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

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."

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

Gastro Pub Grub at TAP

I will start by saying that TAP’s 14th Street location, while convenient for foot-traffic diners, is a nightmare to get to by car, especially with Atlanta’s notorious traffic.

Looking for a Midtown-located restaurant to grab an early and quick bite before a trip to Whole World Theatre, the B.F. and I chose TAP over the pseudo-glitziness of its across-the-street-neighbor, Shout.

Like most Atlantans, I’ve driven by TAP numerous times and always desired to try it out, especially during the summer. What better way to entertain myself than to sit on TAP’s patio, mere feet away from Peachtree, during Friday afternoon rush-hour, watching ornery drivers tail-end each other, sipping a foreign beer I can’t pronounce?

It was a blistering-cold night when we dined at TAP, so the patio would have to wait. We were seated immediately at a tiny two-top, which was fine since the restaurant was sparsely-filled for our 6:30 pm dinner, except for a few…ahem…old people.

The interior of TAP is interesting, if floor to ceiling offensive red paint is your style. Frankly, it freaked me out a little to see a life-sized plastic deer in the corner, seemingly dipped in red paint. The bells hanging from his collar did add a seasonal, festive touch though.

I’m no beer connoisseur, so I told the server I liked everything and asked for his suggestions. He brought me and the B.F. some type of Belgian Ale, which was good and paired well with our dinner selections.

To be honest, the menu is confusing, and there is no real sense of cohesion. On the dinner menu, diners can choose from Shares (TAP’s version of apps), including items like Hot Boiled Peanuts, Fried Pickles and Pickled Cauliflower and Carrots. We opted out of trying any of these Shares, seeing as I prefer to get my hot-boiled peanuts from a man in a pick-up truck parked on the side of I-75 in South Georgia, thank you very much.

The Plates, which apparently are for sharing also, were uninspiring as well. The Chorizo Scotch Egg (a Chorizo-wrapped egg served with mustard aioli and pickled mushrooms) or Crawfish and Portabello Ravioli just weren’t going to hit the spot.

I played it safe with this at-times-eclectic menu. I ordered the Pub Burger. Greasy and delicious and simply served with just a slice of cheese and pickles on an English muffin. In an attempt to lighten up the meal, I opted for the side of mixed greens, which were served with a light and refreshing vinaigrette. Much to my surprise and delight, my burger was also served with a tiny shot glass filled with a Chocolate Milkshake, which had a Frosty-like consistency and flavor.

The B.F. tried a couple of tacos (yes, along with Chorizo-wrapped eggs, TAP also serves a small selection of tacos). The Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Yucatan BBQ Pork and Shrimp A La Diabla were all good, but less than memorable.

Though the Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar and Chocolate Stout Ice Cream Sandwich were calling my name, we decided against dessert. Maybe next time.

The prices are reasonable, with the Shares and Plates ranging from $3-$17, and the sandwiches around $12. Supper dishes will set you back about $16, and all desserts are $6. The real treat here, is obviously the extensive beer selection.

Though the menu seemed to be all over the place, I would visit TAP again, if only to order the burger. And though the summer might be months away, TAP is still a decent watering hole to sip foreign beers I can’t pronounce.

~Blair Branch

TAP is located at 1180 Peachtree Street in Midtown.
TAP is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Aria proves why it's one of Atlanta's best

Consistently selected as one of Atlanta’s best and most romantic restaurants, Aria has long been at the top of my wish-list of restaurants to try. Given my budgetary restraints, and my almost-compulsive shopping habit, I had never been able to make the splurge on my own. Luckily, some friends of the B.F. wanted to take us out for a nice dinner recently, and Aria was the spot they chose.

We dined in the wine cellar, an intimate and interesting experience that I recommend—just make your reservation in advance; we had to eat 6:00 in the evening because the later times were already booked.

The menu is simple and changes nightly, and is comprised of starters and entrees ranging from Foie Gras to Swordfish Steak. For our starter, the B.F. and I split the Warm Lobster Cocktail. Served in a martini glass with pureed broccoli and black truffle potatoes, this dish made me not want to share a bite. Reluctantly, I did, but the buttery pieces of lobster and the truffle potatoes made me want to order seven and just eat this as my meal.

Thankfully, I was advised against this because my entrée was a treat. Often when I’m dining at a place I’ve never been, I will trust the server and let them choose my dish for me. I gave our server a choice between the Pan Roasted Duck Breast, the Roasted Rack and Shoulder of Lamb or the Angus Beef Filet Mignon. Normally, I would’ve simply chosen the Filet, but I was in the mood for something new.

I was surprised and delighted when I was served the Roasted Rack and Shoulder of Lamb. Having only tried lamb a handful of other times in my life, it was a welcomed flavor change from the usual beef or chicken. The rack was tender and flavorful, while the shoulder was served crisped but still equally delicious. For once, I don’t remember what sides I had. I don’t even remember what everyone else at the table ordered, though I tried a bite of everything. I can only think that this appetite amnesia is a result of how crazy-good my meal was.

I never pass up dessert, as evidenced by my ever-expanding jean size. We ordered two desserts for the table, both upon the recommendation of our server. The B.F. and I shared the Warm Chocolate Cheesecake. It was creamy and rich and the walnut crust proved to be a nice winter-y touch. The other couple ordered the Varlhona Chocolate Cream Pie, and while I never met a chocolate dish I didn’t like, this pie wasn’t a standout like the rest of the meal. The combination of the rich chocolate pudding-esque center of the pie with the bittersweet chocolate ice cream was just too rich for my blood.

The service at Aria is top-notch, but in a friendly, non-pretentious way. I love going to a fine-dining spot where the server is knowledgeable yet laid-back enough to help me feel comfortable and not intimidated by a menu full of things I’ve never heard of. I am usually a gal that loves a dining deal, but since I didn’t even get to glance at the bill, I have no idea how much the total was. But given the caliber of the food, combined with copious amounts of wine, I’m guessing this place is a little out of my usual price-range.

I would love to try Aria again, since the menu changes often. Next time I’d like to dine in the bright and airy dining area, as opposed to the depths of the wine cellar. It’s a great special-occasion date place (I asked if they were already booked for Valentine’s Day, and apparently they’re almost full) and well worth the price. Perennially voted one of Atlanta’s best restaurants, Aria continues to set the standard for fine dining.

~Blair Branch

Aria is located at 490 East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead.
Aria is open Monday-Saturday from 6:00pm-10:00pm.

Comfort Food with Comfortable Prices at Lenox Square Grill

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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

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.

To Market, To Market

I’ll use pretty much any excuse to have my boyfriend take me out to dinner, so on a rare Thursday night free, he received an email list of restaurants that sounded tasty. Luckily he opted for the sleek and hip Market, located in the W Hotel in Buckhead.


Having driven by this chic-looking spot almost daily, I was curious to what culinary delights Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten might have in store.


I fit in with the trendy vibe of the joint in my oversized boyfriend blazer and skinny jeans, though the crowd was sparse that particular night. The perky blonde hostess sat us right smack in the middle of two other pairs of diners, though most of the restaurant was empty. (We didn’t understand the reason for this.) The table space was minimal, but the décor was a combo of funky, modern and sleek.


We started the night by ordering a bottle of red and the Shrimp and Smoked Bacon with Passion Mustard and Avocado. Although supremely tasty, the dish was served with a mere four shrimp. This seemed a little scant, considering the appetizer was $13.


For dinner, we went with the Organic Chicken with Parmesan Crust and Artichokes in Lemon Butter and the Slowly Cooked Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes and Miso-Yuzu Broth. We were both secretly hoping the other would order the Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Cherry Mustard and Crunchy Potatoes. Maybe next time.


Portions for the entrees were generous and the presentation was pleasant. The chicken was slightly dry but not disastrous, though the parmesan crust slid off, leaving a skinless chicken breast with a side of parmesan crusted chicken skin--it was a little sloppy and a lot frustrating. The artichokes in lemon butter weren’t a favorite, as evident from the sour face I apparently made the moment the combo touched my tongue. My boyfriend enjoyed his salmon, although it was basically drowned in the miso broth.


I am never one to pass on dessert when someone else is paying, and I had a tough time deciding between the Sour Cream Cheesecake with Blueberry Verjus Compote and Pink Grapefruit Sorbet or the Warm Chocolate Cake with Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream. In the end the cheesecake won, but only after we substituted the sorbet with the ice cream. The dessert truly was an amazing finish to our meal.
We decided we’d make it back to Market, if only for the reasonable wine selection, delish dessert and friendly, attentive service.


Prices seemed fairly reasonable, as the B.F. only had to fork up around $80 for wine, an appetizer, two entrees and dessert. The lunch menu looks promising and the brunch menu is enticing enough to get me out of bed on a Sunday morning.


All in all, Market merits a second visit. It probably won’t be my favorite restaurant in Buckhead but the atmosphere, experience and most of all that Sour Cream Cheesecake will have me coming back for more.

Market is located in the W Buckhead, 3377 Peachtree Road NE, and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as Sundays for brunch. ~Blair Branch