On most any given Sunday, you’ll find me somewhere other than in front of my TV (usually in bed or at brunch). However, a few weeks ago, I was told that CBS’ Sunday morning news program, aptly named Sunday Morning, aired their annual Food Issue. Though I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve watched the vignette styled news program, I made it a point to set my DVR. Here’s a recap of the episode, complete with its own tip of the hat to the ATL.
Holeman & Finch is my favorite watering hole here in Atlanta, hands down and bar none. Though I think the food has slipped just a smidge since Adam Biderman bolted for the Big Easy, the drinks are as killer as always and the food is still quite good. After Biderman departed back in May, Jason Paolini was brought in to run the kitchen. For all practical purposes, he has made the transition seamless for the patrons. Yes, I did say the food has slipped a smidge, but I do mean that emphatically.
As expected, the menu has morphed ever so slightly since Paolini’s arrival, and the new additions have gone over quite well. As Tony continues to put his footprint on the restaurant, the food is gradually returning to normal.
Of the additions, the house made hot dog is far and away the gold medalist. Ladies and gents, I’ve had hot dogs upon hot dogs upon hot dogs in my lifetime – and this hot dog is breathtakingly awesome. Mind you, it’s a bit gourmet, as is everything at H&F. Of hot dogs of this ilk – it might be the best I EVER had. Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that this ground round of beef town has hit my lips only once to date. It’s possible that this was an aberration, but I seriously doubt it. After all, I’m not the only one to dig this pup!
Though this news is actually a few weeks old, I thought it was worth a mention. Since September 4, there has been a gluten-free concession stand at Turner Field. The stand, which sits behind section 106, offers up an impressively long list of items. The run down of available options is as follows: all-beef franks, sirloin beef burgers, chicken sandwiches, chips, popcorn, brownies, cookies, soda, and water. For those of you looking to down a few brews, there is gluten-free Redbridge beer. ARAMARK, despite having one of the worst company names possible, is the sole provider of eat and drink goods at the home of the Braves. So they deserve some credit for making this happen.
Word around the campfire is that there is an an attempt to have an unofficial gluten-free fan night. On October 19th, the local gluten-free dinner club plans to head down to Turner Field as a celebration of their new found dining option. Full details for the planned excursion can be found at the group’s Meetup.com page. Though there is only one commit as of now, it seems that most everyone of the group’s meet-ups draw two-dozen or more folks. I’m sure you can dig up more information by checking out Tiffany Janes on twitter and on her blog. [Janes is the group organizer.]
Paul Albrecht is no stranger to the Atlanta dining scene. A founding member of the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, he is the purveyor of the namesake Paul’s Restaurant and the newly minted Social Vinings. Now he and son Patrick, who collectively run the Great Food Inc. restaurant group, are set to open The Burger Lounge in Vinings.
You know… they tell me that reading is fundamental. I should have listened to what they said!!!! To clarify, today’s lunch destination was supposed to be JOËL. Had I took the time to read (or for that matter … just remember), I would have known not to show up. JOËL is closed on Mondays … so much for a burger! So we darted up I-75 for the burger’s partner in crime: the hot dog.
Ask someone in Atlanta where to get a hot dog and more often than not, Barker’s Red Hots [sic] will show up as one of the responses [and here]. Though Barker’s offers an all beef varietal, their “original” dog is a Sahlen brand pork and beef dog. It’s what they are most known for. If you dig swine, take it for a spin … if not, stick the the moo cow. In addition, if you are looking for old school European, you can always get a Polish or Italian sausage.
After the turtle burger, I thought I had seen it all! Well, Johanna Wilhelm has something to say about that! Enter … the PUPPY DOG!!!!! Awesome! Truly, truly … AWESOME!
We all know the legend! Ms. Ann runs a tight ship. She’s gotten love from many of the top food publications, the Wall Street Journal, and now … CNN. Deemed one of Five Tasty Burger Joints Worth A Visit, the buzz continues to grow. I posted a quick hit review last month on the place. The burgers are great, though I wish she did them medium-rare … oh well! Even though the massive mounds of meat are heavily smushed, the grub is still good! Check it out if you haven’t.
Ann’s Snack Shop Address & Information:
1615 Memorial Dr, Atlanta, GA 30317 // P: Don’t Bother // Hours: 11:30am – 7:30pm
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]
As a compendium to What’ll Ya have?, I wanted to follow up with this handy little guide. The Varsity has developed its own unique terminology for a number of items on their menu. Here they are in all their glory. For those of you who have never been (and those of you still looking to learn), please read on!
Overall: 
Alright Missy, you win!
Grease pit or fast food heaven? Atlanta institution or eye sore? Classically decorated or more dated than Mick Jagger in hot pants? The Varsity, or more simplistically: The V, seems to be that type of place. In my 20+ years as an Atlanta denizen, people seem to find it a rather polarizing establishment.
I am always surprised by the amount of vitriol thrown in the general direction of The Varsity. The V is perhaps the institution of all Atlanta institutions; while the staff has become watered down in recent years, the good still vastly outweighs the bad. This is the quintessential example of a restaurant where the food takes a back seat to everything else. Service hiccups notwithstanding, I enjoy several menu items and find the Varsity worthy of an occasional visit.
