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

Tassa Roti Shop is a small restaurant located along Powers Ferry Road in Marietta. I suggested Tassa Roti Shop to Glen for a lunch spot as he works just around the corner and lunch options are few and far between.

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

WHEN: Saturday, March 27, 2010
6pm – 9pm

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

Sunday Splurge at TWO Urban Licks

Join Chef Cameron Thompson every Sunday for TWO Urban Lick’s Sunday Splurge! Starting on February 21st, TWO Urban Licks will offer a Sunday roast highlighting a different type of meat each Sunday. Each Sunday at 6:30pm, there will be a full buffet, changing weekly, and all the beer and wine you can drink.

$21.00 per person includes all you can eat and drink (why would you not choose this option?)
$16.00 per person includes all you can eat.

MENU:
Feb 21st: Pig Roast
Feb 28th: Lamb Roast
March 7th: Poultry Roast (Chicken, Quail, Turkey, Duck)
March 14th: Seafood Roast (Salmon, Shrimp, Mahi, Oysters)

On Monday, November 16th from 5 to 9 pm, Golden Corral (all locations) will thank active-duty and retired United States Military personnel for their service with a free buffet and beverage, while raising donations for the Disabled Veterans (DAV) as part of Military Appreciation Monday.

In addition, the band Collective Soul will be on hand (Duluth Location only)greeting guests from 5-6 p.m. Area residents are encouraged to attend the Military Appreciation Monday festivities and donate to the local and state DAV chapters.

3270 Satellite Boulevard
Duluth, Ga. 30096
(919) 782-4880

Just landed in the inbox: Ritz Carlton in Buckhead has a new Brunch Menu. The Sunday Brunch features more than 50 selections, from traditional items to antipasto and charcuterie, domestic and imported cheeses, icy seafood, carved meats, salads and vegetables, and a never-ending selection of pastries and desserts. Chefs also prepare omelets and waffles to order.

I checked out the menu which you can do here and 2 of the hot selections in particular caught my eye:
Grilled Mahi Mahi with Mango Salsa Chipotle-Sweet Potato Mash
Lamb Osso Bucco with Confit Rosemary Potato

The Ritz Carlton’s Sunday Brunch is available from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. I haven’t tried it yet, as it is a bit of splurge. I bet this would be great if you have guests that you want to show a really good time. The cost is $48 per adult, $26 per child (six to 12 years old) not including tax and gratuities.

3434 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30326
404 237 2700

Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 21st. If you haven’t already made plans for Dad, here are some restaurants he may enjoy:

Aspen Signature Steak (Cobb)
Father’s Day Brunch Buffet. Featuring Hand Carved Prime Rib, Honey Glazed Ham, & Eggs Benedict. ($18.95/adult, $9.95/children)

C&S Oyster Bar (Vinings)
They are featuring an 8oz filet, topped with crab served with asparagus. Seems like a deal at $30.

Muss and Turner’s (Vinings)
Steak & Eggs- 10oz Dry Aged Rib Eye with poached eggs with roasted potatoes and balsamic au jus. $29.93 on Sunday.

Cabernet (North Fulton)
Offering their regular menu and a $35 Prix Fixe Menu. Also, they have a special half off list of wines. We have a fantastic patio for the Dad’s to watch a game.

Wahoo (Decatur)
Father’s Day Brunch Buffet from 10 to 3. Menu highlights include Carved Ham, Shrimp and Grits, Smoked Salmon, Chicken Curry Salad. $16 / Adults, $8 / Kids under 12

Luciano’s – (Gwinnett)
Father’s Day Brunch Buffet including a carving station and dessert bar. ($19.95/adult; $9.95/kids 6-12; under 6 free)

Spice Market – Atlanta
3-course prix-fixe menu. ($30/person)

Veni Vidi Vici (Midtown)
3-course prix-fixe menu featuring creamy lobster bisque, a grilled veal T-bone, molten chocolate cake and more.

Zaya Mediterranean Cuisine (Inman Park)
3-course prix-fixe menu brunch ($25), featuring an appetizer, entree, and baklava. And a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary is included for dad.

Budget Friendly Options

ITP:
Vickery’s Brunch Buffet is only $10 with bottomless Mimosa’s or Bloody Mary’s for $15.
FuegoMundo – Buy three entrees and the 3rd of equal or lesser value is free on Sunday.

OTP:
O’Charley’s is offering a 7 oz sirloin, soup or salad, side and rolls for $9.99

Mediterranean Buffet and Hookah Lounge

Seems like everywhere you turn, these Hookah lounges are popping up. Even Acworth, GA now has its own Hookah bar which is part of the new Mediterranean Buffet Restaurant. Located on Bells Ferry Rd, just south of Highway 92, the Mediterranean Buffet is a huge space that offers a lot in terms of food as well as a separate area for Hookah smoking.

The Mediterranean Buffet is very new and just started advertising in the local coupon book that all us Kennesaw residents get delivered to our mailbox. My coworker, Brandon is a big fan of Mediterranean food, especially hummus. So, on a recent Monday we decided to venture over to the Mediterranean Buffet for lunch and take advantage of our coupon.

Upon entering we were immediately greeted by the hostess / waitress who invited us to sit anywhere we liked. After choosing a booth near the food, we hit the buffet. I never took time to find out if you can also order off the menu or if it strictly the buffet, but I have a feeling it is buffet only.

The layout is spread amoung 3 different carts, 2 of the smaller carts have the salad and what I would call the appetizers – pita bread for hummus and meat pies. The other main cart is longer and has the main courses. This cart had about 8 different offerings on it.

Appetizers - Meat Pie

So, we both started off with the hummus and meat pies. While I liked the hummus (Brandon gave it a thumbs up too) I didn’t care for the meat pie. It was ok, but seemed a little dried out and there were much better things to be had on the menu, so I didn’t have anymore of that as I wanted to save room for the other offererings.

Salad Bar with Hummus, Tabouleh, and Tahini

Next it was onto the salad bar. I tried the Tabouleh and Tahini and thought that they were pretty good. Tabouleh was a tad better in my book. About this time, our waitress came over and asked if we’d like some fresh Falafel. Apparently they don’t put it on the buffet as they think it won’t stay warm very long. We tried some, but it was pretty forgettable. I think the Falafel at Casablanca nearby is much better.

Falafel

Ok, so onto the main dishes. Like I said, there were about 8 different offerings, and I did try to get a taste of everything. I started with the squash stuffed with rice. Brandon loved it but I didn’t really like the rice stuffing. I wasn’t big on the tomatoes inside, they had about 2 other kinds of rice on the buffet and I was able to find one (I think it had carrots in it) with a really good flavor.

Squash, Dolmas, and Spaghetti

Cabbage Dolmas

As for the dolmas (stuffed cabbage or grape leaves) I definintely would say the cabbage ones were better. I think the grape leaves were vegetarian. Please confirm this before eating, as I am not completely sure. I did like the beef/spaghetti dish as it defnitely was not like traditional spaghetti, much more of a mediterranean flair to it.

Mediterranean Buffet Dessert

Of course, I couldn’t leave without trying dessert. I opted to skip the fruit although its nice to see that they offer it. And it is a pretty arrangement. Instead I had some sort of orange coconut square. Different but tasty. They also had some sort of cupcake looking dessert – but I skipped that too.

I know that’s a lot of information so let me sum it up. Must try: Hummus, Tabouleh, Spaghetti, Dolmas, and various rice offerings. They did have baked chicken (legs and thighs only) and green beans, but that was about the only traditional food they had on the menu, so don’t go with someone who just wants traditional American food, cause you won’t find it here.

Hookah Bar

We also took a peek at the Hookah bar. I asked how much it costs and I was told $10.99 per Hookah. I haven’t really priced them out so I guess that is reasonable. The buffet cost was $7.99 per person, but the staff told us they have a much wider selection including lamb on the weekends, so that is when you really want to visit. I’d still like to see some sort of build your own gyro area kinda like a build your own fajita area like you would see at a Mexican restaurant.

Staff was super friendly, definitely worth checking out if you live relatively close by.

Indian restaurants on my side of town are few and far between. So, I was totally stoked to find out about Lahore Grill. I had actually planned on going to Unique Indian just up the street, but they were not yet open, so I ventured to Lahore Grill.

Located in the Cobb International Plaza it really is an International Plaza with Indian, Chinese, Mexican and maybe one or two other ethnicities in that shopping center as well. Lahore Grill is kind of tricky to find. It is located at 41 and Terrell Mill in the shopping center behind Pugmire.

I have to admit, I am always apprehensive when visiting an Indian restaurant for the first time. On more than one occasion, I’ve experienced service that was, how can I put this, sub-par. I’m glad to say that from the moment I entered Lahore Grill, I was pleasantly surprised. The staff went above and beyond any expectations I could have had. The owner and / or manager of Lahore was so nice to bring out fresh naan for us and he had a couple buffet dishes made fresh for us since the others had been sitting around for a while. What great service! I’ve since been back several times and had the same great service.

Fresh Naan

I was with my brother and we both had decided we would order off the menu, but I thought I’d just take a peek at the buffet at Lahore Grill, but after all I saw all the goodies, I just couldn’t pass it up. Jonathan (my brother) gave in too. What followed was 30 minutes of pure bliss for my taste buds and my tummy. I must have gained about 5 pounds on this visit, but it was well worth it!

Pictured below – my second plate of butter chicken, chicken 65 and somosas.

Lahore Grill - Butter Chicken, Basmati Rice, Chicken 65, and Samosas

I’m a meat eater and was glad to see they had a good offering of non-vegetarian offerings. Mostly chicken, with 1 lamb dish. Don’t miss the Chicken Makhani (Butter chicken), Chicken 65 (Indian version of fried chicken), or Chicken Byriani (Chicken Fried Rice).

Lahore Buffet

On my second visit, I had the Kheer, or Rice pudding, which was on the buffet, and it was pretty tasty. But my dad couldn’t resist the Gulab Jaman which, is way to sweet for me.

Kheer (Rice Pudding) and Gulab Jaman

Prices are extremely reasonable. While the buffet was $12, most of the entrees were around 7 or 8 bucks each. You can’t go wrong with great food at those prices.

If you haven’t ever had Indian, buffets are a great way to get your feet wet. That way, if you get something you don’t really like you can always go get something else. Another fear some have is that all Indian food is way spicy – Not true. Byriani (rice dishes), Chicken Makhani (Butter Chicken), and Chicken Tikka Masala are all very flavorful but not spicy. I’ve written a short article that will introduce you to Indian Food. Click Here to read that article.

Cobb International Plaza
1869 Cobb Pkwy S., Ste 150
Marietta, GA 30060
(678) 398-9868
Lahore Grill

Sweet Tomatoes is a great option if you are vegetarian.I had been to Sweet Tomatoes once when it first opened and was not impressed. So, I decided after a decade long hiatus I might try it again. Honestly, I can’t see what the hype is with Sweet Tomatoes. I mean, it’s like $8 for soup and salad.

Ok, maybe if it was really good that would be one thing . But it is just blah. I tried 2 different salads – an asian one and an italian / mediterranean one. I also tried 2 different pastas – whole wheat chipotle penne and lemon linguinie. All were pretty bland and unimpressive. Next I moved on to the soup. I had the shrimp bisque which was quite tasty, although I really had to hunt to find the shrimps.

The rolls and cornbread were ok but nothing overly exciting.

The place was mobbed on the Tuesday when I went with 3 of my coworkers for lunch. We had to wait to be seated and then had to wait in separate lines for soup and rolls. So, I’m defininately in the minority for not liking Sweet Tomatoes. Oh well, that’s just my $0.02.