Brooklyn Cafe

If you haven’t tried this neighborhood gem in the heart of Sandy Springs, you must go! I had been here years ago but my best college friend and I just revisited this fantastic place and I wish I wouldn’t have stayed away so long.

Positives: Family-like atmosphere, staff, food, Smoked Salmon

Negatives: None to speak of!

Overall Review: Enjoy your meal at the bar, where owner Jeff Trump will introduce you to all of the regulars. As they same on their website, it’s like going to a friend’s house for dinner. (You may even catch a glimpse of Jeff’s precious fiancé Kimberly.) And while the company is memorable, the food also definitely deserves your attention and is reason enough to come back again and again. The smoked salmon appetizer is delicious and their crab cakes are comprised of huge hunks of succulent crab meat with no bready filling in sight. However, after trying a bite of my friend’s entrée, I am already dreaming about the lobster risotto I’ll have on my next visit. Thanks Ashley, Jeff and Kimberly for a wonderful Tuesday night! See you all again soon!

Thai Chilli

Yesterday I had a lunch appointment with a great friend and client and we tried Thai Chilli off of Briarcliff and La Vista.

It was great to catch up and enjoy authentic thai cuisine.

Positives: Thai Basil Rolls.

Negatives: Perhaps the distance from Buckhead, but it was worth the drive.

Overall: Great food, great company, and a wonderful experience. I would try this again!

Revisits: 10 Degrees South

As I rarely repeat restaurants, I revisited a recent favorite so that I could introduce two great clients to this wonderful place… so I’m at least slightly obsessed with Ten Degrees South. :)

On Saturday night, The Theins and I sat out on the deck again and had a lovely dinner while it rained around us. On the server’s recommendation, I tried the Bobotie which was amazing. Thanks Sveta and Jeff for a perfect night! Let’s do it again soon.

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Miller Union: Partnership between chef and farmer

I recently visited Miller Union with a wonderful friend and client. We had an excellent time catching up and experiencing this farm to table cuisine.

Positives: Parking, Atmosphere, food, cocktails

Negatives: None that are memorable

Overall: When visiting you'll immediately be greeted with an entourage of eager valet attendants, which is a huge plus. There was a very unique bar that created an interesting atmosphere in the restaurant. I was most impressed by the presentation and taste of the farm-t0-table cuisine--what a welcomed departure from usual fare. Specialty cocktails at Miller Union are sure to whet your palate. Also, don't miss out on the grouper: it is absolutely fantastic!

Upcoming Visits: Miller Union and Kaleidoscope

I am very excited about my upcoming visit to Miller Union with a friend and client for dinner next week. I've heard a lot of buzz about this place and I'm looking forward to putting in my own review. Stay tuned for that entry!

I'm also excited about the grand opening of Kaleidoscope at Village Place in Brookhaven. This will really round out the already awesome dining options off of Dresden including Haven, Valenza, J. Christopher's, Verde, Yoforia,and Library Coffee.

Re-Visits: Ten Degrees South

Cyndi Lauper was right...girls just want to have fun!

In lieu of going to her concert a few weeks ago, a few of my girlfriends and I (from left to right: Erin, Kyle, Me, Katie, and Megan) went to Ten Degrees South. Having dinner and drinks here is always a treat.

Positives: Atmosphere, outdoor dining, Sosaties

Negatives: None to write home about.

Overall: I really, really love this place, especially when it means sitting on the covered deck, listening to the rain and some cool live music...it's like you really could be in South Africa...not on Roswell Road. You MUST try to sosaties. They are melt in your mouth delicious. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.

Yoforia: New Location in Village Place in Brookhaven

I'm not one to order dessert regularly, but sometimes you just have to splurge! However, dessert is always best when you realize you don't have to compromise your diet and your sweet tooth. Yoforia is perfect for meeting your appetite and diet in the middle :).

Positives: New store, option to try all flavors before you buy, pineapple yogurt, good group location

Negatives: A little crowded, but it's to be expected when the dessert is this good!

Overall: This new location is awesome, and PACKED! You can try all the flavors before you buy and decide how much of this yummy stuff you want, as you buy by the ounce. My current favorite is the pineapple yogurt with coconut, and a few Haribo gummi bears on top. If you go with a group it is fun to see what everyone else picks!

Yoforia Nutrition facts:

	Serving Size 1oz.(28g)
	Amount per Serving
	Calories 25
	Total Fat 0g
	Saturated Fat 0g
	Trans Fat 0g
	Cholesterol 0mg
	35mg
	Total Carbohydrate 6g
	Dietary Fiber 0g
	Sugars 6g
	Protein 1g
	Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 4%, Calcium 4%, Iron 0%

Imperial Fez=Feztastic

Imperial Fez was the perfect location for a close friend's birthday party with just the girls. The environment and atmosphere contributed to a super fun night with our big group! Be prepared to take your shoes off and sit close to the floor. All of us had the 5 course meal and it was fantastic. The belly dancer wasn't bad either :).

Positives: The atmosphere, 5 course meal, fun group environment

Negatives: Not ideal for a romantic night for two, more appropriate for loud and fun group gatherings!

My Review: Feztastic. Everyone in our group had a great time, but don't go here in search of a quiet evening. Be prepared for sitting on the floor, loud music, belly-dancing, and other festivities. I certainly wouldn't bring clients here. Overall, LOVED this restaurant for a great night out.

Joel: Not-so-successful French Cuisine

A few weeks ago, I blogged about Joel French Cuisine in Buckhead. Here was my Review:

Joel: Best French Dining in Buckhead?

Having dinner with my clients is not a luxury I take for granted. A few months ago, along with said clients, I visited Joel in Buckhead. The website claims Joel features the "best French Dining in Buckhead. Great drinks, food and atmosphere. Private dining, patio dining and casual dining room." Did the claims measure up to the experience?

Positives: The atmosphere, dessert

Negatives: The food was just...ok...

My Review: Great New York atmosphere and a departure from the usual Friday Fare was exciting. Although I don't typically order dessert the pablova is well worth the calories. The French Onion Soup is delicious, a bit sweet, but worth a try. I was more impressed with the company than the food. Certainly, in my opinion, not the BEST French food in Buckhead, but overall, not bad.

Well, it seems that the "blase" menu couldn't cut it in this town. Joel closed at the end of June according to a recent article .

Toto, I've a feeling I'm back in Kansas!

As many of you know, my husband works in Kansas City and I work primarily out of Atlanta. Splitting our time between two cities has its advantages, but particularly when it comes to finding fine dining in Kansas City!

Here are three finds from the weekend:

Café Trio prides itself on offering "true urban sophistication." My husband and I visited this particular eatery for the second time since his move to Kansas City.

Positives: Location, Venue, Food, People

Negatives: No negatives to write home about

Overall: Paton and I enjoyed the great views of the Plaza from the terrace. Also, the menu featured fabulous mussels that we both loved. The eclectic crowd and vibrant showings of local artists was an interesting way to spend the evening.

Il Centro is an upscale casual Italian Bistro that takes its inspiration from Mediterranean neighborhood restaurants where people meet to sample the local wine. The restaurant doesn't take reservations, so thankfully Paton and I found an open table.

Positives: Food, atmosphere, Authenticity

Negatives: A little small and long wait (but worth the wait!)

Overall: Il Centro is located just off the Plaza in Brookside. Be prepared to wait as this place is tiny! The menu features great calamari with an exciting pesto dipping sauce. Also, Il Centro boasts the most authentic Italian pizza ever. This was a great find!

Grand Street Café is another must try in Kansas City. Although it was a little pricey, the experience with Paton was definitely worth it.

Positives: View of Plaza, Food

Negatives: A little expensive

Overall: From now on, we will go here on a Thursday night where the menu features half price bottles of wine under $75 which is an exceptional perk! Paton and I had the whole patio to ourselves which made for a great evening. We were particularly impressed with the great views of the Plaza. Menu favorites included the incredible ceviche and vibrant spring rolls. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.

Overall, the experience in Kansas City was wonderful. Although, as Dorothy says, there really is "no place like home." I'm glad to be back in Atlanta!

Pricci

Pricci is another Atlanta Favorite that I hadn't visited in a while until I had a request from a friend and client who lives in Buckhead to join her for dinner and drinks.

Positives: Wine pairings, three course meals, deserts

Negatives: None to list.

Overall Review: For $25, we had a wonderful three course meal including Zuppa and Pork Saltimbocca finished off with some heavenly gelato with strawberry chips. The wine pairing was perfect. I would definitely recommend Pricci.

Bistro Niko. Yes Please.

Bistro Niko. Enough Said.

Positives: They got this one just right. Price point, service, decor and wine list.

Must have: mushroom tart.

Overall Experience: This is the newest addition to the Buckhead Life restaurant group. Everything I've had here is GREAT! I would highly recommend this restaurant.

Alfredo's: an old Atlanta favorite that feels a bit too old. . .

When picking your Friday night out, you might be tempted to visit Atlanta Staples like Blue Ridge Grill or Canoe. If you've been an Atlanta resident for your entire life, and haven't tried these staples, it's time to give them a whirl. In this effort, I wanted to try Alfredo's. The website claims that "For 35 Years, Alfredo's has created the sights, sounds, smells and particularly the tastes of Italy by offering patrons authentic Italian cuisine." Sounds pretty good, right?

Positives: The food is decent

Negatives: Atmosphere, Old building, feels musty, food is unhealthy..

My Review: Been around 35 years and feels like it. A classic old Italian eatery, don't expect to find any healthy food on the menu! The eggplant parmesan was good. The pickled carrots and cauliflower might surprise you! Although I won't be running back for a second try, there must be SOME reason the restaurant is 35 years old.

Joel: Best French Dining in Buckhead?

Having dinner with my clients is not a luxury I take for granted. A few months ago, along with said clients, I visited Joel in Buckhead. The website claims Joel features the "best French Dining in Buckhead. Great drinks, food and atmosphere. Private dining, patio dining and casual dining room." Did the claims measure up to the experience?

Positives: The atmosphere, dessert

Negatives: The food was just...ok...

My Review: Great New York atmosphere and a departure from the usual Friday Fare was exciting. Although I don't typically order dessert, the pablova is well worth the calories. The French Onion Soup is delicious, a bit sweet, but worth a try. I was more impressed with the company than the food. Certainly, in my opinion, not the BEST French food in Buckhead, but overall, not bad.

Here's how to order French food without blowing your diet:

Blue Ridge Grill

A few weeks ago, some friends and myself decided to revisit an old Atlanta favorite, Blue Ridge Grill. Good friends, great food, and tasty cocktails made this night perfect.

Positives: Charm, Atlanta Landmard, Menu, Service

Negatives: None.

My Overall Review: Loved having cocktails on the porch and enjoying this cozy and sophisticated restaurant. Great for drinks and dining in groups! The service is excellent. Will definitely be back.

Park's Edge

By now, you all know that I love Sunday Brunch with my husband. A few months ago, we ventured to the Park's Edge, for the only breakfast of the week where drinks are welcomed. :)

Positives: The cheeseburger was delicious. The atmosphere was perfect. Bottomless mimosas didn't hurt the experience either.

Negatives: Mediocre menu

My overall review: Park’s Edge is nestled in the beautiful Inman Park, and has a small neighborhood feel paired with an extensive menu and bottomless mimosas for brunch. The cheeseburger is fantastic, although the overall consensus of the food was just ok, I really enjoyed my dish. I would recommend visiting on a day nice enough to sit outside as the outdoor dining provides a great overall experience. I would visit again!

Paces 88

Paces 88 offers a truly elegant dining experience. The sophistication and experience of Paces 88 are unrivaled in Atlanta dining.

Positives:

Atmosphere, food, and service.

Negatives: None, to my knowledge: a truly decadent dining experience.

My Review: Love, love, love the St. Regis Hotel! Paces 88 certainly keeps "pace" with the grandeur of the hotel. Have a drink in the wine room before enjoying your meal. You must try the Foie Gras biscuits! They are delicious. Paces 88 provides for a very elegant dining experience.

Fine Southern Dining Done right

Dogwood has been on my list for quite some time and as my sister and I were in the area after a Friday night concert, I was finally able to give it a try.

Positives: Excellent Service and innovative dishes.

Negatives: The atmosphere was a little ill-planned. Drab gray carpet took away from the overall modern experience and could have easily been fixed with dark hardwood floors or the like. It reminded me more of a hotel. Beyond the questionable decor . . .

Overall: We had a fantastic experience. We started with Grits with Pimento Cheese which definitely got us off on the right foot! From there, we split a great arugula salad, fried green tomatoes and a couple of fantastic entrees including scallops and Wagyu Sirloin. As you can tell, this place definitely has southern roots but the chef manages to make everything taste new and modern.Service was outstanding- best I've had in quite some time. Definitely check it out!

Oldies but goodies...

There is nothing better than revisiting some familiar favorites with your husband :).

Paton and I've had lunch at Anis Bistro a couple of times recently. Because of the covered patio, you can sit outside even when it's really hot out. There's nothing better than a long, romantic weekend lunch including Mussels Frites and sharing a bottle of Rose with my husband!

Haven't had a meal at Bistro Niko in quite some time but have discovered happy hour on the terrace overlooking Peachtree. Lots of fun especially on a Friday when there is lots of great people watching to be had. They have a wonderful cheese plate and, yes, they have St. Germain!

Prickly Pear=Pretty Positive

A few friends and I were sitting by the pool in midtown when we got a craving for Mexican. . . typical, right? We were within walking distance of the Prickly Pear and decided to give it a try.

Positives: Great urban experience, tasty cuisine

Negatives: Overwhelming menu for simple fare.

Overall: It is well known that Atlanta is infamously NOT a walking city, so walking from a chic midtown pool to a great midtown restaurant was a treat! The menu was a bit overwhelming for a Mexican place but everything from the house margarita, trio of salsas (the roasted one was my fave), guacamole and chicken and shrimp fajitas was excellent. I would highly recommend stopping in for some fresh, authentic Mexican food and experiencing the joys of a "walking city" when you find yourself in Midtown.

F.A.B. . . ?

Some girlfriends and I ventured down to French American Brasserie, or FAB, for birthday dinner in June. We left wondering if it truly lived up to its name. . .

Positives: Delicious food, great French Martini, Decent Service

Negatives: Misleading service and the authenticity of the cuisine is questionable.

Overall: Our group decided to try FAB specifically to enjoy cocktails on the beautiful rooftop terrace. . .we quickly found out the restaurant closed the terrace for the evening, which coincidentally was a beautiful and warm summer night. . . Strike one.

So what did the girls do? Of Course, we went up anyway and found servers and bartenders working on the rooftop. Interesting. . .

We asked for a round of St. Germain cocktails which thoroughly confused them. In my opinion, an authentic French place should have St. Germain on hand. Strike two.

They did however make a great French martini and redeemed themselves with delicious food. Service wasn't great but we've definitely had worse. I'd go back, but there is only one strike till this restaurant is out of the question.

Flip Burger

Flip Burger Flip Burger Boutique is Richard Blais' first project after almost winning Bravo's "Top Chef." The restaurant's catch phrase is "fine dining between two buns." With an innovative menu and interesting atmosphere, Flip Burger was voted as one of Atlanta's best new restaurants in 2009.

After visiting Flip Burger and surveying the menu, I have 1 suggestion: Krispy Kreme Milkshake. Need I say more?

Mexican Mishaps

A few weeks ago, I visited Cantina with a few colleagues, and I have to say I was a bit under-whelmed with everything, including the food, atmosphere, and decor. The margaritas were a little too sweet, the food was just a touch over priced, which left me feeling even more queasy from the experience. Cantina's website hails the restaurant as featuring "authentic Mexican cuisine" and as "Buckhead's new watering hole!"

Perhaps they were referring to the authenticity of the water, because the stomach ache that resulted from my trip to Cantina was the closest to an authentic Mexcian experience I can remember.

Instead of Cantina, I'd suggest visiting Taxco for true authentic Mexican cuisine or Verde for gourmet tacos and a great atmosphere.

Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft

I forgot to blog about Tuk Tuk Thai last month, and what a mistake!

With summer upon us, you may be looking for a lovely place to sit outside in Atlanta, while enjoying the spice and flavor of Thai fare. I would highly recommend Tuk Tuk Thai!

Directly in the heart of Midtown and overlooking Peachtree is this fabulous exciting restaurant. I was blown away by the attentiveness of the servers and, of course, the fantastic Thai cuisine.

If you're looking to spice up your summer, look for Tuk Tuk Thai!

Some of My All-Time Favorites in Atlanta

As my friends, you all know that I am a lover of great food! Whether fine or casual, north of the city or south, I want to try all great Atlanta restaurants. I've decided to start chronicling my favorites on a blog, in case you ever get stumped on what to try next!

I wanted to start by listing all-time Atlanta favorites; you can NEVER go wrong with these:

• Basil’s: You will find me here almost every Sunday when it’s nice.
  
• Portofino: Nothing like a romantic Italian dinner on the front porch under the trees.
  
• Haven : Our most favorite neighborhood restaurant!
  
• Verde : Great Mexican Cuisine. Verde features gourmet tacos and a wonderful atmosphere.
  
• Valenza : Owned by Michael Arnet, who is the same owner of Haven. Valenza boasts wonderful Italian fare and a cozy neighborhood atmosphere.
  
• Nino’s : The same fare as Alfredo's, but the food, in my opinion, is much tastier.
  
• La Tavola : Pretty much love anything by 5th group! I just recently revisited this restaurant and had forgotten how much I liked it! Hard to find classic fare in a modern atmosphere--and this is it!