FoodieBuddha.com

Today is a busy day for me, so I don’t have time to pen a review.  However, that doesn’t mean I’m completely disconnected from what’s going down in the 404 (or 770 … or even the 678).  Here is a snap shot of some stuff that I’m checking out.

30 Restaurants In 30 Days: Much to the delight of foodies around the city, John Kessler is pumping out some new content.  The AJC’s food blogger extraordinaire is currently hitting 30 restaurants in 30 days.  He’s already dropped in on La Pietra Cucina, Mary Mac’s Tea Room, and a few other places.  You can follow the action over on the Food & More blog.

Hardy Gets A Visit: Top Chef contestants and Atlanta chefs Eli Kirshtein and Kevin Gillespie took a trip out to Healdsburg, CA to visit the Murphy-Goode Wine Country Lifestyle Correspondent (no really, that’s the title!).  That just happens to be Atlanta superstar Hardy Wallace.  You can find details of the event over on the trueslant.com blog.

Martha Stewart Charity Dinner: I may be the only person in this world that doesn’t have a soft-spot for Martha Stewart.  That said, this is pretty cool.  You can bid on the Martha Stewart Dinner Party (currently just shy of 3k).  It includes a gourmet dinner for six at Cantitoe Farm prepared by Pierre Schaedelin, chef at famed Benoit and one of Martha’s favorites.

A little busy/tired today – so here’s a sneak peek of some notations I’ll be making in the next few days.

Early this week, I made it over to La Pietra Cucina for the first time in a month or so.  After hitting it up nearly 2x a week for a few months, it was a much needed fix.  Chef Bruce Logue is still putting out some of the best food in the city, while the service and decor are still not up to snuff.

Hankook Taqueria has gotten some good attention and several people have already chatted this place up.  After learning about it yesterday, Sparkplug and I decided to forgo our lunch date at Abattoir and hit up this new Korean taqueria.

Speaking of Abattoir, I hit that up again last night. After another mediocre experience at Bocado, we elected to go grab some drinks and snacks at the slaughterhouse.  The chicharones where massive and delicious … the confit of mushrooms was a straightforward and simple delivery.  The red wine reduction was top notch and the Star Provisions sourced bread was freakin’ sweet!

Yeah, after several meals at Bocado, I’m just not impressed.  There’s potential, no doubt, but as it stands … this is a ho-hum, nice addition to the area.  I’ll drop in over the weekend for a few quick hits/updates on the places.

Hope ya’ll had a pleasant weekend. I know I did.  As you might expect, the past few days have left me worn down and fried.  So, rather than pen a full review, first impression, or the like, I have decided to hit ya’ll up with some quick notes about some recent goings-on in the ATL.

Continue reading…

Midtown’s La Pietra Cucina recently underwent a major renovation.  The restaurant has expanded its seating, closed off the kitchen, and finally posted a website, albeit just a landing page.  While I’m not going to talk too much about the changes, one thing has DEFINITELY bummed me out.  Apparently, they no longer offer their seasonal risotto during lunch … what the hey?  If you have an inkling to try it out, you can now make online reservations. For those of you wondering what the interior of LPC looks like … here ya go (more pics after the jump):

Continue reading…

I love La Pietra Cucina … there I said it.  They closed on May 3rd with plans to open this past Monday.  As shocking as it may be to those who follow restaurants … they actually reopened on schedule.  The space is totally different but the food is much the same.  I didn’t have my camera with me, but I’ll be back in the next few to grab some more grub and some shots.

La Pietra Cucina Restaurant Address & Information:
1545 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 // P: 404.888.8709

Yesterday, Papa Buddha and I hit up Bruce Logue’s La Pietra Cucina, our go to lunch destination.  Since it opened, people have lambasted the establishment for its “decor.”  Well, all that’s about to change as the main dining area has been sealed off and the windows have been filled with the following sign:

–

I’m curious to see what changes May will bring.  I find myself squarely in the minority on this one.  I really liked the size of the place and can only hope the intimacy of the experience is not lost.  I don’t want hustle and bustle with my Cucina; rather, I want slow and smooth.  Anyway, it is what it is.

As always, the food kicks some major butt!  Everything was top notch and the Buddha boys left with full bellies and nothing but naps in our future!  Here are a few snapshots to wet your whistle… but you can also check out the Flickr Set if you want some more shots.

La Pietra Cucina Restaurant Address & Information:
1545 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 // P: 404.888.8709

So the Ambiguously Foodie Duo hit La Pietra Cucina for lunch today.   Meal was really tasty.  I’ll leave it to Jimmy to give you guys the full recap.  As a note, despite multiple sources informing me that the bollito misto was going to be available this week, such is not the case.  Hopefully Jimmy will do a post soon!  Buddha … Out!

Address: 1545 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 // P: 404.888.8709

Okay, so here I am … all cool and down with the latest and greatest news around Atlanta.  So sure, I should be working right now…and sure … everyone knows about the James Beard Awards; but, surely … nobody would have a bead on my cool tip for the week.  Well damn Cliff Bostock and his love of La Pietra Cucina!!!  He hath stolen my thunder with nothing more than a few key strokes.  Why am I pontificating?

Next week at La Pietra Cucina, chef Bruce Logue is bringing back bollito misto! [That link is to the recipe as listed on the Babbo website – where Bruce cut his teeth!].  So enough with the squabbling, and please … GO!!!!  And with reluctant obligation … here is Cliff’s story!

Address: 1545 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 // P: 404.888.8709

People who know me are aware of my love for good Italian food.  Mario Batali is one of the more well known executers of that fine cuisine.  In addition, he helped craft the talents of Bruce Logue.  Yesterday, I wrote extensively on Bruce’s La Pietra Cucina (here).

Well, I thought I’d supplement that post by drawing your attention to a great resource for those of you who want inspiration in the kitchen.  Babbo NYC provides an extensive list of recipes on their website.  Be sure to check out the ingredient of the month, as the restaurant takes the time to give you a good understanding of some important components of Italian food.

Overall:

Over the past year and change, Atlanta has lost a number of its’ most well respected chefs.  Joël Antunes left for the bright lights of New York, Guenter Seeger ran off into oblivion, and Michael Tuohy went to Sacramento (that’s not a misprint ladies and germs…SACRAMENTO!). [Quick aside – Tuohy is doing very well: LINKY]

At the same time, we have welcomed Jean-Georges, Tom Colicchio, Laurent Tourondel, and others.  While their restaurants thrive, despite mixed reviews in some instances, these culinary giants have grabbed a great deal of attention.  Deservedly so, I might add.  Toss in the emergence of our beloved and adopted Richard Blais [he’s actually a New Yorker … and dare I say..a Gators fan!!!], and there isn’t much room on the front page for anyone else.  While somewhat lost amongst them, chef Bruce Logue has garnered some well deserved attention from the local foodies (myself included).

Logue’s return, as he is a native Atlantan, is inspiring to say the least.  Though his skills as a restauranteur are not as polished as those mentioned previously, he has proven to be a very capable chef.  Read the rest of this after the jump.

Continue reading…