Posted by Foodie Buddha
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 Foodie Buddha
on June 21, 2010
Call it a chicken biscuit … call it a sandwich … call it a coronary heart attack … I don’t care what you call it, so long as you make it a point to grab Noon Midtown’s “Stack” sooner than later. Katie Birmingham’s top notch restaurant has been kicking ass and taking names since I first stumbled in there a little over a year ago.
Though it has grown beyond its conceptual roots as a lunch place, Noon Midtown has become one of my favorite dinner spots and best bets for a noon time meal. Case in point, I’ve been there enough times that they can pick me out in a crowd. However, until this past weekend, I had never ventured over to try their Saturday brunch. After watching my beloved Oranji win them some football, I took advantage of the break in the action to meet up with Atlanta’s favorite bachelorette blogger. Having seen Noon’s brunch menu some time ago, I was particularly inspired by Live to Feast’s memo and Chow Down Atlanta’s love note.
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Posted by Foodie Buddha
on April 08, 2010
Hotel dinning can be the ultimate example of the slippery slope. On the one hand, many of the best chefs end up running those kitchens, so you get top notch talent. On the other hand, the chef’s id and ego are often held in check by the the massive corporation holding the checkbook to their livelihood. At Park 75, the centerpiece of the Four Seasons in Atlanta, executive chef Robert Gerstenecker seems to have enough freedom and a high enough acumen to keep his puppet masters at bay while maintaining enough of himself in his art.
Gerstenecker, who recently made an appearance on ITCK, has been at the helm of Park 75 for a handful of years. It seems he has found home. At a restaurant known for it’s tea service and brunches, Gerstenecker has brought out progressive American cuisine with a foundation in contemporary Southern cooking.
So it was with this mindset in hand that I set out one lovely afternoon for lunch with a favorite family friend. Having not ventured into this particular dinning space in some 24-months, I made it a point to meditate on my present and hand my brain a blank canvas to paint on. Needless to say, it didn’t stay blank very long.
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Posted by Foodie Buddha
on March 24, 2010
The West Egg, that popular Westside Atlanta breakfast joint, is now doing dinner. Having moved just a short while ago into fancy new digs, the restaurant has decided to expand their hours of operation. (They’re just a hop skip and jump away from their old location). The restaurant is now open from 7am-10pm Monday thru Friday. On the weekends, they open at 8am and close at 10pm. The dinner menu includes a number of traditional southern dishes, including chicken & dumplings, stewed vegetables, and beef short ribs (to name a few). Fear not avid fans of their breakfast material, that stuff is available all hours. In addition, the Egg now offers four bottled beers on tap and a selection of wines. Last weekend, they added Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas to the menu. Starting this weekend, that will expand into a full cocktail service.
For those of you who haven’t seen the new space, check out the amazing photos by Savory Exposure.
West Egg Café Restaurant Address & Information
1100 Howell Mill Rd. Atlanta, GA 30308 // 404.872.3973 // West Egg website // West Egg menu (pdf)
Posted by Foodie Buddha
on February 13, 2010
Georgia has long been unofficially known as the Empire State of the South. Now, it looks like we’re finally ready to make that official (at least in the restaurant world). Empire State South is set to be the first foray into the Atlanta dining scene for the accomplished Hugh Acheson. Sporting a progressive take on Southern cuisine, Empire State is destined to add a whole new class level to the meat and three concept. Meanwhile, it will serve as the anchor restaurant for the 999 Peachtree Street office and retail building in Midtown, Atlanta.
For the better part of a year, we’ve known of Acheson’s intentions to open Empire State South. Initially, the opening date was identified as Spring 2010. Now, according to the restaurant’s website, that season has been narrowed down to April of this year. More details after the jump!
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Posted by Foodie Buddha
on January 15, 2010
Just because I was away doesn’t mean the world came to a screeching halt (shocking, I know). So here are some odds and ends from around the net from the past week+. I’ll leave this post, with a heavy heart.
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Posted by Foodie Buddha
on October 15, 2009
Firefly is the shizzle. For anyone who hasn’t had it: it’s sweet tea vodka that is dangerous good. My preferred serving: splash of water + lime juice. It turns out that Firefly Distillers, the gang behind the beast, has a handful of other “flavors.” When Ron Eyester and the gang at Rosebud caught wind of this, they decided to organize a brunch event.
For $36/person, you get a five courses, each paired with a signature Firefly cocktail. All this drops on November 21st at 12:30, so I’m suspecting a little early planning might be a good idea.
Believe it or not, I haven’t actually made it over to check out the former Food 101 in Virginia-Highlands since Eyester promoted himself via a little purchase power. So while I can’t comment on the food or the experience there, I can say that this is one hell of an idea. Mmmm … sweat tea flavored vodka …
Rosebud Restaurant Address & Information
1397 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA, 30306 // 404.347.9747 // Rosebud website // Rosebud menus
Posted by Foodie Buddha
on August 24, 2009
There is something unsettling about working on the internet at 30,000 ft. Maybe it’s the inordinate amount of pre-pubescent children that are wailing in my ear or the 40-something behind me who doesn’t know how to chew with his mouth closed (what’s he eating anyway?). Okay, enough with the kvetching, I can’t expect a chill session at Octane Coffee. Still, I persevere (I know – poor me .. right?).
Yesterday, a small group of us skedaddled over to Pacci Ristorante at the Palomar Hotel. While this was my first foray into their Sunday brunch, I already have several meals there and an impromptu chat with head chef Keira Moritz under my belt. Though I’ve had the desire for some time to inspect the brunch offerings, our jaunt yesterday was most certainly motivated by the little special they have running. Though I think it ends August 30th (meaning you only have one more shot), Pacci is offering up a flip for your brunch promotion. The specifics are simple: if you order from a select menu (roughly eight items), you have a chance to get a free meal. When you’re all wrapped up, the chef will show up table side and flip a coin. Call it correctly – you walk out there sans check. Get a run of bad luck? No biggie, the worst that happens is that you are only responsible for what you’d have to pay anyway. A heck of a deal, especially for those of us that have found our way into a game of credit card roulette during a Vegas binge (or two or three).
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Posted by Foodie Buddha
on August 23, 2009
A few months ago, I was turned on to a new supper club touted as “Prelude To Staplehouse.” Since then, Jenifer and Ryan Hidinger have made quite an impression. As other bloggers begin to catch wind of this thang, I myself am getting in on the fun. I’m off to see what this couple has in store. I’ll be in touch shortly on it. Also, I made my way over to Pacci for brunch this morning. Expect some notes on that shortly.
While you wait, check out this post on Adventurous Tastes about her experience.
Posted by Foodie Buddha
on July 20, 2009
Yesterday, pops and I took a trip over to Atmosphere Bistro on the outskirts of the Morningside neighborhood in Atlanta. Open roughly 7-years, they have long served one of my favorite brunches here in the city. Given the price point, the atmosphere (no pun intended), and the service – I find little to complain about when visiting on any given lazy Sunday. As this is a quick hits posts, keep in mind I am speaking specifically about the brunch menu at Atmosphere and not their standard fare.
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