Atlanta Restaurant Blog

RED Restaurant, Philips Arena Atlanta, GA

This sexy steakhouse opened last month in Philips Arena downtown. The idea is that patrons can enjoy fine dining while watching their Atlanta team, or special event in Philips Arena. RED has tiered seating to ensure that all have a terrific view of the action going on below them. In order to enter RED, patrons [...]

Basil’s Restaurant, Buckhead, Atlanta, GA Review

I incorrectly assumed I knew about all the terrific patios in Atlanta. How did I not know about Basil’s patio? It’s been written up in Open Table as having the best deck and on the night I visited, not a soul was indoors, instead outside enjoying the beautiful Atlanta evening. Special thanks to owners Kim [...]

H. Harper Station, Atlanta, GA

H.Harper Station is located in the historic Atlanta and West Point rail station. The restaurant is named after the owner’s grandfather, Harold Harper. Located off of I-20, H. Harper Station isn’t too far from midtown or downtown. I visited H. Harper with a friend for brunch on a recent Sunday. When you pull into the [...]

Four Roses Bourbon Lunch

Besides burgers and beer, 5 Napkin Burger is big on Bourbon too. They have lots of varieties, but they recently had a special luncheon that focused on Four Roses Bourbon. Attendees got to meet some of the Four Roses staff and learn about the process of making Four Roses and its history. The Legend of [...]

Takorea, Korean Tacos in Midtown, Atlanta

Takorea Restaurant opened last fall in Midtown. Takorea is owned by the same folks that own Hankook Taqueria and much of the menu is the same. Imagine a much prettier space than Hankook with cocktails. As much as I can rely on my memory, Takorea is pretty much the same decor as former restaurant, Mitra. [...]

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Atlanta Restaurants to Treat Mom On Mother’s Day

May 7th, 2012

Cindi Kurczewski

Guest post by Cindi Kurczewski

Photo Credit: http://losalamitos.com

Heads up, sons and daughters everywhere! Mom may have boxes of handmade cards and trinkets you’ve given her over the years tucked in a closet somewhere, but now that you’re grown up with your own job, there’s nothing Mom wants more on Sunday, May 13, than a special meal with her family – a meal that she doesn’t have to cook. Trust me on this one.

While I have my favorite “Mommy places,” I asked a few friends where they’ll be going. Their choices ranged from traditional to trendy.
My buddy Andy suggests the cozy Wahoo! Grill Decatur, nestled between the Kirkwood and Oakhurst neighborhoods. Andy is a big fan of the chicken parmesan and says any meal is best enjoyed when seated in the airy garden room, lingering over (his term!) choice libations. Pass the mimosas, Mama!

Trish, who knows my hair color secrets, knows Pricci for Mother’s Day or any special event, just because she loves Italian food and considers Pricci to be the best of the best.

Mary, my ultra-creative friend who always makes me laugh, favors Creations, the teaching dining room of The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Atlanta. The menu here changes quarterly, so it’s always an adventure – and I mean that in a good way! This spring, Creations is open for brunch on Sundays, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Up in Peachtree Corners, Denise doesn’t have to go far to enjoy her “Mommy place,” grace 17.20. Don’t let the fact that this restaurant is in the middle of a shopping center (The Forum) keep you away. I’ve enjoyed many a lunch and company dinner there, and the food never disappoints. Try the seared salmon, chicken risotto, or my favorite – the black and bleu salad. Plan to dine early, since grace is only open from 11 am to 3 pm on Sundays.

As for me, this year I’ll be celebrating Mother’s Day a week early, with brunch at Café Lily in Decatur. The brunch menu is extensive, with a nice choice of omelets, frittatas and beignets – the best use of fried dough EVER, IMHO. I find myself daydreaming about the frittata di mare, with shrimp and scallops, onions, tomatoes and dill, all baked in a casserole topped with Gruyere. If I were going to dinner, my beef-eating Midwestern Mommy side would head straight for the pan-seared filet mignon, stuffed with mushrooms, herbs, toasted pignolas and – wait for it – Gorgonzola cheese. OMG.

Since that early celebration frees me up for another restaurant on the real Mother’s Day, I’m debating between a traditional brunch at Murphy’s in Virginia-Highlands or dinner just down the street at Wisteria in Inman Park. Hmmm…maybe I’ll do both. Murphy’s is always a delight for brunch, but there’s always a wait, as guests are seated on a first-come, first-served basis. I’ve learned that a bloody mary definitely helps make the wait much more enjoyable. Reservations are accepted for dinner service. And on Mother’s Day, all moms will leave with a rose in hand.

On Sundays, it’s dinner only at Wisteria, a place that always makes me feel oh-so-very-well-cared-for. The menu is advertised as “contemporary American with a Southern twist” and you’ll see Southern in appetizers like the pimento cheese deviled eggs with okra and pecans or the coastal shrimp and grits or Georgia mountain trout entrées.

Don’t forget about Concentrics Group. Besides, Murphy’s, mentioned above, you can also treat mom to a Mother’s Day brunch at ONE Midtown Kitchen, TWO Urban Licks (a 10Best.com top pick), or one of my brunch faves, Parish. Parish is offering Trout & Eggs, Fried Chicken Benedict and Shrimp and Grits during brunch along with their delicious Bloody Mary’s. All three are also open for dinner.

Kurt’s Bistro – Exclusive Mother’s Day Buffet at your neighborhood bistro with traditional & euro specialties.Seating from 12:00 – 3:00 with patio dining available. $39.50/adults(kids)$18.50

Ray’s on the River – Perennial favorite, offering holiday brunch, 9am-9pm. $39.95/adults; $19.95/kids (5-10).

The SHED at Glenwood - Treat Mom To A Wonderful Brunch Buffet $25 Adults/$10 Kids! Bottomless Marys and Mimosas! Or Come Enjoy their Sunday Supper! 3 Courses of Comfort Food For $20!

Reservations are strongly suggested for any Mother’s Day eatery you might have in mind. Call ahead or book online with Open Table.

Springtime Recipe: Chicken Salad

May 4th, 2012

Lunch’s (Culver City, CA) Green Apple Chicken Salad

1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cooked boneless and skinless chicken breasts,
diced (a generous 2 cups)
2 small celery stalks, cut into small dice
1/2 red onion, cut into very small dice
1/2 green apple, cored and cut into medium dice
1/3 cup currants (raisins may be substituted)
Salt and pepper, if desired

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, cider vinegar and
Dijon mustard to form a dressing.

To the bowl, add the chicken, celery, onion, apple and currants.
Toss everything together, taste and adjust the seasoning if
desired. Chill before serving. This makes about 1 quart chicken
salad.

Servings: 4 to 6

Source: L.A. Times

Cinco De Mayo Atlanta Restaurants

May 1st, 2012

Not sure where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year? I’ve put together a list of some of the top Mexican restaurants around Atlanta. There’s probably one in this list nearby for your Cinco de Mayo Celebration.

Buckhead, Midtown and Grant Park- Tin Lizzy’s
Party at the Buckhead location with DJs or live music at the Midtown and Grant Park locations. They’ll have multiple bars and lots of festive music. And of course they have one of the best patios for margarita sipping!
3639 Piedmont Road
Atlanta, GA 30305

Downtown
No Mas!
Located in the heart of historic Castleberry Hill in downtown Atlanta, No Mas! is an award winning 350 seat Mexican Restaurant.
180 Walker St. SW
Atlanta GA 30313
404-574-5678

Virginia Highlands
Pozole
Pozole is sponsoring the Annual Virginia Highlands Cinco de Mayo Celebration & Block Party. Party is 5 pm to 11 pm. There is a $5 cover, $10 after 5pm. There will be beer and margarita specials and live music. For more information, click the link below.
1044 Greenwood Ave (at N Highland Avenue)
Atlanta, GA 30306
678-973-4779
Pozole Website

The Original El Taco<
Wonderful chips and salsa and margaritas in a beautiful atmosphere. Great place to party for Cinco de Mayo!

Westside
Nuevo Laredo
I have to mention Nuevo Laredo as it is a staple as far as Atlanta Mexican restaurants go, but I can’t imagine how crazy busy this place is going to be on Cinco de Mayo when it was packed on a random Tuesday when I visited.
1495 Chattahoochee Ave
Atlanta, GA 30318

Taqueria del Sol
Lots of delicious menu items like salsa trio starter (verde, asada and fresca), the shrimp corn chowder, the Memphis taco (smoked pork, jalapeño cole slaw, tequila BBQ sauce), the fish taco (poblano tartar sauce and pickled jalapeños).
1200-B Howell Mill Road
Atlanta, GA

Northeast
Pure Taqueria
103 Roswell St
Alpharetta, GA 30004

Decatur
Raging Burrito
Raging Burrito has a great patio. So, seems to be perfect if you’ll be in Decatur for Cinco de Mayo.
141 Sycamore St
Decatur, GA 30030

Sandy Springs
Teela Taqueria
City Walk at Sandy Springs
227 Sandy Springs Place
Suite 506
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Perimeter
LaBotana
Cheap, cheap cheap. Kind of a hole in the wall, but with decent food and drinks. Maybe it won’t be totally packed on Cinco de Mayo.
2071 Savoy Dr
Atlanta, GA 30341

Not so Mexican
These three restaurants may not be Mexican, but they sure do have intriguing menus. And they are perfect for those of us that don’t want to be smack dab in all the Cinco de Mayo hoopla.
TAP
Live music and Dos XX or a handcrafted sangria. Crispy Fish, Yucatan BBQ Pork, Buttermilk Fried Chicken or Shrimp a la Diabla tacos. There will also be a taco eating contest. The winner will receive a grand prize of $150. 2nd place wins $50.

HD1
Grilled Wings with Adobo Sauce, Lime Crema and Pickled Red Onion paired with a traditional Mexican Coca-Cola or a Modela Especial cerveza for $7.00. S
664 N. Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30306

FLIP
Carnitas Burger with a Spiced Pork Patty, Cilantro-Lime Mayo, Chipotle & Beer Braised Pork Cheek, Shredded Cabbage and Salsa Verde for $8. Thirsty? We got your Mole Churro Shake, a refreshing chocolate shake spiced with Chiles, Sesame Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Nuts and Raisins for $5.00.

Seasons 52 New Spring Menu

April 30th, 2012

I’ve eaten at Seasons 52 several times in the past and thought it was fair, but not outstanding, considering they are focused on low-cal foods. Nothing on the menu is more than 475 calories, from the signature flatbreads and appetizers, to all entrees and the Mini Indulgence desserts.

However, I was invited to sample their newest spring menu and was quite impressed. Our evening kicked off with a short video from Seasons 52 wine Sommelier George Miliotes sharing information about the wine that was paired with our dinner.

Beginning with a Tomato Flatbread as well an Artichoke Flatbread, our meal was off to a fabulous start. But I could have made an entire meal out of the Artichoke stuffed Artichokes. What a cool presentation!

Little did we know, the best was yet to come. The Steelhead Trout with spring vegetables and basmati rice was gobbled up by the group.

And, as a lamb lover, the Lamb Chops with red wine glaze were my favorite. Savor it with the recommended wine – Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Corvina Veronese. It was so tasty we had to have second glass.

Somehow, we were still able to save room for the Mini Indulgence desserts. Our favorites? Pecan Pie, Key Lime and Red Velvet.

Seasons 52 has two locations in Atlanta – Buckhead and Perimeter. Don’t miss out on this incredible menu.

Atlanta Movie Tours: Hollywood in Georgia

April 27th, 2012

Atlanta Movie Tours had its first ever tour on Saturday, March 31. The first tour takes participants on a four-hour jaunt around Atlanta touring locations where the popular AMC show, The Walking Dead was filmed. I was privy to a media preview of the tour, and it was loads of fun!

The tour begins in Castleberry Hill at the Castleberry Point parking deck (FREE). Meet at the entrance to the deck (facing the fire station). No need to worry about parking availability as there is plenty of space in this deck. From there, you’ll meet your guide, and you’ll walk to a couple infamous spots with plenty of time for photo ops, before boarding you luxury bus.

Atlanta Movie Tours recruited some really good talent for the tour. Ours was Tony Gowell, someone who has actually worked on the set of The Walking Dead. So, besides being able to point out scenes from the show, Tony also gave us some information that only those on the set would know. And of course, there was lots of tongue-in-cheek humor from him too.

Besides visiting some of the downtown spots where the show is filmed we got to visit the mansion in Buckhead where Billy Murray filmed “Zombieland” as well as the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The Centre was actually used as the CDC in the filming of The Walking Dead.

One of the highlights for me was visiting The Goat Farm, the site where the episode “Vatos” was filmed. There are real live animals walking around. We were even escorted out by a resident Turkey.

The four-hour tour has a stop for lunch at Diesel restaurant, however this is not part of the tour price. Diesel is a big supporter of The Walking Dead, even having viewing parties. Of course, no tour is exactly the same with the possibility of surprise guests or locations. We were greeted with two “workers” from the CDC offering us immunization against zombies.

Tours are $45 and are on Saturdays departing at 10 am. Lunch is not included in the tour price, so remember to bring payment for that. Tour operators Patti Davis and Carrie Burns hope to add additional tours like a sports tour (The Blind Side and We Are Marshall were filmed here) as well as a Real Housewives of Atlanta tour. For more information or to book a tour visit Atlanta Movie Tours.