From My Table

Laura Biscardi, artist of the month for NGL

2010-11-04T19:18:00.002-04:00

My friend Laura is a phenomenal artist, and will soon have art hanging in a living room near you. Be the first on your block to put this up so you can say "I knew her when..."

Yogurberry

2010-07-31T00:56:00.009-04:00

Lunchtime and I find myself in Buckhead, near the Terminus building. I had eaten a pretty stout breakfast, and I was pressed for time, so I thought I would go light for lunch. If I was not to eat a large portion, my choice needed to be a healthy one.

I stepped into Yogurberry.

There were some pretty low numbers on the Nutrition Facts board.
Twenty five calories per ounce, of which five come from fat! The team there also told me that their yogurt had other health benefits, such as a special ingredient that helps with digestion and weight loss.

That all being understood, I expected a "treat" with little taste. I was wrong. With twenty-two flavors and a myriad of fresh, healthy toppings (as well as the candy toppings), Yogurberry is anything BUT lacking in flavor.

I opted for a Taro/Plain twist with blueberry toppings. My friend JT chose to try a raspberry smoothie with raspberries on top. I am not sure who got the better treat.

Taro is an interesting flavor. Think blueberry with a twist of citrus. Adding the blueberries as a topping was a natural fit, and a delicious accessory.

The health benefits alone make this a good "quick lunch" choice. Yogurberry delivers to points inside the perimeter, and provides free WiFi to its patrons. All this with no preservatives and zero guilt.

If you are looking for a treat, or a delicious dessert, or even a lunchtime substitute, I recommend giving Yogurberry a try!

Yogurberry is located in Atlanta at 3280 Peachtree Rd NE, which is the Terminus Bldg. Parking is free when under two hours (ask for a validation ticket). Step out of the parking garage, go right, and there it is!

Fickle Pickle

2010-05-04T08:49:00.009-04:00

I have GOT to go back to this place, and soon!

Just the other day, I met some friends for a casual business lunch at Fickle Pickle in Roswell. This place is a gem. It is carved into an older home, with dining areas occupying what used to be bedrooms and sitting rooms. The hardwood floors are complimented by the dark painted walls, adorned with the artwork of many local artists.

The ordering is done deli-style, complete with the huge menu board and the smiling "what'll you have?". Intelligently, the staff places the Red Velvet Cupcakes front and center just before you get to order.

When ordering, it is important to make sure a serving of fried pickles will be delivered. Unless you have an army with you, get the half serving. The important thing is to get some. The pickles are fried Cajun style with Remoulade sauce, and are a must have!

The menu is full of comfort-food type sandwiches and salads as well as a handful of dinner entrees that look very appealing. The kids are not left out, as the menu gives a wide variety of smaller portioned meals.

One of my friends ordered the Chicken Salad, which is normally offered on a croissant, but she opted to go without the croissant. The Chicken Salad that she got was plenty of food to satisfy an afternoon, especially when coupled with a choice of soup as a side. Fickle Pickle's Chicken Salad is made with hazelnuts, dried cherries, celery and taragon. I almost wish I had ordered it. Almost.

Across from me, my other friend ordered the Roasted Vegetable Sandwich. Served on sourdough bread, the Roasted Vegetable Sandwich comes with portobello mushroom, zucchini and red pepper along with a side order of your choice. Another one I almost wish I'd ordered. Almost.

Finally, my plate. First I'll say it was more food than I needed. Then I will say I am glad. I ordered the Creole Cuban. Smoked ham and turkey, Swiss cheese, Cajun pickles and Creole remoulade sauce on grilled sourdough. I had the potato salad as my side dish. That sandwich was well worth my time and energy, as well as my money.

Cap off all that food with a smart array of dessert treats that include some of the best cookies and cakes I have had in a while, and lunch is complete. All that is missing is a nap.

Friends, chef Andy Badgett has done something special here. he has helped us come back to main street with a gourmet menu in a down-home setting complete with catering and party services. I can't wait to try Fickle Pickle's sibling, Relish!, but that's another review.

Lenox Square Grill

2010-05-01T00:04:00.005-04:00

A while back, I had the privilege to attend a function at Lenox Square Grill.

The approach was forbidding. The edifice is that of a high-dollar restaurant, and the fact that they offered valet parking made me clench my wallet.

By driving thirty feet further, I found I could park my own car. As I stepped inside, I saw the white linen, the high ceilings and dark wood. I saw the impressive bar and the fit, sharp looking servers. I gripped my wallet.

I was seated at a large table. The candle flickered. The impression of my fingers on my wallet was deepening. My server brought me the menu.

I am here to tell you to fear not.

I ordered a burger, fries and a coke. A very good burger, I will add. Tax included, $7.72. I could eat at McD's for that price, but not many other places, and certainly not in Buckhead.

That was on a Thursday night. Why wasn't the place packed? The staff seemed happy. The ambiance was great. The service was very good and the prices great.

I'm thinking it's the forbidding front. Do yourself a favor. Drive thirty feet down the road and park your own car. Pay not attention to the high ceiling, white-linened, dark wood dining room. Ignore the great looking staff. Just ask for a menu.

Genki Noodles & Sushi

2010-04-10T23:07:00.013-04:00

A short while ago, I had the distinct privilege of visiting Genki's Prado location in Sandy Springs. Genki Noodles & Sushi opened its doors first in Buckhead back in 1996, a week before the start of the Olympics in Atlanta. Thirteen years later, in October of 2009, the Prado location began serving its patrons.

The website refers to the word Genki as having the meaning "a happy and warm feeling". Genki's dining room proves the description. Wide open with a long bar, fish tanks and bright colors, this is definitely a place to bring the family early and a date later. Kids are right at home watching the brightly colored fish in one tank and jellyfish in another.

The tables are simply set, some booths offer privacy, and some tables allow you to be a part of the party. The open, airy dining room is like a friendly smile, welcoming and comfortable.

The menu is broad so that everyone can find food to their liking. Price points range from $3 - 11 for soups and salads. Tuna specialties go for $13.95, "Tuna Symphony" for $35. You can create your own noodle bowl at a wide range of prices from $9 - 18. The menu goes on and on, with specialty and traditional sushi rolls too numerous to list.

I started with Somen noodles with sweet soy and sesame seeds. This dish is served cold and is delicious. I followed that with Hamachi Kama, a Japanese delicacy, which is marinated and grilled yellowtail cheek. I found it to be particularly tasty and enjoyable. The bones are long, and relatively easy to avoid.

After the Hamachi Kama, I went on to try the Goma Beef. This is a bowl of grilled beef, stir fried with julienne vegetables in a spicy sesame sauce, served over ramen noodles. The goma beef was very good, spiced just perfectly, with fresh, crisp veggies.

Not done yet. On came the sushi. A beautiful plate with Poker Face Roll, a combination of Ahi Poki, cucumber and avocado with escolar, red and black tobiko and wasabi cream. As most of you know, I am not a sushi pro, but this was very good.

Now, you have to wash all this food down with something. Genki offers a wide variety of drinks, including a good selection of Sake. Whatever you choose, you can't miss. Every week, Genki offers up "Wine Wednesday", giving you a choice of very affordable bottles from $12 - 24 which becomes even more affordable when shared among friends.

At the Buckhead location, Monday nights are "Sake and Spin", when Genki's own DJ Heather b spins away as the restaurant offers up $10 Sake flights and $2 Sake shots.

Genki will deliver within a three mile radius of each location, and offers great lunch specials for under $10. Catering and private party packages are available as well. Watch for upcoming events like the "Prado Patio Crawl" on April 29th. The restaurants of the Prado will combine to make that a memorable event.

This visit to Genki was delicious and pleasant. I will be back for more...

Sweet Melissa's

2010-04-03T08:50:00.005-04:00

Choosing a restaurant in Decatur is tough. In a small area, there are a half dozen places that could make me feel happy and full. Just walk past the array of them and the aromas will drive you to open a door and order.

Today, I chose Sweet Melissa's.

When my family and I stepped in, I immediately sensed a problem. My family likes privacy, and that was obviously out of the question. The place was packed, and the tables were close enough together that conversations and company could easily be shared.

Upon selecting a table, our fears were assuaged. We realized that here, communal dining is the norm, necessary, and somehow right. From the name of the place, an obvious reference to the Allman Brothers, to the well worn floors and tables, and the modern day hippie attire and attitude of the servers, this place felt like home.

Well past brunch, this was definitely time to order lunch. I scanned the list of sandwiches, had a decision made, and then a server brought a breakfast dish to the table next to us. Quickly, the menu popped back open, and I selected a breakfast fit for a starving hippie.

I ordered the Goose's Delight omelet. Three eggs, bacon, ham, salami, pepperoni and cheddar jack. The omelet was incredible. The cheese had to be cut to eat it. The biscuit on the side was huge and real. No assembly line here. I could taste the flour.

Now if only I can convince them to open up for dinner....

Schroeder's New Deli

2010-03-26T00:58:00.007-04:00

On a short lunch break, what is quicker and more satisfying than a good deli? For a little more than the price of a fast food meal, I got some very good food at Schroeder's New Deli on Martha Berry Highway in Armuchee (Rome), Ga. By the way, if you don't say it "ArMURchee" be prepared to be corrected. It seems the founding fathers left out the r when they named the town after the local native american tribe.

This is the second of three Schroeder's, the first being on Broad in Rome and the third in Cartersville. The restaurant is a local favorite, with a beach-like feel, and food that befits both the theme and the geographic area. Music from the 60's plays overhead, and portraits of The Beatles, Joplin, The Who and Hendrix among others hang on the walls.

Before I start on the food, I must say that the staff seems to really enjoy their work. To me, that is the mark of good management and a cornerstone of good service. Keep 'em happy, Schroeder's!

According to the staff, three food items hold the throne at Schroeder's. Fried Mushrooms, Fried Pickles and the Roast Beef Relief sandwich. I am not a huge fan of mushrooms, but I did enjoy the fried pickle spears and the Roast Beef Relief. The Ham Roll was also good. I am told they have decent pizza, but I didn't try it.

I will, though. Because I will be back.

Maum

2010-03-24T01:08:00.011-04:00

When I first stepped into Maum, it was because I had seen others with their computers working away. It was close to where I was working, and might prove to be a good spot to catch up on my writing. I soon realized that this place would not just be a place to buy something small so that I didn't feel bad about using their WiFi.

The first thing I saw was a huge case of cakes and pastries. A cake of every flavor filled the case in a way that would make a child dream of birthdays to come...

The dessert trays were enticing enough that I could only hope that my meal would not be sufficient to satisfy my hunger.

The smell of fresh breads lightly permeated the room. There was a bread for every occasion.

The lunch menu was dotted with soups, salads and sandwiches. Coffees, teas and gourmet bottled drinks, as well as the old stand-by Coke were available. The sandwich prices looked to be high at six or seven dollars apiece, but I ordered anyway. Chicken Salad. It came with chips and a side of sliced tomatoes and pickles.

I made my way to my table and waited for just a moment. Then I saw the sandwich that I ordered, and the price was suddenly reasonable.

Three slices of bread, separated by Chicken salad that has to be tasted to be appreciated! The blend of chicken with raisins, mayo, nuts and lettuce transformed this ordinary light lunch into a delicious meal that I could not finish. Not in the thirty minutes I had to spare, anyway.

So with one more longing look at the dessert case, I made a promise to myself that I would return...

Welcome Felicia Atwell

2010-03-11T10:04:00.002-05:00

Felicia Atwell is a local photographer, student and friend. We welcome her exquisite taste in restaurants, tea and coffee shops, events and people to our table, as will you when you read her entries and view her photos.

Felicia will be posting with us here, at Urban Spoon, Where the Locals Eat and as a contributing staff member to North Georgia Leisure magazine.

She can be reached at email@atwellphotography.com as well as felicia.atwell@ngleisure.com.

View her fine photography at atwellphotography.com

tahCha Teahouse

2010-03-11T09:06:00.008-05:00

By Felicia Atwell

tahCha Tea House on Chamblee Tucker Road in Atlanta, GA is worth sharing. OPen only since June of 2009, tahCha was a great find. I stumbled upon it one day in between my classes at Mercer. Owner Tahirih (Tah for short) calls it her baby. I have personally become a regular at this quaint local establishment, which is a tea-based answer to your ordinary cafes and coffee shops. On a late afternoon, this is a wonderful, mellow setting to enjoy a hot tea from a wide array of choices.

Not a tea connoisseur? Trust the tea experts who are equuipped with the tea knowledge to help you. There are approximately fifty tea leaf varieties to choose from, and a grand amount of combinations that make very exotic and satisfying teas, whether you prefer hot or cold. The menu at tahCha also includes additional beverage options, such as herbal lemonade and French Press Coffee, as well as a delicious menu of Panini, wraps, quiche, soups, salads, and sweet eats. Cupcakes, cakes, and bubble tea drinks are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Prices range from $3 - $11 including food and drinks. It's a great price point for anyone to enjoy.

If you're just in the mood for browsing or finding a gift to give, tahCha also has a gift section that includes unique mugs, soaps, jewelry and magnets, most of which are hand-crafted - and don't forget loose tea.

The layout of the Tea House offers many seating options. You can meet with friends at a large table in a quiet corner, relax in one of the plush sofas or chairs, chit chat with the tea experts while sitting at the bar, enjoy the global experience with Middle Eastern style low-seating, or just have a traditional sit down at one of the tables. tahCha's capacity is 100 people, making it well-equipped for events and parties.

On today's visit, it is recommended that I try the Tuscan Turkey Panini to accompany my "tahCha-Cha" tea. When I ask for the right tea... for me... today, the sixth day in which I've had no voice, I was offered to try this chamomile, peppermint and lemongrass tea, served with honey and slices of lemon to soothe and calm me. Thanks goes to the ever-helpful and delightful Trang, for this suggestion. Perfect!! Served by the pot, I sipped on my cup gripped in both hands while it was still hot, knowing the end of the glass wasn't the end of my cozy and comforting tea experience.

The Panini came out, beautifully plated on a rectangular platter with a colorful and fresh fruit salad on a bed of mixed greens. The fruit was nicely chilled and very sweet. Delicious!

The aura of the tea house was also lovely with global music overhead, and photographs adorning the interior. It is understandable why this is a meeting place for friends, tea lovers, college students and almost anyone who wants to relax, perhaps read a book or use tahCha's free Wi-Fi. tahCha is very comfortable, and the pace is slow and easy. I don't mind sharing my before-class hideout. I genuinely invite you to make this communiTEA your own cherished Tea House.

Contact -
Tahirih Merkel
3352-c Chamblee-Tucker Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30341
770.454.8103

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Saturday 10am - 11pm
Sunday 11am - 6pm

Steak 'n Shake

2010-02-27T22:06:00.005-05:00

I made a promise not long ago that I would only post positive reviews. I am about to break that promise.

I visited Steak 'n Shake in Acworth tonight. My wife and I had just finished shopping for a few things, and thought a light dinner was in order, and Steak and Shake would be a treat. We had very little wait, as there were plenty of tables.

I ordered chicken fingers, and Phyllis ordered a turkey club. Easy enough, and delivered in a timely fashion. Everything went sour from there.

Soon enough, my drink glass was empty. After a pass or two, our server asked if I wanted a refill. I responded yes, and about ten minutes later was provided one. When that came, I ordered a milk shake for dessert.

I noticed that a group of students had come in the door, as had a middle aged couple, and three elderly ladies. All of those people stood by the "Please Wait To Be Seated" sign for quite some time. Keep in mind, there were several empty tables, and an ample wait staff hanging around the pickup window, seemingly unaware of duties to perform.

After several minutes had passed, the five or six students walked out, never having been spoken to. A few minutes after that, the middle aged couple stepped around the hostess station to see what was going on. After getting someones attention, they were seated at one of the many empty tables. The elderly women were taken care of at the same time.

There were several young people working. The majority of them were paying more attention to each other than the dining room. There were two people who appeared to be management (they had on regular clothes instead of a uniform). For the most part of my visit, I saw only the female manager, who seemed to be helping the cooks.

After waiting a good ten minutes for my milk shake, I told my wife we were leaving. At that point, as we stood up, our waitress looked up from her conversation with an "Oh YEAH" look on her face and ran to the shake machine.

At the register, I told the hostess/cashier that I never got my shake, and wanted only to pay for my original order. She asked me if I wanted to wait for a shake to go, because it had already been added to my bill. I said no, I was only paying for the original order, as I had anticipated enjoying the shake at my table and not while I drove. She then turned and walked away from me, to ask the manager for permission to change my order. That was when I saw the second manager, back by the desk, doing I don't know what.

I put the money for my original order on the register and walked out.

I could blame the service tonight on the wait staff. OR I could direct the blame where it belongs. On a Saturday night, the managers should be on the floor. They should be ringing the register, greeting the guests, and most importantly, giving direction to a very ample staff that had relatively little clue as to what to do with their time. If we are to expect a team to perform, we should be providing direction.

Tilted Kilt - Johns Creek

2010-02-10T12:26:00.009-05:00

Tilted Kilt has its roots in Las Vegas, a city known for over the top entertainment and almost dressed women. The uniforms of this restaurant fit that bill perfectly (the girls probably appeared modest when compared to the expected dress code of the town). Although the original Las Vegas location has closed, a chain of offspring restaurants has opened up here in Johns Creek and across the country wherever sports bars are the norm or college kids abound. A menu of moderately priced pub food enhanced by some seriously good comfort food, steak, chicken and pasta entrees is accentuated by highly attentive service.

The staff is predominantly young women. There are a good number of men, but they are much like stage hands for a play, meant to perform a duty and remain unseen (except, possibly by the good many thirty-plus year old female patrons I saw there on my visit). While the ladies' uniform (long, tasseled white socks, a very small plaid skirt, a tartan sports bra and a short white dress shirt tied off to show off the midriff) brings to mind Hooters and other restaurants aimed at men, this place is somehow different.

To begin with, the floorplan is more sophisticated. The Johns Creek tilted Kilt is a handful of dining areas. The large dining area surrounds on three sides a very large bar that has a second outer bar. One of the smaller dining areas is a small room off to one side, while the other dining area also houses the gaming (billiards and electronic games). These rooms have that old pub feel that makes one feel at home.

In addition to the floor plan, the menu separates TK from the other restaurants that target men. Most of those restaurants are limited to wings and pub sandwiches. Not so here at TK. This menu does have all of the usual pub foods. Nachos, wings, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and the rest are all there. They even serve wraps. There are ales of every kind as well. The big difference between TK and their competitors lies in the entree section of the menu. There you will find shepherd's pie, a meatloaf sandwich, steak, fettuccine, lasagna, chicken and a sausage platter (served with maple mustard vinaigrette, peppers, onions and a side of Gaelic mashed potatoes).

Intent on comparing the pub foods? Let me toss a few choices at you.

First, the classic "Big Arse" Hamburger. I don't know when I have had a better Angus beef hamburger. Ten ounces, grilled the way I like it and served with some great fries.

Not in the mood for a burger or wings? Get the "One Shot Johnny" pizza. A combination of pepperoni, sausage and bacon with just the right amount of sauce and cheese decorates a crust that is not too thick or too thin. This pizza is sized just right for a man with an appetite.

The prices are competitive, with the pub foods hovering around $9 and the entrees from $11 to $17. The service is good, attentive and friendly, as you might expect. Yes, the uniform is skimpy. I would buy this food, however, if the servers wore burlap sacks.

Athens Kouzzina

2010-02-09T23:54:00.005-05:00

A short time ago, during my visit to Gwinnett County, I enjoyed a quick lunch at Athens Kouzzina on Pleasant Hill Rd. in Duluth.

The restaurant is set up like a cafe, with plenty of storefront window seating, and small tables covered with blue and white checked tablecloths. The atmosphere is open, bright, and very cheerful.

The menu is full of traditional Greek food as well as a few Italian pasta dishes and some American sandwiches. Entrees range in price from $10 to $20, with a few larger party items just under $30.

I had a small Greek salad, an unpretentious blend of lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cheese, peppers and onions. I followed the salad with a gyro wrap. While the salad was nothing to write home about, the gyro wrap was another story. That thing was huge.

The wrap is described as "... gyro wrapped in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce". What I can tell you is it was both filling and tasty. The wrap was a wonderfully messy concoction that kept me satisfied until dinner.

With its diverse menu, whether you are into Greek food or not, this place is worth a try.

Barnacles - Norcross

2010-02-02T08:34:00.009-05:00

Last week I visited Barnacles in Norcross as part of my Gwinnett restaurant tour. This location is managed by Managing Partner Kevin Robinson and Manager Stephanie Zirkle. When I went in, Kevin showed me to a table, and Stephanie gave me a tour of the restaurant.

Like the Gwinnett Place location, this restaurant has an open air patio deck with ample seating. While it is probably comfortable given the right weather conditions, I would choose to eat inside, just because of the proximity of Jimmy Carter Boulevard. That's a personal preference, as I like privacy. The Gwinnett Place location has better scenery (trees, etc) around its deck.

Inside is a different story, however, as I prefer the dining rooms at Norcross. The main dining room is open and large with plenty of booth and table seating to suit your preference. There are no shortages of televisions here, either. Like the Gwinnett Place location, Norcross has a really wide, bar-length television screen, as well as a tv monitor everywhere you look.The other rooms consist of a game room and a large area set up for very large parties. The building is non-smoking, so kids are welcome.

Ryan was my server, and he did an excellent job not just at my table, but at the others he was responsible for as well.

First up was a order of Nachos. The nachos come with either chicken or beef strips (I chose beef, which was cooked to my specifications), cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, scallions, jalapenos and sour cream. Two things you should know about this appetizer are that it is too much food for one person, and you will want a fork in the end so to make certain that you get it all. Unlike most places, this nacho plate is not full of lettuce. It has more stuff than filler.

After putting a good dent in the nachos, I had a bowl of onion soup. Crusted with good, thick, swiss cheese over a slice of bread, this soup was chock full of sweet sauteed onions. It was enough to be a meal by itself.

Next up was the Gorgonzola Steak Salad. It was a nice presentation of grilled sirloin, gorgonzola crumbles, bacon and fried onions served atop a bountiful garden salad. The fried onions were a nice, tasty, peppery touch. Once again, the portion was huge.

Along with the pub sandwiches, steak and chicken dishes, Barnacles serves its signature seafood entrees. Their menu is a good surf and turf offering that makes the "where to go" question easy to answer.

Luciano's

2010-01-27T12:23:00.007-05:00

In the ongoing exploration of Gwinnett County, I have managed to find a diamond among stones!
Juan Arroyave, my host at Luciano's, has given me a culinary experience not to be soon forgotten. Executive Chef John Soilis has brought his twenty plus years of experience to Luciano's, and his team at the Sugarloaf location (the other is in John's Creek) reflects his experience well!
Luciano's boasts "creations inspired by the rich traditions of Naples, the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Northern Italy". I had to try my luck.

The atmosphere of Luciano’s is very romantic. Dimly lit with white linen tablecloths, interior columns and a back-lit bar, the restaurant finished off the mood with soft music that had no hint of Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra (I love their music, but don’t you get tired of the cliché?).

Insalate
I started off with a small Wedge Salad. It was a nice blend of iceberg, gorgonzola, bacon and chopped tomatoes, with creamy parmesan dressing.

Antipasti

I was next to try the Carpaccio. I have to say up front that Carpaccio is not my favorite. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised with flavor of the thinly shaved beef tenderloin. It was enhanced by the crispy capers, truffle oil and garlic aioli. The dish was topped with shaved parmigiano and baby arugula. The presentation was superb!

Pasta e Risotto

Ask any American what he thinks of first when he thinks of Italian food, and I will bet the vast majority says “Spaghetti and Meatballs”. I don’t know if it is my inner child, but I am no different. Luciano’s serves theirs with braised meatballs, San Marzano tomatoes, onions, garlic and fresh herbs. Believe me it tastes as good as it sounds. The texture is just right. The meat is neither too dense nor too crumbly. The sauce is pleasantly spicy without being overbearing.

Specialita Della Casa

Finally. I have been struggling to hold in my thoughts on this dish the entire time I have been writing this review.

Agnello Scottadito. Practice saying that. Look up the pronunciation and say it over and over in the mirror until you get it right. Then, once seated at Luciano’s, repeat your well-practiced phrase to the waiter. He’ll be asking about drinks and salads, you just say “Yeah. Yeah, whatever… Agnello Scottadito, please.” You will be rewarded with some of the best lamb chops, grilled and seasoned to perfection, accompanied by roasted Yukon Gold potatoes, grilled peppers and balsamic. Pretend you thought of it yourself so that your date is impressed, and thank me later.

Pizzeria Venti

2010-01-22T18:44:00.011-05:00

by Ann-Marie Reeder

On a rainy Saturday afternoon my 2 sons and I traveled to Pizzeria Venti for dinner. Brian Lackey is the General Manager and he was very friendly and welcoming. Their menu lists all the items with the prices listed in "bucks."

We started out with a Field Green & Apple Salad. This tasty salad has lettuce, raisins, apples, walnuts, red onion and feta cheese. It is beautifully presented and topped off with a sweet vidalia onion vinaigrette dressing.

We shared a wonderful appetizer called the Carciofi e Spinaci. It is an artichoke dip that is made in house with artichoke, garlic, and spinach. It is served with fresh toasted bread chips. It is a very large portion to share for 7 3/4 bucks.

My son Justin's favorite dish is the Bocce Balls. This savory dish is made up of Italian meatballs, cheese and marinara wrapped up in golden pizza dough. He could not get enough of these yummy Bocce Balls! 3 come per order for 7 bucks. It is plenty to be eaten as your meal or to share as an appetizer.

All of Pizzeria Venti's pizza dough is made fresh every day. They make the dough with imported Italian water and let it rise 18-24 hours before baking. We tried 2 of the Pizza Massimo's. These slices are 50 Square inches! The vegetarian version is called Pizza Max and has tomatoes, black olives, capers. oregano, olive oil and feta cheese. A vegetarian masterpiece!! The meat lover's version is called the Grande Max. It has Pepperoni, Italian sausage meatballs, green peppers, onion and garlic. Yum!

One of my favorite dishes is the Lasagna al Forno. For 8 1/4 bucks it was a steal! The noodles are cooked al dente and my son noticed that something was "neat" about the noodles. We asked Brian and he said the noodles have ridges in them instead of being wavy. Great texture and very flavorful!!

We ended our wonderful dinner with some gelato. My 7 year old Jake couldn't believe his eyes! There are 12 different flavors to choose from.

Pizzeria Venti has up to 20 varieties of handmade pizza by the slice along with several other authentic Italian dishes. They also have weekly lunch specials and a private party room available for large groups. They have been open just over a year and it is a must visit for any pizza or Italian food lover!

Brookhaven Bistro

2010-01-17T12:19:00.010-05:00

by Ann-Marie Reeder

This week I had the pleasure of visiting the Brookhaven Bistro. It is a small cafe tucked behind Nuts 'N Berries Health Food Store. The owner, Chef Chip Desormeaux is from Louisiana and he puts that wonderful Louisiana flavor in all of his food.

My sister, Julie Malmquist and I started out with a garden salad. This was no ordinary salad. It had a variety of greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, red bell peppers and pepita seeds. The signature dressing is called Goddess dressing. It is very light yet creamy and it would satisfy any italian or ranch dressing lover.

The soups are to die for! We tasted the Thai Coconut Curry soup. While I am not a big coconut fan, the soup was fabulous! Chip rotates the soups throughout the year and they are a popular item in the restaurant.

I have one word for the Black Beans and Rice with Wild Alaskan Salmon dish. Yum! It had a little of that Louisiana spice and was served over Japanese brown rice. It also had spicy chipotle sauce on the edge of the plate that mixed in nicely with the entree to give it an extra kick.

The Turkey Burger was my sister Julie's favorite. The moist turkey patty was served on a cracked whole wheat bun with lettuce, tomato, and sauteed onions and mushrooms. It had vegenaise (vegan mayo) that was so tasty you would swear it was Hellman's! They also offer organic ketchup to complement the burger.

The signature Salmon Quesadilla was a hit! It had delicious Wild Alaskan Salmon sauteed with onions, mushrooms, jack cheese and fresh tomatoes. My taste buds lit up while eating this dish!

I don't want to forget to mention the deli case of this quaint bistro. They offer many take and go meals which are very popular during lunch. We sampled the Quinoa Salad, creamy Hummus and Pimento cheese. Everything is homemade and all of the bread is made fresh by Galia and Eli Kikov who own Best Bread Co. They are from Israel and I have never tasted Pita Bread that was so fluffy and light. All of the breads in the restaurant are served fresh with no preservatives.

If you want a healthy, delicious meal that is beautifully presented, look no further. Chip is waiting for you!

Ann-Marie Reeder is a writer for North Georgia Leisure, From My Table's parent publication. Ann-Marie visited The Vineyard with me some months ago, and developed a desire to write. This review is her first, and we hope there are many more to come. Welcome to the FMT family, Ann-Marie!

John

Barnacles - Gwinnett

2010-01-12T22:41:00.010-05:00

On my first stop in a series of visits to Gwinnett restaurants, I found myself near Gwinnett Place Mall, so I opted to visit Barnacles.

If you are looking for a beach style restaurant by day, sports pub by night and club spot on the weekends, this is it. This particular Barnacles is smoker friendly, has a well ventilated non-smoker area, as well as a VIP area, nice patio, game room and billiards area. Televisions at every angle and a huge multi-channel bar length television screen behind the side bar make it impossible to miss that special game or event.

The Barnacles menu is very diverse. Whether you want burgers, steak or seafood, you can get it here.

Seafood Medley

Appetizers of Oysters, Calamari, Crab Stuffed Mushrooms and the highly recommended Smoked Fish Dip along with the typical sports bar appetizers make for a tantalizing beginning.
A wide array of soups and salads will get you started nicely. (You can get a bowl of New England Clam Chowder that has a good "cold day" cream base and a little added something to give it a unique flavor for $4.59!)

Entrees range from $10 to $17 and platters from $11 to $15. You can opt for a basket or sandwich, if you like, and follow it up with a slice of Key Lime Pie, cheesecake or a brownie.

I opted to start off with the Smoked Fish Dip. This highly tasty Tilapia dip has a nice firm texture, and the jalapenos add just the right bite! Follow that with the clam chowder and I was plenty content, but why stop there?

I thought I would finish the meal off with the Seafood Medley. Described as a generous portion of fresh shrimp, scallops and salmon in a rich marsala cream sauce, this medley delivered as promised. The sauce was light, the scallops sweet and the shrimp plentiful, but my favorite part was the thick, pink chunks of salmon. Served with broccoli and asparagus, toast on the side, this meal was a very good way to satisfy my need for the beach.

Visit Barnacles online at www.mybarnacles.com

Missing Child

2010-01-10T00:47:00.002-05:00

I want to take a break from the reviews to share this plea for help. Please read this post by my friend, Kendal Spinks Hall:

Update on my Missing Daughter - Day 16

Thu at 12:02pm

First I wanted to thank EVERYONE who has contacted me. It DOES HELP to know there are people out there who genuienly care. Every day is struggle to remain calm and be strong for my other daughters and husband. I still get up everyday, get Grace off to school, keep the house up, run errands, cook dinner and on and on. Your words help me to do so.

As for any news, we have none. I wanted to put the entire story out there today so that those of you who I haven't been able to email back, will know what's going on and can keep an eye out her her.

Kaylyn is my middle daughter, age 16. With her long flowing red hair, she is hard to miss if you see her. She is very petite - about 5 feet, 100lbs.

The week prior to Christmas holidays, she and her boyfriend got into some trouble at school. After giving her the "you can't see the boyfriend" speech, she became hostile enough that I had to admit her to a stablization center for several days (she is bi-polar and requires this when her medicine does not calm her down.) The night after she was released home, she and her boyfriend ran off in the middle of the night. we have not had a single word from either of them. She left wearing a Cass High Blue softball hoodie, tennis shoes, one pink and gray backpack and at least $100. Neither have their cell phones, a driver's license or car. She has no ID at all.

We do have friends in law enforcement who are looking for her. They have checked the boyfriend's family to see if they have heard anything, as well as other friends and family. All phone records are being followed up on as well.

We do have someone watching our cabin in Rockmart, but feel she is too smart to go there.

I'm attaching a photo of her. If you see her, please contact the Bartow County Sheriff's Office. You can be anynomous - I just want to know she is safe and okay. You can also contact me day or night.

Thanks again for all your prayers.

Please contact the Bartow County Sheriff at :
bartow.org
770-382-5050

Not Just Dinner

2009-12-07T12:28:00.008-05:00

7:05. Already late, I sat at the red light on the off ramp from 75 onto 14th. My phone buzzed. The text - "I'm here".

Just a few minutes later, I parked and walked through the beautiful street nightlife scenes until I saw the entrance. I caught my breath and walked up the stairs into the entry way to Joia.

The room was wide open, with a bar to the right, a dance floor/ sitting area straight ahead and dining room to the left. The lighting was dimmed, suitable for the dinner hour. The hostess greeted me, and as I told her my name, she said "she's right over there".

As I turned, I saw her silhouette that was caused by the candle glowing on the table, and had to catch my breath again. My first impression was right. As we sat and talked, I realized that she was both captivating in appearance and conversation.

We talked about "old Atlanta". The urban jazz softly embraced the conversation. She told me of all the restaurants and places she and her family would frequent, and which places had stood the test of time.

There was a perfect couple just across from us. He in his dark suit and she in her dinner dress that was complimented by perfect make-up and hair. They sat there, framed by the picture window that completed the scene with the view of the streetlight gently cutting through the leaves of the trees.

The mood of the room was soft, comfortable and private. There was no din to shout over. The servers stood as sentries, just far enough away to not intrude. Our server was perfect. She brought our drinks and smiled as she offered us a choice of appetizers.

M ordered the mussels, and rightfully so. No fishy taste here, these mussels were done up just right. Salty enough to make you want one more, subtly seasoned so you don't regret the decision.

We also tried the Gemilli Pasta. This tasty dish is wonderful. It doesn't have to be a side dish, it can stand on its own. Filling, creamy and delicious, its purpose is more than served.

As we dined, our conversation became more familiar. The introductory nervousness was gone, aided along by the atmosphere and comfort of the surroundings. Our main course arrived. The braised ribs and vegetables were as good as any I'd had before. I was swept by scent and taste into the favorite kitchens of my past.

I have never had ribs that tasted so much like roast in my life! Chuck Taylor (Joia's chef) had outdone my every expectation.

After trying the ribs, it hit me. I was comfortable. I was dining with someone I had met but once, and I felt comfortable. The atmosphere changed as the night waned on. The median age of the patrons went down, and the music got a little less soft. The people began to mingle near the bar or sit in the plush chairs that surrounded a soon to be dance floor.

I realized, with those observations, that this is the consummate date spot. A comfortable dinner enhanced by casual conversation that would give way to drinks and music and maybe dancing. All in one place.

Growing up, my parents would throw dinner parties. My mother would prepare her very best food. Prior to dining, the guests would gather in the living room and slowly move to the dining room. The soft music was a backdrop to casual conversation. The meal would be served, and everything would get quiet for a while as the guests savored the effect on their senses.

As the meal progressed, those who might not know one another grew more familiar. Invariably, as the meal drew to a close, someone would suggest retiring to another room, where the music would play. Later, the laughter would grow, and some guests would dance.

It was a fun place. There was no need to go somewhere else. The party had all that was required for a complete evening.

That was how I felt at Joia. It had all an evening required. No awkward, uncertain "Where would you like to go now?" decisions. This place offers more than a dinner date. It offers a dinner party.

Villa Vino

2009-11-01T17:21:00.009-05:00

On a cool, rainy day, I made a visit to a new old friend.

Villa Vino is the kind of place that locals can call home. Built like the bar and grills I grew up with, where space was at a premium and every inch was used, this place felt like home.

Sitting snug with its neighbors on Roswell Road, Villa's deck invites the patrons in the front door. Walking in, I see the long bar that connects to the open kitchen on the right, and the tables and booths that line the left. On the walls, original artwork catches my eye.

Much longer than it is wide, this place immediately conjured up images of the New England corner restaurants of my youth. There is a downstairs, with an open floor pattern, complete with its own bar and lined on three sides with tables and padded benches. On weekend evenings, this place comes alive with a young crowd that enjoys a good meal as well as a good time.

I tried a sampling of appetizers and entrees.

Pesto Brie

The Pesto Brie and Sausage Bread came out first. I really liked the brie, but the sausage bread was even better! Homemade bread, wrapped around sausage with a marinara dipping sauce sounds really simple, but it was so good! Not taking away from the brie or even the garlic knots that followed, but you have to try that sausage bread!

Ravioli Florentine

Served next was the Ricotta Ravioli Florentine. A Taste of Atlanta Award winner, this dish is not to be ignored. Ricotta cheese fills this ravioli topped with spinach, onions and mushrooms in a fresh cream sauce. This is a very good meal on a cold rainy day. Very comforting, and very tasty.

Villa Special

Finally, I was served the Villa Special pizza. Not for the faint of heart, this pie had sausage, pepperoni, ham, salami, bacon and ground beef (not the little pebbles of beef you usually get at other places, but strips of ground beef that add texture and volume to the mix). The crust was thin, but soft. The sauce and cheese were there, but didn't try to take over the pie.

Russell McQueary is the manager at Villa Vino. Stop by and say hello to your neighbor. After he feeds you, call me and thank me.

Cafe at Pharr

2009-10-25T22:38:00.005-04:00

If you find yourself in Buckhead, in the vicinity of Pharr Road, at lunchtime, do yourself a favor and find a place to park. Make your way to 316. On the opposite side of the street from Atlanta Fish Market and a block down, in a small strip shopping center, sits a most unpretentious little lunch spot.

Cafe at Pharr has been serving customers since its bakery days in 1992. When my friends and I ate there a short while back, the place was packed. It is highly unusual for a strip mall restaurant to continue to thrive for over fifteen years. With a change in ownership in the mid-nineties (from parents to son), and the evolution of the menu to include sandwiches and Taiwanese bread, the Cafe at Pharr still draws a crowd. Something has to be right.

I am here to tell you it is the Walnut Chicken Salad (pictured above, just to the right of the tomato, next to the tuna, also good). Now, someone else will tell you they like the Celery or Curry Chicken Salad, but I will say the surprise of the sweet golden raisins in the walnut chicken salad is the best.

The Walnut Chicken Salad was not an easy choice. The Curry Chicken Salad surprised me. The menu says "Not too spicy... Not boring... Just right!" and that much is true. I often worry that spicing things up can be overwhelming to the base ingredient. Not so, here. In this case, the curry simply flatters the chicken by being tasty but not overbearing.

By the way, we fought a little bit over the Egg & Potato Salad (REALLY good) and the Shrimp Salad (lightly coated with mayo, salt and pepper). You can order the shrimp naked, but I highly recommend the mayo coating. Try to hide the Egg & Potato salad so that nobody else at your table can see it. Trust me on that move. You want it all. You want all of the yogurt rolls, too.

The Cafe at Pharr is the place to be in Buckhead at lunch. The place draws a crowd the old fashioned way. Good food at a good price, served by people who learn your name.

Johnny's Pizza

2009-09-23T19:17:00.007-04:00

Last week, my daughter and I went to visit another of Mike Ford's eateries, Johnny's New York Style Pizza, which sits west of US 41 on the south side of Barrett Parkway at 1615 Ridenour Blvd in Kennesaw.

Mike and his partners had wowed us with Johnny's next door neighbor, Keegan's, a few weeks ago. They did a good job this time, as well.

The dining room is wide open, with the kitchen all the way to the back, which is very different from most Johnny's locations. So if you are looking for the loud, hear every cook and server conversation spot, try someplace else. Here, one can actually sit down, eat a pie and watch a game.

We were met by Rachel, the manager, and our server Lauren. They both seemed happy to be there. If you've read any of my posts, you know how important I believe that to be. If the staff is treated well, they will be happy, and in turn will make sure you are happy.

Before I say anything else, let me say that there is usually more to a good pizza place than pizza. Such is true of Johnny's at Ridenour. Johnny's serves a pretty decent array of Italian dishes at a very good price. The starters here range from $2.50 to $6, the salads from $3.50 to $8, and the entrees start at less than $10.

Garlic Knots

The first plate brought to our table was a serving of Garlic Knots, which comes with a cup of marinara sauce. Be careful. That particular appetizer is very good, and very addictive, and very filling. Remember to share, or you will be the only one not able to eat any of your entree.

Johnny's @ Ridenour offers a variety of salads, some of which are a meal in itself.

There is the Garden Salad, an Iceberg & Romaine mix with tomatoes, mushrooms, red onions, cucumber slices and pepperoncini peppers. Also offered, a Greek Salad, which is an Iceberg and Romaine mix with tomatoes, onions, feta cheese, pepperoncini & Greek olives. There are more. Check the menu here to see a complete list. Beth and I enjoyed the Greek salad with oil and vinegar dressing. The serving size was just the right complement to a pasta or pizza meal.

Lasagna

Our entree of choice tonight was lasagna. It was delicious! A hefty amount of meat (sausage and meatballs) layered in with a very good marinara sauce made for a tasty entree. Couple that with the garlic bread and the meal is complete.

The Gourmet

I did say this is a pizza place, right? Well, tonight, we tried two pies. The first was the Gourmet, made with spinach, sun dried tomatoes, black olives, artichoke hearts and feta cheese, this is the pie for a gourmet veggie lover!

Italian Special

The second was Johnny's Italian Special - the house specialty. Now, this is my kind of pie. The sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers and pepperoni all blend to make a pie fit for a man's man.

The bottom line to this review is this: whether you are looking for a slice, or a full meal, if you want a comfortable neighborhood place to eat a decent Italian dish, come visit Rachel and Lauren at Johnny's. You just might see me there.

The Vineyard

2009-09-19T11:57:00.013-04:00

The Vineyard

Felicia Prezzano and Tina Sivadon started out with a gift shop on the main floor of this Marietta Square storefront, and later came up with the idea of opening a mall restaurant upstairs. All I can say is Bravo!

... on the way upstairs

These two ladies have transformed this upstairs suite into a charming spot to have a nice relaxing lunch. With bay windows overlooking the square, you can watch the entertainment as the world streams by almost as an invisible bystander. None of the hustle touches you, but the life is in plain view.

View from the entry

If you choose, you can sit further back, away from the view, and concentrate on the conversation at your table. Either way, you will find The Vineyard as comfortable as the dining room in your home. Just take a look at the china. You will swear it is your grandmother's (thanks for that quote, Ann-Marie!).

Tea Press

Ann-Marie Reeder and I went to visit The Vineyard last week. We sat near the window, and shared a nice meal. Ann-Marie had hot tea, served in a French Press, and I got sweet tea with a peach flavor to it.

Ashley

Ashley was our server. When she was asked to bring us what the restaurant was proud of, she was at a loss. The choices were too great. To start us off, Ashley brought out some appetizers, followed by three salad samplers.

Crab Cakes

For appetizers, we were served Parmesan Spinach Bites and Mini Crab Cakes. Both were delicious. I was partial to the crab cakes, which were about three inches in diameter, crispy on the outside, and meaty but not heavy on the inside.

Orchard Salad

The Orchard Salad (a mixture of mixed greens, pears, roasted asparagus, pine nuts, gorgonzola cheese served with a house apricot vinaigrette dressing), the Greek Pasta Salad and the Sweet Potato Salad. Of these, the nicest surprise was the Sweet Potato Salad. It was a very enjoyable twist on traditional potato salad. The sweetness made it almost like dessert!

Sandwich Tray

Following the salads, Ashley brought out our sandwiches! Eggplant Panini, Classic Harvest, and the Cafe Croissant. I am not a big eggplant fan, but this sandwich was good. The Cafe Croissant had creamy chicken salad with cranberries and almonds. That was almost my top selection, but my favorite of the three was the Classic Harvest, which came with turkey breast, bacon, cheddar and mixed greens with Dijon on raisin walnut bread. Delicious!

Dessert Array

Okay. As if this could get better, Ashley brought out the dessert tray. That thing had a bread pudding (good even to non-bread pudding fans), Bundt Cherry Pound Cake (as good as your mom's), Cinnamon scones (delicious), berry filled cookies (excellent) and an Almost Candy Bar (better than a creamy Reese's, the hit of the tray!).

The Vineyard Cafe offers a variety of menus, from catering to brunch and lunch as well as tea parties. Services include Boxed Lunches, Corporate catering and delivery (with notice). Call them at 678-581-3771 to book your next meeting, party or delivery. To see the menu, visit their website at www.thevineyardcafe.com

Whatever you do, the next lunchtime that you find yourself in Marietta near the Square, you owe it to yourself to try The Vineyard. Give yourself enough time to browse the gift shop!

What our readers say:

Cassandra Buckalew

Just had lunch there. They have the best chicken salad around! Can't wait to read your review.

Shawn Williams

I Love That Place..the Pizza thing is Deliche!

Ann-Marie Reeder
(my Auburn Friend who I had pleasant lunch company with)

I have 2 boys but we will be back! I would like to have a tea party, though! I really liked the mint tea and what it was served in. Very nice :))

MF Buckhead

2009-09-14T16:44:00.013-04:00

A short while ago, I had the distinct pleasure of visiting MF Buckhead. A sushi restaurant, MF Buckhead joins MF Sushibar and Nam as a creation of owner Alex Kinjo.

The Executive Chef at MFB is Fuyuhiko Ito, formerly of Nagano, Japan. Chef Ito started his cooking career at seventeen. He began working in Izakaya restaurant as a dish washer, working his way up. He has now been in the business for twenty-five years.

The son of musicians, Ito is a trained cellist, and a true artist.

Chef Ito

It was my pleasure to be in the company of Suprina Berenyi. Ms. Berenyi is an accomplished, well educated chef, who studied at Cornell and NYU, as well as Le Cordon Bleu Paris. She operates Suprema Gourmet as a Chef/Nutritionist.

Suprina Berenyi

I was fortunate to have such a lovely, educated dinner companion, since I know nothing of sushi. Suprina took the time to explain everything, step by step and morsel by morsel throughout our meal. She taught me everything from how to properly hold the chopsticks and sushi dining etiquette, to the pieces and parts of each dish. I learned how it should taste and the texture the dish should have. Thank you Suprina!

Dining Room

Of the restaurant itself, I will say that it has a deceptively small appearance. It is intimate, yet roomy as it stretches out for the length of the building. The room has a very sleek design and modern appearance. There is a VIP room above the sushi bar for a private group setting.

At our table, the white tablecloth and the natural textures of the dinnerware enhanced our experience.

As for the food, Suprina will forgive me as I quote her when I describe some of the dishes we sampled, in no particular order:

Yellow tail

Fresh yellow tail with a zest of lemon, cilantro, jalapeno pepper and grated wasabi.....Hamachi had a luxuriously unctuous feel in the mouth. It practically melted before you could chew.

Seared Tuna

Seared tuna served with ponzu, scallions, pan fried garlic and hot sauce.& Maguro ( Tuna) on green shiso leaf- extremely fresh and the pairing was excellent.

Grinding the Wasabi Root

Our server is specially prepared the fresh wasabi root by grinding it on shark skin. Fresh wasabi is less pungent, and suits the subtleties of the fresh seafood we enjoyed.

Shrimp Tempura Roll

The shrimp tempura roll with fresh avocado was delicious! I had no idea I was actually going to like sushi!

Nigiri Maguro, Hamachi, Sake and Toro

The next plate had four different fish - Nigiri Maguro (Tuna), Hamachi (Yellow Tail), Sake (Salmon) and Toro (Fatty Tuna). Although the fish was superb it was the rice that was the show stopper.....yes the rice it was perfectly sweet and the temp was the perfect offset to the fish to bring out the best texture! Very impressive.

Chilean Sea Bass

The Chilean sea bass was cooked on a Japanese Robata grill called a Binchotan it is fueled with special oak wood charcoal, that is also imported directly from Japan. The grill temperature reaches 900 degrees and flames are fanned by hand to achieve perfection! A sensory privilege that should not be missed! It was indeed the masterpiece of our meal!

I cannot take credit for this review. Suprina wrote every plate description so that I would remember. I learned quite a bit that day, and hope for another opportunity to learn from her.

I would like also to thank Chef Ito. True to his word, his sashimi was delicious! I intend to return...

Marietta Fish Market

2009-09-13T20:22:00.014-04:00

Marietta Fish Market has brought Gus Tselios and his family of restaurants full circle. With this addition in December 2008, Mr. Tselios has satisfied our need for Southern home cooking, pasta, a good steak, and now a wide variety of fish.

The menu at MFM is large enough that finding a dish to fit one's taste is relatively easy. For an appetizer, I personally recommend the fried seafood combo. It is the largest appetizer plate, so make sure you have help.

Trio Salad

For a salad, a trio salad of Seafood, Village Greek and Shrimp Salad will satisfy most tastes at the table. I particularly enjoyed the seafood salad.

Seashell Combo

I am not an oyster fan, but the seashell combo is attractive. Pictured above is the seashell combo with octopus and crabcakes, Oysters Bienville and Oysters Rockefeller and seared veggies. The crabcakes here are very tasty. They are large, but not firm - an eat with a fork item. The octopus has a tough texture, and a mild taste.

Santorini Shrimp and Mahi Mahi

The Santorini Shrimp and Mahi Mahi are two of my favorite foods at MFM. The tomato based sauce adds a wonderful flavor to this delicious blend of tastes. Combine this with rice and the dish is complete.

Blackened Grouper Tacos

A new addition to the menu, the Blackened Grouper Tacos are wonderful! Thick and meaty with a tasty sauce and salsa, along with wild rice. This will be a fan favorite in no time.

Fried Catfish

We come to the favorites of the night. The catfish was outstanding and plentiful, and the perch was absolutely delicious. We were in the mood for fried, and these dishes served with fried shrimp and hush puppy fingers were just the thing to send us home happy.

Fried Perch Plate

The place is usually packed, but the wait is short. The entree prices range from thirteen to twenty dollars. Parking is plentiful. Enjoy!

Buckhead Pizza Co

2009-09-04T00:15:00.006-04:00

So, it was Thursday night, and Richard Tang was hosting an event at Buckhead Pizza Co. I wanted to go and meet him, and to hopefully network a little bit. I got there late, so I sat off to the side.

The decor was typically Buckhead, very modern, high ceiling, narrow and sleek. The restaurant had one of those sliding glass patio bars behind the indoor bar, for those who smoke or just prefer to be outside.

Chef Sean Kelly watched over the operation as his staff hustled to satisfy the needs of the event-goers and other diners.

I took a peek at the menu. It was impressively full of specialty sandwiches and pies, with the usual obligatory Italian food offerings, and a few locally unique dishes. Given the hour, I ordered pizza.

I judge a pizza three ways. How good is the crust? Is the sauce watery or thick? Are the ingredients bountiful and fresh?

In most cases, I would order something highly traditional, like a combination of meats with a veggie or two, and steer clear of the modern inventions, like BBQ or Margharita. That night, it was late, so nothing too heavy. A personal pepperoni and green olive.

The pie I received had a deceptive crust. It was thin in the body and thick on the edges. This was one of the best doughs I have tasted in a while. The texture of the outer crust was like a really dense Krispy Kreme doughnut. A standard, run of the mill pie with a thick crust would be too chewy and more work than enjoyment. Not true here. I was truly impressed.

The sauce was very good, and not dominant. The cheese was the same. Very tasty, but not overwhelming. The ingredients were plentiful. There wasn't that pool of brownish grease you usually end up with when you order pepperoni, and the olives were crisp and salty, just like I like them.

As for value, this is above the norm, especially for that neighborhood. The personal pie I received was a good bit larger than the usual personal pie. I was satisfied in both content and volume. Look at the menu here. If you take a cheese pizza, and add the ingredients you like, you will come out cheaper than any of the big three.

The service was good, and the atmosphere was comfortable. This place will definitely get a return visit from me.

Pertinent visit info: Off Peachtree even though the address is Peachtree. The parking is free if it takes you less than an hour (get your ticket validated by the restaurant) and you park yourself. There is a free valet service, with suggested tipping.

Keegan's Public House

2009-08-21T00:56:00.013-04:00

I ran into Will Underwood at Cuppy's Coffee last Thursday. He informed me that he'd be playing guitar with Joe at Keegan's, and invited me to come visit. When I got there, I met Mike and Patrick Ford, the brothers who own and run Keegan's.

They have done this place up right. The pub was everything a neighborhood pub used to be, and more. No overkill with fancy decorations. No girlification. A place with a Larry Bird jersey and a few flat screens on the wall. The dark worn wood. The comfortable bar, a handful of tables and regular patrons. Booths align the wall that separates the bar from the second dining room.

The bar has a wide window behind it, that, when opened, reveals a patio bar. The patio runs the side of the building, providing a nice cafe style setting. There is no smoking inside the building, so the patio is a haven for smokers and non-smokers alike.

I enjoyed the music, and decided to bring my wife to Keegan's for dinner on Friday.

We showed up just after seven and the inner room was full, so we were seated in the outer dining room. Our waitress tonight was Erin, a very happy, very knowledgeable and appropriately red haired young lady.

Erin walked us through the menu, which is full of a blend of traditional Irish and Irish-American dishes. While we decided on that we got a sampler plate of appetizers, which included wings (the sauces are a bit more hot, compared to other places, i.e. mild=medium, etc.), Angus Beef Sliders, and Keegan's own Irish Spring Rolls. The Irish Spring Roll, Patrick's contribution to the food side of the business, was a Taste of Marietta First Place winner in 2009. It is a unique adaptation of a traditional spring roll, in that corned beef is added to the mix. Absolutely delicious!

For dinner, my wife ordered Pot Roast and Mashed Potatoes. The meal is a beef and gravy lover's delight. The roast beef was prepared the traditional way with extra celery, which added a nice veggie flavor. The mashed potatoes were just lumpy enough with a hint of garlic. The portion was large and satisfying.

I ordered the Finnegan's Fry. I received a huge piece of haddock nestled atop an ample supply of fries, with a side of slaw. The tartar sauce was delicious but unnecessary. The beer battered, lightly fried filet was meaty, tender and moist. The batter was just firm enough to not fall apart. Sprinkle some malt vinegar on the fries and I was transported to Maine, back to the piers of my youth, where you could buy fries in a cup, soaked with malt vinegar, topped by a piece of the catch of the day.

For dessert, we ordered the KrispyKreme Bread Pudding and the Bailey's Irish Cream Cheesecake. The KrispyKreme bread pudding is exactly that, Bread pudding made from KrispyKreme Doughnuts, a Keegan's original. The Bailey's Irish Cream Cheesecake is also self explanatory, a cheesecake with a nice chocolaty taste. Not too heavy and very sweet. Both were delicious!

Visit Keegan's (soon) at 1625 Ridenour Blvd, Suite 301 in Kennesaw. Tell them I sent you and you want the Finnegan's Fry. You will like it and you will come back for more. When you return, you can probably get your favorite waitress again. They have no turnover to speak of. Save one who moved and one on maternity leave, the staff is the same since day one.

The Boxcar - A Cheesecake Cafe

2009-08-19T00:41:00.011-04:00

Sitting just around the corner from Wild Bill's, and a block or two from The General, The Boxcar is one of the most comfortable, friendly restaurants you'll find.

The cozy dining room lends itself to family conversation and a small town atmosphere. If the weather is agreeable, the deck is also an option. Here, a very friendly staff will serve to you food items that the menu cannot do justice. There is just no way to say how good the roast beef melt tastes, or how surprised you will be by the potato salad.

My family and I came by for lunch one day, and decided to return for dinner on another night. It was a good decision. It was a Thursday evening, and we got to try their house made pasta. My wife ordered the spaghetti with meat sauce. It was an ample dish of fine spaghetti, smothered by a thick marinara meat sauce, accompanied by two pieces of sourdough garlic bread (which was wonderful) and topped with parmesan cheese.

My daughter ordered rigatoni alfredo with sliced chicken breast. Adorned with diced tomatoes and broccoli, this dish was delicious.

Not to be outdone, I ordered the smothered chicken. I am here to tell you that this is a tasty entree! Chicken breast smothered in cheeses and peppers and onions, with broccoli and wild rice beside it made for a man-sized meal.

We all thoroughly enjoyed our dinner, and had leftovers to carry home.

But it doesn't end there. Read the name of the restaurant.

The strawberry banana cheesecake and the strawberry cheesecake were extremely good! The Boxcar offers a wide variety of cheesecakes worthy of a visit in their own right.

So visit downtown Kennesaw. Check out the interesting stores and the Civil War Museum. Say hello to Doc Eaton (get him to show you his trains). Without fail, make sure to save time for a good meal and a slice of heaven at The Boxcar.

Dreamland BBQ

2009-08-15T23:51:00.006-04:00

As I recall, the word Dreamland would cause many a college student in Tuscaloosa, Al to salivate. A small shack sat out beyond Interstate 59, to the left off US 82 in an area known as Jerusalem Heights. There John "Big Daddy" Bishop created what became a staple in the life of Tuscaloosans.

We went in, and willingly sat elbow to elbow. The people at the next table might pull for the opponent of the day, but that didn't matter. Going to Dreamland was like going to church. You put differences aside at the door because of your mutual respect for those ribs and white bread. 'Nana Pudding was pretty good, too.

Last week, I had the good fortune of walking into a building and smelling the same smell that I had come to love those years ago. I sat in the open dining room (not even close to being elbow to elbow). I made sure I got a table near "the pit".

Before long, my combo plate sat before me, with Ribs, Chicken, Slaw and Beans. I got my chicken "off the bone" so that I could easily slap some on my Sunbeam bread. The hot barbeque sauce was just hot enough to make my sinuses active. My slaw and beans were just right, but the thing that made me pull into the driveway was that first rib. I bit into the sweet sauce-covered meat and was transported back to Big Daddy's shack.

No skimpy, try to find the meat ribs here. I was not hungry for some time after that meal.

The next time you are in Roswell, give this place a try. You'll be glad you did.

Okinawa Hibachi & Sushi

2009-08-14T00:40:00.000-04:00

Eddie Yap has done something very right, and he did it in Cartersville, Ga.

Okinawa, a Japanese Steak and Sushi restaurant, is a not so well kept secret in Cartersville. A friend of mine told me that her mom works in the same business complex, and that the line for lunch starts well before Eddie's restaurant opens her doors.

Here is why.

First, the service is second to none. The drink glass never empties, and the attention, while never intrusive, never stops.

Second, Eddie Yap genuinely cares about every plate served, and every customer that comes in. He is a good businessman with a good grasp on where he is going and how to get there.

Third, the food.

A friend and I ordered a pretty good sampling of appetizers that included Steamed Gyoza (pork dumplings), Spring Rolls, Shrimp Tempura and Crab Rangoon. All were delicious, but my favorite was the Shrimp Tempura. The batter was just right, and the sauce was very good.

A small green salad then led the way into the main course. I ordered a Hibachi Combo Dinner of Ribeye and Chicken, cooked to order and seasoned just right, which came with mixed veggies and fried rice. The meal was perfectly prepared and was presented well.

It is no wonder the lines start early and end late.

Okinawa's menu covers the full range of sushi and hibachi treats. Almost every dinner entree is under $15, and the sushi ranges from $4.50 to $8.50. Eddie offers a variety of lunch specials, the vast majority of which are priced under $10.

Is there a negative to this restaurant? Only if you consider Cartersville to be too far from home. I assure you, it is worth the drive.

Di Gusto Italian Grille

2009-08-11T17:39:00.008-04:00

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Di Gusto Italian Grille in Kennesaw. Located at 3150 Cobb Parkway NW. A family owned and operated restaurant, Di Gusto offers a family oriented setting with a touch of date-worthy romantic flair.

While owner Carlos McCoy handled the kitchen and staff, his wife and partner Rosaria Pecoraro McCoy keeps the recipes to her liking. Shown above is her adaptation of traditional Bruchetta. Instead of mincing the tomatoes, they are sliced, soaked in oil and served above mozzarella and beneath a drizzle of basil sauce. Sweet and tasty!Vince served us well, kept our glasses full, and warm bread on our table. I make it a habit to watch how well other tables are served, so as to balance things out in the event someone knows why I am there. I even watched the room a bit from the front foyer after all had assumed I had left.Without a doubt, service was consistent and complete.

Phyllis got the Vegetable Lasagna, which she really liked. It was a very large portion, with just the right amount of cheese and plenty of veggies. Just the way she likes it!

I ordered the Tour of Italy, a half order each of Lasagna, Fettuccine Alfredo and Chicken Parmigiana. More food than I could handle, and each item prepared to perfection.

I finished the meal with a Cannoli and the determination that we would return.

Di Gusto is open for lunch and dinner every day, and on Fridays offers Di Gusto after dark, an opportunity to include dancing with your dinner.

Check out their website, or call them at 770-529-4200.

Spudz Tavern

2009-08-11T11:32:00.006-04:00

Spudz Tavern sits in Sandy Plains Village at 4651 Woodstock Rd. in Roswell, Ga. The result of the love and effort of Wade and Jolene Duckett, this place has a lot more to offer than meets the eye.

Spudz opened up on June 15, 2009, and hasn't slowed down since.

The menu offers a variety of starters (I like the fried pickles), salads, soups and wraps (the favorite being the Meat in a Sheet, Black Angus beef with all the trimmings!) and, as you might guess a large selection of baked potatoes. You can see the menu by clicking here.
I ordered the fried pickles and a huge Texas Spud. The Texas is a baked potato with a generous portion of your choice of chili, BBQ beef or pork with butter, green onion cheddar and sour cream. I chose BBQ pork. That was as good or better than any stuffed potato I've ever had.

The food at Spudz is very good, the service is friendly and quick, and the atmosphere is wonderful (dark wood, soft indirect lighting, pleasant angles). Those elements would seemingly be enough to carry the business. Wade and Jolene have taken things a step further.
Meet Sam. Sam is one of three servers that I met on my visit. Wade and Jolene are owners who "get it" when it comes to the hiring and treatment of staff members. It is very easy for us patrons to tell when an employee is unhappy. We become yet one more obstacle for them to hurdle in order to finish their shift.

Not so here. I spoke with Sam, Jamie and Lindsey, and got the same impression every time. These folks like their job. That translates into good service.

Give this place a try. Check out the events they offer on their w eb page. They offer live music, dancing, Open Mic Atlanta and Casino Night to name a few.

See you there!

Mary Mac's Tea Room

2009-08-08T11:35:00.007-04:00

My daughter and I had just finished polishing off a fair amount of food at Spice Market, and we had decided to take advantage of being downtown,, so we drove around.

Before long, we were cruising down Ponce, and there it was. Sitting on the corner with a big sign, "Mary Mac's Tea Room". I had driven by, I had heard testimonials, I had read the legends, but I had never been inside.
Stuffed already, but with a "got to" feeling, we walked in. After we were seated, we told our waitress we were here for the first time, but only wanted dessert. "Oh, but first-timers get a complimentary cup of Pot Liquor. You have to try it!"
Soon, a divine cup of greens in a just salty enough broth appeared before us, accompanied by a piece of cornbread. Still full from our Spice Market adventure, we lifted our spoons. My spoon rested again only when the last drop was gone. I looked around the room and quickly stifled the urge to lift the cup to my mouth.

Now we were ready for dessert. Beth had ordered Strawberry Shortcake. With home made pound cake and fresh strawberries topped by a thick whipped cream, this dessert was delicious.
My order was Peach Cobbler. A heavenly combination of peaches, crust and sugar that will make you want to hug the cook.
So. Here is my advice. Park your car somewhere near 224 Ponce de Leon Ave. Walk inside Mary Mac's Tea Room. Check out the photos of dignitaries and celebrities. When you get a table, tell the server it's your first time. Order a meal (I can't imagine anything being a wrong choice) if you like, but definitely order dessert.

Thank me later.

Spice Market

2009-07-21T21:22:00.017-04:00

Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who has wowed culinary artisans the world over, brought to us in 2008 his Spice Market Atlanta. I won't try to impress you by spouting out facts, but let me just say that the opportunity to sample the art of a world renowned chef is one that should never be passed up.

My daughter and I had the opportunity to share in some delights at this beautiful restaurant. We were struck by the simple beauty of the modern dining room which contrasted with the huge array of thick-roped bells hanging from the high ceiling inside a wooden framework with an Asian flair. Our semi-circular booth was extremely comfortable, and afforded a wide-open view of Midtown Atlanta.

The wait staff was dressed in traditional Southeast Asian garb, and moved about quickly and quietly as they worked the room. The atmosphere and service was outstanding. Our server, Roy, never missed a need, was extremely knowledgeable as well as helpful.

Food, here at Spice Market, is served family style to encourage sharing. Each entree is sized for one, if that is all you intend to eat. I would encourage you to order a variety of entrees appropriate for your group size, so that you can each sample more than one delicacy.

Spice offers an extensive wine and cocktail list, along with an array of domestic and imported beers. there are also non-alcoholic cocktails for those who like the taste but not the effect. My daughter and I started things off with some housemade Jasmine Lemonade and Fresh Ginger Ale. The Jasmine Lemonade is indeed strong, but genuinely tasty. The Ginger Ale reminds you what it is made of, and is like no ginger ale that can be bought at a store. Also very enjoyable.

The appetizers we tried were the Vietnamese Spring Roll, Chicken Skewers with Lime Dipping Sauce, Black Pepper Shrimp with Sun Dried Pineapple, and Spiced Chicken Samosas with Cilantro Yogurt.

The safe American will go for the Chicken Skewers. Although they were good, I will tell you to come out of your shell and go for the Spring Roll. Don't go looking for cabbage inside this roll. You will find Lobster, shrimp and pork. Wrap that in a beautiful green leaf and dip it. Once you taste it, you will thank me. By the way, if you like the spicier things, go for the Samosas. I went from Spring Roll to Samosa until they were all gone.

The entrees we were served were the Chargrilled Chicken with Kumquat Lemongrass Dressing and the Cod with Malaysian Chili Sauce Thai Basil. On the side, fried rice with one egg, sunny side up.

My daughter would encourage you to try the chicken, as she liked the kumquats and the flavor that the dressing gave the chicken. Both of us, however loved the Cod, which happens to be the Chef's signature dish. The fish was delicious, and the spices added wonderful flavor without taking over.
Finally, desserts. Roy brought two for us to share. The first, Thai Jewels and Fruit with Crushed Coconut served over ice was deliciously cold with sweet, slightly chewy pieces of fruit adorning a bed of ice cold milky coconut meat. Obviously this one was good.

The second, we liked even better. Ovaltine Kulfi, Caramelized Banana, Spiced Milk Chocolate Sauce (decorated with housemade caramel popcorn). I won't even try to do this justice. It was absolutely delicious!

A final word. Thank you to Megan, who is as intelligent, charming and gracious as she is lovely. Bethany and I had a wonderful time.

Mexico Tipico II

2009-07-21T10:38:00.006-04:00

Mexico Tipico II, located at 3160 Cobb Pkwy NW in Kennesaw, has been a family favorite since it opened. We had visited the parent location in downtown Acworth, and really enjoyed that as well.
The decor is simple, but colorful. There are two dining rooms and a patio, each decorated with the twisted wrought iron and colorful paintings that we have come to associate with Mexican restaurants.
There is a small bar, and a handful of televisions. The staff is polite and attentive, and provides very good service. Although almost 100% Hispanic, there is no language barrier here.
My favorite dish is the Pollo a la Parilla, which is a chicken breast covered with mushrooms and sauce, served with rice and mixed vegetables. pictured here is Combination #17, a beef burrito, an enchilada, rice and beans.

Most dinner entrees are under $10. A handful of lunches can be ordered at less than $5.

If you are in the mood for Mexican, I heartily recommend you visit these folks!

The Old Mill

2009-07-20T21:01:00.015-04:00

Last Friday night, Phyllis and I had the pleasure of visiting The Old Mill in Acworth, Ga. The mill itself was built in 1870 by John Cowan, funded by his share of gold brought back from the Last Chance Gulch discovery in Montana. Over time, the mill went from producing "Lynette Flour" to textiles and tapestries. The mill ceased operation after a suspicious fire in 1992.

Now, this wonderfully restored building produces some of the finest Southern and comfort food around. The staff, under managing partner (and Acworth Mayor at the time of this post) Tommy Allegood, and well-known Chef Larry Epps, works like a machine with a heart as they quickly attend to the needs and desires of their visitors.

Upon entering the foyer, the first view after the hostess station is of the small bar. To the right is the main dining room, and straight ahead past the bar is the Savannah Dining room, complete with a baby grand piano. From the Savannah room there are two other doors, one to the kitchen and one to the main dining room.

The main dining room is a huge gutted out section of the old mill, with a high ceiling and plenty of windows. Off the back of the main dining room is the porch, with outdoor dining complete with a view of downtown Acworth and the occasional passing train.

From the kitchen, Chef Larry Epps manages a highly competent staff. He walks the dining rooms often, managing every step of every course for every diner. Jennifer Klock, our hostess, and Jennifer Thomas, the Assistant Manager ably and attentively keep things running as they should. Last, but not least, the wait staff (our servers were Darnell and Leah) are learned and attentive in their jobs.

We ordered a selection of appetizers that included grit Puffs, Fried Green Tomatoes and Old Mill Calamari. Phyllis ordered a Prime Top Sirloin, along with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans. I ordered the Bourbon NY Strip with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. For dessert, we were given a delicious chocolate mousse, as well as a slice of Darnell's wonderful chocolate cake (the chocolate cake had a pudding-like filling with a hint of coffee).

This was more than just a good meal at a nice place. The food was wonderful, the atmosphere happy, the surroundings intriguing, and the staff made us feel like family. Good job, Tommy. You have put together a team that "gets it". I anticipate many happy returns.

Readers can view the menu and website for The Old Mill simply by clicking on the title of this article.

The City Cellar & Loft

2009-07-20T18:41:00.008-04:00

110 South Museum Street in Cartersville, Ga. never had it so good.

I had the pleasure of visiting The City Cellar & Loft last week. After sampling the food, I made them promise to always have a table ready for me.

The building once housed City Automotive, and then other establishments, giving way to M'Voorneen's Irish Pub, which in turn gave way to City Cellar & Loft. The outside is very "warehouse district". The door to the Cellar takes you down a short set of stairs to a below-ground dining room and bar.

That's where I met Beth, my hostess and server. Beth then showed me around the Cellar. The dark wood and the shadows lending to mystery, combined well with the high private booths that create an atmosphere of intimacy.

Beth then introduced me to Stasia Maddox (GM) and Bob Smith (Owner). Stasia showed me the Loft, which her crew was working feverishly to prepare for their first night. It was a wide open area with a long brick wall as a backdrop for the bar. There were plenty of tables, a band platform and a hardwood dance floor. There will be a lot of fun had in that room.

Back downstairs, it was time to try the goods. Chef Sean Pruitt did a fantastic job putting together some fine comfort food. From the Fried Green Tomatoes, to the moist and flavorful Pork Chops, Beef Tenderloin and Smashed New Potatoes, and finally the OMG Pie, a better meal would be tough to find.

When you visit, make Stasia tell you how she came up with the name for her buttermilk pie (OMG Pie). Her story will make you smile.

Take a look at their menu by clicking on the name of this article, or by visiting http://site.the citycellar.com/Menu.html .

Creekside Deli

2009-07-20T00:07:00.007-04:00

If you are on your way to Helen, or you are visiting Babyland to watch the birth of a new Cabbage Patch Kid, or for some other reason find yourself 75 miles northeast of Atlanta in Cleveland, Ga, plan to get a sandwich at the Creekside Deli.

Located at 16 Old Nacoochee Road, Cleveland, GA, this place makes heavenly sandwiches and sandwich combos at a price that competes with any fast food place you might be tempted to visit.

Last Sunday marked the second time my family made the right decision in Cleveland. The three of us made different choices (Tuna, Turkey, and Chicken Salad), and nobody walked away dissatisfied or wanting more.

Thanks, Creekside, for giving us a better along the road alternative!

Montecalvo's

2009-07-19T22:49:00.002-04:00

Last week, I finally got a chance to try Montecalvo's in Kennesaw.

It is a small, family run restaurant in a strip mall on Hwy 41. I typically give one strike against strip mall eateries, but if you sit in the inner dining room, you can't tell that you aren't in a stand alone building.

The big draw here is the family attitude, complete with handed-down recipes. The lasagna and ziti were both good, and the service was good enough to make coming back a certainty.

Dennis Montecalvo and his family have done right by the phrase "Family Italian Restaurant".

Mellow Mushroom

2009-07-12T09:59:00.004-04:00

Thursday last, I visited Mellow Mushroom near the Kennesaw State campus. It was an odd meal time (4:00 pm), so the place was relatively quiet.

To baby boomers, the name Mellow Mushroom would conjure up images of Cheech and Chong, or the Beatles' "Sgt Pepper's..." psychedelic record album cover. The interior of this particular MM does not betray that image. Mushroom sculptures of many colors protrude from the walls, and a giant mushroom marks the kitchen entry.

To the right of the giant mushroom is a bar about sixteen feet long. A handful of college-aged patrons adorned the stools. My server, Brad, invited me to sit wherever I liked.

From my table, I could see that there were a dozen or so tables inside, and an equal amount on the over-sized patio. Brad told me that the dining room and patio filled up quickly with college students on Thursday through Saturday evenings.

I ordered a pepperoni Calzone, which comes in two sizes. A large gets you twice what I have pictured here. The base price is $7.25, and you can add additional items at $.95 and up.

The Calzone was very good, and I liked the marinara sauce, even though I suspect it is mass-produced and shipped to them. As far as presentation, come on, it's a calzone. Just pick it up and eat it.

The staff and dining room were clean, as pizza joints go. While the colorful decor suggests "kid-friendly", in the late hours, no-one under 18 is admitted. They have free WiFi, decent food and good service. The perfect combination, minus a live band, for a college crowd.

Big Pie in the Sky

2009-06-28T22:46:00.006-04:00

The Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria does not have an impressive store front. It sits next to a coffee shop in a small corner of the Publix shopping center at 2090 Baker Road in Kennesaw.

Enter the shop, and you see about a dozen old school pizza parlor tables. Some are linked together party style.

Jeff stands at the register, ready to take your order. Before him is a small stainless steel topped bar. Behind the bar is a double doored beer cooler. Further in is the open wall to the kitchen, where pie doughs the size of bedsheets fly through the air.

Jeff took my order, and gave me a coke in a plain white styrofoam cup. If this place was going to impress me, it was going to have to be through service and food quality.

I ordered two medium pizzas, without once looking to see how big a medium is. I should have ordered one. At 16", I received a couple of good sized pies. A large comes in at 20" and an Extra Large a whopping 30".

Now, if you and a friend are extremely hungry and equally adventurous, you could try the Carnivore Challenge. The challenge is for two people to eat pie that houses a total of eleven pounds of meat. You get one hour. It'll cost you $50, but if you and your friend succeed, you share a $250 prize.

Big Pie in the Sky is the dream child of Chris Day and Dirk Tendick. The partners opened shop on Super Bowl Sunday in February of 2007. Business has been good ever since. Chris tells me some people come a couple times a week.

Repeat business is good advertising, but their best break to date came when the television show "Man Vs Food" shot an episode where the host tried to conquer the Carnivore.

Today, at the end of his day, Jeff spoke of the affect. Earlier this afternoon, two men brought thirty or so friends to watch them attempt the challenge. As soon as they were through (unsuccessfully), a busload of forty church group kids from Missouri came in. It seems some of the kids had seen the episode of "Man Vs Food".

By the way, the pies I got were delicious. The crust not too thick or too thin, and the sauce was good without overwhelming the taste of my chosen ingredients. It was a good value at just over $16 a pie, and the service was quick and attentive.

This place is a value worthy of your visit.

Las Palmas

2009-06-28T12:08:00.003-04:00

I have visited this restaurant on a number of occasions, as it is near home and a family favorite.

As Mexican food goes, this place puts out a decent plate. Today I ordered the Supreme Nachos. The plate starts with a thin layer of cheese sauce, topped by chips, then pulled chicken on one side and ground beef on the other, with a small amount of re-fried beans. Top that with lettuce, tomato and sour cream and you have a decent salad.

The portion was large and delicious. I couldn't finish the plate, and that is unusual. Today, our service was sub-par (also unusual), but not terrible. The price range for lunch plates is a inexpensive $5 - 10.

Cheeseburger Bobby's

2009-06-27T20:33:00.004-04:00

Outside the building is a huge balloon that says "Voted Best Burger". I see those kind of proclamations and I want to ask, "Voted by whom, and over what restaurants?"

The building size does not reflect on the dining room. The dining room is roughly one fifth the size of the building. Once inside, I ordered at the counter and was given a buzzer to let me know when my plate was ready.

To be consistent with visits to other burger joints, I ordered a bacon cheeseburger and fries. The fries were fresh cut, but a little soggy. The burger was very tasty, but smaller than the one I got at Canyons for about the same price.

I dressed the burger myself, the ketchup, mayo and mustard all came from packets. It tasted very good, but using the packets and dressing it myself made it more fast food than gourmet.

All in all, my visit was enjoyable, but pricey for what I got. This restaurant probably needs to decide who they want to be. Lower the price to compete with fast food or raise the service (and do away with packets) to blend in with gourmet burger joints.

Canyons Burger Company

2009-06-24T22:14:00.010-04:00

I've tried Fuddrucker's - too corporate and I've tried Five Guy's - too stark. Today we visit Canyons Burger Company at 355 Chambers Street in Woodstock, Ga.

This place is sleek with a outdoor active theme. Brightly lit, with vaulted wood beam ceilings, the dining room is like a hip, start of the trail, mountain burger joint.

The menu is fairly diverse for a burger place. Along with the variety of Black Angus Beef burgers, they serve a Black Bean burger for the veggie folks, Turkey burgers for the meat but not beef people, and Portabello for - well, for those folks. No burger, thank you? Okay. Order chicken tenders or one of the fine salads. Add a side of fries (crinkle or sweet) or slaw, a soft drink or shake, and you are all set. We ordered the 360* Bacon Cheeseburger and the Chicken Tenders.

The Chicken Tenders were very meaty and lightly battered, served with your choice of sauces. The meal is completed by a side of slaw.

The 360* Bacon Cheeseburger is a Black Angus Beef burger topped with American cheese and hickory smoked bacon. Both dishes were accompanied by crinkle fries.

Hardly a chain (yet), there are two Canyons locations. I recommend you try the one we visited in Woodstock, or visit the Brookhaven location in the Cherokee Plaza Shopping Center at 3877 Peachtree Road NE.

My Cousin Vinny's

2009-06-24T21:37:00.003-04:00

Let me start by saying the service by Trey was excellent.

I should have taken notice of the fact that at lunch only two other tables were occupied. I ordered a meatball sub (four tiny meatballs that were not freshly made, and not enough sauce) and pasta salad (too much Parmesan).

I have wanted for a long time to visit this restaurant. My desire is quenched. This is a small hole in the wall restaurant with an impressive brick pizza oven. With as many Italian restaurants as there are in the Kennesaw area, the pizza here had better be good, or Vinny's doesn't stand a chance.

Shop Downtown

2009-06-20T00:13:00.001-04:00

I recommend walking down Main Street in your home town. My wife and I did that yesterday, and I realized how important it is. Support your downtown shopkeepers. These are your neighbors. They hire your neighbors. It means something to me to buy my necessities from someone who might learn my name. Might ask me about my family. Enough said.

http://www.shopacworth.org/

Watson's Gulf Coast Seafood

2009-06-19T23:13:00.005-04:00

The front door of Watson's Gulf Coast Seafood sits on Main Street, but the true entrance is on Senator Russell Avenue in Acworth. The restaurant is basically two entities blended into one. The dining room is upstairs off Main Street, and the bar is downstairs off Senator Russell Avenue. Seafood upstairs and pub fare downstairs.

Yesterday, my wife and I went for lunch. The place is beautiful. The dining room is actually a room added on to the exterior of an old home. Hardwood floors and a loft (with seating) add to the charm.

My wife ordered a salad sampler consisting of Tuna Salad, Chicken Salad, and Waldorf Salad. The portions were appropriate and tasty. I ordered Fish and Chips, which consisted of two tilapia filets, french fries and cole slaw. Our meals were accompanied by four hush puppies.

While tasty, I found my tilapia to be extremely thin and small. Phyllis seemed genuinely pleased, but I am going to have to try another dish. Next time I visit, I will be visiting the pub...

Big Shanty Smokehouse

2009-06-17T00:05:00.005-04:00

In the tradition of side of the road smokehouses, like Dreamland in Tuscaloosa, Al, comes Big Shanty Smokehouse. This is one of those places that you find by driving with your windows down. All you want to do is find where that smell is coming from.

There are no surprises. The menu board is posted on the outer wall of the "Shanty". The prices are reasonable, and your nose has already communicated the urgency to your stomach. Before someone gets hurt, you go inside. Hopefully you are early, because the dining room has a 30 person capacity.

In February of 2008, Chic Dillard and his partner Ronnie Schaeffer brought to us the favor that is Big Shanty Smokehouse. With a crew that includes his wife, Sissy, and his daughter, Shannon, and others, Chic provides a product that far exceeds any expectations.

I enjoyed a pulled pork sandwich and a couple of ribs. My new friends Tara and Mike had Chicken and pork sandwiches. The meat is flavored with Chic's secret rub, then smoked with just a hint of sauce. There is a small cup of sauce served on the side, but try the meat first. Don't miss out on the wonderful taste straight from the smoker.

The Shanty caters, and sells meat by the pound as well as group meals.

They serve no alcohol, are kid friendly, and are closed on Monday. Chic told me that they have a very loyal following, which is proved by the fact that The Big Shanty Smokehouse has shot up the Atlanta favorite restaurant chart, as seen on www.UrbanSpoon.com.

Keep the smoker fired up, Chic. I'm coming back.

Orient Express

2009-06-15T23:33:00.003-04:00

I have not been able to frequent this restaurant as much lately, and it is my loss. The decor and service are impeccable, and the food divine. My favorite is General Tso's Chicken, but the decision is tough. I have had the Mongolian Beef, the Beef with Broccoli, and many other dishes.

Click the title to check out their menu. The prices are higher than what I typically spend at lunch, but well worth it.

Those of you who work or live near Vinings, for this restaurant, I am jealous.

More Metro Atlanta

2009-06-10T16:31:00.002-04:00

Varsity
61 North Ave NW
(Midtown) Atlanta

The Varsity is more experience than food. This is a must see for all who visit Atlanta. Started in the late 1920's, it is the world's largest drive in. Walk inside and you are at the world's largest street hot dog vendor cart (or so it seems). From the long counter, to the employees barking out the orders to the cooks, this place has long been a shrine for the Atlanta hot dog lovers.

Flip Burger Boutique
1587 Howell Mill Rd NW
Atlanta

from an earlier entry:
"You have to try this place. The food was delicious and the service was outstanding! Thanks, Karen, for helping me enjoy my visit! I will be back, and I will bring friends."

Other Atlanta Favorites

2009-06-10T16:09:00.003-04:00

For comparison, here are some restaurants rated highly by Atlanta area patrons. By visiting each site you can get an idea of what my peers and/or I think of them. These are straight from the UrbanSpoon rankings. Please add your input by visiting and voting.

Metro Atlanta Sampling:

Fogo de Chao
3101 Piedmont Rd NE
Buckhead

A favorite of many, the food and service is outstanding. Never have I felt so well taken care of. Expensive, yes, but for a special event, or those with a bottomless wallet, the place to go. The food service is a circus to behold.

Vote to Get Them Noticed

2009-06-10T11:27:00.004-04:00

As many of you know, I link my restaurant entries to their corresponding web pages on the UrbanSpoon website.

UrbanSpoon offers a service to restaurant patrons, enabling them to see what other patrons and critics think about specific restaurants.

In the upper right hand corner of each restaurant page, visitors are given the opportunity to "Like" or "Don't Like" that establishment. UrbanSpoon goes on to rank restaurants in order of popularity based on the visitors' votes.

UrbanSpoon provides a list of the top 100 restaurants in a given metropolitan area, or in some cases by state. Travelers and those who plan ahead can then peruse that list and predetermine what restaurant they might like to try.

The inherent problem is this: the list is only 100 restaurants long, and in a large area, like Atlanta, for instance, there can be many more than 100 worthwhile restaurants.

The solution is a two step process. One, familiarize more patrons with the UrbanSpoon setup. Two, get restauranteurs to put an UrbanSpoon "Vote For Me" link on their websites.

This blog entry is an attempt to satisfy step one. In response to some Facebook followers' requests, I am going to show some links (just click on the UrbanSpoon square that follows each entry) for a portion of the restaurants close to my home that have reviews posted on UrbanSpoon. From there, the reader can explore other restaurants simply by using the search feature on the UrbanSpoon page.

Here we go:

Acworth Area:

Daddy's Country Kitchen
4525 S Main St

A small, unassuming building in the SaveALot shopping center, Daddy's provides home cooking on the buffet. The price is very reasonable, and this hole in the wall is very down to earth.

Fish Head Grille
4220 S Main St

This oyster bar type restaurant has been an Acworth mainstay for years. It has a loyal clientele, and a very high approval rating.

Fusco's via Roma
4815 S Main St

An excerpt from a prior post:
"Using the freshest of seafood and organic beef, the chef ensnares me with the aromas of an Italian kitchen with roots that are generations deep. The dining room, dark and romantic with lighting in just the right places, uses the gutted out historic building to enhance the mood."

Henry's Louisiana Grill
4835 Main St

An excerpt from a prior post:
"When she (Wendy, my server) came to me, I ordered my bowl of red beans and rice (which I heartily recommend) and cornbread (which is more like dessert). Henry offers a wide variety of Cajun food, including Chicken Oo La La, Shrimp etouffee, and the occasional gator dish (yes, alligator), but I almost always get the red beans and rice. Especially when I have a sinus headache, if you get the picture.

Wendy never let my tea glass get empty, and took time to speak, even though I was alone and there were a few larger groups that she had to attend to."

Hong Kong Star
3451 Cobb Pky NW Ste 9

This is one of our favorite Chinese restaurants. The food is very good, and the staff is very attentive. I like the decor, as well as the opportunity to sit and watch the kitchen staff as they entertain us with their culinary skills.

Johnny's New York Style Pizza
3451 Cobb Pkwy NW Ste 1

I really enjoy the pizza here, and the atmosphere is that of a authentic northeast pizza joint. Bring the whole family, watch the ballgame, drink your favorite beverage and eat a good pie.

Mexico Tipico
4417 S Main St

Another Acworth mainstay, this restaurant has avid, loyal patrons. I came here until I moved closer to their second location. Great chicken with rice and fresh veggies!

Miss Ls Sandwich Shop
4817 S Main St

Set in the quaint shopping arena of downtown Acworth, Miss Ls has the air of an old time tea and sandwich shop. Good sandwiches at a decent price.

The Old Mill
4271 Southside Drive

The Old Mill is a wonderful place to take someone special without getting the feeling of being bankrupt the day after. A wonderful Surf and Turf style menu and a date friendly decor, complete with subdued lighting and a piano, accompanied by the occasional train passing by.

Prezzano's Pizzeria
3979 S Main St

An excerpt from a prior post:
"A lot of restaurants have good food. Some have great service. Combine those elements with a mix of positive attitudes and you get a good family restaurant. Prezzano's hit the mark. Good job, Dallas, and good job to your team."

Waterstone Grill
4849 N Main St

The reviews have gotten better and better from day one on this restaurant. Situated in a string of good eateries, the competition is fierce. I haven't been, but it is on my wishlist.

Watson's Gulf Coast Seafood
4416 Senator Richard B Russell Sq

This is another on my need to try list. The posted reviews are mixed, but the word of mouth is very good, which is just another reason to list these restaurants.

So any other spots in Acworth come to mind? Let me know. Kennesaw, Cartersville, Woodstock and Marietta to follow.

Marietta Diner

2009-06-04T19:14:00.004-04:00

From the same folks who bring us Pasta Bella, Cherokee Cattle Co. and Marietta Fish Market comes the Marietta Diner.

I will not pretend to introduce you to this now famous landmark of the Metro Atlanta dining community. The shiny chrome edifice and the 1950's design and decor are well known in these parts.

Having already tried the Cherokee Cattle Co., I have made it a goal to eat at all four establishments in this collection of eateries. To my delight, today was the day to try the Diner.

True to its roots, the Diner boasts a menu loaded with comfort foods, local fare, breakfasts (they are open 24/7) and desserts aplenty. Lunch specials can be purchased for less than $10, and come complete with soup and bread. Dinner prices range from $10 -20 or so.

I ordered Country Fried Steak with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes (I know, I should have ordered a green vegetable), and split pea soup. Phyllis ordered the Tilapia, zucchini and cream of potato soup. The tilapia comes on a bed of angel hair pasta with capers and a cream sauce.

We spied on a couple of other tables and our decisions were hard to make. We saw a beautiful Tuna Salad come out along with some oversized burger plates and huge desserts. The cheesecake serving we saw come out was at least four inches tall and six inches deep.

If you are traveling through Marietta, make the stop. If you live here, and have not tried the place, SLAP YOURSELF and GET IN YOUR CAR.

Visit the Marietta Diner at 306 Cobb Parkway S in Marietta, Ga.

Spaghetti Warehouse

2009-06-04T10:31:00.002-04:00

Years ago, this was a family favorite. The dining car in the middle of the room, the chandeliers, the great Italian food.

Everything but the ambiance has changed, though. My daughter and I were there last night. My Spaghetti feast was great, but her lasagne was more tough than edible, and they never did get her tea right.

Pay attention, SW. It doesn't take much of a slip to lose footing in this highly competitive business...

Appalachian Grill

2009-05-28T18:56:00.005-04:00

Okay, so I looked for a home website to link to, and all I could find were several reviews that sang the praises of this restaurant.

The creation of Jackie and Andrea Wallace, The Appalachian Grill, a Peoples Choice Best Restaurant Award winner, is located "under the bridge" at 14 East Church Street in Cartersville.

Mention "the bridge" to a Cartersville resident, and they will be quick to let you know of the good shopping and food that can be found.The Appalachian Grill is no exception. In fact it sets the bar.

From the mountain music to the lodge decor (including the black bear guarding the back door), this place captures the essence of a fine country restaurant blended with an upscale dining experience.The portions are large as they are tasty, and the staff makes you feel at home. This experience is worth your dollar.

The hours are Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday Noon-10 p.m. They are closed on Sunday.

Entrees are $9 and up. They do not take reservations, so get there early. Only complete parties will be seated, so you won't have to worry about annoying seat-saving line jumpers.

Flip Burger Boutique

2009-05-27T15:09:00.003-04:00

It was time to see what all the fuss is about. Almost every writer on the Atlanta restaurant scene has written about this small but interesting restaurant. True to the name, the restaurant is set up like a boutique, making good use of all of its space. Photos are available on UrbanSpoon as well as on the Flip Burger site.

The dining is very communal, with the bar, chef's bar and end-to-end tables. Booths are available as well, but they are in the minority. I chose to sit at the Chef's bar, where I could watch all the cooking action.

Everybody was pleasant. My server, Karen, took a few minutes to describe my choices, and I settled on the $7.50 Chorizo, described as spicy pork sausage with romesco ketchup, hash browns, fried egg, manchego cheese and smoked mayo. I also ordered a side of fries.

You have to try this place. The food was delicious and the service was outstanding! Thanks, Karen, for helping me enjoy my visit! I will be back, and I will bring friends.

By the way, Karen is a photographer, and when I get this post up, I will link her site...

Rib Ranch

2009-05-24T22:03:00.005-04:00

In celebration of Memorial Day, my family was to cook dinner on the grill tonight. Rainy weather put a damper on that. Still desiring the taste of barbecue, we loaded into the Durango and headed for The Rib Ranch.

Done up in eclectic Texas kitsch, the dining room is a barbecue eater's comfort zone. From the license plates on the wall to the painted tin tiles on the ceiling, no doubt is left as to what kind of food is on the menu.

I decided that if I were to eat at a restaurant with the word rib in it's name, it would be a sin not to order ribs. That being said, I got the medium order of pork ribs which came with two sides ( I chose coleslaw and potato salad) for $10.75. My wife ordered the small ribs with potato salad and corn on the cob. My daughter got the small ribs with cheese potatoes and corn on the cob. We got all that and three cokes for less than $35.

The service was just fine. Our server, Michelle, was very pleasant, and our orders were delivered quickly and accurately.

I will say again that I am not a food critic because I don't know what is in the dish, but I know if I'll be back. That truth told, they put something in their rib sauce (chili powder, I think) that differentiates theirs from the usual sweet rib barbecue sauce.

Visit The Rib Ranch at 2063 Canton Rd in Marietta or on the web at www.theribranch.com. You'll be glad you did.

Fogo de Chao

2009-05-22T02:25:00.004-04:00

Okay, I've been wanting to try this place for some time, and am still waiting my turn. My friend Shannon recently celebrated her birthday there, and I thought her letter to me worth sharing.

So, with her permission:

"I had a great birthday!! I would definitely recommend this place! Kalisa actually recommended it to me. It's a Brazilian restaurant. The staff are sooo pleasant and always on top of things! They pull out your chair for you! I was more than impressed by them. To start, they seat you, take your drink order and explain the menu and the courses. They give you a round card (kinda like the ones you get at sweet tomato). One side is green (meaning go) and the other side is red (meaning stop). You start off with a full salad bar. They have different lettuces, toppings, pasta salads, meats and breads. whenever you are ready to start receiving meat you turn your card to the green side. There is always someone around waiting to serve you. they offer 16 kinds of meats, pork, chicken. Different servers have different meats. If your card is on green, they will come offer you, say, filet mignon and then another will come offer you pork. you can turn it down or take it. They are constantly coming. When you want to take a break and eat what's on your plate you turn your card to the red side. Along with the meats and the salad bar, the meal comes with complimentary sides, fried bananas, mashed potatoes, Brazilian rice, and another fried thing (not sure what it was). so those are refilled all the time. We ordered a bottle of wine with our dinner and literally every time my glass got slightly low, the waiter was right there topping it off. Everyone was so great. They specifically tell you that they work as a team, so whatever you need they are right there to serve you. the one thing i am not sure of is the price...since it was my birthday dinner my sister paid. Kalisa said it was around $50 a head. It's located right on Piedmont, down the street from Lola! i definitely recommend trying it! I loved it! My whole family did!"

Thanks, Shannon! I'm jealous!

Upcoming Fun at Cuppy's

2009-05-20T00:04:00.002-04:00

On May 30, from 10am to 10pm, Cuppy's Coffee and their neighboring merchants will be hosting a day of fun and prizes.

Local Author, Ann Halsted who published her first book called THE COMPOUND will be at Cuppy's from 10am - 2pm.

Local Talent (7 Bands) will be performing from early afternoon into the later part of the evening both indoors & outdoors.

There will be door prizes and great food. Raffle tickets will be sold for a 2009 Red Italian Vespa Scooter. There will be a Breast Cancer Fundraiser and much more.

Other Merchants who will be participating are: WorkOut Anytime, Computer LadyBugs, Elite Tanning, Due West Chiropractic, Mail Box Express, Medalyn Salon & Spa, and others.
Come join the fun!

A la Carte Market

2009-05-16T22:00:00.004-04:00

Today I visited a grilling event. It was a tasting of some take home ready to grill items available at A la Carte Market. The food I tasted was phenomenal - everything from stuffed burgers, hot dogs and kabobs to grilled veggies, artichoke dip and gluten-free desserts.

The all beef hot dog was served on a pretzel bun. The Black and Blue Burger was served on a pastry bun created for A la Carte by our friends at Douceur de France. That, my friends, was a marriage made in heaven! Throw on the chipotle dressing and you are in good shape! The kabobs, whether kielbasa or sirloin, were delicious as well.

Having said all that, I will remind you that I am not a food critic. As I have said before, I don't know what's in it, I just know if I will be back! Which leads me to the value and attraction of this service. How many of us are able to complete a chef quality meal after a hard day at work? For as little as $25, you can do just that with a stop at A la Carte Market.

Debbie Jennings and her partner, Kelly Long, along with Debbie's husband Chip have put together a gem here. With menus that cater to the meat lover, the diabetic, and the health conscious, as well as programs to entertain and educate kids and adults alike, not a target has been missed. Check out their menus online (just click on the title to this article).

A la Carte Market offers a variety of services and programs. Kelly could hardly hold back her excitement when she spoke of the upcoming "Krazy Kids Kampin' in the Kitchen" where kids will learn about food, ingredients , entertaining and cooking. She also told me about the Ladies' soirees at the market where some women's issues are addressed by guest professionals over a delicious lunch. Chip and Debbie told me of other ideas, so watch their site and visit the store.

There are a lot of things going on at A la Carte Market, and a lot more in the works. You owe it to yourself to check them out!

Visit A la Carte Market at the intersection of Due West, Acworth Due West and Kennesaw Due West. The address is 3960 Mary Eliza Trace, Suite 600 in Marietta.

Los Reyes

2009-05-15T12:00:00.008-04:00

No doubt, if you have driven down Chastain Road in Kennesaw, you have seen Los Reyes. Before the new strips were built, it sat virtually alone.

The building itself is beautiful. Built to resemble an old Mexican hacienda. The trip inside is a treat of historical artwork. The inner dining room feels and looks like the center of a Mexican village. The ceiling is black and adorned with tiny lights to emulate a starry sky.

The walls are built out like the exterior of homes surrounding a courtyard. Bright colors and ornate lights keep your attention only for a brief moment, for almost immediately your eyes are drawn to the mural that covers the front wall. The painting depicts some of Mexico's history in a beautiful storytelling through brushwork.

The story told in the mural can be found on their website. Here is an excerpt:

"This mural represents the pre-hispanic history of the beginning of Colonization. Before the Spanish came to Mexico there was the Aztec Kingdom . From this comes the take of the Volcanoes next to Mexico City . The great Popocatepelt (Great Smokey) and Ixtlaxiwal (sleeping lady).

It says that those two fell in love with each other, but this love could not be possible because of different social status, her being a daughter of an Azteca King, and him being just a warrior. The king decides for her to marry the bravest warrior and she will be the prize for the winner of this battle. On one side there was this army boy Popocatepelt (el caballero) Aguilla (eagle gentleman). On the other side was the King's armyboy, el caballero, Tigre (tiger gentleman). During the battle someone tells the daughter that Popocatepelt had lost and she took her own life."

I almost forgot. The service (my server was Anthony) is impeccable, and the food very good. I had the Pollo Supremo, a nicely fried chicken breast topped with supreme salsa with rice and beans.

The lunch menu is very affordable, with most items under $6. Kennesaw State University students get an added bonus of 15% off any entree over $5.

Give this place a try. Take the kids and let them see the mural.

Applebee's - Town Center

2009-05-13T23:30:00.002-04:00

Tonight I paid $46 for three meals at Applebee's in Town Center (Kennesaw). I wish I could get it back.

Our waitress was friendly and pleasant, but I had to wait far too long for a tea refill. Our food was okay, but just okay.

It was 6:30, and there were only 39 people in the restaurant (less than one-third full). Most of the staff was sitting at a table near the hostess station for the duration of our meal. I don't know who Sarah is, but one of the men in the kitchen was yelling her name.

It must have been the manager's day off.

Douceur de France

2009-05-07T23:02:00.005-04:00

This is Samantha. You can find her smile at Douceur de France, 367 Glover Street in Marietta, Ga.

Douceur de France, a French bakery and cafe is tucked in to the corner of Glover and Atlanta just outside of downtown Marietta. The passion of Danielle and Luc Beaudet, this treasure chest of hand made pastries and other culinary delights is a true find!

Upon entry, I was greeted by Chantal with a warm smile and an offer of service. I ordered the Tourte au Poulet. This was no chicken pot pie like my mother ever made!

For dessert, Samantha brought to me Creme Brulee, and a sample of Opera, a treat of semi sweet ganache, and a coffee butter cream layered between a joconde biscuit soaked with a French roast coffee syrup and covered with a chocolate glaze.

Click on the title to this entry for details about the cafe, and a peek at the menu, where you will find no entree over $7.90.

The Great Shredder Event II

2009-05-05T19:06:00.003-04:00

It isn't often that my blog has nothing to do with a restaurant.

Originally, my purpose was to alert readers of things, people or events of value.

No matter what side of the fence you are on with regard to global warming beliefs, the truth of the matter is we are wasting and destroying both resources and things of beauty when we don't reuse or dispose properly things we are done with.

Kim Fettig and friends are proving themselves to be champions of nature by hosting through CBS46 and Equifax the Great Shredder Event II at Turner Field on Saturday, May 9, from 10am - 6pm. Bring your electronic and paper refuse for proper recycling!

Join me in supporting Kim and her crew as they do their part and then some to keep our world beautiful and healthy!

Click on the title to this entry for more information.

Read Kim's Blog at:

(just click on the link in my blog friends list)
http://kimfettig46.wordpress.com/

How to Use the UrbanSpoon Spinner

2009-05-03T20:41:00.003-04:00

Want to take chances? Just click Spin! Eat in a specific town? Click on the town, click on the lock below the city list, and click Spin. And so on. You can choose the type of food, city and cost level. Lock any number of criteria.

When an interesting restaurant appears, click on the restaurant name, and you will be taken to the appropriate UrbanSpoon review page.

Have fun!

Bailey's Pub and Grille - Billiards Party

2009-05-03T19:43:00.007-04:00

Let me tell you about some fun! Recently, I asked my son to invite several of his friends to join us at Bailey's Pub and Grille for billiards and appetizers.

Kellie Yood, the events coordinator at Bailey's in Kennesaw, had helped me organize this event. If you ever get to meet her, you are in for a treat. She is as nice as she is pretty. She was extremely helpful and friendly.

Upon arriving, my wife and I checked in with Michael, the Assistant Manager, and he introduced us to our server, Shannon.
We were shown to our reserved room, Shannon brought us our food and drinks, and the fun began!

For just over about $9/person, one can host a two hour party at Bailey's complete with billiards and appetizers (click on the title of this entry for specifics). The appetizers are very good. They went pretty fast since our party was all guys in their early twenties.

There always seems to be something going on at Bailey's. That night was Karaoke night, and although the guys chickened out on participating, they stayed very entertained.

The service was great, the food very good, and the management gracious. I will definitely do this again!

Just Another Day at Taco Mac

2009-04-29T15:28:00.006-04:00

Two middle-aged men get up from the bar and cross the room toward the door. In passing, one smilingly makes a comment to the table of four pretty coeds, whose giggles get even louder, turning into outright laughter. The Marlins and the Mets are tied at two, The Orioles trail the Angels by two, the White Sox lead Seattle 1 – 0, and Manchester United has Arsenal on their heels. Christina brings me a perfectly made “Hollywood” sandwich. Just another day at Taco Mac.

The Hollywood is a chicken breast sandwich with bacon, mushrooms, cheese and onions. I like their seasoned fries, so that was my side. When accompanied by a glass of sweet tea, you have a very good lunch.

The food is good here, but I came here today, over a few other places, because of the atmosphere and service. Face it. There are a lot of restaurants which produce competitively tasty food. That being said, logic dictates returning to a place where the service or atmosphere makes me happier.

So here I sit, cooling off on a mid-80’s day with Christina serving a very good meal, happy coeds, two mid-life crises, Manchester United and a wide choice of baseball games.

Trackside Grill

2009-04-17T23:15:00.007-04:00

Every now and then, something falls my way.

Consider Trackside Grill.

At 2840 South Main Street in Kennesaw, this restaurant sits between Main street and the railroad tracks, under a beautiful canopy of leaves. On a sunny, cool spring day, the temptation is to dine al fresco. Today, however, I need to see the dining room.

After being seated, I took a look around. Black and white photos that depict local life and days gone by adorn the walls. The dining room is cozy, but can seat a surprising number of patrons. It feels very homey. Very comfortable. This is a place where locals come to visit, discuss politics, business and personal goings-on in a classy, but down home atmosphere.

It was time to order. I got the Pesto Chicken Grill with a side of Potato Salad. In less than ten minutes, my food was in front of me. Susie, my server, was extremely pleasant, and never let my glass go empty (the tea is served in oversized mason jars).

The Potato Salad was made southern style with red potatoes, and it was delicious. The Pesto Chicken Grill was made with baby spinach, mozzarella & pesto mayo on a toasted hoagie. Wonderful, and filling. I had difficulty finishing my meal. The chicken breast was an inch thick and cooked perfectly.

At lunch time, sandwiches here are all $8.95. The Entrees range from $10-14. There is also a $4.95 kids menu.

I intend to return to try the "Comfort Classics" on a Wednesday, when they are on special for $10. Look at the menu on their website. That Wednesday special is a value, my friends!

More information, and all menus can be seen at their website (follow the link below the title).

Bailey's Revisited

2009-04-02T14:37:00.007-04:00

Writing about restaurants is wonderful until you start to feel guilty about revisiting one when you know you should be trying someplace new. I never thought twice, however, about dining at Bailey's. Re-read my earlier entry for a full description of the place. The plush chairs and the old English pub environment draws me to this man-friendly comfort zone.

Erin was my server today. She was quick and attentive, and made me feel right at home. I ordered a Chicken Philly with fries and a ginger ale. The Chicken Philly was made to order, and I enjoyed it very much.

Here's the real kicker. My whole emphasis with these entries has revolved around value. Did I get what I paid for? Do I want to go back? The answer to both is yes. I have not been in Bailey's and been uncomfortable. The food has always been good and the service as good or better than most places. Back to the value. Ginger ale:$2.29 and Chicken Philly $5.99. Very good deal. I got out of there for just over $8.00, where the same lunch at most places would cost over $10.00. $8.00 will barely get me out of Arby's, and they don't have plush leather chairs and several tvs. It is surprising to me that the place wasn't packed, given the lunch bargain they provide.

Kellie, the events coordinator came by to speak to me, and told me how much she really enjoyed working there. I can't emphasize enough how important a happy staff is. Kellie is going to help me arrange a party soon. I'll be sure to write about that as well.

Taco Mac, Juliana, and How to Keep a Restaurant in Business

2009-03-29T23:39:00.002-04:00

Today I did something I can't afford to do on a regular basis. I ate out for two meals, one of them with my family.

At lunch today, I visited Taco Mac on Chastain Rd in Kennesaw. At first, I was a bit concerned. I don't think the hostess was having a very good day. She was a bit emotionless as she led me to my table, and I like a little "hey, I'm glad you're here" even if it isn't true.

After I was seated, my fears were proved unfounded. Juliana came to serve me. She was not just in a good mood. She actually appeared to enjoy her job, and made me feel good about sitting in her section. I ordered the Kenmore burger, 1100 wonderful calories of beef, bacon, mushroom and swiss. The fries overwhelmed the rest of the plate, so I got my money's worth ($10). The combination of good food at a comparitively good price ( a normal lunch in this area runs about $10) and phenomenal service is enough to keep customers streaming in the door.

Tonight, as my family and I rode through town, we saw one restaurant after another that had closed down. Some of the restaurants had at one time been landmarks in the community.

Take note, restauranteurs. Good food isn't enough. Good prices won't do it. Good service can't carry you. If, however, you find a way to combine all of these ingredients, you might be able to compete in today's market.

Go to Taco Mac and hope to get Juliana as your server.

Wes-Man's

2009-03-21T20:50:00.009-04:00

Get off I-75 at exit 293. Go northeast on hwy 411 for 1.9 miles and park in the gravel parking lot of Wes-Man's. Thank me later.

It's been said that the best food comes from hole in the wall restaurants. Those sayings get repeated because they are true.

Wes-Man's can be found at 3167 Highway 411 NE, in White, GA. It is right across the road from Old Car City. There is an old panel truck that you can have your name painted on to advertise a special occasion.

Inside, the dining area is very small, but if you have to wait, do yourself a favor. Wait.

The floor and walls are old planks. The decorations are a blend of antique toys and license plates, photos of sports figures, country music stars and local celebrities. Elvis and Nascar dominate the theme (the Bristol Nationwide Series race was playing on the radio for all to hear - Kevin Harvick won).

The kitchen can be seen through a small hole in the wall (I had to call it that, but it was a window). The cooks were hard at work as Courtney ran from table to table to satisfy patrons. A waitress hustling shouldn't surprise you, but the fact that it was 3:45 on a Saturday afternoon should tell you that people will come to Wes-Man's at any time they think they can get a seat.

The menu is simple. You choose a meat and either two or three vegetables. You can get just veggies if you like. For six bucks you can get three veggies and two pork chops. By the way, if you ask Courtney the best type of chops to get, she'll tell you "fried is always better". I got the batter fried pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans, black eyed peas, corn bread, sweet tea and apple cobbler all for under $10.

Go visit Courtney, Cassie and the two guys named Wes. Get your name on the truck. Visit the nearby Tellus Northwest Georgia Science Museum. Take a ride through the countryside. Thank me later.

Five Guy's Burgers and Fries

2009-03-21T20:35:00.003-04:00

Last week I visited the Chastain Road, Kennesaw location of Five Guys Burgers and Fries. I don't think a burger and fries meal has ever filled me up quite as well as that meal did.

The only real complaint I have is that they really load the condiments on, and my burger ended up being pretty sloppy. That would be my fault, though, because I asked for too many condiments, and did not instruct as to how much I wanted.

The fries were Cajun-seasoned and delicious! I couldn't finish the serving I was given, but I tried, for sure.

The meal was not cheap, as burgers go, but you get what you pay for. The restaurant was not a romantic date environment, but was more of a quick bite hamburger stand. Fine for a quick work lunch.

Ted's Montana Grill

2009-03-21T19:53:00.004-04:00

Ever eat bison? I have. And it was great! Higher in protein and much lower in fat than beef, the taste is just a bit sweeter, and Ted's forms it into a burger that cannot be denied. You really have to try this!

Rodney Tambling is the Kitchen Supervisor at the Cobb Place (Kennesaw) location. We sat together for a few minutes, and Rodney shared the story of Ted's Montana Grill.

The story is that Ted Turner got together with George McKerrow, Jr., who founded Longhorn Steakhouse. Together, they created the Montana-style bar and grill. With it's plank floor dining room, mosaic tile floor around the mahogany bar, the dark mahogany walls and semi-private booths, all you need to see is the enormous bison head on the far wall to complete the turn of the century saloon appearance.

Gene Autry sang through the speakers overhead, my service was great, and the food was wonderful. Give the bison a try. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Read more about Ted's at http://www.tedsmontanagrill.com/

Provino's - March 8

2009-03-21T10:41:00.002-04:00

Provino's sits at the corner of Barrett Pkwy and George Busbee Dr in Kennesaw. I like Italian restaurants, and was curious about this one, as it is an anchor to a shopping strip. It has been my experience that strip center restaurants are never mediocre. They are either very good, or very bad.

In the showcase window stood a sign proclaiming that if you dine there on your birthday, your meal is free. Timing being everything, I missed by two days. We went in regardless.

Three or four college age servers were awaiting us as we entered, all clad in the traditional black bottom, white top Italian restaurant attire. We were seated immediately.

The restaurant hides it's size well. Dimly lit and subdivided, a large dining area became very intimate. Along the back wall of our section were private tables for two, complete with curtains that could be drawn for privacy. Down the corridor from our table were other rooms and a banquet area, where a local high school was having a cheerleader dinner.

We all ordered our food, and everyone got something different. Phyllis got the Vegetable Lasagna, Beth got the Chicken and Broccoli Fettuccine, Ward got the Eggplant Parmigiana, and I got Chicken Parmigiana. All meals were under $15, and nobody was dissatisfied. The servings were large and tasty. We got an abundant supply of garlic rolls (with oil), and our glasses stayed full.

All in all, the service was good, the food was great, and the atmosphere was authentic Italian. I very much enjoyed myself, and got away paying less than $80 for four adult evening meals.

Provino's is a chain, but don't let that stop you. This was a good experience as a family, and would be a fine environment for a date. Keep in mind, too, that their lunch menu is about $3 a plate cheaper than the dinner menu.

For more information and a look at their menu, visit their site at http://www.provinos.com/index.htm.

Fuji Hana & Thai Peppers

2009-03-14T00:14:00.003-04:00

I couldn't decide where to go.

I needed to go someplace different.

I needed to try a different type of food.

I opted for Fuji Hana, the Japanese part of Fuji Hana & Thai Peppers Restaurant at 2700 Town Center Dr NW # E, Kennesaw, GA.

I sat at the Hibachi grill. The Tepanyaki chef had his back to me, as he was cooking for the other end of the grill. Fifteen minutes later, he turned to cook for our end of the bar. At that point, I saw the large belt buckle with the letters JULIO spelled out. Don't get me wrong, everyone deserves to pursue a career, but I don't feel I got an authentic experience. It would be the same if I was served by a redhead named Mulligan at a Mexican restaurant.

I got the steak and fried rice. The food was good, but the service was slow. Not the right place to go if pressed for time.

Sidelines Kennesaw News

2009-03-08T13:40:00.005-04:00

Nikki worked at the Kennesaw sidelines a while back, left to work at another restaurant, then came back. The other restaurant had some good points, but Sidelines is a "family" to her.

If you have been paying attention, you know that the happy servers will draw me back to a restaurant faster than the food. The food at the Kennesaw Sidelines is very good, but an unhappy staff will turn me away in a heartbeat.

I had a chance to chat with Nikki, Michelle and Andy (the GM) just the other day. I showed the girls and Andy my websites, and told them more about this hobby of mine. Before I did that, though, Andy shared some news with me.

I was told that not all Sidelines are owned by the same people. I thought they were all linked, but if they are, it is not through ownership. The Kennesaw Sidelines will soon become Kayson's. There will be some repainting and remodeling, but for the most part, the menu will not change. One structural change is to be the move of the non-smoking area from the side to the front, so that non-smokers never have to walk through the smoking area. There will be a wall and a separate air conditioning unit, so that "all a non-smoker will smell is the food".

Andy assured me that the only major changes will be the building structure and the name on the menu. That is a relief. Andy, Nikki, Michelle and the rest of the team are what makes the place so comfortable.

Great job, Nikki. I can't seem to find a bad server in this place. Thanks for the conversation, everyone. The food was good, and the company was great.

I'll be back to see the changes.

Texas Roadhouse

2009-03-02T00:11:00.003-05:00

Are you looking for good food in a fun atmosphere? If so, write down 2475 Barrett Creek Parkway, Marietta, Ga. Google Map it, and when you get close, follow the line of cars.

I took my wife and daughter to Texas Roadhouse this past Friday, after a long wait between paychecks, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We stepped in the door, and were greeted right away. Our timing was great, because we got to sit immediately.

Sometimes a glance around a dining room can tell you if you've made a good choice. A very eclectic group of patrons filled the western decor filled dining area. Kids, college students, young couples and even us older folk were present.

The hostess asked us if we'd like to pick out our steak, which could be seen lining the cooler window. We declined, not sure what we'd order. Krystal, our server, was quick to get us something to drink. I love their glasses ( a year ago, I bought four from them), and Krystal managed to never let them go dry.

To me, two things make a good waitress or waiter. One is the heart to serve. A good server can make me feel as though they are happy I am in their station. The second is a full glass of tea without me having to ask for it. Krystal satisfied both criteria, and never once disappeared into the black hole where servers everywhere seem to hide.

Mark Lupo, the Managing Partner, was obviously paying attention to everything going on in the building. He moved quickly from station to station, making sure that all was well. he's made some good hiring decisions, if he was looking for people who like to serve. All of the staff members seemed happy to be there. All of them sported a smile with the possible exception of the busboy, but he was hustling too much for me to see.

As we sat down, I watched the room and smelled the cooking steaks.

My family is sometimes boring, and Friday was no exception. We did not get an appetizer, but if you do, I recommend trying the Cactus Blossom, which I had tried on another visit. You should also ask for extra bread. Wonderful!

We all ordered the same cut of beef (sirloin), but mixed it up on the sides. We enjoyed conversation of the day, but our salad came quickly, and our dinner almost immediately thereafter. The table got quiet when the steaks arrived!

The room did not get quiet, though. Upbeat country music played overhead, and as soon as the Charlie Daniels song "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" came on, the staff lined up to line dance, and even invited a young boy to join in, which he did happily. This is a signature event in this restaurant, and a definite crowd-pleaser.

Okay. The bottom line is this: for less than $60, my family of three got 30+ ounces of good tasting steak, tea glasses that would not go dry, and fun entertainment in an atmosphere that made us feel as though we were in a room full of friends. You tell me if I should go back.

Cherokee Cattle Company

2009-02-16T00:45:00.003-05:00

Phyllis and I visited this restaurant recently.We were driving around, looking for a place we hadn't tried before, and ended up in their parking lot. These are the same folks, by the way, who bring us Marietta Diner, Marietta Fish Market and Pasta Bella.

Let me tell you, this is a man's man restaurant! The decor is cowhand inspired, for sure. Texas license plates and old tin ad signs adorn the walls. The lighting is by antler chandeliers, the floor and walls are like barn boards. The building is divided into several dining areas. Don't ask me how many, every turn seemed to yield another set of tables.

We both ordered one of the early bird specials (you have to arrive between 4 and 6pm), which goes for $13.99. I ordered the 12 oz NY Strip with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Phyllis got the same strip with a Baked Potato. The dinner comes with a salad and a piece of cheese bread.

Our steaks were thick, and cooked to perfection. No sauce needed here. The portions were large (the baked potato was normal), and that includes the sweet tea.

Our server, Tony, took good care of us. He was attentive without being overbearing.

If you go to their website at www.cherokeecattlecompany.com, you can view their menu. They have a good lunch menu with the occasional $5.99 special. This is a good place for people with a good appetite.

Zucca Bar & Pizzeria

2009-02-13T14:44:00.004-05:00

I finally got a chance to eat at Zucca the other day. I was going to go earlier in the month, but thought I had overdone the Italian food. Tuesday, I went ahead anyway. After all, isn't this my opportunity to try places that serve food I like?

The entrance to the restaurant is very reminiscent of old time neighborhood bars, with the nondescript front and the milky glassed door window that has the bar name in simple gold lettering. The hallway and dining room were tall and dark. The dining room was small, but there was also a patio dining area for those who like a brighter, more al fresco feel.

Mat, my server, showed me to a booth. The booth was very private, with exceptionally high seats. I ordered a coke and looked at the menu. At first glance I could see why the place wasn't packed for lunch. The prices are a little bit higher here than at most other lunch spots.

I ordered the Mama Mia Calzone, which was made up primarily of Italian Sausage, Pepperoni and Ham. I was light on cash, and it was one of the lower priced meals. I was pleasantly surprised when it came, because the thing was as long as a football! It was very good, too!

Mat took good care of me, kept my glass full, and the food was very good. I will probably return, but it may be on date night, when I expect to spend a little more than the normal pizza joint prices.

Marlow's - Kennesaw

2009-02-09T23:43:00.005-05:00

Just a mile up the road from work, at the corner of Busbee and Chastain, sits Marlow's Tavern. I have wanted to visit for about a month, but not when it was crowded. Today was my chance. This place is comfortable! Just like any other grown-up haunt, the room is of dark decor, with a bar that runs the length of the dining room. There is a patio that will be more inviting in the warmer months.

I've read the reviews, and everyone seems to like the food. I enjoyed a delicious hamburger and fries, and some very good sweet tea, but if you know me, you know I am all about the experience.

The waitress was very good. She was very attentive, and seemed happy to be there. That is integral to a restaurant's success. A thousand places can make a decent hamburger, but the service will seal the deal with me. If the team is treated well and they enjoy their work, it will be reflected in the way they treat the patrons.

I met the General Manager and the Beverage Manager, and both were excited about what they do. They had both been checking out online reviews, and had looked at UrbanSpoon. They were excited about talking about what drives people in to eat. My hope is that they discover what I saw in my waitress. So long as the food is good, repeat business is created by satisfying a need for comfort.

If everyone feels as comfortable as I did today, Marlow's will have no trouble keeping their tables full.

Sunday Afternoon at the Coffee Shop

2009-02-08T16:27:00.006-05:00

I came in to Cuppy's this afternoon to get a few things done in a nice, relaxing atmosphere.

The college guy sat at his table, doing his work. A young lady sat in the back corner, sipping her drink and reading her book. Matt worked the counter, and Amanda sold me my cupcake and coke. I sat down where I could find a plug for my laptop. Two high school girls came in, got their order and sat on one of the sofas near the front window. They leaned back and chatted about whatever came up as they shared their cheesecake. A couple fresh off their motorcycle came in for a break and sat at the table next to me. The man said something funny to the woman, and she threw her head back as she laughed.

Phyllis came in on her way home, we made dinner plans and she left, coca-cola in hand. Brittany came to work and Amanda went home. Couples and families came in, trading places with the few who left. Wayland Garrett came in and started playing his guitar, singing soft songs suitable for an easy Sunday afternoon. The sun descended below the pines, and gave up the amber glow that completed the scene.

This is the Sunday afternoon we refer to in our old age, when we reflect on the good days we had
here at the coffee shop, our cup in hand, and a troubadour in the corner.

Barbecue Street - Cartersville

2009-02-07T16:37:00.003-05:00

Now, the big question here is, can a good thing duplicate itself? In this case, yes. The decor is more modern (yet still countrified), the feeling a tad bit more uptown, and the newness has yet to wear off, but the food was just as good as that of it's older sibling.

The restaurant sits at 650 Henderson Drive in Cartersville. The West End Commons Shopping Center has scored a coup, hosting Fox's Den Pizza, Hearth and Harvest, and Barbecue Street restaurants. With those three, the shopping center has something for everyone.

On this visit to Barbecue Street, I ordered the Pork Plate, with pork, fries, coleslaw, beans and Texas toast. Tea to drink, of course, and fried pickles as an appetizer. By the way, around here, if it can hold batter, it can be fried. You really should try the fried pickles. My daughter talked me into them, and I am glad she did.

The only thing I would change with my meal would be the fries. I like mine a bit crispy and theirs are not. I usually order baked potato, and will again next time. As in Kennesaw, the restaurant offers a variety of sauces, and I had my usual mix.

The service was excellent, the food at or above the bar set by Kennesaw, and the setting was very nice.

We will return.

Barbecue Street - Kennesaw

2009-02-07T09:12:00.003-05:00

Way back when, this restaurant was Bell's Barbecue. It was a landmark in Kennesaw because of the fire truck that sat on the property. It was equally famous for it's food.

For the first few years after moving to the Wade Green Rd area, my family visited Bell's frequently. It was the restaurant of choice on a weekend night when we just didn't want to eat at home. Inexpensive and family friendly (no smoking or beer), we made the place our alternate dinner table.

Then, suddenly, and with little warning, the Bell's decided to sell. We were heartsick with fear that our family dinner refuge would no longer be the same. Malcolm, the new owner of Bell's Barbecue Street (the name Bell's was dropped as soon as people got used to Barbecue Street), put us at ease, somewhat, when he visited our table one night.

My wife expressed, in no uncertain terms, her dislike of change. Malcolm assured her that there would be very little change, and gave her an old Bell's menu as a keepsake.

There have been a few changes, here and there, but nearly a decade later, we can't see very many. One of the few changes we did soon see was the addition of catfish to the menu. As far as my wife was concerned, that was a very positive move.

The food at Barbecue Street has been consistent over the years. A family favorite is the Pork Stuffed Tater - a baked potato spread wide open and stuffed with barbecued pork. Get a side of slaw and all you have to do is pick your favorite from four or five sauces and you have a full meal.
My favorite sauce is the Georgia Red Onion. It's sweet and tasty, and I like to put a few drops of the Hot BBQ sauce in with it to add a kick. Here's a tip: if you like the taste of the meat as is, ask for the sauce that they baste it with and the server will bring you a cup of it. That's my wife's favorite sauce.

We've seen a lot of servers come and go, but have yet to have a bad experience with one. They all seem happy and helpful, which tends to lead to good patron experiences.

Give Barbecue Street a try. The only drawback is getting in and out of the parking lot (it sits at the intersection of Cherokee St and Jiles Rd in Kennesaw), but that doesn't seem to stop folks. Just look at the lot at about 6pm on a Saturday.

Doug's Place

2009-02-04T20:34:00.009-05:00

I grew up in Maine. The way I feel about Red Lobster after having so many good Maine seafood options must be the way true Southerners feel about Cracker Barrel when a restaurant like Doug's Place is available to them.

The building is an old side of the road restaurant, a throwback to the days of no interstates. It's the kind of place your dad used to take you on Saturday morning, and you would just happen to meet up with two thirds of his friends.

The waitresses are attentive, pretty and quick. My waitress was Hope. She never let my tea glass go empty, and she, as well as the other waitresses, was constantly working the room, conversing with patrons and watching for service opportunities. Every waitress seemed to know everyone in there.

The manager, Melissa Ferguson, was a friendly woman who acted like a mom. She spoke of how busy it would get in there, but times are more lean now(as we all know).

My food was very tasty. I ordered pork chops and gravy with mashed potatoes and cole slaw. I had a piece of corn bread, iced tea to drink and apple cobbler for dessert. The regulars were fun to listen to. They ordered menu items by number and letter code. Maybe I'll get that good one day.

The menu changes daily, and typically offers a half dozen meat choices, more than a dozen vegetables, desserts and grill items. There are daily supper specials as well: Strip Steak on Wednesday, Fried Shrimp on Thursday, and 1/2 Rack Ribs on Friday.

You can hear the day's menu by calling 770-382-8069. Where else can you get that ?

The business hours for Doug's Place are:

Breakfast
Mon - Fri 6am-11am
Sat 7am-2pm

Lunch
Mon - Sat 10:30am-2pm
Sun 11am-3pm

Supper
Mon - Fri 4:30-9pm

Visit Doug's Place at 696 Highway 293, Emerson, GA 30137.

J Christopher's

2009-02-04T12:38:00.006-05:00

I had a bad feeling from the start. I stepped inside the restaurant, which was not large but open with a high ceiling. The wall paint was a very decisively Floridian coral and blue, but the wall art was an equally indecisive eclectic mix of pop art, Cuban and Americana.

I waited at the front for the host or hostess, and soon a server came and seated me at a booth along the wall. I ordered the Santa Fe Chicken Grille with roasted potatoes. The Santa Fe is on the menu as a "blackened chicken chicken sandwich all soothed with ranch dressing and avocado". My sandwich tasted good, but was not blackened by any means. The highlight of the meal was the serving of roasted potatoes.

The service was adequate, and the food tasted good (even though I felt duped by the term blackened). At $11 plus tip, a little much for not getting what I expected.

Prezzano's Revisited

2009-01-29T23:55:00.005-05:00

I stopped by Prezzano's on the way home today, and met Dallas Prezzano. Dallas and I talked for a few minutes, and it was clear to me that we share the same vision for our area. That is that we would like others to see that a fairly diverse set of restaurant choices exist right here in our town.

I explained to Dallas that it was my goal to make people aware of what experiences of value may be within their reach. Later tonight, he shared with me some exciting plans he has for our town, but I won't spill the beans. I'll let him, when he is ready.

My family and I came back for dinner, and I will say that everyone was pleased. I write experience reviews. I am not a food critic, but from the appetizers to the entrees, everything was wonderful.

For appetizers, we had Garlic Bread and Hot Antipasto (Stuffed Mushrooms, Fried Ravioli and Eggplant Rollatini). I am not a big fan of stuffed mushrooms, but my son enjoyed them. The Fried Ravioli was a hit at the table, but the surprise was the Eggplant Rollatini. I liked it, but the true test was my daughter. Beth is known to be a little picky, but she really thought the Eggplant was good.

We were all pleased with our entrees. Ward got the Spaghetti Bolognese, Beth the Fettucini Alfredo with Chicken, Phyllis the Lasagna and I got Chicken Parmigiana. The only surprise was the Bolognese. It seems I was the only one at the table who knew the sauce would be pinkish due to the cream mixed in. Ward didn't seem to mind. He ate a large portion and brought the remainder home. We were too full for dessert.

Our service was quick and everyone was attentive, but as I looked around the dining room, I saw that we were treated no differently than anyone else. No table seemed to be anxious. You know the look when someone wants a server but can't seem to catch one with a net. None of that going on.There was good eye contact from the moment we came in to the moment we left.

A lot of restaurants have good food. Some have great service. Combine those elements with a mix of positive attitudes and you get a good family restaurant. Prezzano's hit the mark. Good job, Dallas, and good job to your team.

Cuppy's For Warmth

2009-01-29T16:57:00.005-05:00

Today I decided to take a drive over to Cuppy's to shoot some photos for my Urbanspoon review. It was a nice day to get out, and it felt good to feel the sun.

To my pleasant surprise, Abby and Alanna (pictured here, left to right) were both working. As soon as I got in the door, I was greeted as though I were a long lost brother come home. Both stepped around the corner and hugged my neck.

I sat down and started getting my camera and computer out. Abby asked "Would you like something to eat?". Alanna spoke next "He'll call to me when he's ready", meaning no rush, settle in and relax. To me, this place has become a bit of a refuge. A place to sit down and lean back, with the only stress being what time I had to leave if I had an appointment elsewhere.

I'm not alone. Shannon, a friend of mine came in, and I introduced her to Alanna, who proceeded to tell Shannon that I was their favorite. Then she said "We have a lot of favorites" and named every person but one in the place. I didn't feel slighted. I felt smart. I had chosen to become a regular at a place where they care about everyone.

The food and coffee is wonderful here, from cookies to sandwiches and cokes to lattes, but when I say I'm going out for some sunshine, the picture I see is the one I've posted here today.

Fusco's via Roma

2009-01-28T14:07:00.005-05:00

In the midst of historic Main Street Acworth sits Fusco's via Roma, an authentic Italian restaurant that adds a decidedly romantic curve to this traditional southern railroad town. While in the dining room, the sound of the train going by does not conjure up thoughts of an Atlanta railyard, rather those of traveling through Tuscany, Sicily or the Italian Alps. A quick glance around confirms those daydreams, and I refuse to look to the front door, for fear the bubble will burst.

Using the freshest of seafood and organic beef, the chef ensnares me with the aromas of an Italian kitchen with roots that are generations deep. The dining room, dark and romantic with lighting in just the right places, uses the gutted out historic building to enhance the mood.

The wait staff quickly moves throughout the room, relatively unnoticed. My food arrives and my expectations are justified. I have ordered Spaghetti Bolognese, a favorite. My wife has ordered Lasagna. Both meals are outstanding. They are the basic, simple Italian meals, but in spite of that, Mike and his team have transported us away from our basic, ordinary life to one of romance and fine dining.

Needless to say, I will return.

Prezzano's Pizzeria

2009-01-28T12:59:00.006-05:00

Downtown Acworth has a lot to offer, food-wise. There are a wide variety of choices, where once there were but a few.

Just as you enter Acworth on Main Street, coming out of Kennesaw, you will come upon Kennworth Park, and immediately across from the park sits Main Street Station, where you find Prezzano's Pizzeria Italian Restaurant.

My daughter is a student at North Cobb High School, and we passed the new shopping center almost every day. Soon, the pizzeria sign went up. Beth and I decided that at first opportunity, we were going to give this new place a try. We had quite a wait, but we finally got our chance just a few weeks ago.

Originally opened as Paisano's, the name Prezzano's seems more fitting, as Dallas Prezzano is the owner and Italian food chef. Jerry, from Jersey, and Brian from Chicago, join Dallas as chefs in this well rounded crew. Forty five years of experience from three of the greatest places to get a pizza are represented at the oven of Prezzano's.

On my visit, I ordered the Prezzano's Favorito pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, roasted peppers and onions). A medium was plenty for Beth and me, and not a bad deal at $14.50. The toppings were plentiful and tasty, but in my opinion, the sauce makes the pie. They use all fresh ingredients, make their own dough, and hand mill the tomatoes to make a wonderfully consistent sauce.
The high booths made a small dining room seem less crowded and more intimate on a busy Friday night. The service was very good. We never felt rushed, and my glass did not go empty. We will return, although my daughter says I have to let her order pasta, and my wife says not without her!

Papi's Cuban & Caribbean Grill

2009-01-24T14:54:00.006-05:00

I finally got a chance to try Papi's today! I have been trying to fit it in for a while now.

As I entered, I noticed the small diner atmosphere with a Cuban accent. I heard the island music playing as I decided where to sit. There were three choices, the main dining room which shared space with an open kitchen, the patio, or the bar area. I sat in the main dining room.

Aside from one server, everyone working there spoke Spanish as their first language. That was good, because it added to the authenticity. Once I sat down, I was taken care of by multiple servers. I had no wait. My food was on my table within five minutes.

If you like Cuban/Caribbean food, this is the place. I ordered the Jerk Chicken special. It came with a very small salad, bread, white rice and black beans. The jerk chicken was extremely spicy. My sinuses were clear after just a few bites. I felt the sweat bead up on my forehead. Like spicy food? Give that dish a shot. By the way, Coca~Cola just enhances the effect.

The food was good, the service was fantastic. I will go back, but I will also try a different dish.