numerous friends that this was the dish I had to order from Cellar 56, and it didn’t disappoint. I was originally worried about the unique combo of chilies, prosciutto and mac and cheese, but my worries were quelled after the first bite. The chile adds a tolerable spice, and the bits of prosciutto add a smoky flavor to the creamy mac and cheese. I would return to Cellar 56 on a cold night just for a glass of wine and a skillet of the mac and cheese.

From Sea we tried the Seared New Bedford Scallop with Sweet Corn and Applewood Bacon. The portion size was disappointing (one average-sized scallop) but it was cooked wonderfully and the bacon added a nice flavor. The standout of this dish was the sweet corn—a tastier version of creamed corn.

Since the portions were one or two bites, even after our four dishes we were still hungry for more. We sampled the Guinness Braised Short Rib with an Unnatural Reduction. Neither I nor Wikipedia know what unnatural reduction is, but whatever it was, it was tasty. The short rib was tender and juicy, and literally fell of the bone, and at a mere $6, it was a steal.

Never ones to pass on the sweet stuff, the B.F. and I chose the Pot of Chocolate, a chocolate fondue platter served with pound cake, marshmallows, strawberries, pineapples and sugar cookies. We cleaned the plate (and I think I attempted to lick the chocolate bowl) and were pleasantly surprised that it (along with all the desserts) were only $3.50.

Cellar 56 is probably the best bang for your buck in usually-expensive Buckhead. After a few (several) glasses of wine, five dishes plus dessert, our bill rang in around $80. Given the primo location, friendly service and recession-friendly menu, Cellar 56 is set to be a new hot-spot and dining-out destination for Buckhead.

~Blair Branch

Cellar 56 is open Monday-Saturday from 5pm to 11pm
Cellar 56 is located at 56 East Andrews Drive in Buckhead

Skip the Trip to Buckhead Bar and Grill

Someone recently asked me if I ever write a bad review. I responded that I indeed do write bad reviews sometimes, but lately the culinary gods have blessed me with delicious food while dining out. And let’s face it, I love anything fatty, buttery, creamy and all around not good for me, so it doesn’t take much to please me. Just fry some grease and add some cheese and I have a complete meal.

But despite the greasy bar food menu, I have yet to be pleased with the offerings at Buckhead Bar and Grill. Maybe I’m bitter because this establishment now occupies the space that once housed my beloved Loco’s.

Nowhere in Buckhead was there a better place to watch a Georgia game then sitting in a booth at Loco’s with grown-up frat boys and pearl clad sorority chicks. Maybe I’m biased because the management of Loco’s gave me my first job when I moved to the big city over six years ago. But I loved the burgers, the appetizers and I even threw a salad in there every now and then.

I have visited Buckhead Bar and Grill four times now, simply expecting a decent meal at a reasonable price, but have had a lackluster experience each time. Being a stickler for service, it cannot go without mentioning that theirs is awful. Servers have forgotten to ring in my drink order, messed up my food and taken over 30 minutes to bring me my bill after I requested it.

While I do prefer the sleek, classier décor of Buckhead Bar and Grill as opposed to the lime green paint and drunken photos (I was probably in some) that filled the walls of Loco’s, the food isn’t worth a visit.

The menu is comprised of typical bar fare—wings, potato skins, sandwiches, burgers and salads. They also serve chili, and at one point offered hot dogs, which appear to have been nixed.

For my first visit I chose the Classic Cheese Burger, which was decent but undercooked to my specifications. On another trip I chose the Chicken Caesar Wrap, which I thought would be pretty difficult to mess up. But alas, I was wrong. Disgustingly dry strips of “grilled” chicken were stuffed into a wrap with romaine, soggy tomatoes, parmesan and hours-old bacon crumbles. The caesar dressing accompanying the dish tasted as if had been in the cooler for days.

Even after these two disappointing trips, I gave Buckhead Bar and Grill a third and fourth chance. I tried the burger, yet again, and found it quite tastier than before, and well worth the $7.99 price tag. The fourth trip was basically a culinary disaster though.

I tried the Turkey Bacon Cheddar melt, a rip-off of my favorite Loco’s dish, The Gobbler. I found Buckhead Bar and Grill’s version to be seriously lacking. The turkey was dry and flavorless, the bacon was standard Buckhead Bar and Girll bacon— chewy and probably prepared eight hours earlier—and the sauce that they claim is barbecue sauce is blasphemy to southern barbecue lovers everywhere. It was runny and bland and didn’t add anything to the already-awful sandwich. I’ve never been one to not clean my plate, but even after dipping the sandwich in barbecue sauce, ketchup and casesar dressing, there was just no saving it.

With such a prime location and built-in clientele, Buckhead Bar and Grill has all the potential to become a go-to spot for a football game or dinner before a night out. But if the food and service don’t improve drastically, the future of this place is as ill-fated as its predecessor’s.

~Blair Branch

Buckhead Bar and Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Buckhead Bar and Grill is located at 3167 Peachtree Road in Buckhead.

Meat with the Fockers

Being a former-fatty, I love nothing more than talking about food. I salivate while describing my favorite menu items. I make wild, embarrassing hand gestures while recounting my best and worst dining experiences. I light up when people ask me for restaurant recommendations. And anytime I’m asked for the perfect spot to take clients, out-of-towners or a significant other’s parents, I turn into the unofficial spokesperson for Hal’s on Old Ivy Road.

Meeting the parents is a time to charm, impress and schmooze their pants off. And Buckhead mainstay Hal’s on Old Ivy is the perfect place to do so. I’ve long searched for Atlanta’s best steak, and while Bone’s and Chops are both top notch spots to grab a slab of meat, Hal’s stands above the competition.

When the B.F.’s parents decided they’d make a trip from the ‘burbs to Buckhead, there was no question that we’d be introducing them to Hal’s. This being only my second meeting with them, I was hoping the wine would loosen me up enough to be my most witty and charming version of myself.

B.F.’s Dad was thrilled to discover that Hal’s carried one of his favorite whiskeys, Crown Royal Cask 16. B.F.'s Mom and I each had a glass of wine from the extensive wine list.

I usually start my meal at Hal’s with an order of the Calamari, and was pleased to find it as crispy and delicious as ever. My favorite server, seasoned Hal’s vet Bobby, rattled off the specials to B.F.’s Mom and Dad without directing his attention towards me—he already knew my order.

B.F.’s Dad chose the Bone-in Ribeye, B.F. ordered the French Cut Ribeye (a featured special) and B.F.’s Mom followed my lead and went with the Filet. Sides are ordered separately, and everyone got the creamed spinach except for me, of course. I’m a meat and potatoes girl through and through and their garlic mashed potatoes are downright sinful.

I tasted a bite of everyone’s steak at the table and while B.F.’s Dad and B.F.’s orders were nothing to scoff at, there is just no comparison to the Filet at Hal’s. It is cooked to perfection and drizzled with drawn butter right before serving, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Doctors say it takes 20 minutes for your brain to register that your stomach is full. The Filet didn’t even stay on my plate long enough for this to occur, and I stuffed myself way past satiation. Not to worry though, per usual, I saved room for dessert. I’ve had far better Cheesecake then the slice of New York Style I ordered here. The piece still had ice crystals on it. If I order dessert again, I’ll go with the Bread Pudding. Though I’m not a huge fan of bread pudding, Hal’s does a decent job with theirs.

The décor and ambiance is reminiscent of a 1930’s men’s club. 50-somethings sip red wine and smoke cigars at the bar. Tables are literally packed in back to back, and a pianist plays your parent’s favorite songs.

While long thought of as a pre-gaming spot for that older crowd that frequents Johnny’s Hideaway, what Hal’s lacks in trendiness, it makes up for with a simple, straightforward menu. For non-carnivores, the menu offers pastas, but for the cow loving family, Hal’s will hit the spot. Finish all of your steak, but skip the ho-hum desserts. Be sure to make a reservation, this place will be packed.

Hal's is open Monday-Saturday for dinner.
Hal's is located at 30 Old Ivy Road in Buckhead
For reservations call 404.261.0025

Treehouse in Peachtree Hills is the spot for a comfy, casual date

Tucked away in Peachtree Hills, Treehouse Restaurant and Pub has long been my go-to spot for Sunday brunch. The eggs benedict are delish and the mimosas rid me of any hangover symptoms. But lately I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find that Treehouse is no one-trick pony. The dinner menu is also sure to please.

After a work happy hour recently, the B.F. and I were in search of some place casual but tasty to grab a bite to eat. Having been a longtime fan of their crab and artichoke dips, I suggested this cozy spot.

The bar area was crowded for a Wednesday, though it wouldn’t take much to fill the space (it’s about the size of my bathroom.) We sat downstairs in a spacious booth, next to the fireplace. It was a bit noisy with the combination of the heavy rain and Treehouse’s tin roof, but that’s all part of the atmosphere.

We started the meal with the crab dip—warm and meaty and served with tortilla chips. For dinner I was torn between the salmon entrée and the creamy Treehouse pasta. In the end the comfort food won, and the Treehouse pasta didn’t disappoint.

Drenched in a tomato cream sauce, this penne pasta with spicy grilled chicken is the ultimate dish for a rainy, cold night. I added a side of their hand-cut fries to share with the B.F. and left with my belly full and leftovers for lunch the next day.

The B.F. settled on the jerk chicken breast, served with black beans and rice and fried plantains. The chicken was juicy and tender, with a fair amount of jerk rub. I’m not a huge fan of jerk seasoning but even I had a few bites of this dish. His portion was huge as well, leaving him with lunch for the following day too.

For those not in the mood for an entree, the burgers at Treehouse are some of Atlanta’s best, and their California chicken sandwich, served with guacamole and jalapenos, should not be missed.

Prices at Treehouse are reasonable, ranging from around $7 for appetizers to around $15 for entrees. Desserts are all under $5 and the flourless chocolate cake is worth a trip alone.

Serving a variety of salads, sandwiches, entrees and even pizzas, Treehouse makes for an ideal date night, as the expansive menu is sure to have something to please even the most finicky of diners. Treehouse also has a decent selection of wine and beers, plus a full bar. In the spring and summer the patio is the ultimate spot to sit back and enjoy the weather, and they even let you bring your pooch.

Treehouse maintains a neighborhood bar/restaurant feel despite it’s location less than a mile from busy Peachtree Street and is the ultimate casual, come-as-you-are dinner spot.

~Blair Branch

Treehouse is located at 7 Kings Circle Atlanta, GA 30305
404-266-2732

Treehouse is open daily for lunch and dinner and features brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm.

Craftbar bridges the gap between fine and casual dining

I hate to fight with the B.F., I really do. But I do love the making up part. After a recent spat, I was elated to accept his apology in the form of dinner out Tom Collichio's Craftbar.

Touted as the more affordable and less pretentious version of Craft, Craftbar occupies the bottom level of Craft. But nothing about this food is second rate.

Though we were seated in Siberia—a tiny two-top table in the very back of the restaurant—this meal reminded me why I don’t stay home and cook. Everything from the service to the pacing of the meal to the food itself was thoughtful and perfect, and the prices were reasonable considering the quality.

The wine list was daunting (17 pages!) so the B.F. and I stuck to the “tastes”—three ounce servings of selected wines for $6 each. I’m admittedly wine-ignorant, so I love when restaurants serve tiny portions so I can try several varieties as opposed to the fishbowl sized glasses that leave me drunk by the time dinner is served.

We started the meal off with the Crispy Risotto Fritters—enormous fried, well,… balls, filled with creamy risotto and served with a fruit jelly and crème fraiche. They were delicious and different, though I think the B.F. would’ve preferred the Bone Marrow appetizer (um, no thanks).

Though I’ve heard the Craftbar Burger is the stuff legends are made of, I stuck to my normal diet of meat and potatoes. I chose the Hanger Steak with potato puree, roasted root vegetable (also known as carrots) and garlic confit. Though I would never stray from my beloved Hal’s, this Hanger steak was unbelievable. This slab of beef was huge and cooked exactly to my specifications. Aside from this, the flavor was phenomenal. It was smoky and savory with all of the meaty goodness I expect from a steak. The sides complemented well, though I could’ve done with less of the jus that the steak was sitting in. A piece of meat cooked this well doesn’t require anything fancy.

After debating on ordering the Craftbar Burger, the B.F. chose the Smoked Pork Chop served with fingerling potatoes, smoked bacon and grilled apples. No offense to my Daddy, who cooks a pork chop better than any, this was some of the best pig I’ve ever tasted. The chop was large and the meat was smoky and fall-off-the-bone tender. Paired with the bacon and potatoes, this was probably one of the best dishes I’ve ever tasted.

Before we even saw the dessert menu we agreed that we would branch out and try something out of the ordinary—which for us meant no chocolate torte and no cheesecake. Surprisingly, all of the desserts were an out of the ordinary, inventive take on American favorites. S’mores, Apple Streusel Tart and Butterscotch Pudding are just a few of the treats available at Craftbar. We settled on the Banana Ice Cream Sandwich made with peanut butter cookies and caramel sauce. The serving was perfect for sharing—large scoops of banana ice cream served between moist peanut butter cookies. It was something I’d never normally try, but I’m sure glad I did.

Craftbar’s menu includes a selection of appetizers ranging from deviled eggs to cheese plates to grilled oysters, as well as a selection of soups, salads and meat plates. Entrees consist of pasta dishes, fish (the pancetta wrapped monkfish sounds interesting), meat and sandwiches. Prices run anywhere from $5 for apps to $25 for the Hanger Steak (no, I didn’t try to order the most expensive thing on purpose).

With its seasonal menu (selections change daily) delicious enough to pacify even a sparring couple, as well as its prime location in The Mansion on Peachtree, Craftbar bridges the gap between fine and casual dining., And yes—the B.F. is forgiven.

The Mercantile Offers Fresh Alternative to Fast-Food

Keeping with the trend of fresh farm-to-table fare, the Mercantile specializes in sandwiches, soups and healthy take-home meals. Having recently celebrated their one year anniversary, this restaurant/market hybrid has already gained a loyal following for those in search of a healthier alternative to fast-food.

For my first trip I chose The Candler, the most popular sandwich, with roasted turkey, pancetta, cranberry and cream cheese. Though initially unsure about the combination of pancetta and cranberry on a sandwich, the sweet flavor of the cranberries complemented the rich cream cheese and savory pancetta well. I also tasted The Rome with roasted chicken, provolone, lettuce, tomato and tapenade mayo. While not as tasty as The Candler, The Rome still held its own. Sandwiches are served with a side of orzo pasta salad. Though I added a cookie and bottled water, my meal only rang in around $10. For the non-carnivore, the Mercantile also offers The Cabbagetown, a vegan selection and Tuesday night dinner options include a vegetarian meal.

Dinner specials rotate weekly and range from Shrimp and Grits to Pot Roast. Rotisserie Chickens are always available and pair with fresh veggie sides like sautéed green beans and truffle-oil roasted potatoes.

The Mercantile offers fresh-made sauces (tomato, hollandaise) and can special make other sauces with prior notice. They also have a reasonably-priced catering menu.

The real treat in the Mercantile is the gourmet market with foods ranging from fresh produce to hand-dipped truffles from Texas. Springer Mountain Chickens, Arden’s Garden Juices and Carolina Gold Rice are some of the unique selections found at the Mercantile.

The Mercantile Wine Club offers members three handpicked wines each month, complete with tasting notes and 10% off wine purchases in the store for only $40 a month. The Mercantile also hosts several special events throughout the year, including book signings, wine and food tastings, and cooking demonstrations.

With seasonal ingredients, made-to-order sandwiches and gourmet meals to-go, the Mercantile has established itself as a healthy alternative to the norm.

Noche adds second location in Vinings

Vinings residents need not travel intown to get their tapas fix. With a recently-opened second location in Jubilee Shopping Center, Noche brings its Spanish-style small plates to the ‘burbs.

Noche Vinings boasts twice the size and double the restrooms (two stalls instead of one) but still maintains the lively and inviting atmosphere of the original. A bigger bar, larger dining area and ample patio ensure plenty of space for diners.

The House Margarita is potent and a mere $5. Sunday features $2 Dos Equis and diners can enjoy $10 all-you-can-eat tapas on Monday. Daily specials include $2 Tecate and $5 Sangria.

I’ve never met a Noche dish I didn’t like but several stand out. The Lobster Taco with Oaxaca cheese and peppers is a buttery treat, and the generous helping of lobster for only $7 is a steal. The Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak with Tobacco Onions is mouth-watering—tender beef served with a heaping portion of crispy onion straws.

In an effort to branch out, I tried the Grilled Pork Chop with Phyllo Wrapped Sweet Potatoes. The Pork Chop was huge—not the sliver of meat I expected from a tapas restaurant—and the sweet potatoes were creamy, tangy and almost as good as Grandma’s mashed potatoes. The Mini Crab Cakes with Jalapeno Tarter Sauce were good, but “mini” was an understatement. With more cake than crab, it needed the spicy sauce to make the dish tasty. Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Cucumber Confetti was sub-par. Basically a bacon and scallop skewer, the cucumber mixture made for an odd flavor combination.

A sampling of three mini desserts for $10 is perfect for sharing; choose the Tiramisu Parfait—all the flavors of rich tiramisu served in a perfectly-sized portion with crunchy ladyfingers.

A warm atmosphere, expansive menu and recession-friendly prices make Noche a go-to spot whether enjoying happy hour, a date night or an evening out with friends.

Noche is located in Jubilee Shopping Center in Vinings. 770.432.3277.
All major credit cards accepted. Open Wednesday-Sunday for lunch, 5pm-12am nightly.

Here's A Tip: A Guide to Gratuity

After almost ten back-aching years in the service industry, I am still amazed at the number of people who ask what is and isn’t appropriate in regards to tipping. Though I have been rewarded with the all too elusive $100 tip on a next-to-nothing tab, those moments are rare. More often than not, servers get screwed. For this reason, I’ve compiled some basic tips for tipping.

Don’t take your credit card receipt with you. All too often your careless mistake turns into a $0 tip for your server. Servers are not allowed to add in a tip without a credit card receipt. So if your “oops” occurs when you’ve rung up a huge tab, your server probably just paid to wait on you. Most servers are required to tip-out various people (hosts, bussers and bartenders) based on their sales. So even if you leave nothing, they still have to pay those people. Don’t take your receipt!
Get with the times. Most servers expect 20%. Forget the days of doubling the tax—unless your sales tax is 10%, you’re falling short. Servers make anywhere from $2-$3 an hour. They survive on your tips. 20% should be the starting point for tipping. Depending on the level of service, feel free to add more or subtract.
It isn’t always your server’s fault. Maybe your sandwich is gross or your martini is too weak. These kinds of things happen in restaurants everyday. It is your server’s job to fix these errors. But don’t fault them. They do not cook the food or taste it before they bring it to the table. They do not make the drinks or have a sip to ensure quality. Your server’s tip should not be based on you not liking the steak. You tip based on the service you received while getting that gnarly steak.
Keep your 50 cents. I work in a bar where beers are $3.50. I take it as an insult when someone gives me $4. Open a tab and tip all at once. You can even lie down a credit card and pay cash at the end. But keep your quarters. I’m not a slot machine.
Let some things go. Servers are people too. Sometimes they get dumped, or their dog dies or they have a headache, but they still have to come to work and be friendly. So forgive them if sometimes, they aren’t as upbeat as you’d like them to be. Many servers and bartenders work regular day jobs, or are students or single parents. Cut them some slack if they’re having an off-day. This doesn’t mean you should accept sub-standard service. But don’t take it personally if they don’t have a smile plastered across their face. As long as they do their job—which is to get your food and drinks to you in a timely manner—then be content.
Learn some math. Pull out your calculator, your iPhone or your abacus—just do something about bad math. Most servers despise the dreaded check-splitting. Why? Because they rarely receive the appropriate tip. When customers ask the server to “take the cash off and put the rest on the card,” servers rarely get tipped on the full amount of the check. Most get tipped on the “rest of the card” part. Some simple math: If the tab is $100 and Jane pays $60 cash towards the tab, and Dick puts $40 on his card, most of the time Dick only tips around $8—a nice tip for a $40 tab, but shoddy for $100. Pay attention.

I am clearly a supporter of servers, but that doesn’t mean I’m advocating tipping when it isn’t deserved. It makes me cringe to tip less than 20%, but there are some instances where a subtraction is necessary.
~If the server is downright rude. I know I mentioned that sometimes servers have bad days, but that doesn’t mean they should take it out on you. An apathetic server is acceptable sometimes, a mean server is never acceptable.
~If the server shows a complete lack of concern for my needs. If they forget my appetizer, my extra dressing or my water refill because they’re outside taking a smoke break or texting, I deduct from the tip.
~If the server brings my check to me without me requesting it. I have spent many nights as a server waiting on that ONE table to close out so I can go home. But never would I ever just drop the check off without discussing it with the customer first. I would have no problem closing out and getting service from someone else. But if a server drops the check at my table before I’m ready to go and doesn’t discuss it with me first, I take this as a personal insult.

With the holidays upon us, people are cutting back in many areas of their lives. Tipping should not be one of them. If you can’t afford to tip, don’t go out to eat!