Posted by foodiebuddha
on September 11, 2009
People often say that bloggers, critics, and the like get the most pleasure from writing a scathing note. While I can’t speak for the rest of them, I’ll tell you that this guy gets the most joy out of recapping an impromptu meal that was anything but expected. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does … you’ll find me smiling wider than the Cheshire Cat.
That smile hit me during a little excursion to Norcross. Thanks to the predictably unpredictable Atlanta traffic, I found myself twiddling my thumbs while my dinner buddy battled the bumper to bumper. Idle hands, being what they are, led me to go for a stroll in the Merchants Square Shopping Center that housed our destination.
Seeing as the strip was peppered with a mix of eateries, and I was armed with a Titanic sized appetite, it was time to be productive. I decided a snack was in order. The stroll actually took me the length of the walkway; it seemed nearly every place that peaked piqued [THANKS DG!] my interest was either closed for dinner or closed for good. Still, I kept walking, and whether it was a consequence of fate or the dumb luck of free will, I ended up circling around the back of the center only to find a Mexican supermarket. Celia’s, with a demonstrative sign and quirky sombrero incorporated into the logo, was it.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on June 09, 2009
I was apprehensive to say the least. High-brow, underground supper clubs strike a strange cord with me. On the one hand, it’s kind of cool to hit up a private event that requires a trip to the piggy bank. On the other hand, there is something snob-elitish about events that come with a $150 price tag, all white garb, and a super secret location (as this one did). Mind you, supper clubs come in all shapes and sizes. However, this one clearly went the way of “deep thoughts … by F. Scott Fitzgerald.”
Atlanta has it’s fair share of private dining events and one such purveyor of said events is a woman by the name Jenny Levison. Known around these parts as “Souper Jenny,” there is a Buckhead sandwich shop which bares that moniker. Jenny’s shop is a warm and friendly place, and that led me to believe that my fears would be quashed when the event rolled around. In addition, I hear that entry into one of these seatings [sic] is as hard to come by as a golden ticket into Wonka-ville. However, that’s due to demand, and not any pretense. As it follows, when the opportunity to attend one of these events presented itself, I jumped. It was an evening of firsts, and the experience is worth a recap.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on January 25, 2009
From the archives (10.03.2008)
Overall: 
This is what a breakfast joint should be. It’s nestled in that hopping little intersection of McLendon & Clifton, across the street from the evil empire that is Flying Biscuit. Nearby, there are a handful of shops/boutiques as well as the Fellini’s/La Fonda combo. I’ve visited Gato Bizco more times than I can remember; I’ve never left disappointed (or hungry). The food is inexpensive and the portions are HUMONGOUS. It’s almost too cheap for the amount of food you get. It is hard to make a really stand out breakfast; but, Gato does without fail!
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on January 13, 2009
Overall:
Over the past year and change, Atlanta has lost a number of its’ most well respected chefs. Joël Antunes left for the bright lights of New York, Guenter Seeger ran off into oblivion, and Michael Tuohy went to Sacramento (that’s not a misprint ladies and germs…SACRAMENTO!). [Quick aside – Tuohy is doing very well: LINKY]
At the same time, we have welcomed Jean-Georges, Tom Colicchio, Laurent Tourondel, and others. While their restaurants thrive, despite mixed reviews in some instances, these culinary giants have grabbed a great deal of attention. Deservedly so, I might add. Toss in the emergence of our beloved and adopted Richard Blais [he’s actually a New Yorker … and dare I say..a Gators fan!!!], and there isn’t much room on the front page for anyone else. While somewhat lost amongst them, chef Bruce Logue has garnered some well deserved attention from the local foodies (myself included).
Logue’s return, as he is a native Atlantan, is inspiring to say the least. Though his skills as a restauranteur are not as polished as those mentioned previously, he has proven to be a very capable chef. Read the rest of this after the jump.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on January 07, 2009
Overall:
Philadelphia is the self-proclaimed Cheesesteak Capital. I’ve traveled to the most well-known spots (Pat’s King of Cheesesteaks and Geno’s Steaks) and I’ve been to each several times over. Trust me when I say that they are essentially crap on a bun. You go to those tourist traps for the “experience;” there are better steaks to be had in Philly (and better experiences). Most locals would acquiesce – if you’re a steak connoisseur, you just don’t go to those spots. Don’t believe me? Go see what yelpers have to say. Unlike Champagne, you can have an authentic steak and cheese outside the 215. Which brings us to Woody’s, a local joint that stacks up just fine to those Philadelphia institutions … thank you very much.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on December 30, 2008
From the archives (11.09.08)
A good buddy of mine joined me for lunch at Café Agora this past Friday; the experience was yet another in a long line of tasty meals at this Mediterranean eatery. With the demise of Shipfeifer, Agora is now the only spot in the ATL I go for a quality gyro and tasty Turkish food. While there are a handful of options in the burbs (that’s you Alpharetta), this is the best place in town and well worth the drive from Midtown. Overall, I rate the food here very highly, but there are two or three problems with the experience that prevent the perfect score.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on December 18, 2008
I sit here writing this review only to realize that nearly all of my posts have revolved around sushi! I guess I need to get out more! Actually, this is entirely circumstantial and I promise to kick the variety up a notch!
As luck would have it, I should be able to have this years Christmas day feast at my new favorite sushi spot in, or in this case around, the Dirty. Though I still need to get confirmation, this news propelled me to share my thoughts on this gem!
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