Baxter Bark Twice

Do as I say, never as I do

Posts Tagged ‘restaurants’

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Agree to Disagree: Top 20 Restaurants in ATL

Posted by AllieB on October 26, 2010

I know I write a good bit about food around Atlanta, but if there’s anyone who knows the eateries around this place – it’s Kennedy. She sent me an email yesterday complete with this list and her highly relevant and accurate commentary, and I knew it must be shared. We see eye to eye on just about everything (per usual), and we’re both concerned with the caliber of the journalism behind the composition of this list. Thank you, K, for imparting your invaluable wisdom.

The 20 restaurants in ATL, according to…

  1. Leon’s Full Service – This I can get on board with. Represents a lot of what makes Atlanta great, outside dining, fun drinks, southern but creative food etc.
  2. Ru San’s (UMMM – WTF? HAS THIS WRITER EVEN BEEN TO ATLANTA IN THE PAST DECADE OR DID THEY COPY OVER A LIST FROM THE 90s??) I shudder at the thought. This list has lost all credibility. (Allie Says: this is really very questionable. I’m with K’s all-caps horror.)
  3. Livingston Restaurant + Bar
  4. Rhodes Bakery – Given that this is Southern Living’s list, I suppose that this can slide; I feel as if they make good cakes and pies which I picture on the cover of a Southern Living.
  5. LottaFrutta – never heard of it and don’t even want to google it – shocking, I know.  At the rate this list is going, I will add to my list of places NOT to go. (Allie Says: my thoughts exactly.)
  6. Rosebud – again – where is Holeman and Finch?!
  7. Caf̩ Intermezzo РJust no. The last meal I had here was around 1 am and I still thought it was bad; this is saying something (Allie Says: indeed, this is saying something.)
  8. Flip Burger Boutique – the only thing that I can think of here is that Southern Living is based in B’ham and there’s a Flip in B’ham so maybe they think by adding it to the list it somehow makes B’ham cooler? I see through this little plot…
  9. Fox Bros Bar-B-Q
  10. Taqueria Del Sol – overrated and sort of lame. The end. I’m tempted to stop reading…(Allie Says: I like this place a lot. Should it be #10? No…but still in Top 20, IMO.)
  11. King of Pops – does this count as a restaurant? I think it’s like a cardboard stand or something?
  12. Highland Bakery
  13. The Atlanta Cupcake Factory – I suppose this is the obligatory shout out to the cupcake craze – again not sure it really fits as a “best restaurant”
  14. Antico Pizza Napoletana – Someone can’t count or rank or something because OBVIOUSLY this should be in the top 5. (Allie Says: and possibly numero uno.)
  15. Paolo’s Gelato
  16. Aria – so 2001.
  17. Souper Jenny – I love SJ so this would probably find its way to my top 20 and again goes with could be on the cover of Southern Living theme; I picture bowls of soup surrounded by cornucopias. (Allie Says: I agree, it definitely should be in Top 20. Also, I had a grilled cheese there back in August that ranks in my top 5 sandwich experiences of all time…so…just sayin‘.)
  18. Sotto Sotto – this one can stay appropriately at 18.
  19. Sweet Auburn Bread Company – again the cover theme. I had to google this one – apparently Bill Clinton went there? Sticking with the 90s theme…
  20. SweetWater Brewing Company – I was unaware they served food?

Well, there you have it. I’m with K – wtf is this list?! It makes no sense. I’m not sure the person who wrote this has been to Atlanta, like, ever – even if they spent just 20 minutes browsing YELP they would know how erroneous 3/4 of this selection is. Ru Sans?! They may as well have put Papa John’s and Applebee’s on this thing. Someone needs to write the Editor.

Also, I usually take the time to hyperlink the restaurants, but this list seemed unworthy of such an arduous task. Sorry I’m not sorry.

TO TUESDAY.

Sister: it feels like hot breath outside.

Ross: It tastes like feet!

Joey: I like it.

Ross: Are you kidding?

Joey: What’s not to like? Custard? Good. Jam? Good. Meat? Gooooood.

-The One Where Ross Got High


Posted in Food & Drink, Really? | Tagged: , , , , | 5 Comments »

Meet & Greet: The Ivy

Posted by AllieB on October 19, 2010

The Ivy, owned by the same guys who own City Bar and General Beauregard in Athens,  opened a few weeks ago in North Buckhead. Finally utilizing the massive space left by Carbo’s of the early 90’s and then an event-only space that closed after a large fire, it’s a huge restaurant/bar that, I think, is here to stay.

I’ve been there several times – I have the Oderson’s to thank for that – so I feel I can legitimately critique the place. I was ready to write a rave review after our first meal, but Hilary suggested that I pump the brakes a bit and see how things panned out. Well, they’ve panned out swimmingly, IMO, and here are some points of interest:

  • Order something fried. I suggest the Tempura Portobella Mushroom Caps, but swap out whatever sauce the menu suggests for their Mojo Aioli. Actually, regardless of your order, ask for a side of the Mojo Aioli – it’s awesome. Their chicken fingers are also amazing. The “moist” and “juicy” chicken is encased in some kind of breaded, deep-fried nonsense reminiscent of funnel cakes. I know that sounds weird in theory, but in practice…oh my god.
  • Huge $4 slices of pizza. Their slices are 1/4 of a full pie, and that is not an exaggeration. I recommend “The Ivy” which has sausage and mushrooms and peppers and something else – maybe another meat? They don’t have a menu online.
  • Cecilia’s Cakes. It’s not a rumor – they serve them. Made famous by Last Resort in Athens, they are the best cakes ever, of anyplace I’ve ever been. Caramel and Red Velvet are my favorites…
  • It is very reasonably priced. Pizza for $4/slice, burgers under $10, appetizers in $5 – $8 range…and a very nice house Cabernet for $5/glass. Plus, they have prime outdoor seating and even allow dogs. Done and done.

Overall, I think The Ivy has totally nailed it. The service is decent and will only improve. Plus, I appreciate that they have stemless martini glasses, as I’ve yet to master the itty-bitty stem/wide-mouth top of the standard stemware. The Ivy = the new go-to…?

images from thrillist.com

The Ivy

3717 Roswell Rd
Atlanta, GA 30342
404-941-3081

Posted in Food & Drink | Tagged: , , , | 4 Comments »

Best in Show: Thai

Posted by AllieB on October 13, 2010

Having lived in Thailand for a few months a few years ago, I am a huge fan of all things Thai – the beaches and the noodles, in particular. While the beaches are difficult to re-create in this hemisphere (I do love Tybee, but…it’s not quite the same), the noodles can be – and they often are quite well.

In addition to the noodle dishes – Pad Thai, Pad See Ew (wide, flat noodles in a heavier soy sauce – SO good) – all of  the Thai restaurants do appetizers really well: calamari, satay skewers, fresh basil rolls…and, to top it off, they have the best condiments of any other ethnic cuisine, IMO.

Here are some places of note:

  • Surin of Thailand – N. Highland: it’s a collegey-crowd after hours, but the food is legit. I went there on an awful date once and the guy, midway through the meal, interrupted my story to tell me how poorly my breath smelled and that maybe I should find some gum. I did not prefer his company. ANYway – their stir fry dishes are really good, and when they have 3 – 4 chilis next to an item to denote spiciness, they are not messing around.
  • Tuk Tuk Thai – South Buckhead: trying to emulate the whole “street food” idea of Bangkok; very authentic dishes. The beef skewers and the sticky rice with peanut sauce are two of my faves. I very much like the outdoor seating with the unencumbered view of the ATL skyline. Good for groups.
  • Little Bangkok – Cheshire Bridge: a real gem…I like the Pad Thai, people rave about the stir fry dishes…not much for ambiance, but food is awesome. They also serve Chinese cuisine. Best for: Sunday supper.
  • Rama V – Buckhead: great for a dinner pre-going out because they lost their liquor license and it’s now BYO, they also have an extensive sushi menu good for lighter fare…haven’t had their food in awhile, but it’s still many people’s go-to.
  • Annie’s Thai Castle and Aqua Bistro are also noteworthy and ideal for Sunday Suppers…and other nights, too. I wonder of AquaB still has that fishbowl special on Thursday evenings…?
  • Nan – Midtown: if someone would please take me here, I would be more than happy to go. Not sure I really seem them jumping on the Groupon bandwagon…

Now I’m hungry. And I want to go back to Thailand, preferably back to Rai Leh Beach (shown below). I hate it when I do this.

I didn't Google Image this; I took it with my very own camera. It was awesome.

Posted in Food & Drink, Imparting Wisdom | Tagged: , , , | 2 Comments »

The Allie Awards

Posted by AllieB on September 21, 2010

I was reading archived articles in the Atlanta Business Chronicle online recently, and I stumbled upon a brief write-up about an event that took place in April: The Allie Awards. My interest was immediately piqued – I was already thrilled to see my name on an award that warranted mention in the ABC, but then it got even better: the award was for Best Buffet.

The Allie Awards honor the best catering companies in Atlanta, as well as other aspects of event planning – venue, tents, etc. What a perfect match for me, AllieB, line-leader at the buffet and lover of all things wrapped in bacon.

I wonder if they are looking for a spokesperson? A face of The Allies, if you will…I would be happy to attend various events in the name of research.

Or perhaps I’ll just come up with my own, more relevant categories and have The AllieB Awards. Let’s see…

  • Best Hot Sandwich: Publix’s Philly Cheesesteak
  • Best Quesadilla: Paul’s on the Patio (you’d be surprised)
  • Best Stuffed Pasta (on a budget): Trader Joe’s Portobello Mushroom Ravioli
  • Best Stuffed Pasta (not so much on a budget): Sotto Sotto’s Ravioli Nudi
  • Best Nachos: Tavern 99

clearly I am qualified to designate awards pertaining to food

Posted in Arbitrary, Food & Drink | Tagged: , , , , | 4 Comments »

Best in Show: Margs

Posted by AllieB on August 31, 2010

Despite an auspicious beginning to my relationship with margs (El Amigo – which is somehow still open, btw – topped theirs off with a murky liquid that bore a striking resemblance to dishwater), we have grown to have a very companionable existence.

Which means to say: I love a good margarita.

So – where are the best in the city? Well. According to a May 2010 city-wide poll by Citysearch, the favorites are as follows:

  1. Taqueria del Sol
  2. Agave
  3. No Mas Cantina
  4. Zocalo
  5. Caramba Cafe

The AJC food critics say:

  1. Pure Taqueria
  2. Lupe Taqueria ( now closed, so nevermind)
  3. Agave
  4. Noon
  5. Holy Taco

I don’t have strong feelings about either of these lists, but I will say this about Taqueria: they do an excellent marg, but I had a very unpleasant experience back in ’06 wherein the bartender refused to give me my own personal pitcher, saying he had to have two ID’s per order. I offered to show him my ID twice, but he said that wasn’t the same.

I realize this all sounds a tad aggressive, but desperate times, desperate measures…either way, they failed me in my time of need. Were it not for this grudge I refuse to let go of, they’d likely be numero uno. Too bad, Taqueria, tooooo bad:

  1. Treehouse – I’m not kidding – order one the next time you go
  2. Nava – a prickly  pear + that patio = an exceptional post-work activity
  3. La Fonda – they’re always very fresh with just the right amount of tartness
  4. Nuevo Lardeo Cantina – they make the wait endurable, if not enjoyable
  5. Pancho’s – this Buford Highway gem has great ones, and they serve the really thin, light tortilla chips that are reminiscent of Rio Bravo’s (R.I.P. Rio Bravo – you are missed)
  6. HOBNOB – this primely placed spot on Piedmont and Monroe does an awesome Skinny Girl marg – I didn’t want to delve into that whole craze with this entry, but I thought it deserved mention

how good does that look.

Posted in Food & Drink | Tagged: , , , , | 3 Comments »

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