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February/March 2008 Let’s
Eat!
With so many remarkable eateries in Atlanta, dining
out is indeed an experience. And it’s apparently
one that many Atlantans enjoy—the 2008
Zagat Survey for America’s Top Restaurants ranks Atlanta among
the top eight cities in the nation for eating out. While Americans
eat out an average of 3.3 times per week, Atlanta (tied with Miami
and San Antonio) is at 3.7. And it’s no wonder Atlantans enjoy
dining out—the city is home to exceptional chefs, innovative cuisine
and much-loved local favorites that have become tradition.
Midtown is also home to fine dining sensation Quinones at
Bacchanalia. Sister restaurant to the crowd-pleasing Bacchanalia, Quinones
opened in 2005 to critical acclaim—and continues to be consistently recognized
by local and national media as a great dining destination. The interior,
with antique mirrors and hand-blown Venetian glass chandeliers and
sconces, is just as fascinating as the menu that changes nightly and features
modern Southern cuisine such as Virginia hirami flounder with Vidalia
onions, local apples, butternut squash and Georgia pecans.
Bring the Kids Although many may not think of Atlanta’s oldest continuously licensed tavern as the ideal dining experience for kids, Atkins Park certainly makes younger guests feel welcome. The Virginia-Highland location features Kiddy’s Corner, a children’s play area filled with age-appropriate toys. At the Cumming location, children’s storytelling is offered on every second Saturday of the month from 10-10:45 a.m.—a professional storyteller spins captivating tales, while the audience enjoys complimentary refreshments. Both younger and older guests will get a kick out of the kids’ menu that features items such as Chicken Toes and Mashed Nuts & Berries (aka PB & J). The sports fanatics’ paradise at ESPN Zone in Buckhead is not likely to disappoint the kids either. The menu features traditional American fare that typically appeals to the younger crowd—burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizzas and chicken tenders. Children will be fascinated by the more than 140 televisions— the restaurant’s 16-foot, high-definition TV is the largest HD big screen in the Southeast. But perhaps the highlight of the experience would be the upstairs game room featuring more than 10,000 square feet of interactive games and attractions. Another restaurant that is sure to engage the children is housed in an 87,000-square-foot castle featuring a stone façade, dungeon and gift shop— there are also 22 Andalusian stallions in residence. Medieval Times in Lawrenceville certainly gives new meaning to “dinner and a show.” Guests enjoy an elaborate feast delivered by costumed “serving wenches and serfs” while watching knights complete skills tests and battle for honor. Birthday party packages offer children a courtly celebration. Social Scenes Vibrant social scenes are very much a part of Atlanta’s restaurant scene. ONE. midtown kitchen has an atmosphere that matches its high-energy American menu. With its great food (including small plates such as mussels with preserved lemon butter), great skyline views and ultra-cool interior, many Atlantans find that ONE. is indeed one of the best places to mix and mingle. With its own space created especially for entertaining, Trilogy in Marietta is an ultimate dining and entertainment destination. The restaurant’s entertainment room features a bar, dance floor, three 104-inch projection flat
screens and a state-of-the-art sound system. Every Friday and Saturday, some
of the most popular bands in the Southeast liven up the space—a DJ keeps
the action going during breaks and after the band’s performance. The diverse
menu features delectable fare such as pan-seared crab cakes, blackened
shrimp and grits, grilled herb chicken breast and New York strip.
A place that prides itself on serving up savory strip steaks and a good time is restaurant mogul Tom Catherall’s Strip Steaks and Sushi at Atlantic Station. The multi-level steakhouse features happening patios and bars on every level. An in-house DJ provides guests with music nightly—the dance floor is always open. The open-air rooftop deck on the third level is a popular after-work hangout for many Atlantans. Shout, also of Catherall’s doing, offers international flavors in a lively, hip atmosphere. Guests enjoy Mediterranean-inspired tapas, pizzas cooked in wood-burning ovens, as well as noodle bowls and a full sushi bar in the Bamboo Room. But perhaps the highlight of the experience is the rooftop bar, one of the hottest hangouts in Atlanta. A DJ plays Wednesday through Saturday, and the crowd makes good use of the dance floor. More Bang for Your Buck As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. But as that other saying goes, there are exceptions to every rule. Indeed, at some of Atlanta’s restaurants, you get more than you pay for. Thumbs Up Diner—with Edgewood Avenue, East Point and Avondale Estates locations—offers the classic diner experience, complete with a curved counter and delicious, hearty fare that’s priced right, including burgers, melts and sandwiches. Breakfast favorites such as pancakes, eggs, French toast, biscuits and waffles are served all day. A menu highlight is the Build Your Own Breakfast plate.
You can also satisfy your craving for pasta at Eats, a cafeteria-style restaurant in Midtown serving meat and sides or pasta to Atlantans for 15 years. It’s economy dining at its finest—at the pasta station, you can choose from a variety of sauces and noodles. Eats also offers vegetarian options. Transporting you back to your school days, your food is prepared while you wait and is then handed over to you on a plastic tray. For nicely priced home-style Indian cuisine, try Bhojanic in Decatur, which promises Indian food cooked like it would be at homes in India. All foods are prepared using olive oil and yogurts for a healthier option. The owners have more than 13 years of experience in catering and food service—high-quality, flavorful food is their specialty. The varied menu features items such as Bhojanic pakora (onion fritters battered with spiced graham flour and served with mint and tamarind chutney) and chicken kathi rolls (whole wheat flatbread rolled with fried egg, chicken tikka, mint chutney, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and onions). Come As You Are It’s always fun to dress up for a meal, but sometimes it’s nice to just show up in what you’re wearing. At Muss & Turner’s in Smyrna, experience exceptional deli-pub fare in a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Offering sandwiches and salads as well as small plates and seasonal entrees, Muss & Turner’s invites guests to have “foie gras in their flip-flops.” A healthy selection of beer and wine is also available. The restaurant doubles as a specialty food store, selling cured meats, cheeses, chocolates and fresh roasted coffee. Billed as an “unassuming restaurant,” Portofino in Buckhead offers delectable American-Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s stone and brick patio is a popular dining choice for many Atlantans. Inside, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings and vibrant artwork conspire to create an inviting atmosphere. The eclectic menu features items such as herb-stuffed trout, Australian lamb chops, and sausage and spinach cannelloni. If you’re looking for fluffy biscuits and a diverse menu featuring irresistible concoctions in a come-as-you-are casual atmosphere, then the Flying Biscuit Café is the place to be. Pleasing patrons at five locations in Metro Atlanta, the restaurant offers delicious breakfast choices such as The Flying Biscuit Breakfast (two large farm fresh eggs, chicken breakfast sausage, a namesake biscuit, and choice of oven-roasted potatoes, grits or a side salad) and the Piedmont Omelet (dressed up with chicken sausage, turkey bacon, sautéed onions and cheddar cheese). The oven-fried chicken, flat-iron steak and the vegan barbecue burrito round out the something- for-everyone menu. 
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