Zaya Mediterranean - December 2009

Tonight we were suppose to visit Parish, but when we arrived Hallie realized she had been there before. So, we improvised and hit Zaya, which was just right down the road. Located on Highland in the Inman Park area, this is good local Greek restaurant. We had the vegetarian platter with hummus, cheese fingers, spanokopita, and yogurt salad. We also couldn't resist having a Greek salad. We would say this was a good Greek restaurant. If you are close to Inman Park and want Greek, go here. However, I would not label this as a "special event" place.

http://www.zayarestaurant.com/

The Porter Beer Bar -- November 2009

We had been hearing this was one of Atlanta's new top restaurants, located in the heart of Little 5 Points. It reminded us quite a bit of the Brickstore in Decatur. Very similar to an old English pub...lots of beer choices.

We had the Hush Puppies, Salt & Vinegar Popcorn, Goat Cheese Sticks, and Belgian Fries. All were really good. The Salt & Vinegar popcorn is a must try, but be careful as you are eating not to take a breath as it will give you that little salt & vinegar cough.

Palate -- October 2009

Located in the original Scottish Rite Hospital, this cafe / wine bar is a great neighborhood drop in place for drinks and/or dinner. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Casual place in Oakhurst would be a great spot for book club. We had the Prosciutto Apple Panini, Caprese Salad, Three Cheese Orecchette (Italian version of Mac & Cheese) and Hummus Plate. Everything was wonderful, especially the Orecchette. All of their ingredients are organic and purchased from Dekalb Farmers Market when possible.

www.palatewinebar.com

Spoon -- September 2009

Awesome Thai restaurant in West Downtown on Marietta Street. We highly recommend the coconut soup and prawn spring rolls as appetizers. Old stand by, Pad Thai, was good and worth ordering again. We also had the special of steamed lobster in curry sauce and it was yummmmyyy!

www.spoonatlanta.com

Repast -- August 2009

Traditional fare with an Asian twist off Ponce near City Hall. We loved the mussels with lemongrass and coconut milk!

www.repastrestaurant.com

Basil's -- July 2009

Mediterranean restaurant in Buckhead with a great patio. Can't pass up the stuffed artichoke! We both got seafood specials and they were phenomenal.

www.basils.net

Queen of Sheba -- June 2009

Ethiopian restaurant in the North Druid Hills. We found this from a magazine article on hidden gems. We had no idea what to order, but the staff was very helpful.

Parker's on Ponce -- May 2009

Reasonably priced, good steak restaurant if you want to avoid the Longhorn's and Bone's. Within walking distance of the Decatur Square. Great patio! Black Truffle Mac & Cheese is to die for as Hallie says. We have been back and have plans to go back again.

www.parkersonponce.com

Leon's Full Service -- April 2009

Known for their pub frites with unusual sauces such as Garlic Aioli (Hallie's favorite) and Goat Cheese Fondue (Nancy's fave). Their menu is quirky and fun, so talk to your server about menu recommendations. They are owned by the same owners as Brickstore and Twains, so the beer selection is extensive. Great place for a drink in the neighborhood or for a game of lawn bowling. The lines can get long and they do not take reservations. Within walking distance of the Decatur Square.

www.leonsfullservice.com

Flip -- March 2009

Ridiculous long wait if you go on a busy night. We ordered the southern beef burger, mushroom & swiss burger, fries & onion rings and nutella & burnt marshmallow shake. They also offer a throw back to the olden days, with drinks like Grape NeHi and Sun Drop, which are all served in glass bottles. Someday, we'd like to try the Krispy Kreme milkshake. But, we will not go on a night when there is a long wait.

www.flipburgerboutique.com

Penang Malaysian -- February 2009

Authentic Malaysian / Thai restaurant in Chambodia area. We have no idea what we ordered, but they were very helpful in menu suggestions.

www.penangatlanta.com

Avra -- January 2009

Greek restaurant on Juniper in Midtown. Recommend the Pikilia spreads as an appetizer since it includes all 4 traditional Greek spreads with grilled pita. We also really enjoyed flaming cheese.

www.avragreektavern.com

Eros

Located in the old Pie Bar location. All small plates, so its great for large group. Have an extensive bar selection.

www.erostapas.com

The Shed at Glenwood

We did the $20 Three Course Prix Fixe on a Sunday night. It was OK, but we didn't get to try a variety of menu items like we normally do at our new restaurants. The restaurant was not crowded, so would be a nice place for a casual group outing. Not the place for a special occasion.

www.theshedatglenwood.com

Calavino's

We had Sunday brunch at this Oakhurst establishment, which features an Italian twist on traditional dishes. Unfortunately, this little spot has gone out of business.

10 Degrees South

The United States' most noteworthy South African restaurant. Great, fun place for a small or large group. Consider this restaurant when planning your next special occasion restaurant. A must try! Definitely try the Biltong (kinda like jerky) and Peri-Peri. The garlic rolls will melt in your mouth. Notable entrees include:

Boerewors -- typical South African dish of sausage and potatoes

Cape Kingklip -- have lemon butter sauce on the side and get a side of Peri-Peri sauce so both can be tried with this melt in your mouth white flaky fish

Chicken Curry -- accented with sliced bananas on top balance the heat with sweet

The bar scene can get rocking on a weekend night.

www.10degreessouth.com

Nine

Sad, but another closed restaurant in Atlanta.

No Mas Cantina

Located in Castleberry Hill, this Mexican place has been the rave in Atlanta for awhile. Considering we had heard so much, we gave it a try. We both agree that while it was good, it did not stand out from other Mexican places. Did not live up to our expectations.

www.nomascantina.com

Stix Sushi Bar

Decent, reasonably priced sushi. Nothing special.

Home

Another good Here to Serve restaurant in Atlanta. Home features southern style cuisine in a "homey" setting. For side dishes, the selections change about every 15 minutes and you never know what you are going to get. But, trust us, it will be unusual and definitely worth trying. Hallie has become her own crab cake connoisseur and has awarded Home with one of the Top 2 crab cakes in Atlanta.

www.h2sr.com/home

Rathbuns

Must make reservations several months in advance as Kevin Rathbun is a winner from Iron Chef America. We went there for Hallie's birthday in May 2008 and were lucky enough to sit at the Chef Table. We thought it was going to be in the kitchen, but in reality it was the table closest to the kitchen and didn't prove to be any different than the other tables. We ordered all small plates including the Hand Cut French Fries with Blue Cheese Fondue, Pan Fried Kefalotiri Cheese, Salt & Pepper Shrimp and Risotto. We haven't been back, but would in a heartbeat. Hallie's favorite restaurant in Atlanta.

www.rathbunsrestaurant.com

Spice Market

Thai restaurant located in the W Hotel Midtown. Interesting atmosphere and family style menu. We enjoyed the Black Pepper Shrimp and Beef Skewers as appetizers. The waiters are dressed in authentic Thai attire.

www.spicemarketatlanta.com

Straits

Located in Midtown on Juniper Street and owned by Ludacris. This restaurant is a must for all natives and visitors. We loved everything from the Lychee martini, Kung Pao lollipop, Satay Sticks, Origami Seabass, Green Curry, to the Jasmine Rice. We finished dinner around 9 and music was about to start. Great place for entertaining out of town guests.

www.straitsatl.com

Armando's

The location we visited has closed, but the one on Peachtree Industrial is probably still open. Good latin fare - good paella and shrimp corn chowder.

www.armandoscaribe.com

Figo

Great inexpensive pasta place where you can pick your pasta, sauce and toppings to create your own entree. Since our outing, locations are popping up all over town. I'm sure there is one in your neighborhood. We have been to new locations and the food is very consistent.

www.figopasta.com

Shaun's

Located in Inman Park where The Patio was originally. Its a cool neighborhood atmosphere, where you might luck out and see Shaun muling around the dining room. Great place for a drink, dinner with friends or date, and brunch.

www.shaunsrestaurant.com

MF Sushi

Good sushi, but overpriced. If you don't mind paying double (or triple), good place for sushi.

www.mfsushibar.com

Mali

Thai / Sushi bar located in the Highlands on Amsterdam Avenue. Nice covered patio away from the main street.

www.malirestaurant.com

Asada

It was located in Little 5, but this little joint has been closed for awhile.

Toast

Don't remember much since we had way too many martini's before heading over to the U2 concert. Unfortunately, this one didn't make it.

Pacific Kitchen

Unfortunately, another restaurant out of business.

Babette's

Great place in the Highlands for lunch or dinner, friends or date, indoor or outdoor seating. Good, diverse menu selection for those picky eaters. Can't go wrong with the French Toast except that it's only available at brunch.

www.babettescafe.com

Sweet Lowdown

Closed -- out of business

Azio

Italian mediocre (at best) food. If you are looking for good Italian food in Atlanta, this is not the place for you. If you are staying downtown and looking for something convenient, then it would be OK.

www.aziodowntown.com

Anis

Pronounced ah-neese, a French bistro located in Buckhead. It has a nice patio, but don't plan on sitting outside in the dead of summer as the mosquitos can be aggravating. They also have music on Friday nights and possibly other nights of the week.

www.anisbistro.com

Aria

Neither one of us remember what we had that night, but we both really liked it and have been back. A romantic spot -- great place for a special date night.

www.aria-atl.com

Prime

We must like the Here to Serve restaurants, because here is another one. This is a steak restaurant located in Lenox Mall. We enjoyed this restaurant, but recommend taking advantage of 1/2 price steaks from 5 - 6:15pm every night.

www.h2sr.com/prime

Watershed

Another casual restaurant featuring fancier southern cooking, which uses organic and locally grown foods when possible. We remember having the fried chicken. Located in Decatur, Watershed is owned by Indigo Girls', Emily Sailers, and others.

www.watershedrestaurant.com

Shout

Another Here to Serve restaurant, located in Colony Square. We visited on a weeknight and sat outside on the patio. All that is remembered is that one of us had pizza with goat cheese. It was good and we have been back. It turns more "club" like on Friday and Saturday nights.

www.h2sr.com/shout

Rose of India

After our experience at Udipi Cafe, we were still craving the Indian food we had gotten hooked on in London. We had the Chicken Tikka and Shirmp Tandoori, both excellent. Also, the papadams is a must try with several condiments.

www.theroseofindia.com

Udipi Cafe

Inspired after we got hooked on Indian food in London. We quickly learned there is a difference between Southern and Northern Indian food. Udipi cafe is more southern, which means it is vegetarian. We didn't come prepared for it to be vegetarian, so we didn't know what to order. Fortunately, the couple seated behind us were very helpful in some menu suggestions.

Wahoo! Grill

Great restaurant located in Decatur, with a very diverse menu selection. What is remembered most was the Blackberry Cobbler! They also use only locally grown produce. Casual, easy, great place for dinner out on spur of the moment.

www.wahoodecatur.com

Mu Lan

A couple steps above your average Chinese restaurant, which also has some Thai selections on the menu. This restaurant was picked without any research and we came away enjoying our experience. However, if we typically will not make the drive to Midtown just for Chinese food.

www.mulanatlanta.com

Lobby @ 12

Located in lobby of Twelve hotel in Atlanta Station. Casual menu in an upscale setting. We both had pizzas that we enjoyed. Additionally, the bar offers a great Key Lime Martini, which is good for an after dinner dessert drink. Both of us have been back since this first night.

www.lobbyattwelve.com

Wisteria

Located on the outskirts of the Highlands in Inman Park, this quaint /romantic restaurant is a great date spot with that special someone. The Skate is a must try for someone in your party. The Ahi Tuna was also very good.

www.wisteria-atlanta.com

Aquaknox

Seafood restaurant located in the Terminus building at Peachtree and Piedmont. We raved about our initial visit to this restaurant, which included the Seafood Trio and Steamed Lobster with Truffle Oil (not a menu item, a special order item only). However, post visits have paled in comparison to that first night. May 2008 Hallie, with a group of 6, spent a ton of money only to receive mediocre food and horrible service.

www.aquaknox.net

Lola

Here to Serve restaurant in the Terminus building at Peachtree and Piedmont. What can we say about Lola? Great food, awesome bar including their signature bellini's and antipasto bar. Our favorite menu item is the Bucatini. Also, a great place for a happy hour drink especially on Friday nights. The bar is hopping! We have both been back several times since this first night. We have also recommended it to many people, all of which come away very pleased.

www.h2sr.com/lola

Horseradish Grill

Classic Atlanta restaurant that shockingly enough, neither one of us had eaten at before. Located in Chastain Park, this restaurant offers southern home cooking with a flair. They are known for their fried chicken, macaroni & cheese and biscuits. Yes, we tried all of them and all worth ordering. Be prepared to dine with some "Buckhead Betty's".

www.horseradishgrill.com

Redfish

We just found out this restaurant is closed. We are very sad to hear this news since we both loved this restaurant. Quite a shock!

Pure Taqueria

Originally a Pure gas station, in Alpharetta, this southwest / mexican menu has a lot to offer. Ceviche, guacamole, crab fritters, carne asada and margaritas are some of our favorites. The wait can get long, so get there early especially if you have a large group. Or, come prepared to have a prickly pear margarita (or two) while you wait. Coming soon -- an Inman Park location!

www.puretaqueria.com

Flying Biscuit

Believe it or not, but we were 2 of the last people in Atlanta to try The Flying Biscuit. We went to the Midtown location on a Sunday for breakfast. If you don't go early, the wait is extremely long. They are known for their organic and veggie offerings. However, they do offer breakfast meats, eggs and cheese for the non-vegetarian. Nancy's favorite is the French Toast for the honey creme anglaise! We are not a fan of restaurants franchising out, so we recommend one of the original locations in Midtown or Candler Park. If you want to avoid the long breakfast lines, then try it for lunch or dinner (breakfast menu available all hours).

www.flyingbiscuit.com

One Midtown Kitchen

We went with a small group for Hallie's birthday during 2005. Located on Dutch Valley Road in Midtown and close to Piedmont Park. We had a great night and we all really enjoyed this restaurant. Ironically, neither one of us have been back, but we have recommended this restaurant to others. One of the Concentrics Restaurants.

www.onemidtownkitchen.com

Agave

We would both say this restaurant is one of our favorites in Atlanta. Located in Cabbagetown, this southwestern influence is a must for anyone living or visiting Atlanta. We had the fried chicken, which was yummy. We also had the Fresh Homemade Guacamole and it's making my mouth water now.

www.agaverestaurant.com

Real Chow Baby

Fun, create your own stir fry in this West Downtown location. The bar was hopping and parking was easy. Sitting inside can get loud, but we sat outside since it was a nice Atlanta evening. You can make your own concoction by choosing noodles, rice, meats, veggies, and sauces. They have suggestions of popular mixtures. The best part is that is all you can eat and very affordable. We recommend trying several different variations / smaller portions. Since our first night at RCB, they have opened other locations.

www.therealchowbaby.com

Emeril's

We won't say this is our favorite restaurant, but we both did really enjoy our experience at Emeril's. Because of the poor reviews in the early days, we waited several years before trying this one. Sad, but it's closed now.

Blue Pointe

We had drinks and small plates that evening. Hallie wasn't too impressed, but Nancy liked what she had that night. The bar was hopping and would be a great spot for drinks and hanging out. We have both been back since this night in 2005.

www.buckheadrestaurants.com/bp

Dolce Vita

This restaurant was picked on a whim, because our original pick was not so original. We realized when we got there, that one of us had eaten there before. Neither one of us remember too much about the food. But, let's just say neither one of us have been back.

Grace 17.20

Located in The Forum in Norcross, this restaurant was cozy and quiet. But, we did go on a weeknight so it could be a little noisier on a Friday or Saturday night. The food and wine list was good, but not a convenient location for us to revisit.

www.grace1720.com

Tamarind Seed

The original location was I-75 and 14th street. Parking was a nightmare, which could be one of the reasons they have moved to Colony Square. We don't remember much about the food, but we do know it did not live up to our expectations. Many in Atlanta rave about this Thai joint, but we think there is much better in our city.

http://tamarindseed.com/

Real Food

Real Food was our first restaurant in January 2005. It was owned by the same people who own Horseradish Grill, but unfortunately closed several years ago.