FoodieBuddha.com

While I have no problem hopping in the car for a 45-minute drive to check out a restaurant, I can assure you that nothing about my recent trip to the Coo Coo’s Nest in Cumming was redeemable.  The massive, two-story complex reads like many in this category.  The interior is marked by high ceilings, open rooms, and a polished finish.  It’s extremely clean, and doesn’t seem like a bad place to catch a game.

That’s where the joy in this bubbly establishment seems to run out.  I only had a chance to sample a few things, so it’s possible something on the menu is palatable; but I doubt I’ll ever be back to find out.  The menu reads like that of any basic chain restaurant, and the food tastes even worse.

The baked potato soup showed up and you could immediately tell it was simply squeezed out of a bag.  Still, it was passable.  The chicken salad sandwich was not.  It seems as if they took some shredded chicken, added in an ounce of mayonnaise, and then dropped in about 3 quarts of sugar.  Overbearingly sweet, I was done in two bites.  I had a similar action to the deeply fried steak fries as I did the the tater soup.

As for service … well … it didn’t help that they were short staffed, leading to one of the most drawn out meals I have ever bared witness to.  Though I was in no rush due to the topic at hand with my lunch buddies, it’s pretty sad that it took them 90-minutes to deliver two soups, three entrées, and a check.  I’m sure things are better when the staff is all there, simply because it has to be.  I didn’t care to point out to our waiter that there were at least four hostesses on duty who should have been able to help stop the bleeding.

I know that food isn’t the most important thing, but come on … there is a limit.  Though I’m distinctly unfamiliar with the surrounding area inside of a two-mile radius, I would hope there is a better alternative in the close proximity.  If there isn’t, I’d keep driving until I found something else.  I’d rather eat out of a dumpster than put anything from Coo Coo’s back in my mouth.  Hey, at least they got a facebook page

Coo Coo’s Nest Restaurant Address & Information

1290 Freedom Parkway, Cumming, GA, 30041 // 678.456.8932 // Coo Coo’s Nest website // Coo Coo’s Nest menu // Coo Coo’s Nest facebook

Hudson Grille is a high-end sports bar with three spots around the ATL.  As of this past week, they have added a 4th with their new venture in Midtown Atlanta.  Located in the former Artistry location, you’ll find them trying to be the Burger King to the McDonald’s that is Taco Mac.  That is, much like every fast food chain, they have moved in right on top of their competition.  HG Midtown sits directly across the street from Taco Mac’s Metropolis location.   There ya have it!

Hudson Grille Midtown Restaurant Address & Information
942 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 // Hudson Grille website // Hudson Grill menu (pdf) // Twitter // Facebook

According to an article in today’s online edition of the Atlanta Business Chronicle, the ESPN Zone in Buckhead is a thing of the past.  A notice popped up today informing potential patrons that the sports bar was now closed. With the vast number of sports bars between me and the Zone, I can’t say I made it there frequently.  That said, I’m a little surprised to hear about this.  According to the article, all of the 140 employees received a 60-day administrative leave package, so that’s nice to hear.

[via Biz Chronicle]

UPDATE: Since this went up, 11-Alive posted a video that talks about the troubled times for Buckhead and its restaurants.

The Tilted Kilt is a Las Vegas based franchise that has been around since 2003.  They have roughly twenty locations open right now and another one is set for a May opening in Johns Creek, GA.  Like Taco Mac, they have a beer club; however, they appear to be a mix between Hooters and the Mac.  If they spend as much time on their food as they do on their kitsch, then we’ll be good to go.  Somehow, I don’t think that will happen.  Oh well!

I’ve prepared the April Dirty List for everyone.  I’m still playing with the format for each of these posts; I think this one may be the answer!  As always, this is based entirely on publicly available information.  I would assume that all of these dates are subject to change.  If you are aware of an addition or correction, please let me know!  Details after the jump!

Continue reading…

Mason’s Sports Grill, a self-described family friendly sports bar, is scheduled to open April 15 in Canton.  While that date is tentative, I have taken the liberty of adding Mason’s to the April Dirty List (yet to be published.  I’ll make the list public in a few days.  The restaurant will be located at 147 Reinhardt College Parkway.

Dantanna’s Downtown is fully operational.  I was at the Hawks game last night, so we hit them up for both pre and post game beverages.  There are plenty of big TVs and the decor is almost identical to that of their Buckhead location.  The upscale sports bar is still polishing their routine; however, their employees were all super friendly.

The kitchen is run by Bill Hogan and Keoko Turnerr; it is nice to see Dantanna’s using a dedicated chef team at each location.  Pastry chef Joshua John fills the role at both places.

I was surprised to see the place nearly empty; however, I suspect that will change after people realize they are open.  I did not try anything off the menu; but it is close relative of the menu from their other location.

Dantanna’s Downtown – CNN Center Restaurant Address & Information:
One CNN Center, Suite 269, Atlanta, GA 30303 // P: 404.522.8873 // Dantanna’s Downtown Website // Dantanna’s Downtown Menu