Posted by foodiebuddha
on July 19, 2010
Alright … done with the awws and “how cute is she” declarative questions? Good! Now let’s get it on!
You see, this isn’t so much a review as it is a not so subtle smack over the breakfast burrito reminding you that Gato Bizco Café in Candler Park is where it’s at. Having survived my nubile attempts at restaurant chatter, Gato Bizco remains one of my go-to breakfast spots in Atlanta. Folks – have I told you before that getting me to rise before 10am is an exercise in futility? Only the most seductive temptresses can coax me from my slumber. Well, that and the promise of a breakfast like the one at hand. Back in the stream of conscious: Gato Bizco lays a serious beat down to that disaster across the street (which has spread like a fungus).
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on July 01, 2010
When word spread that Woody’s Famous Philadelphia Cheesesteaks in Midtown had closed, Atlanta’s food fans took a collective sigh. Though not everyone found the place destination worthy, Woody’s had a distinct personality and better than average grub. Opened in 1975 by David Pastoria, the free standing hut had served as a fixture of quirky Atlanta for roughly 35 years.
But 12,784 days is a stretch and Pastoria had his fill of the restaurant life. Though I’m not exactly sure of the new ownership structure, Steven Renner decided that Pastoria’s departure was the opportunity he needed. So in early June of this year, marked with a little elbow grease and some TLC, Renner gave Woody’s Cheesesteaks a new life in its old location.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on May 06, 2010
Since my introduction to Yakitori Jinbei in late 2009 (thanks Spark Plug), the restaurant has worked itself into my regular rotation. I’ve introduced several people to the joint, told countless others, and return whenever I get a hankering for some ramen. (occasional acts of indiscretion at Haru Ichiban notwithstanding).
Having successfully convinced many a foodie that I am not actually cuckoo for cocoa puffs, the newly minted Ramen Brigade set out late last week for a little Hi, Hello, and some much needed sustenance. Having grabbed Spark Plug and @NoKungFu in route, we met up with Dea (website) and Weigy (website) for some good ole fashion yakitori. Needless to say, I had no business at the table with people who might as well bleed Asiatic cuisine. Still, I managed to sneak a seat, and the Ramen Brigade was up and running.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on February 15, 2010
The love affair with Frank Ma South has come and gone in this city. Late in 2008 when Frank Ma moved in with the gang at Chopsticks in the Emory area, all hell broke loose. Most everyone got all giddy at the idea of a seemingly authentic Chinese restaurant located somewhere other than BuHi. I was never all up in that … shocking I know. At the time, I recapped my thoughts on “THAT SITE” during my pre-blog days.
Suddenly, like a fart in the wind, Frank up and vanished. In his wake, chef’s have come and gone and the crowds have thinned. However, the menu remains basically the same. I’ve been diving in and out of there intermittently since Frank’s departure with the latest visit being yesterday for the Chinese New Year. While the restaurant still satisfies my urging for non-nationalized Chinese grub, it’s still unable to compete with our cities top dogs.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on January 29, 2010
Photo by David Naugle via MU
A recent dining excursion took me to the ever bustling Miller Union, a Westside eatery that has become one of the “it places.” MU is a restaurant that showed up on the scene roughly two-months ago and is currently in the middle of a love fest not uncommon around these parts. Some heavy hitters love it and judging by the packed house we witnessed, so too do the lay folk.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on November 02, 2009
As time goes by, I am presented with the opportunity to head back to some of the restaurants I’ve already chatted up. Since my initial visit to DBA Barbecue, there have been a number of changes. Doug Morgan has moved on, and in his place, we have Drew Kirkland. Kirkland, who was previously stationed at The Albert, spent four years under celebrity chef Kevin Rathbun. According to Matt Coggin, one of the three owners, Kirkland has brought with him a Lang Smoker. I’m not sure if that’s a big selling point or not – my knowledge of smoker producers is definitively lacking.
After a fairly lackluster blind date, I was hopping to see an improvement from the restaurant. Unfortunately, the food seems lost in the doldrums of barbecue mediocrity. Given the high price point and the extended opportunity to fix the problems, I would say this return visit was far more disappointing than the first.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on October 21, 2009
Since my initial notations on Publik Social House and Bocado, I’ve made multiple return trips to both. Unfortunately, things weren’t as good on subsequent visits in either case. Keep reading for details on these two new Atlanta dining options.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on July 08, 2009
Overall: 
Despite my initial impression of 5 Seasons Brewing Company over in Midtown, Atlanta, I was both willing and able to make a return visit. In the two months since, I’ve made three return trips. To be honest, I’ll have a very hard time mustering up the guts for a 4th. As you may have surmised, this cavernous restaurant spends a lot of time talking, and little time delivering (both figuratively and literally).
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on January 23, 2009
The tension is palpable. Pizza in Atlanta leaves A LOT to be desired. That’s all about to change when Jeff Varasano opens Varasano’s Pizzeria sometime in the middle of February. Early reports are that the restaurant will hit sometime around V-Day, and I have confirmed that the oven has arrived. Get your engines ready and be sure to check out my sneak peak from December.
The restaurant will open in the Mezzo building, just across the street from the Peachtree Houston’s.
Address: 2171 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 // Website: www.varasanos.com
Posted by foodiebuddha
on December 21, 2008
In my recent review of Sushi House Hayakawa, I mentioned how their website was somewhat desolate. Well, I dropped back in today and I am pleased to report that Sushi House has some beautiful images up! In addition to the Kaboom that greats visitors, you can now check out a decent sized smattering of what they serve up! Check it out! Menu LINKY!!!!
Address:Chamblee, 5979 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30340 // P: 770.986.0010
Website: www.atlantasushibar.com
Menu: http://www.atlantasushibar.com/menu
