Residents of and visitors to East Atlanta Village have a brand new eatery to check out. We Suki Suki, a somewhat suggestively named Vietnamese restaurant, has just opened it doors. WSS is apparently a straightforward banh mi shop offering four renditions of Vietnam’s answer to the po boy. Located in the former Village Ice Cream space, WSS also provides bubble tea addicts (aka me) with an opportunity to get their fix for just $3 a pop. A little more 411 for you after the jump.
By now, many of you who read this blog have probably already heard about So Ba, a Vietnamese endeavor down in East Atlanta Village. The restaurant comes courtesy of Vietnamese national Nhan Le. Though Le grew up in California, it hasn’t stopped him from opening a bevy of Asian themed restaurants in various Atlanta neighborhoods.
In addition to the failed White Elephant Thai, Le’s also owns Wasabi Sushi Lounge, which has been rocking right along in Castleberry for some time. I’ve actually visited the latter several times and have always enjoyed myself (though the sushi can miss from time to time). Despite So Ba’s thematic departure from Wasabi, Le’s childhood gave me hope for decent grubbing. Open several months, I finally found the time to get on down to EAV when Mr. & Mrs. Mandy asked me to celebrate another lap completed. I swear to all things holy the dude looks the exact same as he did in college. Grovel! But we digress … let’s get on with things shall we?
What The Pho (actually spelled phở and pronounced fuh as in fuck – hey someone’s gotta say it!) is one of suburban Atlanta’s long standing Vietnamese restaurants. It’s been in the Duluth/Gwinnett area for a handful of years and has seen its share of foodistas slip quietly through its very casual digs. Though I’ve dusted my share of pho bowls, it’s been some time since my last visit and hence we have a faux first impression.
Joined in arm by one sleek beauty, we set off from the inner city one Tuesday evening destined for this Pleasant Hill mainstay. It’s just a few steps east of Buford Highway, sitting north side and next to the destination worthy Café Todahmgol. Given the area’s propensity for mysterious signs that might as well say “Go Pho-ck Yourself” in some other language, you might want to tote a GPS with you if you’re navigationally challenged. Somehow, even though I’ve been in the area a million times … I managed to take a wrong turn!
Detours aside, I finally manage to convince Laura that when I pulled into the strip center, I meant to. We walked in ready to Narfle the Garthok and chit chat our night away. [This is where you ask yourself … What the Pho is he talking about?]
Open roughly four years (at least by my count), Co’m Vietnamese Grill has become one of the de facto responses to the question: “Where do I go in Atlanta for good Vietnamese?” It is therefore no surprise that this BuHi hotspot now has a devout following and a satellite location.
Nam is the Vietnamese restaurant concept from brother’s Alex and Chris Kinjo. (Alex seems to man this location more than Chris). You might recognize the brothers Kinjo; they have a knack for opening high-brow Asian restaurants around the city. In addition to Nam, the Kinjo’s own MF Sushi Bar and MF Buckhead.
True to form, Nam employees a clean decor, an attractive wait staff, and a slick vibe to deliver its message. Despite the high tenant turnover in the front section of the Midtown Promenade, Nam has been one of the mainstays for the strip center. In recent months, a free standing Starbucks Coffee was built right in front of Nam’s window. I can’t imagine that the addition was good news to the Kinjos; ya think this has been good for business at Nam?
I’ve been there a number of times over the years; however, not with any great frequency. As a result, I’m not ready to do a full on review of this place (or slap a rating on the restaurant). Needless to say, I did take notes during my last visit.
Yikes! This puppy has been sitting in my draft box since the 15th of February … talk about dropping the ball! Okay, so Refugee Family Services has organized a little culinary exploration for everyone. On Sunday, March 15, take a trip to the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center for some good times. The event runs from 2pm–5pm and features cuisine from Ethiopia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Bangladesh. Tickets can be ordered online and cost $35/adult and $10.00 per kiddies. If you are feeling generous, you can also make a donation without buying a ticket.
What: Taste the World Festival (sponsored by Refugee Family Services)
When: Sunday, March 15, 2009 (2PM-5PM)
Where: Callanwolde Fine Arts Center (980 Briarcliff Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30306)
Tickets: $35/adult • $10/child (Order Online)
Overall: 
Veggieland is a solid choice for any vegetarians or for any carnivores looking for a healthy alternative. While many restaurants have come and gone over the last twenty years, Veggieland keeps chugging along. They never seem too busy, but they deliver a consistent experience in both service and quality.
Overall: (good)
This past weekend, five of us treked up to Chateau De Saigon, a relatively new, yet widely reviewed Vietnamese restaurant on Buford Highway. This was my fourth meal and third dinner at this joint. Not surprisingly, there is no doubt in my mind that the recent love doled out on this place by the AJC (and others) has had a distinct impact on the crowd. My first weekend visit back in September was an in-and-out experience. This past trip, everyone and their mom was there. Despite our attempts to avoid a crowd, we were relegated to the corner for approximately 25 minutes. The open seats did nothing more than teased us: “You wish you were here!” Chateau is still understaffed.
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