V-Day at Valenza

Don't judge me because I'm slightly hungover the day after Valentine's Day. I think it just goes to show that my future-hubby and I really know how to have fun. And hopefully this will be a learning experience for me, and next time I'll remind myself that I don't really need to pair dessert with a Baileys on the rocks.

Valenza has been on our list of places to go for a while now, and what better time to try this cozy Brookhaven Italian eatery than on the big V-Day? (Also, the only time JCT Kitchen could fit us in would have been 9:45. Who eats that late?!)

We arrived early to have a drink at the bar, and I was excited to see they have one of my favorite wines of late, Whitehaven SB. The fiance got a vodka soda, and I promptly berated him for never drinking wine with me (women. We are so annoying.)

Once seated, I promptly began scouring the menu for any and all pasta dishes. If I'm gonna cheat on my diet, I'm really gonna cheat on my diet. My fiancé had already looked up the Yelp reviews and said the Calamari and the butternut squash ravioli were the must-have dishes. We decided to start with the grilled calamari appetizer. Immediately after ordering our appetizer, a couple a few tables away from us got engaged. I've never been in a room when someone is getting engaged (other than myself) and I must admit, it was a little awkward. And I spent a good part of my meal staring at them.

Anyway, the calamari came out and I hated it. I've been kind of a brat lately when it comes to food. I've been venturing out and trying new dishes, instead of sticking with what my gut tells my I'll like. (I even sent back an order a couple of weeks ago. Not because it was wrong or cooked incorrectly, but because I just didn't like it. To my credit though, I did offer to still pay for it!) So after suffering through a few chewy bites of grilled calamari (it just isn't as good when it isn't fried!) I ordered a second appetizer- the Salumi e Formaggi, a.k.a, a tray of meats and cheeses. There is nothing to complain about when you get a huge tray of fresh meat and cheese, served with spicy arugula and crusty bread. I could have had just that for dinner and been completely happy. But no...I had to go venture out and try something new again...

I decided for my main course to try the lobster pasta special. I have never ordered lobster in a restaurant before. I actually think the only time I've ever had lobster is in lobster tacos. Why I chose lobster, I have no idea.

This dish I didn't hate, but I so regretted ordering it. For one, there was a ton of lobster. Like a whole lobster. And the cream sauce that was with it was just so...lobster-y. I reluctantly admitted to my fiancé that he had out-ordered me. He got the Capesante-- sea scallops over roasted pumpkin risotto. Luckily he's a generous guy and gave me a few bites. This is definitely the dish to order.


My so-so lobster pasta


The awesome scallops and risotto.



For dessert, we got the Tortino al Cioccolato-- the warm chocolate tart with vanilla cream. This was the highlight of our meal, but honestly, give me a Hershey's bar and I'm happy, so it doesn't take much to impress me when it comes to chocolate.


Yum!




We realized we had no idea how much my lobster pasta dish cost, so when the bill came, we bet the over/under to decide I would pay. We set it at $50. I took the under, the fiancé took the over (he thought it would be $70!) As the dish was only $38, I ended up winning, thankfully, and wasn't stuck paying the whole bill, which came out around $180 without tip.

Valenza definitely warrants a return trip. Granted, I didn't especially enjoy my meal, but I completely mis-ordered. I look forward to trying the Spaghettini with veal and pork meatballs, the gnocchi and that butternut squash ravioli on future visits. Hopefully next time I'll forgo that third glass of wine and that Bailys on the rocks.

~Blair Branch


Valenza is located at 1441 Dresden Drive Suite 160 in Brookhaven.
Valenza is open Monday-Thursday from 5pm-10pm and Friday and Saturday from 5pm-11pm
Contact Valenza at 404.969.3233

R.I.P MF Buckhead

It's such a shame when creative, fantastic restaurants close. Read the complete article here. I only had the opportunity to dine at MF Buckhead once, but it was one the most delicious and memorable meals I've ever had. Don't ask me what I had-- I was with my future in-laws and my future father-in-law just had the chef bring out whatever dishes he wanted until we said stop.

About 15 or so dishes later, we said stop. See pics below. From what I do remember, Kobe Beef, Baked Lobster and Smoked Cod were some of my faves.

Perfect Patios for Fall

This is an announcement, just in case someone other than my mother reads this blog (hi mom!). I have really been slacking lately on updating, mainly because I'm lazy, and partly because I recently got engaged (see below) so all of my focus has been directed towards stationary and whether to have bubbles or rose petals thrown at us (any thoughts on this?)




I have eaten on some great patios lately and I want to spread the word!

D.B.A. Barbecue in Virginia Higlands has been on our list of places to try for a while. The B.F. (now fiance!)purchased a coupon from one of those deal sites, and since we rarely venture outside of Buckhead for dinner, we thought it'd be worth the trip for discounted food. Parking kind of sucks here, but probably just because it was pretty packed the night we went. The weather was gorgeous, and they have a great patio to take full advantage of that. We started with some adult bevs, Firefly and Lemonade for me, beer for the F.H. (future hubby). For an app we had the Warm White Cheese and Corn Muffins with Honey Butter and they were amazing!




The menu is pretty large for a basic BBQ joint, and though the Beef Brisket was tempting me, I couldn't resist the Pulled Pork Sammy with Sweet Potato tots. They have an assortment of sauces, ranging from spicy to sweet, but if you're like me, mix a little of both.




Yummy! As a side note, the F.H. got the same sandwich, but with Mac and Cheese. The Mac and Cheese was good, but my tots were better. I win! I'd definitely recommend D.B.A. to anyone in need of a BBQ fix.


Keeping with the theme of patio-dining, we also went to Einstein's in Midtown recently. Just to clarify (because for some reason, people often get confused about this place...) I am not referring to the bagel place. I am referring to the awesome restaurant off of Juniper. Anyway-- Einstein's has some great drink specials for the thrifty-- like $5 martinis-- along with a creative menu.

I began my meal with Creamed Corn Hush Puppies, which I tried not to share, but the F.H. got his paws on one. Also, I ate most of them before I remembered to take a photo. Oops.



Next I had the Pot Roast Raviolis. These were hands down one of the best things I've eaten in a while. The meat was so tender and velvety, and the sauce was so rich-- perfect comfort food!



A regular person would've stopped eating at this point but I pushed the limits of stretchy pants and kept going. I tried the Crab Cake-- pretty basic but good.



I also took a few bites of the F.H.'s Shrimp and Grits:



and got to try my friend Ashley's Angus Steak Taco that she raves about:



Everything at Einsten's consistently tastes great and the prices are a steal for the quality of food. Also, the patio is one of the best for people-watching.

It's officially fall now, which means Atlanta's best weather is happening now. Park it on a patio now and enjoy it while you can!

~Blair Branch

D.B.A. Barbecue is located at 1190 N. Highland Avenue in Virginia Highlands.
404.249.500

Einstein's is located at 1077 Juniper Street in Midtown.
404.876.7925

Traveling Forks: Tastes From the South

I think my love of all things food-related comes from where I was born and raised-- Tifton, GA. I look forward to going out to eat each time I take a trip down south, because it never ceases to amaze me the quality, creativity (a fried ham and cheese sandwich? Yes please!) and copious amounts of food these southern cooks create, all at a reasonable price point. Atlanta restaurants could learn a thing or two from these home-grown joints. Below are a few highlights from my recent trips.

First stop, George and Louie's in Thomasville, GA. My dad and stepmother live in Thomasville, and I used to eat at this locally-owned and operated joint all the time when I visited as a child. Though known for their fresh seafood, locals around town flock to George and Louie's for their amazing burgers. On a recent trip, I tried the fried green tomatoes with my burger, and they were perfection! Fresh tomatoes with just enough crispy batter, served with a side of ranch. They don't make them like this in any restaurant in Atlanta.



On another trip, we visited my brother and sister-in-law in Moultrie, GA. With all of the wonderful food Atlanta has to offer, I never thought I'd be raving about the culinary masterpieces of a restaurant in Moultrie, but my meal at Tarragon Grill was one of my best ever. Maybe it was because of the company I was with (my whole family was together for birthdays) or maybe it was because of the reasonable prices (I must remind myself, just because a glass of pinot grigio only costs $4 doesn't mean I have to drink twelve of them...). Or maybe it was because they serve the most decadent sandwich I've ever tasted. The Monte Cristo-- a hot ham and cheese sandwich, battered in funnel cake batter (weird-sounding, but delicious) and deep fried, served with a side of ranch. I should mention, I didn't order it myself (my brother said I had to try the lasagna, plus I was too worried about looking like a fat-ass, so I peer-pressured the B.F. into ordering it). The Monte Cristo is everything that's wrong and unhealthy with American food, and that makes it so right. It's cheesy and gooey on the inside, and doughy, sweet, and lightly fried on the outside. It's even dusted with powdered sugar, just like a funnel cake. And the portion size is simply ridiculous. Behold, the Monte Cristo:



And my lasagna:



And no southern meal would be complete without some fried-green tomatoes on the side:



On our most recent trip, we had some of the best BBQ I've ever had at Smok'n Pig in Valdosta. In true southern fashion, the portions were massive. I had the pulled pork plate with green beans and mac and cheese. And this mac and cheese was the real deal-- the B.F. pointed out that you could tell it was homemade because you could taste the roux (apparently he made mac and cheese in home ec). See below:



Know of any great south-Georgia restos? Let me know and I'll check them out next time I'm visiting!


~Blair Branch

I Came, I Saw, I Conquered the Ghetto Burger (sort of)

I’ve lived in Atlanta nearly eight years, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to have a Ghetto Burger at Ann’s Snack Bar. Ann’s is a perennial favorite on every local "Best Of" list, and has developed a sort of cult following. Heck, the little burger stand even has its own page on Wikipedia. Rumors that the joint is closing have been circulating for years, so, being the procrastinator that I am, I waited eight years to try the infamous Ghetto Burger.

I can't really take the credit for finally making the trek to Kirkwood. It was my adventurous foodie-friend Allie who made the plans. I was just along for the ride.

First thing you should know about Miss Ann’s— even using a GPS, you still might get lost. If you get lost, just drive down Memorial Drive until you see a shack in a parking lot. That's when you know you're at Miss Ann's.

Second thing you should know about Miss Ann’s— this isn't fast food. Expect to wait awhile. Not only will you most likely have to wait for a seat, but also for her to take your order, and to cook your food.

The third thing you should know about Miss Ann's— the rules. Posted above the counter for all to see, the rules are for real, and Miss Ann will enforce them. Included in the rules are "Don't allow babies to sit or stand on counter" and "Do not curse." Easy enough to follow, in my opinion (except maybe the cursing one).

Upon entrance to Miss Ann's, we were asked (rather impolitely) to wait outside. We snickered and said, "This is awesome! We haven't been here five minutes and we're already getting in trouble!" Ann's Snack Bar consists of an eight-seat counter and a few tables on the patio, and they don't want patrons clogging up the doorway. So we waited outside, for 30+ minutes (in January!) for a piece of meat. Two seats at the counter finally opened up, and we waited (and waited) for our turn to order. Miss Ann's system consists of taking four orders at a time (each side of the counter) and then beginning to cook those orders. When the first four orders are almost completed, she takes the other four orders. I think we came in when she was just taking the other side of the counter's orders.

I debated on whether to order the regular cheeseburger or go with the world-famous Ghetto Burger (SERIOUSLY? Why was I even debating this!). In the end, I chose the Ghetto Burger. But choosing was just the beginning. I was utterly frightened to place my order. Miss Ann is quite intimidating for a 70-something year-old lady, and I was freaked she was going to snap at me for ordering my burger sans mayo. But I made sure I was extra polite and said "ma'am", and she was equally polite to me. She even told Allie that she had a pretty name.

After taking our order, Miss Ann rolled out a log of ground beef, hand-pattied our burgers, and placed them on the flat-top. She really is a one-woman show.

When the Ghetto Burger arrived in front of me, I could hardly believe my eyes. Two cooked-to-order patties were smothered in cheese, bacon, grilled onions and topped with homemade chili on a sesame seed bun. This was the biggest damn burger I've ever seen. And at $10, it was worth every penny. The meat is lightly seasoned, all the ingredients are fresh, and though the burger is greasy and sloppy, it doesn't feel like you're going to have a heart-attack after consuming it. To be honest, I don't remember the fries. How could I?

Though I'm often a member of the clean-plate club, I could only finish half the burger. The other half came home for the B.F., and he insists that it was the best burger he's had, even re-heated.

Many people visit Ann's for the experience. Yes, it's funny to see her yell at customers. And yes, it's fun to meet the eclectic mix of folks that travel to ghetto to dine on the Ghetto burger (when we went, there were a few businessmen in suits driving BMWs, a kid on a bike grabbing take-out, and some adventurous people like us, just taking it all in). But the burgers here are good enough to back up all the hype.

Though I am not a local Atlantan, Atlanta is home to me. And now that the rumors that Ms. Ann is selling her namesake spot are whirling around again, I'm glad I got to experience this local gem before she's gone. I recommend you experience it too, just make sure to use your manners.


~Blair Branch

Ann's Snack Bar is located at 1615 Memorial Drive in Kirkwood.
Ann's does not take credit cards.

Kitchen Experiments: A Photo Montage

The B.F. and I have been co-habitating for a year now, and in that time, I've made an effort to become more domestic. He's been a good sport, and put on a brave face with every plate I placed in front of him. And he was always oh-so tactful with his reviews of my food. The harshest comment I ever received was, "It wasn't my favorite."

Enjoy the photos of my kitchen experiments below, complete with riveting comments from the B.F. For any recipe requests, just shoot me an email at blairbranch@gmail.com

Steak and Potatoes
The B.F. says: "Even though she didn't like the steak, I thought it was well prepared and a nice old-fashioned meal. The sauteed mushrooms and steak went together great."





Lower-Cal Turkey Lasagna
The B.F. says: "The best part was that she made enough for me to have leftovers for lunch."



Lower-Cal Veggie Pizza
The B.F. says: "The pizza was delicious and crispy. We didn't miss the meat at all. And we got to make it together."




Steak, Green Bean and Arugula Salad
The B.F. says: "You wouldn't think you would get too excited about a salad for dinner, but this was good and had different ingredients than what I would usually have in a salad. The steak made it filling, too."



Mac and Cheese Light, served with Maple Dijon Pork Chops
The B.F. says: "The pork chops were good, but not my favorite. But the mac and cheese was awesome, in an unconventional way."













Balsamic Steak au Poivre with Arugula Salad and Homemade Vinaigrette Dressing (from my Cooking Light cookbook I got for Christmas. Thanks Nate and Jess!)
The B.F. says: "I'm a traditional steak guy, but the sauce on this was a welcomed touch. Arugula tastes funny to me, but Blair likes it so we have it."

Just a Forkful

I have to apologize. I’ve been so busy real estate-ing that I haven’t been blogging as much. Don’t worry though! I have reviews of two amazing places coming in the near future, plus a few tidbits about some delicious meals I’ve recently had.

I went to Davio’s Italian Steakhouse with some friends several weeks ago, and it is such a hidden gem! Though I was feeling deathly ill (seriously…I was so sick I couldn’t taste anything and I had completely lost my voice. I don’t think the B.F. minded the latter too much) I am so glad I forced myself out to go to this place. Don’t let its mall location throw you off—this is some delicious Italian food. The complimentary bread basket is served with a creamy goat cheese spread, house marinated olives and eggplant and tomato camponata. We ordered the Sampler of Spring Rolls for an app. The Shrimp Cotija roll was amazing, as was the Philly Cheese Steak spring roll. I could've devoured more of these as my meal. Since I was so stuffy I could hardly taste anything, the waiter suggested I try the Spaghettini with shrimp, bacon, asparagus and olive oil. It was super spicy, but seriously delicious. Sides are served family style, and with choices like lobster mac and cheese and Gorgonzola mashed potatoes, you really can’t go wrong with any of them. No cold is going to keep my from my dessert, so split the tiramisu. As expected, it was yummy. The food is a bit pricey here, but well worth it. It’s decorated beautifully on the inside—I guarantee you won’t even know you’re in the spot Nike Town used to occupy. Definitely worth a trip to the mall. Thanks Beth and Jeff! See my Spaghettini below.



And my tiramisu:



Also, since my first trip on Friends and Family night, I've been to The Big Ketch about five more times. I am a creature of habit, and the Grilled Grouper Sandwich is seriously habit-forming. My insider tip: ask the server to 86 the tartar and get a side of the Creamy Soy Chili sauce. Dip and smile. Actually, get several sides of the Creamy Soy Chili. Dip your hush puppies, corn and crab fritters, and even potato chips in it. This stuff is addictive. I also love the crab and lobster dip. It's creamy and buttery, and full of chunky bits of crab and lobster. The corn on the cob is worth a try too. It's smothered in butter and Parmesan cheese. Warning though-- nobody looks graceful eating corn on the cob. Don't order it if you're on a date. See my Grouper sammy on a whole wheat bun below.



And the crab and lobster dip, before I destroyed it:



And finally, I think I have found by far the best deal on sushi in Atlanta. Okay, so it isn't really a secret, but I didn't know about it until my partner in crime and fellow Tiftonite (or is it Tiftonian?) Ashley introduced me to it. Sushi Kiku is hidden in a shopping center of Lenox, next to the Roasters and across from my all time favorite Atlanta boutique, Market. This place does half off sushi rolls EVERY Tuesday through Saturday! Does it get any more affordable than that? And their sushi is so much better than any other casual sushi place I've tried. With geographically-inspired names like the Buckhead Roll and the Lenox roll, and the intriguing-sounding Viagra roll, Sushi Kiku's menu has something for everyone. My personal favorites are the Rainbow roll and the Red Dragon roll. Service can be slow, but at least they don't laugh at me when I ask for a fork. A little birdie named Shelbi just told me that they do karaoke on Saturday nights. Sushi and karaoke-- both wonderful contributions the Japanese brought to America. See my sushi that I forgot to photograph until I was halfway done with it, below:



Check back soon for pics of some of my home-cooking kitchen disasters!

~Blair Branch

Where's the Beef?

This review was originally written in October of 2009. I've had so many people ask me about Holeman and Finch lately, I figured it deserved a reprint!

My roommate is a vegetarian turned recent vegan. I am the opposite of that, whatever that is. There was a point in my life that I’m fairly certain I ate a cheeseburger a day. A Wendy's No. 3 can be polished off without flinching (for those non-fast foodies, a No. 3 is a triple cheeseburger, fries and soft drink). In my eyes, the Hamburgler is a hero. So when every Atlanta publication raved about Holeman and Finch’s burgers, I knew where my next beef binge was coming from.

Obtaining a burger from Holeman and Finch Public House is a tricky feat. For starters, they aren’t even on the regular menu. They start selling them at 10 each night, but they make them in limited quantities and have been known to sell out by 10:05. Urban legend says that a lively patron once shouted, “It’s burger time!” causing a commotion amongst the crowd, which resulted in an extra round of burgers being sold.

So as not to be disappointed by a burger sell-out, I decided to give this place a try on a Sunday. Burgers are a regular item on the Sunday lunch menu, and this town knows it. The tiny space was bustling with a mixture of families, friends and a few folks who looked like they shared my hangover and need for grease.

The wait for a table was only around 20 minutes, being on a meaty mission with little patience, we sat in the bar area on too-tiny stools facing a wall. I had my official drink of Sundays, a mimosa (delightful and made with fresh-squeezed O.J.) and B.F. had a beer off of their eclectic beer list.

We didn’t need time to look over the menus, we were there with a purpose and that purpose was beef. My boyfriend and I ordered our items, simply titled The Burger. Much to our surprise, my vegetarian roommate decided to break her year-plus lifestyle of meatless-ness and go with a Fried Oyster Sandwich.

When the burgers came, I thought I might have a culinary convulsion. The two thick slices of beef were smothered in melted cheese and piled with grilled onions. Fries, ketchup and mustard were served on the side. The task that lay ahead looked daunting, but I had confidence in my ability to lick my plate clean.

The burgers definitely lived up to the hype. Juicy, flavorful and with just the right amount of grease, Holeman and Finch knows how to do a burger. Never one to stop when I’m full, I happily cleaned my plate, as did my boyfriend. The roommate, however, was slightly disappointed with her meat-cheat meal. Even after several douses of hot sauce, she wished she’d stuck to her tofu. Lesson learned.

The fries were so-so, but I’m the type of gal that can eat cardboard if it has enough ketchup on it.

Holeman and Finch rounds out the menu with a selection of meats, cheeses and parts (e.g. Slow Cooked Bershire Pork Belly, Gratin of Marrow). Desserts include Fried Apple Pie with Madagascar Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and even a Coca-Cola Float!

Prices are just right, with our burgers costing $11 and the rest of the menu ranging from $3 (Deviled Eggs Three Ways) to $15 (Plate of House Cured Meats).

The service was a little spotty, but being a table jockey myself for around 10 years, I’ll cut this place some slack. I know all too well it takes time for a restaurant to work the kinks out, service wise.

This Public House prides itself for having a friendly, come as you are atmosphere. Just make sure you come hungry.

Holeman and Finch Public House is located at 2277 Peachtree Road, next to Restaurant Eugene.

~Blair Branch
.

A Dieter's Dream: Seasons 52

I’ve found my Mecca. My culinary heaven. A restaurant that combines the perfect blend of ambiance, flavor, and the real kicker….every item on the menu is fewer than 475 calories. Of course, when you order four things off the menu, that detail doesn’t really make a difference. But still! Under 500 calories for flatbreads, stuffed mushrooms and rack of lamb with potatoes? Amazing.

I know Seasons 52 isn’t new, but it’s new to me, and I can’t wait to return. It was fairly busy when the B.F. and I arrived a few Friday nights ago, but we were quickly seated in a large booth. I ordered wine from the impressive-sized list, and the B.F. had is old standby—Crown on the rocks. I quickly noticed (much to my delight) that when you order a second (or in my case third or fourth) glass of wine, the servers bring the whole bottle over to assure the customer that they are getting what they ordered. It’s little nuances like that that make me appreciate a restaurant.

The B.F and I have our ordering routine down pat at this point. We always have an app (usually some crab-cake type concoction) followed by carefully-discussed entrees—we usually have a debate about what we should get, (and if I’m torn between two dishes I always try to urge him to order the one I’m not getting) and a peek at the dessert menu to start brainstorming about what our best choice is.

This night was no different, and we started discussing which flatbread to get. With choices like Grilled Steak with Cremini Mushrooms, Garlic Chicken with balsamic onions and roasted red peppers and Spicy Chipotle Shrimp, we were torn. In the end, we tried the Spicy Chipotle Shrimp. Topped with grilled pineapple, roasted poblano peppers and feta cheese, it was sweet, spicy, and simply delicious. The flatbread is light and crispy, not greasy and filling, making these the perfect appetizer for sharing—or definitely enough for a meal for one.

Since we started with a flatbread, we decided to forego any other appetizers. But I WILL be back to try the Housemade Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli with roasted garlic and sweet basil in a light tomato broth. Yum! For my entrée, I decided to forego any of my usual suspects, though the Carmelized Sea Scallops, Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon, and Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon all sounded AMAZING. I chose the New Zealand Rack of Lamb, served with roasted potatoes and green beans. The B.F. decided to branch out as well and try the Venison Chop, served with garlic mashed potatoes and veggies.

The lamb was cooked to pink perfection, and the sides were simply prepared, yet flavorful. I can see how the dishes tally in below 475 calories. Nothing was dripping in the usual butter bath I’ve come to expect at restaurants, and I could actually taste the flavor of the meat instead of a pile of salt. There’s nothing too fancy or elaborate about this dish—just delicious food, executed perfectly. The B.F. had no complaints about his dish either, and I was lucky enough to steal a few bites of garlic mashed potatoes.

Dessert is the most important part of the meal, in my opinion. But how could any restaurant keep sinful desserts under 475 calories and maintain the taste? Seasons 52 manages this feat with portion control. Desserts (called Mini Indulgences) two-bite treats served in shot glasses. So as not to ruin our semi-healthy dinner, we chose just two desserts to try. Key Lime Pie (the B.F.’s favorite) and Mocha Macchiato. Both were downright decadent, and a perfect and light way to end our meal.

Our service was impeccable, and the manager was friendly when he stopped by to inquire about our meal. The place was crowded (it was a Friday night after all) but our server didn’t seemed rushed or annoyed when we asked him a ton of questions about the menu.

I can’t wait to go back to try more dishes, and I’m excited to see what offerings will be available in the spring, since the menu changes seasonally. I’m even more excited that they do takeout, so I can order a healthy flatbread instead of pizza on nights I don’t feel like cooking. With its healthy, and simple yet amazing food, Seasons 52 makes for the perfect spot for the calorie-conscious who refuse to sacrifice taste.


~Blair Branch

Seasons 52 is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Seasons 52 is located at 3050 Peachtree Road NW.
404.846.1552

Put a Fork in it at Home- Mac and Cheese Lite

Since the B.F. and I have been cohabitating, I have made an effort to become more domestic. So, not only do I try to make the bed each day and pick my hair out of the shower drain so he isn’t grossed out, I also make an effort to cook most nights of the week. This has been a savior to not only his wallet, but our waistlines as well. But my blog has been suffering.

We go out to eat at new restaurants much less than when we first started dating, which means I only post a new review about once a month. So I’ve decided to start documenting my catastrophes in the kitchen, to add more substance to my blog.
In my quest to become a better cook, I have tried numerous recipes that are definitely worth sharing. When telling the B.F. that I would now be posting recipes on my blog, he, in true smart ass fashion replied, “Wow, nobody has ever done that. You should try to cook the whole Julia Child cookbook in a year and blog about it.” (We recently watched Julie and Julia.)

So what follows is my first attempt to photograph and explain a recipe. A few things to note about my cooking technique: I never ever ever use full-fat cheese or milk or anything else. I try to cut calories from all my recipes in any way possible. So if you don’t like the low-fat or fat-free stuff…sorry! Also, I don’t really measure things out like you’re supposed to. My grandmother never uses measuring cups, and she’s the best cook I know. My downfall, though, is that I don’t really have any concept of how much any unit of measurement is. (The other day, I made a dish that called for 2 tsp of red pepper flakes. Since I eyeballed it, and apparently used way too much, the dish almost ended up in the garbage.) So I hope you enjoy my first recipe blog—Mac and Cheese Lite.

I ripped this recipe out of the September issue of Fitness magazine. Apparently, chef Rocco DiSpirito designed the recipe for his new book, Now Eat This!. So, armed with my phone (to take photos) and the tattered magazine page, I began my first attempt at homemade Mac and Cheese.


The ingredient list for the recipe is as follows:
(This makes 4 servings. I was only trying to make 2, so I halved all ingredients, which I know is a cardinal sin in cooking. But it turned out okay.)
-Nonstick cooking spray
-Salt
-4 oz of whole wheat macaroni (I couldn't find whole wheat macaroni, so I used whole wheat mini shells.)
-1/2 tsp of dry mustard (I could only find one brand in the grocery store, but it turned out fine.)

-Pinch of cayenne pepper (I omitted this)
-1 cup shredded cheddar (I prefer reduced-fat to fat-free...I think it melts better)
-1/3 cup nonfat Greek yogurt

-1/4 cup whole-wheat panko bread crumbs (I didn't measure these out, just eyeballed it)
-1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Aside from these ingredients, you also need to make an onion-garlic puree to take the place of the milk and butter that is in traditional mac and cheese. To make 1/2 a cup of the puree, you need:
-1/2 a Vidalia or other sweet onion
-4-5 garlic cloves, chopped

1.To prepare the puree, combine the onion and garlic with 1/4 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl.
2.Season with salt and pepper.
3.Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 7-9 minutes.
4.Pour mixture into a blender and blend until smooth (I used my Ninja food processor...obsessed!)


Now comes the easy part:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 and mist an 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook noodles according to package instructions.


3. While noodles are cooking, bring the onion/garlic puree, mustard and cayenne pepper to a simmer in a saucepan, stirring often. Whisk in cheddar until melted.

4. Remove saucepan from heat and whisk in yogurt.
5. In a medium bowl, toss the macaroni and sauce together. Pour the mixture into the baking dish, and top with panko bread crumbs and Parmesan.




6. Bake about 10 minutes, or until Parmesan is melted and macaroni is heated throughout. Let sit for 2 minutes and enjoy! We paired our mac and cheese with some pork chops that I simply sauteed with garlic salt and pepper.


~Blair Branch

Just a forkful

I attended Friends and Family night last Tuesday at recently-opened seafood spot The Big Ketch. Don’t miss the corn and crab fritters or the grilled grouper sandwich—both delicious. The ahi tuna and the scallops are other can’t-miss dishes. Stop by and enjoy the great patio before it’s too cold outside.
3279 Roswell Road, Buckhead

I had lunch with a girlfriend last week at Brookhaven-based taqueria Verde. They have a great patio and even better frozen margaritas. You can’t go wrong with the pulled pork taco or the fried chicken taco (it’s topped with applewood smoked bacon…yum!). Or, since they’re both just $3.50, try one of each.
1426 Dresden Drive, Brookhaven

Flip Burger Boutique opened last Thursday in Buckhead. (Can anyone else believe that building used to be a Blockbuster!?) Now north-Atlantans can get their fill of gourmet burgers and Krispy Kreme milkshakes at a more convenient location. Keep an eye out for my full review of Flip, coming soon!
3655 Roswell Road, Buckhead

Halloween hooch at Whiskey Blue

I’ll admit, I’m not usually a cocktail kind of girl. I usually stick to a vodka soda or light beer, and save the calories for a sinful dessert. But a friend had been raving about the Halloween-themed cocktails at Whisky Blue in the W Buckhead, and suggested I try at least one before the end of the month.

I went last Wednesday, which basically meant my sober October lasted for all of two weeks. But it was definitely worth it. The weather has been gorgeous lately, and Whisky Blue’s rooftop patio is probably the best place in Buckhead to enjoy it. We sank into the plush outdoor sofa and started sipping away.

The first cocktail we tried was the Trick or Treat—a fruity yet strong rum concoction garnished with Gummy Worms. This drink is served in an enormous bowl, and is meant to be enjoyed by four guests. I assume that I drink enough for two people, so I didn’t think I’d have a problem with it. But honestly, I’d barely made a dent in the drink before I started to feel a buzz. The Trick or Treat was potent but sweet, and it reminded me of a Capri Sun. (And no, we didn’t finish the drink built for four.)

The second cocktail was the Cinnamon S’more—a great drink to sip in lieu of having dessert. I’m not usually into rich, sweet cocktails, but I promise you—they didn’t serve this drink at your childhood campout. Made with cinnamon whiskey, crème de cacao and milk, it’s chocolate-y, creamy and cozy—all in all, the perfect fall drink! My favorite part was the crushed graham crackers around the rim (they provided much needed sustenance after two sneakily-strong drinks!).

Both drinks, plus many more festive fall cocktails are available at both Whiskey Blue in Buckhead and Whiskey Park in Midtown. Both venues are also hosting awesome Halloween parties on Saturday October 30—the perfect place to enjoy these fabulous cocktails!

~Blair Branch

Whiskey Blue is located at 3377 Peachtree Road in Buckhead. For Terror on the Rooftop Halloween party info call 678.500.3190

Whiskey Park is located at 188 14th Street in Midtown. For Horror Hotel Halloween party info visit horrorhotelparty.com

Bistro Niko brings French fare to Buckhead

I have a confession to make. I visited Paris last summer while backpacking though Europe and did not have one morsel of delicious French food. I’m superbly ashamed to admit that, even though I spent four days in the City of Light, my diet consisted of cheap croissants from a bakery across from our hostel, Thai food, Mexican food and fast food. The reason? Paris was my next-to-the-last stop on my journey. And I was basically broke. Seventy cent croissants are a lot more economical than fresh crepes.

Luckily for me, Buckhead Life Restaurant Group’s Bistro Niko brings a taste of France to the heart of Buckhead. The B.F. and I went a couple of Tuesdays ago, with hopes of enjoying the last bit of gorgeous weather on Bistro Niko’s amazing patio with Peachtree views. Needless to say, we weren’t the only folks itching for patio dining.

After a confusing conversation with the hostess (quite possibly the dumbest hostess I’ve ever encountered) we settled on a table near the bar, in close proximity to the patio.

The first thing I noticed about the space was how beautiful and classic the décor was. I feel like Buckhead Life restaurants are sometimes over the top when it comes to style (like Pricci, where the late 70s-early-80s décor makes me feel like I’m in a scene from Scarface)but Bistro Niko manages to be quaint and sophisticated.

I’ll admit—I was intimidated by the menu. Though the descriptions were quite clear, I began to sweat at the thought of having to pronounce something called Truite Mi Fumee Amandine. Even though I have taken six collective years of French classes, my pronunciation sounds about how you would expect a girl from Tifton, speaking French, to sound. Thankfully, our server Rebecca was amazing and didn’t laugh at me when I insisted on pointing to, instead of pronouncing the items I wanted to try.

As an appetizer, we had the Croque Monsieur Au Samon—basically a salmon sandwich on grilled brioche. It was delicious, but I think I could have anything between buttery grilled brioche and I’d still devour it.

Our entrees were nothing short of amazing either. The B.F. had dined at Bistro Niko previously and raved about the Coquille St. Jacques Aux Sorrel—Maine scallops served with asparagus. According to him, they were delicious yet again. I was torn between several entrees, but in the end I decided on the Supreme De Volaille Farci Aux Champignons-- basically a mushroom-stuffed chicken, served with sautéed spinach and some type of buttery-delicious-fatty cream sauce. I couldn’t get enough of this meal and I managed to join the clean-plate-club by sopping up the cream sauce with the fresh bread from our third bread basket (I love my carbs).

According to me, the French are known for two things—snootiness and pastries. So you better believe I was going to try dessert at Bistro Niko. Not in the mood for the richness of chocolate or the creaminess of Crème Brulee, we settled on the puff pastry served with ice cream, drizzled in chocolate sauce and topped with slivered almonds. The light, fluffy pastry was the perfect finish to our overindulgent, heavy meal.

I will definitely be a repeat customer at Bistro Niko. The menu is filled with dishes I can’t wait to try—Skate, Boeuf Bourguignon, Tartes (French pizzas) and Steak Frites are just a few that make my mouth water. The wine list is extensive but reasonably priced, and the food prices won’t break the bank either. Our three-course meal with wine came in at around $100, with tip.

If you can, get a seat around the perimeter of the bar—it’s much more private than the bustling, and somewhat crowded dining area. If you can make it on a Sunday, stop in for the brunch—the menu looks insanely delicious. And try to make it in the next couple of weeks, before it’s too cold to enjoy the patio. I am anxiously awaiting springtime, and I can already picture myself on the patio—sipping wine and splurging on puff pastries.


~Blair Branch
Bistro Niko is located at 3344 Peachtree Road in Buckhead.
Bistro Niko is open Sunday for brunch and Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner.
404.261.6456

Livingston charms with southern-inspired cuisine

After what seemed like ages of being cooped up in our apartment, dining on healthy, home cooked meals, the B.F. and I were itching to try a new restaurant to celebrate our first year of dating bliss. Yep—that's right. It’s been a whole year of coupledom and since most of our dates revolve around amazing food, I was really putting the pressure on him to choose wisely. Since moving in together in late February, we’ve been trying to scale-back on our gluttonous desires, not only to save our (read, his) wallets, but our waistlines as well, so I was especially excited to see which restaurant he would choose.

After a last-minute change of heart, he decided on Livingston in the Georgian Terrace Hotel. I’ve been obsessed with the Georgian Terrace Hotel since I moved to Atlanta when I was 18 and lived in a 400-square-foot studio above Baraonda, directly across the street. I used to stroll up and down Peachtree in front of the Fox, gazing at the southern aristocrats valeting their Jags at the hotel, hoping to be one of them someday. To me, the Georgian Terrace was the epitome of class.

Though less intimidating and not quite as bustling as I remember it, the Georgian Terrace still oozes class and southern charm. Rarely at a loss for words, I was completely awe-struck upon entrance into the restaurant. It is, by far, one of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve ever seen. The abundance of white marble, the high ceilings, the deep wooden bar, the spiral staircase, the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows with Peachtree views, not to mention the stunning chandelier in the entranceway, all made for a jaw-dropping first impression. I wondered, though, while looking around at the starkly occupied restaurant, how could this place not be absolutely packed on a Saturday at 8 p.m.?

Despite the lack of patrons, Livingston was nothing short of amazing. Maybe it was the fact that I’d saved up calories all week for this meal; maybe it was the fact that I was giddy because of our anniversary; maybe it was the fact that I was giddy from the two pinot grigios on an empty stomach…but whatever it was, the food that night was some of the best I’ve had in recent memory.

The menu is divided up into bites and entrees, with a special menu for theatre patrons. The bites consist of two, four and six bite dishes/appetizers. Though the B.F. and I weren’t really planning on a tapas-style anniversary, too many of the smaller bite dishes caught our eye, and we decided to forgo ordering traditional entrees in favor of trying a bunch of different things.

After starting with a half-bottle of wine—I love when restaurants do half bottles—we proceeded to make our selections. Basically, we read the menu aloud to each other and after every dish said, “Ooooo…that sounds good!” With so many yummy-sounding items I didn’t know where to start. Short rib sliders? Livingston cracker jax? Kobe beef tartare? I’ll take one of everything? Needless to say, it was a tough decision. We finally compromised and chose three dishes to start: crab cakes, lobster fritters and papas fritas. Welcome to deep-fried heaven.

If you’re a frequent reader of my blog, (basically just my mother and the B.F.), you’re aware of my love for all things crab-cake. It was a given that we’d be ordering the Peekytoe crab fritters from the four bites section. The fritters had plenty of crab and were served with a toasted sesame drizzle that complemented well and added a unique twist. The portion size was good for the $9 price tag, and since it was just the two of us, there were definitely more than four bites to this dish.
Our next dish was more fried seafood, in the form of Lobster fritters. The fried batter of the fritter was buttery and smooth, and there was a generous portion of lobster per bite. The accompanying sauce was a zingy remoulade that also served as a delicious dipping sauce for our other dishes.

Potatoes are a food group for me, and I love them cooked any way under the sun. Mashed, steamed, deep fried—it doesn’t matter. At Livingston, Gabby’s “papas fritas” were a truly creative take on a standard potato. The menu describes them as potato gnocchi. I describe them as creamy mashed potatoes, somehow deep fried. Whatever the description, they are amazing little nuggets.

Continuing with the fried food extravaganza, we decided on one of the server-suggested specials, the fried okra. Fried okra has been a staple in my family’s household as long as I can remember, and one of the few veggies (if you can call it a veggie) that I’d eat as a child. I’m consistently disappointed with the soggy, greasy mess I’m often faced with when ordering it in restaurants, but Livingston gets it right. Whole okra are lightly battered and fried just enough to crunch without the sogginess and dripping fat.

Though we were nearly stuffed, the Beef short rib ravioli sounded too good to miss. And it truly was the highlight of our meal. The beef inside was tender and rich, and the creamy sauce was delightfully buttery, but not overpowering. These suckers were, hands down, the best thing I’ve put in my mouth. EVER. I wanted to order a second serving of them, but I knew I had to save room for dessert.

In lieu of trying something inventive and different, (strawberry popcorn, pistachio cake and rhubarb, anyone?), I stuck to old faithful—chocolate. The dish was simply called Chocolate, but was a decadent combination of chocolate cake, panna cotta and espresso ice cream. Since we ate this, I’ve been buying coffee ice cream, trying to get a mere smidgen of the amazing taste of this dessert in my mouth.

Our server was polite and attentive, though never intrusive. The manager came by to check on us, and she even took care of our dessert since we were celebrating our anniversary. Even if the dessert wasn’t on the house, the bill would’ve been well under $100, even with tip.

The meal at Livingston was a true highlight, and I hope that the lack of patrons wasn’t indicative of things to come. The location is superb and the food is some of Atlanta’s best. All in all, a perfect, delicious anniversary!


~Blair Branch


Livingston is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Livingston is located in the Georgian Terrace Hotel, at 659 Peachtree Street in Midtown.
404.897.5000

Three Sheets brings chic to Sandy Springs

Not one to venture OTP very often, the B.F. and I trekked a whole ten minutes a few Fridays ago to try the lounge-y small-plates spot, Three Sheets.

Nestled back in the City Walk shopping center and boasting an amazing second story patio complete with its own bar, Three Sheets serves up small plates with style.

Having basically starved myself all day to save up for a calorie-bomb that evening, I arrived ravenous and ready to order. We started with the French Fries. Though they seem basic enough, these fries are anything but fast-food variety. The fries seem double-dipped in batter, with a slight crisp to the outside. The trio of dipping sauces served with them-- sriracha aioli, chimichurri and ketchup, made them perfection.

Being a fan of all things cheesy, we tried Spicy Mac and Cheese. This southern soul-food dish was delicious! I love when the cheese bakes over on top and forms a yummy crust that bursts with gooey-ness when you dig in for a bite. Ahh…my diet has met its nemesis.

The last thing we needed was more food, but since we wanted to try some more dishes, we selected a few plates from the dinner section of the menu. The Trio of Sliders come three ways—Caprese-style with tomato, mozzarella and basil, roasted chicken salad with bacon and jalapeno and the classic—Angus beef with lettuce, tomato and sriracha aioli. Diners are able to mix and match any way they want, so we chose two Angus and a chicken salad. While the chicken salad was delish, the Angus slider was amazing, and I wish we would’ve gotten all three Angus-style.

For our second main dish, we chose the Applewood Smoked Cheddar Grilled Cheese with tomato bisque. This dish is comfort food at its best. Just greasy enough and served on thick sourdough, this sandwich was the star of the meal, and the creamy tomato bisque on the side makes a perfect dipping sauce. I’ve been craving this sandwich for days, and I think it’s my new favorite meal—anywhere.

My stomach knows no limits, and though I was stuffed, I insisted we try a dessert. My devotion for chocolate steered me in the wrong direction when making the dessert choice. Though the Chocolate Mousse Cake was great, I was thrilled when a friend at our table ordered the White Chocolate Mousse Cake with Raspberry Filling. It was light, fluffy and a perfect finish to our heavy-ish meal. It should be noted though, that I ended up sufficiently staining my white dress with both cakes, so I’m not really sure which one I like best.

The service during our meal was great, especially considering that we went on the first night that the rooftop patio was open, and there was only one server for the whole area. Three Sheets is a great spot for after-work drinks and bites, a birthday celebration or a girls’ night out. Three Sheets also has live music and DJs Tuesday-Saturday nights.

With the chic yet chill ambiance, delicious food and friendly staff, I think I’ll be making the trek to Sandy Springs more often.


~Blair Branch



Three Sheets is open Tuesday through Saturday, 5pm-2am.
Three Sheets is located at 6017 Sandy Springs Circle in Atlanta.
404.303.8423

Paul's fails to please

When the B.F. asked which restaurant I’d like to dine at on my birthday, I rattled off a novella-long list of area hot-spots I’d yet to try, and left the final decision up to him. My requirements for my birthday dinner were simple. Good food and great wine. I was pleased that the B.F. chose the restaurant of local restaurant guru Paul Albrecht, Paul’s. Though Paul’s has been nestled back in Peachtree Hills for a few years, I had yet to try it. Former co-founder of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, Albrecht has been involved with many of my favorite local restaurants, so I was anxious and excited to see what his namesake spot had in store.

Upon entrance, I felt immediately awkward for being totally overdressed for the restaurant. I didn’t expect white coats and top hats, but I certainly wasn’t expecting a Jay Leno wannabe in a denim-on-denim getup with white sneakers either. Given Albrecht’s hand in opening some of the cities sexiest restaurants, I was expecting more.

We started our meal with a bottle of red, per usual, and the All White Lump Crab Cake from the Small Plates portion of the menu. The cake was perfection, with moist and flaky bunches of crab and crispy cake served with sautéed spinach and calypso butter. I noted that I could’ve just eaten that for dinner and been content, flavor-wise. My only beef was that it was $15 for one measly crab cake! I understand it was from the Small Plates section, I just wish it had a smaller price as well.

While perusing the menu for my entrée choice, I was skeptical of finding something I’d enjoy. Though I like to eat and write about eating, I’m not super-adventurous when it comes to eating and I wanted my quarter-century birthday meal to be nothing but amazing. With menu items like Pan Seared Calf’s Liver (yuck) and Grilled Vegetable Tofu (no thanks) I feared I had made a mistake by including Paul’s on my restaurant list. Seeking less-exotic fare, I stuck with the tried and true meat and potatoes route and chose the Filet Mignon, served with rosemary rosette potatoes, crispy onion rings and jumbo asparagus, all in a red wine reduction. My filet was nothing short of delectable. It was cooked to perfection and a generous size, and the classic steakhouse sides were a welcomed accompaniment. I honestly couldn’t have been happier.

The B.F. was not as pleased, and not without merit. I tried several bites of his Hickory Short Smoked Pork Tenderloin and honestly, it tasted like my mother’s ham she used to serve on Sundays. And that’s not a compliment (sorry Mama!). I cook pork tenderloin about once a week at home, and even mine is better than this! I think the B.F. chooses his entrees based on the sides it’s served with, and with high hopes for the macaroni and cheese and collard greens, we were left disappointed. While both might’ve been delicious if served warm, we wound up eating gooey, congealed and cold mac and cheese and disgusting, limp collard greens.

I felt bad (but not too bad) that the B.F’s dinner was gross while mine was great, so I was hoping the dessert would help save the evening. I’m not hard to please in terms of dessert. You could drizzle chocolate over mayonnaise (my absolute most-hated food item) and I would eat it. So I’m not the most objective source. The dessert was good, but forgettable. It was some sort of tiramisu (my favorite food ever) and cheesecake (my second-favorite food ever). With a combo like that, I was expecting greatness. It wasn’t.

I don’t think I’ll go back to Paul’s. While the crab cake we started with was delicious, a $15 appetizer doesn’t redeem the other aspects of the meal. The restaurant has a major identity crisis, with too much going on menu-wise. I’m a believer in sticking with a common element and making it perfect, and with selections ranging from Crispy Sweetbreads and Sage Prosciutto to Vegetable Tortellonis to sushi, Paul’s is far from perfection. Service-wise, everything was great, although the B.F. was a little peeved they forgot it was my birthday (apparently he asked that they make note of it when he made the reservation.)

As we were leaving, I took it all in. The rooftop patio, the neighborhood feel, the old men sipping scotch at the bar, the piano in the corner. I guess I can learn to appreciate Paul’s for what it is—a second-rate version of Hal’s.


~Blair Branch

Paul's is located at 10 Kings Circle in Peachtree Hills.
Paul's is open daily for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for brunch.
404.231.4710