Where to Eat in Atlanta

There’s much to love in charming, casual ‘burb

10/28/2011 12:00:00 AM

Cakes & Ale is an example of a restaurant’s maturation into something brilliant. I remember the little fledgling store on Ponce and now they are on the forefront of the Decatur dining scene.

Cakes & Ale is the perfect date/communal gathering place because of its gourmet casual approach, with minimal clean design replete with romantic votive candles on the table. You can wear a cute cocktail dress or just some nice jeans because the vibe is like Decatur – casual and not pretentious. Need to eat alone or get out of the house from an annoying roommate? Stop at the Cakes bar and you are sure to meet someone.

The ever-changing seasonal menu, driven by Chef Billy Allin, is a fresh New South approach that’s very inventive and artisanal. I’ve always loved “southern popcorn” or fried okra and Cakes makes a nostalgic version that’s crispy on the outside with a vibrant green interior.

Georgia mountain trout is amazing if done right and Cakes’ version with butter and dill hits the spot. We had a giant piece of roasted fresh fish for two for $31 that was healthy and light. We split a side of fall roasted squash for the perfect autumnal meal.

There is also a house made gnocchi with ratatouille and parmesan for vegetarians or an amazing autumnal salad with mustard greens, apples and creamy sherry vinaigrette. If its on the menu, you must order their Figgy Pudding (yes, like the Christmas song) with toffee and crème fraiche — fierce.

Next to Cakes & Ale is their bakery.  If you are stuffed after dinner, pick up some pastry for brunch  or choose an apricot pecan scone ($2.25) with some Counter Culture pressed coffee for a special morning to reward yourself. Try the sweet and savory rosemary monkey bread or some delicious Southern cheese straws for a perfect party gift. The bakery now serves lunch which I’m sure is Decatur’s answer to Alon’s.

We returned to Parker’s on Ponce for the most satisfying Sunday supper of old school prime rib roasted to a perfect medium rare accompanied by a loaded baked potato, with all the splurge toppings like butter, bacon and sour cream. I really like Parker’s because it’s an updated version of the classic steak house that I grew up on.

Yes, I’m a gay meat eater, and is there anything better than a hunk of prime rib on your fork dunked in warm au jus and zippy spicy horseradish sauce? Parker’s also has one of the best versions of fried green tomatoes with goat cheese and pesto. There’s a reason for the classics. The weather is nice, so you can go for a power walk along the oak tree-lined streets of Decatur the next day.

You don’t have to make a lot of money to eat well and healthy in Decatur. Leon’s Full Service serves little red peppers with whipped goat cheese for $4. I love the slight crunch of the red pepper and tangy goat cheese. Then we split the lemongrass mussels with scratch made frites.

Leon’s is a true gastro pub and you won’t find any tired chain fare on the menu here or really much of anywhere in Decatur.

Top photo: Pork ribs with corn puree is one of many treats on the menu at Decatur’s Cakes & Ale. (Photo via Facebook)

Gay city slickers turned farmers offer comfort food with a twist

10/14/2011 12:00:00 AM

What happens when two urban gay men decide to become gentleman farmers? Planet Green chronicles the highlights and pitfalls in “The Fabulous Beekman Boys,” the reality series featuring life and business partners Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell.

“We’re two city guys who bought a farm. We’ve got a herd of goats. A llama. And a whole lotta drama. Farming ain’t easy. But we make farming fabulous,” the boys explain on their website, Beekman1802.com. “Or at least that’s what our TV theme song says.”

The cable series is frequently described as a gay take on the “Green Acres” motif. Since it debuted in 2010, the boys have bickered and made up through two seasons of struggle as they work to grow the Beekman farm and their Beekman 1802 brand to a level of success that will allow Kilmer-Purcell to quit his job in the city and move to the farm fulltime.

“The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Cookbook” is one of their products. Though the TV episode devoted to the idea was titled “Recipe for Disaster,” real-life cooks will find plenty to love with comfort food dishes like baked apple dumplings, pork roast with root vegetables and more.

We caught up with Ridge and Kilmer-Purcell via email as they prepare to visit Atlanta for Oct. 21 signings at The Cook’s Warehouse in Decatur and Williams Sonoma at Lenox Square.

Did either of you have much experience cooking before trading city life for life on the farm? How has farm life changed the way you approach cooking and eating?

Brent and Josh: Both of us have always loved to cook. Our approach to cooking has always been about the need for sustenance and comfort rather than culinary one-upmanship. Food does not have to be exotic or overworked to be delicious, but it does have to have story behind it in order to be memorable.

Each of the 110 recipes in the cookbook is derived from recipes our families have made for generations. Like all recipes tend to do, the recipes evolved over time and with each season depending on what ingredients we had on hand or were pulling fresh from the garden.

How did the idea for a cookbook evolve? Is there a specific theme to the recipes?

The book is divided by season, but the real focus is on what we call “heirloom” recipes —those recipes that are easy enough and delicious enough that you will make them over and over again. We’ve even included dedicated spaces in the book for you to record your family’s own heirloom recipes and notes.

What is the most fabulous thing about your life now as the Beekman Boys? What is the least fabulous?

What we love most is learning from the people who visit beekman1802.com and share their tips. To have the opportunity on a daily basis to be inspired by what others are creating or doing it the most fabulous luxury.

Cleaning goat poop from our muck boots is not exactly fabulous, but it’s also not that bad.

How has moving to the farm impacted your relationship?

Like so many people right now, we are working on growing our business and keeping the farm solvent during the recession. Having a project that we are mutually working on and a mutual long-term goal makes us inseparable.

A jumbo mortgage is way more commitment than a wedding ring.

Top photo: Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, a.k.a. ‘The Fabulous Beekman Boys,’ offer their take on ‘heirloom cooking’ in a new recipe book. (Publicity photo)

Pride: Dining options abound near Piedmont Park

9/30/2011 12:00:00 AM

At Pride you’ll have as many food choices as the ex partners you might see. There will be all the festival food that you crave, like funnel cakes, gyros, and my favorite — jalapeno corn dogs that they batter dip in front of you. Get your fare, find a grassy knoll and have a people-watching picnic.

If you want to sit down in a restaurant instead, or you need to entertain guests in town for Pride weekend, options are plentiful surrounding Piedmont Park.

Near the park with great patios

Willy’s Mexicana Grill: You can’t get closer to Pride than this. Located in the front of Piedmont Park facing Piedmont Avenue, Willy’s won best burrito by the AJC and has a large patio. Choose either chicken, tofu, or grilled steak. I like lots of their chunky guacamole and visit the salsa bar. The burritos are big enough to split which would give you a healthy huge fresh meal for under $8. Good place to bring the kids and dogs.

Gilbert’s Cafe: From Pride, walk across 10th Street to Gilbert’s, located next to Blake’s and Outwrite at the corner of 10th and Piedmont. They don’t have a patio but have huge open windows for a patio feel. This is a great bar with excellent Bloody Marys and Middle Eastern food. They have a flavorful vegetarian falafel and a darn good gyro with plenty of chunky feta cheese and a zippy yogurt taziki sauce, served with a greek salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette. If it’s brunch you seek they’ll have their all-you-care-to-eat brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

FROGS Cantina: It’s an easy walk from the Piedmont Park meadow, where Pride’s largest stage is set up, across Monroe Drive to the Midtown Promenade shopping center. FROGS has a great people-watching patio. This is where a lot of Midtown boys will be. The scene gets very lively when the lime margaritas start to flow. Share an enormous platter of fajita nachos or for something lighter try their grilled tilapia fish tacos with salsa fresca.

Joe’s on Juniper: It’s a little farther from Piedmont Park, but this is my go-to patio place and it will be crowded, so grab a drink at the bar and enjoy the scenery — and I’m not talking about Juniper Street. Good pub food, salads and buffalo wings.

More upscale

Zocalo: There is just something about gays, Pride, margaritas, and Mexican that all blends well. Zocalo, also walking distance from Piedmont Park, will be very crowed because they serve one of the best margaritas in town. Upscale Latin fare.

One Midtown Kitchen: Go home and get dressed up a little for this glamorous chef-driven gem in the heart of Midtown. This is an excellent place to impress your out of town Pride guests. The décor is New York glam. For the quality it’s not that expensive compared to what you would pay at New York Pride.

One Midtown Kitchen has sublime house made pasta which I’ve had with beef short ribs and tomato ragu. For $21 you can get an excellent wood-grilled steak with scratch made “frites.” One knows how to handle fresh vegetables like their roasted heirloom squash and ruby red beets. Save room for their take on the orange “creamscicle” that you grew up with.

South City Kitchen: Somewhat hidden away on Crescent Street, this is an upscale place to take your guests who want a taste of the South. They are open for lunch, brunch and dinner. Lunch is very affordable. I always have to get the crispy fried green tomatoes topped with goat cheese and a puree of red peppers called a coulis. They offer the classic southern staples like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, house-made pimento cheese, and my favorite, Charleston she crab soup.

Also noteworthy: Stroll up to Virginia Highland for Murphy’s or Noche Tapas.

Top photo: Joe’s on Juniper is a staple of Atlanta’s gay dining scene year-round, but will be particularly packed Pride weekend with those seeking a step up from festival fare. (by Bo Shell)

Sandwiches, salads and a recipe for romance

9/2/2011 12:00:00 AM

Try this recipe for hot liaisons before summer ends: Start at Alon’s Bakery & Market with an Asian BBQ salmon sandwich or roasted portobello on rosemary focaccia, with sauteed spinach, swiss cheese and basil pesto. Next add curried couscous salad or chickpea and feta salad and indulge with a big soft chocolate chunk pecan cookie.

Then grab a big quilt, some chilled pinot grigio, and citronella candles and head to Emory’s Lullwater Park with your date or partner to have a splendid twilight meal by the lake. But be careful: The impressive food, rising summer moon, chirping crickets, sparkling fire flies and candlelight might cause feelings of love to blossom. My best friend Alison did this and she and Ellie were together for two years.

Another 90-degree day, another burger joint opens. Last month saw the opening of 5 Napkin Burger at 10th and Piedmont. In July, Smashburger opened on Piedmont Road, and while a filling burger isn’t always crave worthy in the heat, Smash also has some very tasty salads.

We split the basic burger that is smashed on a hot flat griddle so you get thin char on the outside with a juicy interior. It’s the opposite of the backyard flame grill but still delicious. Ours came with melty American cheese and we added a zippy chipotle mayonnaise.

Each Smash location has a regional burger and the Atlanta burger sounded sinfully good with “Wicked Pimena cheese” and Vidalia coleslaw. I’ll wait for winter for that indulgence. A cobb salad is my go to summer salad and Smash makes a good one with chicken, bacon, and egg pulled together with a creamy buttermilk ranch. We also sampled the addictive sweet potato rosemary fries.

You’ve been good with salads and sandwiches, so now it’s dessert time. For ice cream, head to Morelli’s take out but beware of the long line. It’s worth it for Atlanta’s largest unusual selection of artisanal ice cream, with popular flavors including salted caramel or banana Moon Pie. I also sampled the coconut jalapeño which exploded like a tropical firework in my mouth. For something lighter they have excellent sorbets like pear and blackberry.

A newcomer on the block is Pie Shop located on Roswell Road, offering a constantly changing menu of classic and new fusion sweet and savory Southern pies. What does this mean? You can have a cool coconut cream pie or a savory bacon cheddar vidalia quiche or honeydew cheesecake with graham cracker crust – fierce! Go to Pie Shop and leave the oven off.

Alon’s Bakery & Market
1394 N. Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30306
www.alons.com

Smashburger
2625 Piedmont Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30324
www.smashburger.com

Morelli’s Ice Cream
749 Moreland Ave., Ste. B-102
Atlanta, GA 30316
www.morellisicecream.com

The Pie Shop
3210E Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
www.the-pie-shop.com

Top photo: Whether you prefer hearty fruit pies or cool meringue and cream, Pie Shop offers desserts to make your late summer meals complete. (via Facebook)

Perfect 10s for Double Zero

8/19/2011 12:00:00 AM

Sadly homophobia still exists even in the liberal service industry. We recently approached a notable restaurant about hosting our LGBT professional networking group and they refused.

We then anonymously asked if they would host a “straight” retirement party — same date, size and price point — and they accepted.  Why would you not want to host a group of professional LGBTs who are bar friendly?

But luckily, that wasn’t the case at Double Zero Napoletana on Roswell Road. Their response to hosting the Atlanta Executive Network and Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce last month was not chilly and elusive but extremely excited.

The event was a complete success. They provided light appetizers which you can order when you go. The base was their artisanal hearth-baked ciabatta bread – crusty on the outside with a soft, airy, almost sourdough interior. When you order the pizza you will enjoy the same hearth-baked bread.

How is the food? This is elevated Italian and Double Zero is sublime perfection in every way. We sampled crab stuffed sautéed calamari, vegetarian pasta tossed with a sherry mushroom cream and rich polenta baked in a cast iron skillet.

Double Zero also offers simple tomato basil and fresh mozzarella pizza which we paired with a fresh watermelon salad tossed with many other ingredients including carrots, turnips, candied pistachio nuts and porcini “dirt.” We split both and had a stellar meal for under $20.

Also noteworthy were seared scallops accompanied by a fennel and orange salad and my new favorite Lobster Pappardelle pasta — wide ribbons of scratch made pasta tossed with luxurious butter poached Main lobster, fresh corn, basil and a lobster wine sauce.

Double Z serves up a perfect juxtaposition between “down home” Southern Italian and chef-driven sophistication.

Double Zero Napoletana
5825 Roswell Road
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
www.doublezeroatl.com

— Rob Andrews

5 Napkin’s ‘butcher shop chic’

Located at the very gay corner of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, 5 Napkin Burger opened for dinner service on Monday, Aug. 15, and will add lunch and brunch services soon.

The extensive renovation of what was Nickiemoto’s has resulted in what 5 Napkin calls “butcher shop chic.” While some of the location’s old sushi regulars might recognize elements of the floor plan, the space is truly revamped and felt very cosmopolitan. According to the company, the restaurant will seat 100 inside and 40 outside.

Despite the heavy crowd for the preview dinner we attended, our reservation was filled promptly after a brief stop at the bar. Limited to specialty drinks and draft beer on opening night, we tried the frozen strawberry mojito, thyme lemonade and spicy watermelon drinks. Each was unique with fresh ingredients.

Looking over the appetizer menu, the three of us were quick to find several items that suited our tastes: hot spinach and artichoke dip with endives and french bread crostini, cornmeal crusted onion rings and a combo platter of sushi. Of the three apps, we’d recommend the dip as our favorite.

Each of the three of us ordered burgers: one “Original 5 Napkin Burger,” a bacon and cheddar burger and, for a twist, an ahi tuna burger. Prices ranged from $13.95 to $15.95.

The beef was rich and the toppings well-seasoned. The best of the three by far was the bacon and cheddar burger. Gourmet flavor? Absolutely. Best burger ever? We’ll let you decide.

We also tried three desserts — the cheesecake, the expresso brownie sundae and the chocolate milkshake — with the cheesecake rating at the top of our list.

5 Napkin Burger
990 Piedmont Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30309
www.5napkinburger.com/midtown-atlanta

— Bo Shell

Take a bite out of Midtown's new 5 Napkin Burger

8/12/2011 1:57:44 PM

Invited by local PR guru Bill Kaelin to the grand opening of 5 Napkin Burger, my friends and I were excited to try Atlanta's newest burger concept on the corner of 10th and Piedmont.

The extensive renovation of what was Nickiemoto's has resulted in what 5 Napkin calls "butcher shop chic." While some of the location's old sushi regulars might recognize elements of the floor plan, the space is truly revamped and felt very cosmopolitan.

According to the company, the restaurant will seat 100 inside and 40 outside. 5 Napkin Burger opens for dinner service on Monday, Aug. 15, and will add lunch and brunch services soon after.

Despite the heavy crowd, our reservation was filled promptly after a brief stop at the bar. Limited to specialty drinks and draft beer on opening night, we tried the frozen strawberry mojito, thyme lemonade and spicy watermelon drinks. Each was unique with fresh ingredients, but lacked the sweetness we expected with such fruity names, particularly the more-thyme-than-lemonade concoction.

We ran into 5 Napkin PR rep Michelle Gralitzer before we sat down. She told us that even though the restaurant's owners aren't gay, they were excited to be in the neighborhood and mentioned a particular interest in the street traffic.

Looking over the appetizer menu, the three of us were quick to find several items that suited our tastes: hot spinach and artichoke dip with endives and french bread crostini, cornmeal crusted onion rings and a combo platter of sushi.

A friend on the patio said she was surprised when she saw sushi was a part of the gourmet burger joint's menu, but our table thought it interesting, as a place like 5 Napkin could accommodate simple and more experienced palettes.

Of the three apps, we'd recommend the dip as our favorite, but unless you're specifically into endives, we'd suggest subbing for extra french bread.

Each of the three of us ordered burgers: one "Original 5 Napkin Burger," a bacon and cheddar burger and, for a twist, an ahi tuna burger. Prices ranged from $9.95 to $12.95.

When we asked the waiter to have the beef prepared to chef's suggestion, he said that it would be medium-rare with a cool center. Both of our beef eaters asked to have them prepared medium, which was still a little outside our comfort zones, but we agreed that we would eat our meals as close to the chef's recommendation as possible.

Our beef burgers were more rare than we would typically eat, but we could taste the potential in the beef, as it was rich and its toppings well-seasoned. The best of the three by far was the bacon and cheddar burger.

Gourmet flavor? Absolutely. Best burger ever? We’ll let you decide.

We tried three desserts — the cheesecake, the expresso brownie sundae and the chocolate milkshake — with the cheesecake rating at the top of our list.

We were truly excited to try everything we ordered at 5 Napkin and we love the location. When we return, we'll do things a little differently, particularly with the temperature of our beef, for an even better experience.

Let us know what you think after you try it.

Best of Atlanta: Eats

7/8/2011 12:00:00 AM

After two months of online balloting and thousands of votes cast, we present the best of the best — our second annual GA Voice Best of Atlanta winners.

The selection process began in May, when we asked you, our readers, to nominate your favorites for dozens of awards in the categories of Community, People, Places, Eats, Shopping, Arts & Entertainment and Nightlife.

The top three finalists in each category made it through to the next round of voting. For the month of June, a multiple-choice ballot asked you to pick among the finalists for who really represents the finest in LGBT Georgia.

Thanks to everyone who voted, and congratulations to all of the worthy winners and runners up.

EATS

Best Local Chef
Ria Pell (Ria’s Bluebird and Sauced)

They don’t come any more kick-ass than Ria Pell, the owner and chef at Ria’s Bluebird (www.riasbluebird.com) and Sauced (www.saucedatlanta.com). Pell has become a queer icon due to her creations in the kitchen, as well as celebrating the spicier side of the community through her leadership in Mondo Homo. Kevin Rathbun of Rathbun’s (www.rathbunsrestaurant.com) finished second, while third place went to Franky Capobianco from Capobianco’s Italian Bakery and N’awlins.

Best Breakfast
Ria’s Bluebird

After finishing third in last year’s voting, Ria’s Bluebird (www.riasbluebird.com) surged to first place as readers’ favorite breakfast spot. Dubbed by the New York Times as home of “The World’s Best Pancakes,” the hipster chic cafe has a cult following that continues to grow. Second place went to The Flying Biscuit (www.flyingbiscuit.com) and Radial Cafe (www.radial.us) rounded out the top three.

Best Asian
Doc Chey’s

LGBT Atlantans are doing their part to fill the world with “peace, love and noodles,” voting Doc Chey’s (www.doccheys.com) best Asian cuisine. From their adorable dim sum dishes to the Chinese, Japanese and Thai varieties on the menu, this local chain combines fresh food with a fresh experience. Last year’s champion Little Bangkok (www.littlebangkokatlanta.com) dropped to second place, while Noodle (www.noodlehouse.net) finished third.

Best Bakery
Highland Bakery

The creativity on display at Highland Bakery (www.highlandbakery.com) is outdone only by the deliciousness of the treats there. The artwork on the pastries at this year’s top bakery is sometimes so exquisite that one feels guilty eating it — but nothing soothes guilt like a sweet goodie! Southern Sweets (www.southernsweets.com) finished second, and Just Cake Atlanta (www.justcakeatlanta.com) took third.

Best Bar Food
Amsterdam

With a full-scale menu and a hip lunch hour, it’s no surprise that Amsterdam Atlanta (www.amsterdamatlanta.com) was voted the best food to munch on while at a bar. The video and sports bar/cafe has typical bar fare such as wings and nachos, as well as heartier options like grilled tilapia and ribeye steak. Burkhart’s (www.burkharts.com) and Woofs (www.woofsatlanta) finished second and third, respectively.

Best Brunch
Radial Cafe

Who knew green could taste so good? The folks at Radial Cafe (www.radial.us) did, and that’s why readers named them the best brunch spot. The eco-hip spot serves up delicious local and organic food, and even meat eaters fall in love with Radial’s inventive vegan options. Second place went to Gilbert’s
(www.gilbertscafe.com) and N’awlins finished third.

Best Dessert
Cafe Intermezzo

The reigning champion of sweets defended its crown, as Cafe Intermezzo (www.cafeintermezzo.com) once again claimed readers’ hearts as the best place for dessert. The delicacies and ambiance at Intermezzo combine to create an unmatched romantic experience, making it the perfect end to any date. Southern Sweets (www.southernsweets.com) was the runner-up, and Einstein’s (www.metrocafes.com/einsteins) finished third.

Best Late Night
The Majestic

You don’t become an Atlanta landmark without serving up sobering food to throngs of red-eyed revelers,  and our readers awarded The Majestic (www.majesticdiner.com) as the best late-night dining spot. The 24/7 eatery’s massive menu can satisfy any craving at any hour. The Cheshire Bridge Waffle House claimed second place, while third went to Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand (www.thesausagestand.com)

Best Mexican
Las Margaritas

The family vibe at Las Margaritas (www.lasmargaritasmidtown) makes it a reader favorite, with voters making it the top spot to grab Mexican food. The “family”-owned restaurant delivers eye candy that is just as appetizing as anything on the menu, and hosts several gay events throughout the week. No Mas! Cantina (www.nomascantina.com) finished second, and Holy Taco (www.holy-taco.com) third.

Best Outdoor/Patio
Joe’s on Juniper

There’s no better place for readers to enjoy outdoor cuisine than Joe’s on Juniper (www.metrocafes.com/joes-juniper), which won the category for the second year in a row. The Midtown eatery draws a lively crowd nearly every night of the week with its theme nights, and is often as cute as any club. Roxx took second place and Einstein’s (www.metrocafes.com/einsteins) finished third.

Best Italian/Pizza
La Tavola

When LGBT Atlantans are looking for a taste of Italy, they flock to La Tavola (www.latavolatrattoria.com). The Virginia-Highland restaurant went from third place in last year’s survey to the top of the podium in 2011 thanks to the way it combines upscale dining with affordabilty. Fellini’s Pizza (www.fellinisatlanta.com) and Sotto Sotto (www.sottosottorestaurant.com) finished second and third, respectively.

Most Romantic
One Midtown Kitchen

Tucked away behind Piedmont Park, One Midtown Kitchen (www.onemidtownkitchen.com) is our readers’ preferred spot for dinner-for-two. The flavors of one of Atlanta’s top restaurants seem to accentuate the intimacy, making One Midtown a perennial favorite for couples. Second place went to Apres Diem (www.apresdiem.com) and Parker’s on Ponce (www.parkersonponce.com) finished third.

Best Take Out/Delivery
Doc Chey’s

Doctors may no longer make house calls, but thank goodness the Doc does! The Asian fusion joint Doc Chey’s (www.doccheys.com) claimed top honors when it comes to eating out in the comfort of one’s home. Chin Chin (www.chinchinatlanta.com) nabbed second place, and Top Spice (www.topspiceatlanta.com) took third.

Best Vegetarian
MetroFresh

Vegetarians often feel ignored when dining out, but the whimsical menu at MetroFresh (www.metrofreshatl.com) always keeps them in mind. With new dishes featured every day, MetroFresh guarantees that vegetarians will enjoy unparalleled variety. Radial Cafe (www.radial.us) was the runner-up, and Cafe Sunflower (www.cafesunflower.com) finished third.

Best Value
Eats

When it comes to quick-and-dirty, no one does it better than Eats (www.eatsonponce.net). The low-frills joint is a favorite for LGBT diners to fill up on pasta or meat-and-threes for a reasonable price. Radial Cafe (www.radial.us) finished second, and Raging Burrito (www.ragingburrito.com) finished third.

Best Overall Restaurant
La Tavola

It’s hard to understand how La Tavola (www.latavolatrattoria.com) is able to provide such sophisticated flavors, wines and overall dining experience at such affordable prices. However, that magic is what makes the Italian spot our reader favorite. Second place went to Radial Cafe (www.radial.us) and Roxx finished third.

To photo: Chef Ria Pell came away with the title of Best Chef while her restaurant, Ria's Bluebird, picked up the honor of Best Breakfast (photo by Bo Shell)

Summer is the perfect time for a culinary road trip

6/24/2011 12:00:00 AM

What happened to spring? With temperatures soaring, we just had to get out of town, and the Atlantic coast is the perfect destination. If you’re single, on a budget and with friends, head to Savannah. But if you’re married, head to Saint Simons Island or Jacksonville, Fla. They aren’t that far, not that expensive and you can drive.

My parents live on Saint Simons Island so that’s where we vacationed. I am very lucky that my mother accepts and embraces my sexual orientation and my partner. If you want something gayer and more expensive, head further south to Fort Lauderdale or my favorite, Key West.

Longtime Atlanta residents might remember Indigo Coastal Grill and Partners, restaurants created by Alix Kenagy. Chef Kate Buchanan, Kenagy’s daughter, now has the most amazing, unique restaurant in downtown Brunswick, Ga. — Indigo Coastal Shanty.

Buchanan’s restaurant has a Southern/Caribbean flare with nods toward India and Morocco. Try the Bahamian Chicken Curry over sweet potato and kale or the “Charleston Sauté” – “shrimp & country ham with sweet peppers, onions, ripe tomatoes and filé gumbo over our creamy grits with a tumble of fried okra.” Buchanan also has changing daily chalkboard specials.

If you are younger and want to be more wild, go to Savannah and party at multi-level Club One. Remember “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”? This is where the Lady Chablis performed. It’s the coastal Backstreet and very fun, but I’m not in my 20s anymore so I like a good restaurant and conversation rather than pumping music and shots.

Start with a day at the beach at Tybee Island, and at night if you want exceptional food in Savannah, I highly recommend Garibaldi Cafe. It’s a gorgeous New Orleans/French/Southern Brasserie that is a quintessential genteel Savannah jewel.

In Savannah you can drink on the sidewalk but only with a plastic cup, so during my partner’s smoke break the nice efficient lesbian manager would pluck the glasses out of our hands and poor the devil’s elixir in plastic — we didn’t even realize it until we returned to our tables. I highly recommend the lobster fettuccini alfredo with sherry: fierce.

Also when in Savannah, try Jazz’d Tapas Bar. You can also visit River Street but it’s straight and touristy. When you tell restaurant people in Savannah that you are gay, they instantly love you. It’s fun to introduce myself and add “and this is my partner, Todd.” They always smile and say ,“Ohhhh.”

Despite our region’s reputation, most people in the South now view homophobia as akin to racism — it’s an ignorant way of thinking, so you and your partner should vacation where you want and you don’t have to spend a lot of money. Years ago I was so afraid to be with another man in a restaurant or other venue with mainly straight clientele and now I’m proud.

Top photo: Don’t let the laid-back, unassuming exterior fool you: Indigo Coastal Shanty in Brunswick, Ga., is home to amazing food from Chef Kate Buchanan. (via Facebook)

Celebrate summer’s return with great outdoor dining

6/10/2011 12:00:00 AM

I can’t believe I’m talking about patios again. Where did the year go? If you’ve had a long hard week then I suggest you reconnect with your partner or good friend at Anis Café & Bistro in Buckhead.

Anis has a long history and is a true Atlanta gem. It also has one of those rare patios in Atlanta that’s not on a busy street or parking lot and has no traffic noise. Sorry, I lived in Florida and Southern California and am an admitted patio snob.

The serene patio at Anis will transport you to the South of France. You’ll be surrounded by plants, greenery, and warm ambient lighting with French music to sound the scene. The good news is it’s not that expensive to have a transformative French experience and you’ll be at the Moulin Rouge doing the can can dance of flavor.

The servers are not very Parisian meaning there is no attitude. They are warm and congenial — so much so that when we told ours that we were celebrating our three-and-a-half year anniversary, she sent out two glasses of champagne and said we looked cute together.

We started with a crisp glass of pinot grigio and Anis’ signature plump briny mussels. Yes, I know everyone has mussels (insert gay joke) but this is where I first discovered them. They offer a rich broth of cream, garlic and white wine, served with a baguette. I really don’t know which is better: the mussels or the baguette dipped in the savory broth.

We then split fat, fresh, rich roasted Maine scallops with roasted sweet corn and Vidalia onions. We were stuffed and staring into each other’s eyes soaking in the romance. Reconnection.

Name your faves

So now that you know one of my favorite patios in Atlanta, what is yours? Voting is underway for the annual GA Voice Best of Atlanta awards, and the three finalists for Best Outdoor/Patio are Einstein’s, Roxx and Joe’s on Juniper, which took the honor last year.

Please visit Best of Atlanta voting to cast your vote for your favorite patio, plus other restaurant categories, as well as your favorites in nightlife, people, community, arts and entertainment and more.

Next bites

Have you been to Metro Fresh yet in the Midtown Promenade? On my most recent visit, I had an excellent salad with baby spinach, mango, crab meat, tomato and cilantro for only $4.75. I loved the vibrant mango and pure crab that was perfect for a 90-degree day. My partner had the roasted portabella sandwich with fresh mozzarella for only $6.25.

The menu changes daily so these items may not be available but there is always scratch-made and tasty fare. The meatloaf sandwich with goat cheese and tomato fondue sounded crave worthy, but we were there for lunch and I knew I would need a nap if I ordered it.

Metro Fresh has a nice patio surrounded by plants but we choose inside and air conditioner.

On another visit to Midtown Promenade, I enjoyed my favorite tofu, sprout and avocado sandwich at Mellow Mushroom next to Metro Fresh.

After that healthy meal, we headed to Zesto to indulge in a Brown Crown — an enormous cone of soft serve ice cream dipped in chocolate.

It featured dense good-quality frozen vanilla cream with a crispy chocolate coating for only $2.50. No air in this soft serve. The summer heat has begun.

Top photo: The signature mussels and the roasted Maine scallops (pictured) are two excellent choices to enjoy on the beautiful patio at Anis. (via Facebook)

From simple to exotic, Latin fare perfect for summer relaxing

5/27/2011 12:00:00 AM

I could eat Tex-Mex / Latin / Spanish food every day. There are so many derivatives and fusions of this type of cuisine so I don’t pretend to be an expert. All I know is that my years in San Diego showed me what authentic (and very bad) Latin fare can be.

I grew up in Atlanta with chain Tex-Mex (anybody remember Chi Chi’s?) and then in college spent years on the El Azteca patio on Ponce drinking those cheap pitchers of frozen margaritas that would make everyone hallucinate if you drank too much. Much older and wiser, my tastes have evolved.

With summer nearing, I can’t think of anything I want at the end of a long work week more than a big bowl of fresh chunky guacamole with cilantro and some warm salty corn chips; pair that with a good margarita made with white tequila, a breezy patio, chunky ruby-red salsa and you have a therapeutic experience.

We were in Inman Park near Pure Taqueria and decided to revisit. I like the patio because it’s not a parking lot patio, but I really wish the inside tables weren’t so close and I don’t like the uncomfortable elementary school chairs. I’ve had many fish tacos around town and Pure’s are an excellent version with a large portion of crispy white fish, poblano slaw and my favorite vibrant green tomatillo salsa, served with smoky non-tired refried beans with crumbled cotija cheese.

If you want the real deal head to any number of places on our international Buford Highway. However there is one little bohemian deconstructed gem near the Prado on Roswell Road called El Taco Veloz which is perfect for lunch. There are no pre-made corporate mixes here.

I have yet to find a cheap carne asada (charbroiled steak) burrito as good as I had in Southern California, but the one at El Taco Veloz is excellent. Order it with sour cream in the burrito and you’ll get smoky spiced grilled thin-sliced beef with warm sour cream, then visit the salsa bar for the avocado crema. The veggie chile relleno burrito is also excellent – a mild stuffed pepper with cheese and cilantro. Once you eat here you’ll see what true “street” Mexican is and question going to the “Bell.” I also like Chipotle on Ponce; it’s cheap and fresh plus you get very filled up.

Atlanta has many Latin restaurants driven by talented chefs. If you are ready to graduate from cliché Tex-Mex then visit Agave, described as eclectic Southwestern. Agave marched in Atlanta Pride.

Agave is slightly more expensive but once you try the New Mexico Hatch Green Chile Stew, it will all be worth it. We usually order two appetizers, share an entrée and spend around $35 including a 20 percent tip. That’s not a bad price for such unique cuisine.

I ordered the stew with a gorgeous red chile marinated pork and shredded smoked chicken breast burrito for $12. We started with mussels steamed in red chile citrus wine broth with warm scratch-made tortillas to dip in the broth. Agave also has one of the best distinctive vegetarian menus in the city like Blue Corn Enchiladas with fresh veggies, chilies, corn salsa, and southwest guajillo and tomatillo sauces.

You’ll enter and see the gothic brick hearth, the bold exposed brick. The tree-lined patio is not your stock Atlanta busy street variety. It’s like eating in a 1,000 year old church in Spain and the perfect romantic date destination. The medieval décor and fresh passion fruit margarita might make you lean into your date and confess all your sins.

Top photo: Enjoy the relaxing patio and delicious dishes at Pure Taqueria in Inman Park. (Publicity photo)