Cellar 56, a tapas bar located off East Andrews in Buckhead has been open nearly two years. The name Cellar 56, comes from the fact that they have 56 wines, some by the glass, but most by the bottle. Even on the Thursday evening they have forced valet, but by the time I was walking through the pretty courtyard to the entrance of Cellar 56, I had forgotten about this nuisance. Glen and I sat against the wall, next to each other for a perfect view of the restaurant. The small, cozy atmosphere lends itself to a date spot, but halfway into our meal a large group of about 10 celebrating a birthday sat down.

Cellar 56, while a tapas bar, isn’t like Eclipse Di Luna in that there isn’t a huge menu. Instead it is a carefully planned, well-selected menu off delicious goods, served alongside an excellent wine menu. I was starving by the time I sat down. All I had eaten all day was a pop-tart and some green beans, so I was certainly ready to chow down. And I was so thankful when our server informed us that the tapas come out really fast. He said that 3 tapas per person is a fair gauge.

Glen and I started with the heirloom tomato salad, duck confit flatbread, and crab avocado salad. The heirloom salad was a good start, fresh and all, but it was the flatbread and crab avocado salad that really put a dent in my hunger pangs. The duck confit was plentiful on top of the two flatbread pieces. Not only was the duck tasty, but the fig jam that is served with it made that a magnificent start to our meal. The crab avocado salad had some grapefruit mixed in to it that gave it a tasty citrus zing.

We then followed up with the crock of mussels, flat iron with chimichurri, mac and cheese, scallop over creamed corn, and fried oysters with cayenne sweet potatoes. I know, I know, it seems like a lot but remember I was famished AND these are tapas. I found it odd that we weren’t asked how we wanted the flat iron prepared. The four pieces came out medium with one piece being pretty red. We didn’t mind it, especially with the arugala and chimichurri sauce, it was fantastic. But if you like your steak a little more done, it is worth mentioning to your server when you order.

As for the fried oysters with cayenne sweet potatoes, I admit it was the cayenne sweet potatoes I was more interested in than the oysters, although the combo of the mashed, spicy sweet potatoes with the fried oysters was highly enjoyable. Out of the everything we ordered, we both agreed the mussels were our least favorite. There wasn’t a thing wrong with them, mind you. It was the fact that 1.) everything else was so yummy and 2.) they were just there. You know what I mean? They were garlicky, plentiful, and served up with lots of bread for the sauce, but didn’t blow my mind…er…my taste buds.

Now, the mac n cheese – is, hands down, the best mac n cheese I’ve had in my life! Unfortunately, the picture I took ended up being pretty blurry. So, I’ll do my best to describe it; The shell pasta is served up with green chilies and prosciutto. OMG – I was in heaven! I would go back to Cellar 56 for that mac n cheese all by itself. It’s the perfect comfort food! I’m so glad Glen doesn’t like cheesy foods – more for me. I was not glad that I had only saved about five bites for myself for lunch the next day. That was such a tease for my stomach.

As we were leaving we noticed two guys trying to dial the secret number to get in to Prohibition, the underground bar situated near Cellar 56. Had it been a weekend night, that would have been a neat idea, moving on to Prohibition and sipping on a cocktail or after-dinner drink in secret. But instead we made our way to the valet and headed home, having had a fantastically exceptional date night.

56 E Andrews Dr
Atlanta, GA 30305
678 244 3600
Website

The wines were average and the conductor needs to learn how to pronounce “merlot” He kept pronouncing it as “meer-low”. BTW, the reason they do the wine tastings is that the liquor store that the Cave is attached to owns this establishment. During the wine tastings they push the wines, telling you to go next door and buy them. However they may have done away with these wine tastings since I last visited, as I no longer see it on their website.

I wanted to sample the tapas menu as it did, indeed, look quite appealing, even if The Cave is more of a night club than a restaurant. We started with the crab cakes. They aren’t meant to be an appetizer, but me and Amy shared the two. They were decent and full of crab and light on the breading. A good deal at $14.

We both went for a meat dish for a main entree. Me: Lamb chops, Amy: Steak. Her steak was good, but a little too done or my liking. She seemed to be pleased with it. I thought my lamb chops were tasty. And 4 of them for only $14 seemed like a steal. The spicy pommegranite sauce that came with them was so good I had to ask for an additional side of it too.

They offer chicken wings. My immediate thought was that the wings should be offered with this sauce and it would be a best-seller for them I’m sure.

Service was terrific the entire night. Our waiter was attentive and truly wanted us to have a good experience. After we finished eating we sat on the couches and enjoyed one of their signature martinis.

My only peeve was when their “entertainment tip” line they insist on putting on the bill. Note: The Cave doesn’t force the tip, they just have a line where you can add one should you be so inclined. I was there for a wine tasting and to have dinner, I didn’t ask for entertainment. If The Cave wanted to have a singer, that was their deal. I think it is a little ridiculous that they put a separate line on my bill for entertainment. They either need to pay the entertainer or put a tip jar out for him, but it isn’t my responsibility to pay his wages.

1619 Collins Rd
Kennesaw, GA 30156
(678) 391-7011
www.thecavetapasbar.com

The food is so fresh and flavorful. And Pura Vida has such interesting pairings of ingredients. Think mahi-mahi and chorizo skewers with banana mustard. Or how about this – hearts of palm coated in a coconut vinaigrette with dates, Serrano ham, and tres leches yogurt? Those were some of the first flavors I ever tasted at Pura Vida. Everything I’ve ever had was phenomenal. However, based on the menu I wouldn’t recommend that you take a “meat and potatoes” crowd to Pura Vida.

If you can’t figure it out, Pura Vida is one of my Atlanta faves and has been for several years. Last year, I went there about 3 times in a period of about 2 months.

One one of those visits, we began with a Pisco Sour. If you aren’t familiar with a Pisco Sour, Pisco is is a type of liquor from Peru and the Pisco Sour (made with egg whites and bitters) is the unofficial drink of Peru. Having visited Peru the prior year, and having many, many of these I was really looking forward to having one again. They were ok, but certainly not going to make you a Pisco Sour lover. So, we moved onto wine. I hear they make a mean mojito, which I’ll be sure to check out on my next visit.

Although all “meals” are technically tapas, some lend themselves more the “appetizer” side and some are more the “mains” side. On all visits we tend to place an order for a couple items to start and a couple to share for our main meal. Some starters were the malanga root chips (bottom left), shrimp coctel and calamari (bottom right).

The shrimp coctel (yes, that’s how they spell it), is delicious and one of my favorites with it’s diablo sauce and butternut squash squares, is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. And the calamari is a unique presentation (unfried) and very fresh to be served that way. The root chips had a great, flavorful cremini mushroom sauce too, which surprisingly was not too heavy or filling and would be an excellent choice for sharing with a large group.

We also tried a trout ceviche, which didn’t excite me too much. However, I would love to try the tofu ceviche, for which Chef Santiago got high praises for while on Top Chef and is now featured on his regular menu.

Duck Confit, Steamed Coconut Buns

For the second order placed, we decided to order the steamed coconut buns, which didn’t disappoint. The light, fluffy, and yes, steamy buns pair well with the pork belly inside. And the duck confit was also equally matched with plantains. I would never have thought those two ingredients would be such a pleasurable flavor but they were.

Pura Vida Goat Mofoguno

And on another visit we tried the goat mofongo. If you are a lamb lover, don’t be afraid to give this one a try. The taste is somewhat similar. I was told by our server that it is one of the most popular dishes that regulars like to order. And, after sampling it, I can see why. The slow cooked goat with coconut and banana is oh so tender, slightly sweet and spiced just right with a couple drops of diablo sauce which accompanies your meal.

For dessert, don’t miss the house made ice cream. Even if it’s cold outside, this is a real treat. We had the banana ice cream and it is amazing how much the flavor comes through. The chocolate flan brulee as it’s called, is also tasty and great with a glass of red wine.

The service here has always been top notch too. It seems much more authentic and a cut above other tapas bars like Elclipse di Luna and Loca Luna. Pura Vida is less noisy, the service is better and the food is a much higher quality.

Want to be able to cook some of the dishes son the menu? They have cooking classes once a month with different menu features.

Extras: There is free parking on the side street adjacent to the restaurant. And it is located very close to Fernbank, so it is a great choice for date night at Martinis and Imax.

656 N Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA_30306
404-870-9797
Website

So, here are 3 restaurants I think are great choices for Valentine’s Day. These restaurants have great food, a good atmosphere and won’t break the bank. Oh yeah, and as of the time this post is published, you can still score a table there, but hurry.

Divan Restaurant and Hookah Lounge
This is a small restaurant that specialized in middle eastern food and Hookahs. They have a 4 course meal for between $35 and $45 per person, depending on your seating time.
Website
3125 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 467-4297

Pura Vida
Tapas are so sexy! There’s something about the small plates and sharing all the dishes with each other. Pura Vida’s Valentine’s special includes 6 tapas (for the couple), a bottle of wine, and a dessert to share. They stress that the menu will highlight aphrodisiacs. Oysters anyone? Price is $40 per person.
656 N Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 870-9797
Website

WaterHaven is a really overlooked restaurant. I’m sure due to it’s location near GA Tech, it is often forgotten. But it is truly lovely inside and the food is incredible. Their Valentine’s menu is only $35 per person and a fantastic deal! Also, wine is half off that night.

Guys this is a great restaurant if you’re stumped for one. And they are wide open for reservations at the time of this post. Check out the Valentine menu below. I recommend the lamb sliders followed by the trout.

STARTERS
House Salad spring mix, candied walnuts, blue cheese, sherry thyme vinaigrette
WaterHaven Caesar romaine, asiago, anchovy lemonette dressing
Lamb Sliders spiced lamb, minted yogurt, yeast roll
Crab Cake jumbo lump, kafir lime, cucumber salad, house remoulade
Calamari lightly battered, sweet chili sauce, lemon garlic aioli
Soup of the Day chef’s inspiration

ENTREES
Georgia Trout pan seared with applewood smoked bacon, butternut squash
ravioli, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, sage butter
Pork Loin grilled loin chop with apple chutney and winter greens timbale
Salmon fennel coriander crust, orange saffron butter, creamed leeks, grilled fennel
Fresh Vegetable Plate chef’s choice of fresh local vegetables
Filet Mignon grilled beef medallions, loaded potato rosti, mushroom ragu
Herb Chicken roasted with grilled new potatoes, winter greens

DESSERT
Chef’s Special Holiday Dessert

75 Fifth Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
404 214 6740
Website

Ok, still want a reservation at one of those fancy, expensive restaurants? I’ve made a reservation for Dogwood restaurant on Valentine’s Day, which is completely booked between 5 and 9PM. They have a Prix Fix menu for $60 per person.

Leave a comment telling me why you want it. The best one scores the reservation!! Good Luck!

I first read about the Iberian Pig in Daily Candy. Immediately I knew I had to visit…soon. As it turns out, the Iberian Pig was started by the same folks who brought us Sugo, a Greek/Mediterranean rest with locations in Duluth and Roswell. I’ve never been but a consultant friend of mine who has been working out of the Duluth area and frequenting Sugo quite often raves about them. So he was determined to be one of the first to visit their new crib. And I was only too happy to accompany him.

All in all there were four in our party. We had reservations for 7:30 on a recent Thursday night. But due to traffic and mostly because this place is nearly hidden, I didn’t arrive til 8. There’s no sign on the front door or windows (just a small sign above the door) as to the name and no one in the nearby Decatur stores seems to have ever heard of it. Here’s a hint: if you are facing the front door of the Brick Store Pub look to your right and you’ll see a set of stairs. Just beyond those stairs is where you want to be. As of the time of this post, the glass windows simply say “Smith’s” in big letters.

B.W.D. - (Benton's) Bacon Wrapped Dates

I was late, really late. The other 3 were generous enough to wait for me before giving up and giving in to the great smells wafting around the restaurant. As I sat down, I noted the owner was standing over our table talking to my dining companions having just delivered a complimentary order of the B.W.D.- bacon (benton’s variety) wrapped dates stuffed with Manchego cheese and almonds with some sort of dipping sauce, perhaps a roasted red pepper. It was the perfect start to our evening, really kickstarting our taste buds.

By this time, drinks were in order. Perusing the menu, I had sort of made up my mind that wine would pair well with this food, a Camemere perhaps. But there were no takers for wine, and one in our party was a bartender in a previous life, and when he saw the offerings on the drink menu insisted we all give them a try. So, it was 3 Horchatas (a drink made with rice milk) and 1 bacon infused cocktail.

I enjoyed my Horchata, which is similar tasting to a White Russian, but probably wouldn’t order it again. The bacon infused cocktail was tasty, not greasy as I imagined it would be. As I looked around the completely full restaurant (what recession?), I saw their board of rules near the bar, kinda cheesy with sayings like “gentlemen should only approach ladies if an interest was shown. Management suggests sending over a drink first” – yeah I just bet they do!

We sat forever starring at the menu, not sure what we should get as everything looked so good, especially all the tapas offerings. This was further complicated when the owner came over to tell us about the specials. The entree special of the evening, a ribeye, whose description was I think longer than this post, had us all sold. So, we compromised each of us picking 1 item from the tapas menu and quartering the steak special of the evening.

As an aside, I wanted to try one of the meats from their charcuteria – the Jamon Iberico, restaurant’s signature meat, but at $12 for 2 oz, I just couldn’t make myself commit, maybe next time. If you’ve tried it, please let me know how it was.

Tapas selections:
Huevos con Trufa – Rustic bread, slow roasted pork, poached egg, black truffles
Calamares (not a misspelling – this was taken off their website menu)
BBQ Octopus
Spanish Meatballs (special appetizer of the evening)

Huevos con Trufa

Calamares

The calamares, instead of being the small rings you get almost everywhere else, were very substantial, but unfortunately you can’t see much of it in the picture. Although the presentation was pretty this dish was the dud of the evening, completely lacking any flavor. And the Huevos were a slight letdown to me, more even than the calamares because the description builds it up to be so much more than your taste buds ever get treated to. “Rustic bread, slow roasted pork, poached egg, black truffles” sounds delish, doesn’t it? I never tasted the truffles and the rest of the dish was just bland.

BBQ Octopus and Potatoes

Now the stars of the evening were the Octopus and the Meatballs. I was hesitant that I would be disappointed by both, the Octopus because it is in a fennel sauce (i hate fennel) and the meatballs, because, well, on a menu of items like chorizo in port wine reduction or mussels in a sherry-saffron broth, who orders meatballs?

Meatballs

The octopus was flavorful and most definitely not rubbery or tough as it has been when I’ve had it at other establishments. Definitely a standout on the menu. And the meatballs although only 2 in our plate were large enough for the 4 of us to share. And the mixture of the salty cheese within the meatball and the sweet tomato sauce had a perfect combination.

Steak

Lastly, after our tapas were done, our steak was brought out. Served medium it was huge, good thing the four of us were sharing. I thought the steak itself was tasty, but for all the “fluff” in the description I may just have been expecting more. I liked it, but it had already been outdone by the prior tapas.

I definitely find myself leaning to tapas over mains here. There wasn’t really anything on the main entree list that stood out. I’ve already decided the pork cheek tacos and eggplant fries on the tapas menu are what I’ll try next and a bargain at $10 for both. Tapas range in price from $5 to $9 and entrees hover around the $20 mark. Bill total was $120 prior to tip. Service was right on the mark, helpful and friendly but never pushy.

121 Sycamore St. Decatur, GA 30030
404.371.8800
Website