Earlier this year, I was approached by a publishing company, Globe Pequot Press, and asked if I was interested in writing a Food Guide book for Atlanta. I practically jumped out of my skin, I was so excited that they picked me. My publisher just sent me the cover of the book (pictured above) and I wanted to share it with you.

I’ve had so much fun over the last several months visiting restaurants around Atlanta and talking to staff and chefs. It has been a wonderful experience writing the book and I definitely have a new appreciation and respect for both authors and editors.

As you are reading this, I’m down in Florida for a short break and celebrating finishing the book!

Cheers!

I’ve been on the hunt for a good Brazilian Steakhouse that won’t break the bank. It is nice that prices have come down enough that you don’t have to spend upwards of 40 bucks at Fogo de Chao or Sal Grosso, for some tasty Brazilian meats. True, you won’t have the fancy atmosphere or costumed waiters. But I’m willing to forgo those niceties and spend about 80 percent less.

I’d heard mixed reviews about Sabor Do Brazil in Marietta and checked them out on a recent Friday for lunch. I was expecting something similar to Picanha Steakhouse just up the street. But this is quite different – Sabor Do Brazil is much smaller than Picanha (about half the size) and there are no skewers roasting in an oven. The entire offering is buffet only. The salad fixings were fresh and the vegetables – plantains, yucca and zucchini were all extremely tasty.

But the “meat” offerings really disappointed me. There was sliced beef mixed with onions, chicken legs and fried Tilapia. All of them were extremely salty. I could only take one bite of the beef, which was the biggest offender. The chicken and fish had less salt, but were by no means very enjoyable. So, it is definitely a great place for vegetarians.

The restaurant seems to be frequented by many Brazilians, an indication to me that it is authentic. But, there was just way to much salt in the meats for me or my peeps to enjoy them. The price for the buffet is $7.99 per person, a couple dollars less than Picanha.

Driving home, we spotted yet another Brazilian Steakhouse, and took a peek inside. The smell wafting into the parking lot was beckoning us inside. This one had real skewers of meat roasting in the oven, a huge buffet including items like coconut cod fish. All for only a buck more than Sabor Do Brazil. “Damn, why didn’t we go here instead?”, was the consensus after our quick surveillance.

2800 Delk Rd SE
Marietta, GA 30067
770 541 2625

Source: http://www.advancedmediawatch.blogspot.com

Atlanta Mother’s Day Weekend Deals

Aqua Blue Roswell
Brunch buffet served from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for $29.95 per person. Children under the age of 14 are $9.95, and children under four eat free. Menu items include carved strip steak and turkey, roasted pork tenderloin, omelets made-to-order, and assorted pastries and desserts. Bottomless mimosas will be served for $15 per person.
Website

Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead
Bouquets and Brunch, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This has got to be the best brunch offering in Atlanta. Not only is there a selection of chilled seafood, meats, cheeses, traditional breakfast favorites among tasty salads and divine desserts but the displays are a work of art. Mother’s Day Brunch includes a small flower bouquet for Mom and valet parking. The cost of Mother’s Brunch is $65 per adult, $40 per child (ages five to 12 years), exclusive of tax and gratuity.
Website

Ritz-Carlton, Downtown
Mom’s royal treatment begins with a complimentary glass of Champagne or a Diamond Tiara cocktail at Mother’s Day Brunch offered in the Grand Ballroom from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Offerings include a selection of salads and appetizers, icy raw bar, caviar and sushi; traditional breakfast favorites; roasted meats and seafood; domestic and imported cheeses; an assortment of freshly baked breads, muffins and croissants; and a regal array of desserts. The cost of A Royal Mother’s Brunch is $59 per adult, $29 per child, exclusive of tax and gratuity. The price includes complimentary valet parking at the hotel.
Website

Chequers Seafood Grill Dunwoody
Mother’s Day brunch buffet all day from 9am-8pm. Adults $25.95, children 4-12 $12.95, under 4 free. Main buffet, chocolate fountain, omelets/ waffle/ and carving station.
Website

Ray’s Killer Creek and Ray’s in the City
Award winning brunch 10am-3pm, $29.95/adults.
Website

Old Vinings Inn Vinings
Mother’s Day Brunch – Three Course Menu – Adults $29.95 Children $14.95. Hours 10:30 til 5 – Dinner Menu 5 til 9.
Recommended for Mom: Shrimp and Grits
Website

Marlow’s Tavern
Looking to save a little green? Then give Marlow’s buffet a try. Priced at only $14.99 (plus tax and tip), Marlow’s buffet doesn’t skimp on offerings. On the buffet are crab cakes Benedict, and made-to-order omelettes plus lots of other goodies. And of course, there’s the bottomless Mimosa for $15. This is good at the Marlow’s in Kennesaw, Vinings, or Midtown.
Website

The Shed at Glenwood Downtown
Sunday Brunch with Mom – a full buffet of Brunch Favorites! $20/person or Sunday Supper & Enjoy a 3 Course Prix Fixe for $20!
Website

Mali Restaurant VA Highland
Looking for something a little different. What about thai food? Mali Restaurant in Virginia Highland is offering a $25/person 3-course prix fixe menu. Recommended for Mom: Seafood in the Clay Pot
Website

Fuengo Mundo Sandy Springs
Brunch de Mami from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM. $14.99/pp, kids under 11 only $8.99.
Mimosas and Sangria will be flowing. Latin specialities include Arepas de Huevo (a Colombian Egg & Corn Tortilla specialty) and Arepas de Quesa (grilled Corn & Cheese Tortillas).

Cafe di Sol VA Highland
Mother’s Day brunch where Mom and Grandma get a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa.
Website

Pacci Ristorante Midtown
Executive Chef Keira Moritz whips up great offerings including deviled eggs, crab fondue, cheese grits, pesto squash casserole and an assortment of pastries. Pacci’s Mother’s Day brunch buffet is available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is priced at $22 for adults, $12 for kids ages 6 to 12 and free for children under the age of 6.
Website

So, we checked out Tassa Roti Shop on April Fools Day, which as far as weather goes, has got to be one of the most beautiful days in Atlanta this year. Arriving at Tassa Roti Shop right at noon, we beat the lunch rush, just barely. With three in our group, we sent one outside to the deck to secure the last patio table available.

The owner, welcomed us in and asked if it was our first time. When we nodded, he explained to us all the different food items on the buffet – Chicken (Jerk, Stew and Curry), Curried Potatoes, Calaloo (spinach-like with okra and onions I believe), slaw, rice, beans, and of course Roti (Caribbean Naan) is in a cooler next to the buffet. There is a menu to order from but I don’t think anyone bothers with that, at least not a lunch time. Price for the buffet is $7 or $8 per person.

Another reason to arrive early at Tassa Roti Shop is that the buffet area is quite small and really only allows access for 1 person at a time. So, you can imagine how backed up it can get if there is a big crowd. Situated next to the register with pans that are three deep, it also is somewhat difficult to reach the back items. Perhaps they will move the buffet in an area that is more accessible for patrons.

I tried all 3 types of chicken and found the stewed to be the best and most flavorful. The curried chicken was a close second, but I think it could have been a tad more hot (spicy). I also loved the Calaloo. I love it when something that is really good for you tastes really good too.

If you feel even more adventurous try some of the condiments located just above the buffet. You’ll see one that resembles salsa but beware – it is hot. I really enjoy the achar – less spicy made with either mango or lime. Just try a dab of the condiments to start out in case you don’t care for them.

If you’d like to try some traditional drinks, try Mauby if they have it. It is not very sweet but has a great flavor. If you are in the mood for something more sweet, try the Kola Champagne (it is non-alcoholic) soft drink.

The owners were extremely warm and friendly asking us how our meal was and if we needed anything. I think us OTPers have finally found a place the ITPers will trek out to the burbs for.

Extras: Restaurant is CLOSED ON MONDAYS.
Parking is limited, so if going with a group you should carpool.

224 Powers Ferry Rd
Marietta, GA 30067
770 977 3163
Website

WHERE: Trees Atlanta Kendeda Center
225 Chester Avenue, Atlanta 30316

WHAT:
Live Music, Open bar

Buffet featuring raw oysters and catered by:
Six Feet Under, Morton’s Steak House, Ruth’s Chris, Doc Chey’s, and Tin Lizzy’s.

A silent auction featuring: artwork, restaurant and clothing store gift
certificates even a weekend getaway.

Cost: $50
Purchase tickets online at Oakland Cemetery’s Website