FoodieBuddha.com

I hope I’m not alone when I say that I couldn’t care less to hear where “Famous Movie Star XYZ” or “Who the hell is that person and why do I care who they are ABC” happen to be at any given moment.  I care even less about where they eat, especially in our city.  Still, if that’s your bag baby then I’m not really hear to harsh on you.

However, I do become inquisitive when someone notable in the food world comes to Atlanta with a real purpose.  Such is the case with Star Chefs, a culinary industry magazine/website that you may not have heard about, but you probably should know.  They’re in Atlanta right now … and here’s why.

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The Atlantic is a well established website/magazine that covers a variety of mainstream media topics.  Earlier today, they published an article by Corby Kummer entitled A Food Lover’s Guide To Atlanta.  Instigated by a reader question, Kummer invoked the assistance of Kim Severson, a newly transplanted employee of the New York Times, and Christiane Lauterbach, the Grande Dame of Atlanta’s culinary industry.

There is a brief discussion of Scott Peacock’s departure from Decatur’s Watershed; however, Severson ultimately advises on Cakes & Ale and the much lauded Miller Union on the Westside.  Soon after, Lauterbach chimes in. She suggests Empire State South and new pastry chef Cynthia Wong as well as Restaurant Eugene.  Lauterbach is a staunch supporter of Atlanta’s street food, so there’s a mention of that as well.  Finally, Lauterbach points out the newly opened No. 246 and LeRoy’s Fried Chicken.  Though Lauterbach doesn’t advise on the quality of the food at the last two (they just opened after all), I will say that LFC should be avoided like the plague.

[via TheAtlantic]

My couch just became an infinitely cooler hangout spot.  I’m kicking back with the inaugural copy of Lucky Peach, a quarterly publication backed by Momofuku’s David Chang and writer Peter Meehan.  Dude and dudettes … this puppy is da bang.

You see, each episode (aka issue) is dedicated to a particular topic.  Thankfully for me (and someone else I know), the debut is all about ramen.  Like issues to come, the topic is explored through travelogues, essays, artwork, pictures, rants, interviews … and thankfully … RECIPES!!!!

Amongst the oodles of food porn, I just caught a glimpse of Tony Bourdain’s recap of the movie Ramen Girl, a bit on ya ka mein from John T. Edge, and recipes from Chang, Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi, and Wylie Dufresne.

People – I hate paper, it’s archaic and wasteful.  This however is not paper; it is art.  Buy this art! Buy it now!!!!  You can’t get the first issue on subscription, but you can buy the issue or subscribe here!!!

Restaurants & Institutions (R&I) is one of those boutique mags that you’d go your entire life and never know existed.  Still, it’s got a well known following amongst industry folk.  Further to the point, they put out a handful of useful articles and reports in most every issue.

One such report is their yearly review of the Top 100 independent restaurants (in terms of gross revenue).  It’s a pretty interesting list; however, those of you here in the ATL will definitely notice the lack of representation from the Capital of the South.  The list itself is dominated by Las Vegas and New York City institutions. While Tao Las Vegas holds strong at #1 with roughly $65.5 million in sales,  Atlanta’s lone representative is the Chops/Lobster Bar.  With an impressive $13.5 million gross, I’d say that easily makes them the crown jewel of the Buckhead Life group.

Who doesn’t like free stuff?  I know I do.  Food Arts Magazine, a publication focused on the restaurant and hotel business, is ponying up some free samples.  All you have to do is fill out this form.  Now mind you, this offer is only available to qualified professionals, so you may not actually get accepted even if you fill out the form.  However, if you do qualify, you will be handsomely rewarded.

Amongst the many benefits, Food Arts has a good number of excellent recipes.  Geared toward restaurateurs, you’ll get your fill of commercial grade equipment; however, they also touch on wine and spirits from time to time.  If the offer isn’t for you, but you are still interested in the magazine, check out their website, which has a decent bit of info available for free.

In the April 2009 issue of Bon Appétit, Sotohiro Kosugi’s New York namesake earned top billing as the best sushi spot in the entire country!  No arguments from this foodie … you can read my review here!  Despite Soto’s reputation as a sushi bully (WSJ), few can argue with his culinary prowess.  Rock on Soto!

If you aren’t able to make it up to NYC, fear not … Chris Kinjo’s MF Buckhead also earned a spot on the top ten list.  A top flight establishment, it’s as much show as it is substance.  Some people are turned off by the price point; however, I find it quite reasonable when compared to high-end sushi spots around the country.  I am anxiously awaiting my turn at their new omakase room.

MF Buckhead Restaurant Address & Information:
3280 Peachtree Rd Atlanta, GA 30305 // P: 404.841.1192 // MF Buckhead Reservations // MF Buckhead Website // MF Buckhead Menu

Soto Restaurant Address & Information:
357 Ave Of The Americas New York, NY 10014 // P: 212.414.3088