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 February 07, 2010
As I hobble through life with a Droid as my sole camera, it’s time for another one of my first impressions that really isn’t a first impression. Falafel King sits on the Emory campus just off the junction of Oxford and N. Decatur. Though it’s purveyors are of Korean lineage, this shack sized, spit using restaurant actually sells the oddly married cuisines of Japan (in this case sushi) and the Mediterranean. This odd mish mash of grub, combined with a distinct facade (displayed at right by babythekitten) and pocket book friendly prices, helps to draw customers from areas well beyond Emory.
In many circles, the King is treated as royalty. The reality is closer to something more understated; however, for a place that freshly pats down their chickpea mixture, they do just fine.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on October 12, 2009
Tucked away in the sprawling Toco Hills Shopping Center, the Bagel Palace Deli & Bakery has been around for at least a couple of decades. Somewhere in between Emory University and Druid Hills, the Toco Hills neighborhood is home to Atlanta’s most concentrated Jewish population. It seems appropriate that one of the more widely known delicatessens is here.
At any given time, especially on the weekends, there is bound to be a bit of a crowd meandering around this two-tiered eatery. Lined with a handful baking cases and a number of free-standing tables, the Bagel Palace has everything in place for a successful meal. Despite that fact, and despite the benevolent adoration from those around these parts, Bagel Palace is a bit of a mixed bag. Against the Atlanta backdrop, this is about as good as you’ll find in the deli-bakery hybrid so popular in The Big Apple. Still, it doesn’t mean that it gets a total pass.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on September 26, 2009
On Thursday, I made another one of my near daily stops over at Octane Coffee. While there, I was informed of the good news. After months and months of waiting, the wildly popular coffee shop opened their satellite location over in Emory Village (just around the corner from Emory University). Open since early last week, it sounds like Octane Eastside is already hopping.
Though I have yet to make it out there and inspect the site, I’m sure it’s killer. In the meantime, be aware that the Eastside location has shorter hours (6a-8p M-F & 8a-8p S-S).
Alright ya’ll … back to some football. Buddha … OUT!
Octane Coffee Eastside Address & Information
1593 N. Decatur Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 // 404.585.4210 // Octane website // Octane menu
Posted by foodiebuddha
on August 28, 2009
Wonderful World Burgers & More, a chain from those behind Tin Drum Café, has opened in Emory Village. Unlike some other burger joints to show up Atlanta during the past year, WW seems focused on a more straightforward take on the American classic. However, I did notice a “teri-mayo” hot dog on the menu (pdf) … so not everything there is plane Jane. In addition, there are daily specials (which seem to operate on a fixed rotation). To date, there is a kimchi stew, home-style thai curry, and Chinese braised pork shoulder amongst the selections.
Early reports are that the overgrown slider burgers are half decent. Seeing as that I am a multi-hour car ride away, it’ll be a while before I get down there.
Wonderful World Burgers & More Restaurant Address & Information
1561 North Decatur Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30307 // 404.373.8887 // Wonderful World Burgers Website // Wonderful World Burgers Menu (pdf)
Posted by foodiebuddha
on May 28, 2009
I swear I don’t eat out every meal! Really, I don’t.
Okay, now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to the topic at hand: Crawfish Shack Seafood on Buford Highway. When most ATLiens think of casual seafood eateries, Six Feet Under, Fontaine’s and Steamhouse Lounge usually reign supreme [Speaking of which … I think I’ll pull my Steamhouse review off the book shelf and post it here]. Needless to say, none of those places blow my britches up.
Enter the Crawfish Shack. Despite a most unusual location and one of the more a-typical owners for a restaurant of this type, this Cajun-centric Creole restaurant has already developed a strong following. Open approximately nine months, it was high time I gave it a shot. Yesterday, Papa Buddha decided to have a little male bonding. The results were mixed, but ultimately positive.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on April 16, 2009
Mykonos Taverna, a Greek restaurant and late night club, is scheduled to open at the end of the month over on Clairmont Rd. The restaurant is going in at 2901 Clairmont Rd, the former home of the Roadhouse Grill.
According to the owners, the space has been completely renovated to include marble walls, a dance floor, a full bar, and outdoor dining. I haven’t visited their other location(s), but I’m curious to check this place out and see how it compares to places like Taverna Plaka. You can now find this on the April Dirty List.
UPDATE: You Can Find My Mykonos Taverna First Impressions Review HERE.
Posted by foodiebuddha
on February 23, 2009
Emory University has this awesome “Sustainable Initiative” series. While the evening with Linton Hopkins has come and gone, there are still two lectures left. Tonight is one such night.
These lectures give each chef an opportunity to discuss their participation in the sustainable food movement. In addition, they hand out tips AND give you an opportunity to taste some food! Details after the jump.
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Posted by foodiebuddha
on January 22, 2009
I recently received an email from one Natalie Keng in which she announced an upcoming, two-part culinary adventure. Natalie, accompanied by her mother Margaret, offers these educational experiences from time to time. This is not a traditional cooking class; rather, you will have the opportunity to learn through lecture. However, this does not sound like some boring oration as the class includes a field trip.
The sessions, which take place the last week of March, are offered through the Evening at Emory program. The class will incorporate classic Chinese dishes along with elements of Southern cuisine. While I don’t know Natalie, she was delightful to speak with over email. Full details and a link to the flier after the jump:
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