Posted by foodiebuddha
on February 02, 2010
The drive up the Eastern seaboard of the United States is daunting to say the least. Considering the trek from Miami to Atlanta, there is just something wrong about the idea of driving for 12-hours plus and only hitting two states. A break (or three) is required, and what better way for a foodie to chew up the monotony than with a destination worthy meal?
In preparation for that drive, the Unabomber’s Girlfriend and I spent some time perusing the internet looking for one of those hidden eateries of lore and legend. As we were in seafood central, the cuisine was seemingly selected for us. After scanning several internet sites, we were led to believe that we had found one such gem. Yes, Capt. Shrimp came with high marks from casual dinners over a bevy of websites. Unfortunately, what it delivered was a glorified alternative to Captain D’s.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on January 18, 2010
You don’t go to China to enjoy great pizza (though I’m sure it can be found somewhere in the Middle Kingdom). Similarly, you don’t go to Florida for good Tex-Mex. No, if you find yourself around 25th parallel, you best ought to stick to the fruits de mer. So while I dug around Key West early last week, the Unabomber’s girlfriend and I decided to hit up (but not blow up) B.O.’s Fish Wagon, a seafood shack well known around those parts for its kitschy decor, come as you are attitude, and approachably delicious food. Popular enough to get a shout out in the NY Times and a visit from Bobby Flay (via Food Nation), it was high times that Buddy Owen’s Key West institution tried to take down the Foodie Buddha. All in all, this was an enjoyable experience, even with some shortcomings in the grub.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on September 02, 2009
Another year, another trip to Boston, another visit to Kelly’s Roast Beef. Like clockwork I am. Boston, and the surrounding ‘hood, is like a second home to yours truly. It should be no surprise then that this North Shore fixture, in business since 1951, has been as much a part of my life as anything else in Massachusetts. But enough of the nostalgic namby pamby, what we have here is a waterside walkup that has expanded to include five Boston area locations, a catering service, and a handful of merchandise options.
Though I’ve driven by a couple of the other locations, I have only eaten at the original, found just across the road from the Atlantic Ocean in Revere. It follows, that I can’t speak to the quality of food, the experience, or anything else at the satellite locations. Regardless of what goes on elsewhere, a trip to the original Kelly’s may be as much about the experience as it is the food. In that spirit, I see no reason for the constant crowd to dwindle anytime soon.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on August 28, 2009
With a name inspired by the gods and a reputation that follows, one should expect big things from Neptune Oyster in the North End of Boston. The famed oyster bar, owned by Jeff Nace, seats just 18 bar-side and roughly 25 at the tables … which aren’t more than an arms length away from that bar. Judging by the crowd the other night, Neptune’s past accomplishments have earned them quite a bit of business. Unfortunately, not much about the meal leads me to believe the reputation isn’t a bit mythic.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on August 12, 2009
A few days ago, I found myself running around the town of Highlands, North Carolina. Sitting comfortably atop the southern portion of North Carolina, Highlands is roughly two-hours via auto from Atlanta. As such, it’s a popular sport for weekend getaways and summer excursions for those of us who call the ATL home. My day up there actually provided me with a good bit of content for the blog, so I’ll be dropping a few more notes over the next few days.
While the recorded population of this quiet mountain town sits just under 1,000 people, the massive amount of tourist traffic has given rise to a handful of shops, markets, antique stores, and restaurants. One such restaurant is Wild Thyme Gourmet. The café sized eatery doubles as a wine shop and gourmet market. Meanwhile, they offer up a handful of sandwiches and salads during lunch while focusing on traditional American entrées during dinner. During this visit, I had the opportunity to sample some of their lunchtime cuisine.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on August 04, 2009
Overall: 
Tucked away in a somewhat downtrodden area of town, Johnny’s Bar in Cleveland, which serves food from Northern Italy, appears to be an institution. The restaurant, which has operated under a couple of names the past 80+ years, delivers an almost static experience. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that a number of the elements that make up the dining experience at Johnny’s Bar seem antediluvian. While other restaurants around the country might shutter at that, Johnny’s Bar should revel in that claim; and, I suspect that they do. Their success is further evident in that they have two “sister” restaurants operating in the Cleveland area (though I’ve never been to either).
All that aside, there is something very reassuring about the experience here. In a time when food and dining are squarely focused on the next big thing, Johnny’s Bar seems content to focus on tried and true classics. While the straightforward nature of the menu might make a foodie or two scoff, the reality is that the selections here shine because of their traditional simplicity. Make no mistake, there are hints of envelope pushing; however, those intimations bubble ever so slightly and are so delicate in nature that one can’t help but appreciate the delivery.
Even after my first meal here in 2001, it was apparent that this place was top notch. While the Buddha boys have forgotten the name of this place more times than I can remember, we manage to find our way back each and every time we touch down in the land of Cleves.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on April 13, 2009
Most everyone who has dropped in on the bustling town of Vail, Colorado remembers the Swiss Hot Dog Company. The casual eatery had been a fixture in Lionshead for the past couple of decades. A few years back, owner Ernst Larese and his beloved wienie joint uprooted a few miles down the highway.
Regardless of the reason for the move, the neighboring town of Avon welcomed Ernst with open arms. Now, Ernst and his austerely decorated joint find themselves at home in a slick new strip mall. While we are all a bit bummed that the original location is gone, foodies, critics, and diners from all over the world are just glad this place is still going strong! [Don’t believe me? Just ask the Blissful Glutton – she freakin’ loves these doggies]
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on February 04, 2009
NYT review guru Frank Bruni recently stopped in for a visit (or two) with Joël Antunès at the Oak Room at the Plaza. Atlanta denizens called foul when Antunès departed his namesake, Joël, for the glitz and glitter of the famed New York restaurant. Though Joël is still alive, it looks like Antunès might want to consider a return to the more relaxed digs of the deep south.
Bruni’s feelings are summarized with one short paragraph:
I’d recommend the Oak Room for anyone intent on an inimitable atmosphere and a baronial sense of splurge and who is willing to risk a forgettable, or even frustrating, meal. (Jackets, by the way, aren’t required but are “definitely preferred,” as a reservationist told me.)
Anywho, read it here and formulate your own opinion.
Posted by foodiebuddha
on February 02, 2009
Overall: (epic fail)
Oh what a pity … Figs has really fallen flat. You can sense their hidden, reclusive quality that is masked by a lot (and I do mean a lot) of serious flaws. What was once a fantastic pizza joint is now a shameful iteration of its former self. The inner child is still there – it is just in need of some major resuscitation. The pizza in-and-of itself is okay – you could do A LOT worse – but the overall experience is just awful.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on January 29, 2009
In addition to a new spot in East Atlanta and one in Washington DC, Richard Blais proclaimed Austin, Texas as the luckily winner in the FLIP burger boutique sweepstakes. As this burger bug continues to spread, we can only wish Richard the best. I myself am starting to get a little frustrated with this whole burger thing; however, I love his game, so let’s hope for good things. Congrats on your success Richard!!!!
Address:1587 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 // 404.352-3547
Website // Menu (pdf)
