Book Now! – Atlanta Downtown Restaurant Week

It really doesn't matter what else is on the menu at BLT Steak as long as these popovers make an appearance. I have the recipe but haven't attempted them yet, partially out of the fear that I would break my own bread-eating record, which is an entirely unnecessary endeavor.

If I had unlimited money (and a faster metabolism) I’d go out every night of the Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week. My budget and my belly may not be able to afford that much, but I’m heading downtown for a least a few nights for these great deals.

Here’s how it works – from July 26 to August 8, close to 30 restaurants are offering three-course meals for $25 or $35. Generally it’s a set menu with a few choices for each course. It really is a fantastic way to affordably check out a new restaurant or revisit an old favorite.

I checked out the list and there are a few restaurants I’ve never heard of, including the ones in hotels. Sear is in the Atlanta Marriott Marquis and Terrace on Peachtree is in The Ellis Hotel and I know nothing about those. I imagine they are frequented primarily by out-of-town guests, as is one of the oldest, and quirkiest restaurants in Atlanta – Pittypat’s Porch. Read the full post »

1 Comment by admin on July 23, 2010
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Hankering for Hankook

At just $2.25 each, the tacos at Hankook are one of the best deals in town.

It’s nothing to look at, the location is out of the way and the décor is more blue plate special than Blue Ridge Grill. But the food? That and the amazing value are what make Hankook Taqueria one of the hottest new places in Atlanta.

Located in Westside Atlanta, on Collier Road, Hankook is the creation of Tomas Lee, formerly with Buckhead Diner and Corner Cafe so he knows his way around the kitchen.

The menu is blessedly short (for indecisive people like me) with your choice of five different types of Korean BBQ tacos: chicken, beef, pork, fish and tofu. They all come with lettuce, green onion, green cabbage tossed in soy sesame vinaigrette, yellow onion, cilantro and lime juice.

You can get your tacos from the Yumbii food truck too. Follow it on Twitter to find its next location.

At just $2.25 each you’ll be tempted to order several tacos, but I’ve found them so large that’s it’s pushing it for me to eat two. And you’ll want to save room for a few tastes of the Street Snacks, like the fried dumplings, tempura fried Korean sweet potatoes or sesame fries. Hankook also serves burritos and quesadillas and features a few specials each day.

No alcohol is available but you can take your own with you. You order at the counter from some very friendly ladies and take a seat wherever you like on the diner-style tables covered with kitchen-motif tablecloths that may look familiar to any “I Love Lucy” fans. Read the full post »

1 Comment by admin on July 16, 2010
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Eclipse di Luna – Old Favorite Still Thrills

The paella at Eclipse di Luna

Sometimes it takes a nudge to revisit an old friend. Or an old restaurant.

That was the case with us when we visited Eclipse di Luna last week at the invitation of our friend Susan. It was her husband Tom’s birthday and several couples were gathering for a salsa lesson, followed by dinner at one of my old favorites.

We got in the mood with our lesson, where we all progressed as far at making one turn at about half the speed of the music, then found our way to the tucked-way-at-the-end of Miami Circle restaurant.

I’d kinda forgotten about this place, where the food is always good and the atmosphere lively. And as luck would have it, it was Monday night – all you can eat from the Chef’s Selection for $15.

Our friend Tom – who is in the restaurant business and orders liberally from any menu  in the name of “R and D” – kept the dishes coming. Because they are tapas and served on small plates, it is very easy to justify trying some of everything. Which I did. I have to do a little research myself, right?

Just to name a few of the dishes – we had pan catalan, grilled asparagus with Manchego cheese, calamari, fried plaintains with black truffle honey and Spanish style ribs. Oh, and somewhere in there were dishes of delicious potatoes. Read the full post »

1 Comment by admin on July 7, 2010
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Celebrate the 4th with Lenox Fireworks

This is the 51st year of the magnificent fireworks display at Lenox Square.

“That’s Grown-up Lemonade,” we were told every year of my childhood when we attended the annual 4th of July party at the Kelly’s house and saw the adults heading for the special punch bowl. After our annual bike parade around the neighborhood, we’d gather there for some great all-American fun.

We always wondered what was in that special lemonade that made the adults laugh so loud and not care at all how many hot dogs we had or whether Johnny had squirted mustard all over his little brother’s brand-new shoes.

The day ended as it always would – by groups of us piling into cars to go  see the fireworks at Lenox Square, a short drive from our Brookhaven cul de sac. Back in those days, we’d easily make our way down Peachtree, park and walk a few feet to a grassy hill to sit and watch the patriotic display.

Fast forward several decades, and the fireworks at Lenox, now in their 51st year, are a Big Deal. Now you can find a Kid Zone, live entertainment, food concessions and more people than the entire population of Atlanta back in the old days.

The stores at Lenox are open Sunday from noon to six, with the Kids Zone opening at noon as well.The music starts at 6 with City Heat, a cover band that will get you dancin’ with hits from Motown. After that Party on the Moon takes the stage at 7:30. Those of you who attended Donald Trump’s New Year’s Eve Party will recognize them from there. Fireworks began at around 9:40 p.m.

There are alcohol vendors as well, although no one sells the Grown-up Lemonade made famous by the Kelly’s 4th of July party. That recipe remains a secret, although I believe massive amounts of bourbon were definitely involved.

For more details visit www.lenoxsquare.com. And have a wonderful and safe 4th of July.

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No Comments by admin on June 30, 2010
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A New Swirl in Town

Swirlers at Pinkberry are trained in creating the perfect swirl so yours will look just as pretty. Until that first bite.

I’d been told that people are passionate about Pinkberry. But to stand in line for an hour and a half in the heat for a free scoop? Well that’s what they were doing for hours last night at the opening of Atlanta’s first Pinkberry location.

Less than five years ago, the folks at Pinkberry set out to sell their proprietary formula of premium frozen yogurt with fresh-fruit toppings. Now with locations across the country, the company has attracted legions of fans. Lots of celebrities have jumped on the Pinkberry bandwagon including Rob Lowe, Simon Crowell and Megan Fox who celebrated her birthday there.

I’ve been way in the loop with the whole Pinkberry explosion as my daughter got a job there for the summer. A recent graduate of Duke, she is heading to DC as a Star Fellow with Running Start in the fall. But faced with the double whammy news that the parental bank has now closed and that I need help around the house with such fun activities as refrigerator and attic cleaning, she immediately sought outside employment. Read the full post »

1 Comment by admin on June 25, 2010
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Let’s Do Lunch

Lunch for me usually consists of leftovers, or on the days I work at Travelgirl, a hastily assembled sandwich eaten at my desk. So I’m always pretty happy to actually go out to lunch. Or at least have other hands than my own make me a sandwich.

Here are just a few spots to check out for lunch:

Brookhaven Bistro

Salmon quesadilla, signature dish at Brookhaven Bistro

It took me a few minutes to find this little gem of a place, tucked behind Nuts ‘N Berries on Peachtree Street. It also happens to be directly on my way to Travelgirl so is perfect for those days when I am in the mood to just pick something up. It bills itself as Brookhaven’s healthy restaurant, and serves fresh breakfast and lunch items. You’ll find black beans and rice, chicken salad and burritos made with fresh, organic ingredients. The most expensive lunch item is just $9.50, broiled wild Alaska salmon served over brown rice with seasonal vegetables, a meal that would set you back at least twice that at a fancy tablecloth restaurant. I really enjoyed my black bean soup and chicken salad sandwich (the 1/2 and 1/2 for just $6.95.) Check it out when you’ll looking for a convenient and healthy option for lunch. 4272 Peachtree Road, 404-846-2345. Read the full post »

2 Comments by admin on June 13, 2010
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Films Al Fresco – 2010

Screen on the Green at Piedmont Park

A blanket and a comfy pillow are all you need to enjoy these films in Atlanta this summer, presented free of charge. The stars are up above as well as on the screen at these two outdoor summer film series.

Screen on the Green

The popular film series has moved back to Piedmont Park after a move to Centennial Olympic Park while Piedmont took a break from festivals to recover from the severe drought. These films are shown on the huge lawn in Piedmont Park on Thursday nights. Feel free to bring  your own food and alcohol. Just leave the glass containers, dogs and high-backed chairs behind. Presented in partnership with Peachtree TV, each film starts with music from local DJs and performances from local artists.

The series started last week and continues through June 24, with the film beginning at sunset. Here is the schedule for the remaining films: Read the full post »

1 Comment by admin on June 2, 2010
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Get Jazzed this Weekend

Praise the Lord, I’m throwing on a sundress and sandals, grabbing my picnic blanket and heading to Piedmont Park this weekend. After two years at other locations, The Jazz Fest has returned!

This is the 33rd year for this premier Atlanta event,  the largest free jazz festival in the country. The music kicks off Saturday afternoon at 2:00 with the Rialto Jazz for Kids All Star Jazz Band and continues though Sunday with the final act, Stanley Clarke and Hiromi, taking the stage at 8:30. And there are plenty more talented entertainers in between, who perform at the invitation of the Jazz Fest.

But like any good festival, there’s even more to enjoy than the music. Here are just a few of the attractions you can enjoy May 29-30:

• Bud Light Beer Garden.

• Publix Kids Zone with rock wall, batting cage, jump rope contest and more

• Food Vendors

• Crafts Market

• Family Lounge

In addition to all the free entertainment, there are a couple of events that require payment.

• Late Night Jazz Jam with William Green and Gary Harris at Loews Atlanta Hotel on Saturday from 10 PM to 2 AM. Tickets are $20.Click here for tickets.

• Gospel Jazz Brunch with Inspired by Valerie, Sunday, May 30 from 11 am to 1 pm at Park Tavern.

Here are a few things you wouldn’t have seen 33 year ago – you can discover what your carbon footprint is, learn some beauty tips using everyday products, and if you take a six-pack of cans or plastic bottles to recycle you can get a vintage Atlanta Jazz Festival poster.

Get more information at www.atlantafestivals.com, and find the list of performers here.

1 Comment by admin on May 24, 2010
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Let’s All Go to the Lobby

The Nick is back! Yep, Nick Oltarsh, the opening executive chef of Lobby, has returned and is turning out plates of deliciousness again after a five-year absence.

Ever since his days at Murphy’s, Nick has been one of my favorite chefs. I was glad to see him back at Lobby where he wields his talent at taking simple food and adding his special touches to make it memorable.

Although it is located in Twelve at Atlantic Station not too far from my home, I somehow forget that Lobby is there. And it even has the added appeal of easy, free-if-it’s-under-two-hours parking. And perhaps a little shopping side trip if time and the budget allows.

But after having lunch there last week, it’s firmly back on my radar. And check out these specials: every Wednesday through Friday from 5-7, enjoy a martini for just $1! Just one per person, but that’s all I can handle anyway.

And how about this? Every Thursday night Lobby is sponsoring free outdoor movies, along with all-you-can-eat pizza for $10, add beer and wine for an additional $5. Get a schedule at www.atlanticstation.com.

As for the food? I’ll let the pictures tell the stories.

I’m not sure who invented Chicken & Waffles, (Gladys Knight?) but I’m processing their application for sainthood. Nick heats this salty/sweet dish up with a touch of Tabasco.

The pickled cucumbers, hearts of palm and sesame ginger vinaigrette add a touch of flavor and a lot of color to the seared tuna

It took all of my willpower to not eat a second piece of this simple, but perfect vegetable pizza. We tried analyzing what made it so delicious between cheese-laden mouth fulls

I loved the addition of capers and caraway seeds to the ever-popular shrimp and grits

I wasn’t fast enough to snag a lemon meringue tart but did manage to grab a pistachio eclair for a small indulgence at the end of the meal

1 Comment by admin on May 18, 2010
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Takin’ it to the Streets

Haley Richardson with her food trike filled with homemade ice cream sandwiches

Sure, Atlanta is a great food city – you can get everything from a naked dog at the Varsity to a masterful four-course dinner at Bacchanalia. But there is one thing you can’t get that almost all other major cities have.

Street food.

Seems the city won’t allow people in Atlanta to enjoy the wonders of tacos, hot dogs, ice cream, Korean barbecue and plenty of other delicious, affordable food that people in Austin, Los Angeles, Portland and New York can enjoy every day.

But now we have a committed group of folks who are determined to change that. The Atlanta Street Food Coalition is campaigning to persuade lawmakers that we deserve to enjoy the opportunities for people to sell and buy food from trucks in Atlanta and surrounding areas.  You can have a truck at a street festival or a catered event, and street carts are allowed more freedom, but locations are quite restricted. Read the full post »

2 Comments by admin on May 11, 2010
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