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.

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

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

Dinner with a Twist

Out of all the big-name restaurant groups in Atlanta, I’ve always favored Here to Serve Restaurant Group. Not only does the group offer great deals (like $10 all you can eat tapas and discounted bottles of wine) the food is eclectic and inventive, and the menus have enough choices to please everyone.

Last weekend the B.F. and I broke our New Years diet to take some out-of-towners to Here to Serve’s Buckhead mainstay, Twist.

With a Buckhead address close to several hotels and its Phipps Plaza location, Twist is a go-to spot for Atlanta tourists, which can be a bit obnoxious. But there’s no denying the menu makes the fanny-packed crowd worth it.

Dining at Twist on the weekends can be less than enjoyable, as I quickly remembered upon arrival when I was greeted at the door with the booming bass of the DJ in the bar area. Twist turns into a bit of a nightclub-y hot-spot on the weekends, an attribute that I had forgotten when I made the reservation. Luckily, we were seated in the back room, as far away as possible from the martini-sipping sugar daddies and scantily-clad women.

While usually a wine or beer gal, I chose to try one of Twist’s signature drinks for the cocktail menu, a grape martini. Made with grape vodka, grape puckers, sprite and sour and served with a sugared rim, it was strong and sweet, though did have a hint of a cough medicine flavor. I’ll stick to the wine next time.

Twist’s menu boasts a selection of entrees, salads sushi and my favorite, tapas. Having been on a diet for the majority of January, I decided to splurge, so after noshing on the bread basket (with some kind of sweet buttery spread that was delicious!) and the Spanish Style Fried Potatoes (with a delectable, spicy sauce for dipping), I chose the Grilled Bistro Steak with Portobello, Tomatoes and Blue Cheese and the Crab Cake with Tartar, Lemon and Arugula.

The steak was delicious, smothered in a Rosemary Jus and served with melted Blue Cheese on top. The flavor was well worth the $10 price tag, and the portion was large enough to have as a meal by itself. But I was on a mission to splurge, so I wasn’t stopping there.

The Crab Cake was an equally good value at just $9, and was large enough to where even I, consistently a clean-plate club member, couldn’t finish it. It might sound silly, but I love crab cakes when they aren’t too overwhelmingly crabby and are coated in a fried batter, and these fit the bill. I also tried bites of the Mini-Burger with Pickle (beware, it has an unexpected, spicy kick to it) and the Fish Tacos with Spicy Slaw (not as spicy as expected, but a nice flavor.) Though I didn’t try the other dishes, the Fried Artichokes, Hummus and Bruschetta were all hits with our dinner companions.

Having survived on sugar-free fudge pops the majority of the month, I was determined not to skimp of dessert. We tried the dessert sampler, which consisted of three desserts of our choosing for $12. After a heated debate on what to order, we settled on the Molten Chocolate Cake, Tiramisu Parfait and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars. Everything was delicious and left me with a sugar high. The Tiramisu, served layered in a martini glass with crumbled macaroons on top, is a personal favorite. The Chocolate Peanut Bars are a tad on the rich side, so it takes some serious dessert dedication to have more than a few bites of these. The Red Velvet Cupcake caught my eye on the menu, but I guess I’ll have to wait until next time.

We exited Twist at around 10 p.m., and I can’t imagine how disappointing our dinner would’ve been if we hadn’t been seated in the quiet solace of the back room. The bass was pounding louder than ever, preventing any type of dinner conversation in the main dining room. This combined with an obnoxiously noisy bachelor/bachelorette party combo seated close by makes me vow to stick to weeknights when visiting Twist.

Like its fellow Here to Serve restaurants, Twist boasts some great specials, including all-you-can-eat tapas for $10 on Sundays and half-price bottles of wine on Mondays. Despite its sometimes-clubby atmosphere, Twist is well worth the hype, for tourists and locals alike.

~Blair Branch

Twist is located at 3500 Peachtree Road in Phipps Plaza.
Twist is open daily for lunch and dinner.

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

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

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.