Aja - October 2010

Another Here To Serve restaurant located in the old Emeril's spot in the heart of Buckhead. The restaurant was a little too low lit, but the service was great. We would classify this as good Chinese, but not exceptional. Our group shared some good classics like Spicy Basil Chicken, Sichuan Black Pepper Beef Stir and Garlic Shrimp. Everyone's favorite was the Beef Skewer Dim Sum - yum yum. Also, the chocolate spring rolls for dessert really hit the mark with the caramel banana ice cream. We all had the Ya Ya Ya cocktail and loved it, but who doesn't love Muscat Asti?

Thrive - September 2010

Quite possibly our new favorite restaurant downtown. It was a quite event night downtown, so the restaurant was relatively quiet. But, on a night when downtown activities are "thriving", be sure to make reservations. Our group shared the Thrive Special rolls and the Thrive Crab & Artichoke Fondue. While the sushi was good, the Fondue was phenomenal! That was followed by the group sharing the Spicy Shrimp, Wild Mushroom Risotto and Seared Sea Scallops. Everything was exceptional. This restaurant comes recommended whether you are planning to be downtown or not - it's worth the trip!

Steel - August 2010

This is a Chinese, Korean and Japanese restaurant all rolled into one. Located on West Peachtree in the heart of Midtown. We started out with Edamame and that was quite tasty. Having a craving for Korean beef, that was the choice for the evening. While it was good, does not compare to the Korean on Buford Highway. However, the apple fritters with ice cream at the end made the meal better.

Isabellas - July 2010

After striking out with our initial choice this month, we went to Isabella's because of the ScoutMob deal available. Located on one of the main drags into Decatur, this nice little restaurant offers fresh dishes with flavors from around the world. For starters, we had the Cheesey Buffalo Chicken Balls. We thought it would be similar to the boneless buffalo bites you get at chain restaurants - wrong! These were very flavorful and very generous portions accompanied by a ranch dip. For entrees, we chose the Spicy Asian Beef served over Basmati Rice and Swahili Shrimp Curry with Mango served over Basmati Rice. Both were excellent and again, very generous portions. Would definitely recommend this place and I'm sure at some point, we'll go back as well.

Carpe Diem - June 2010

The eclectic decor is an added touch to an already brilliant menu. To be able to offer small plates, sandwiches, salads as well as full entrees always gets our vote. We opted for the breaded calamari and fried jalapenos to begin and they did not disappoint. The different sauces that accompanied were both were very interesting and received kudos from different members of our table. Who can resist all the yummy breads and cracker like yum yums in the breadbasket; especially with the honey butter? The pork tenderloin and Gruyere cheese sandwich was so yummy Hallie has already been back for a second visit! Tucked in an unassuming Decatur neighborhood has kept this wonderful restaurant hidden to some, but it is sure to become a favorite of yours as well as ours!

Cakes & Ale - May 2010

When we originally made plans to have Cakes & Ale be our restaurant for the month of May, we totally expected it to be an English pub type of restaurant - Wrong! It's more of your typical American fare slightly upscale restaurant. It is a little small, so if you go on the weekends you might either want to make reservations or get there early.

Hallie & Phyllis had the Pork Shank & Rib, while I enjoyed the vegetarian special of the day. (This was during my "vegetarian" phase). Both meals were very good and would recommend going this place to anyone looking for a good meal while in the Decatur area.

Urban Pl8 - April 2010

This is a cool little place tucked away off Huff Road on the Westside. We chose this place because they feature fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. While it wasn't very crowded when we got there, it did start to fill up as the evening went later.

We started with the hummus, which was really tasty. For the main courses, we enjoyed the crab cakes and shrimp kebobs. Both were really good.

Just keep in mind that the menu does change since it is driven by seasonal ingredients.

Oh, don't forget to have some sangria while you are there!