NM Cafe at Neiman Marcus

My mother and I visited the remodeled NM Cafe at Neiman Marcus, Lenox Square Mall for lunch on 12/22/2007. It's a tradition for us to lunch at Neiman Marcus, so we have been dying to try the updated cafe. I prayed that they hadn't changed our favorite touches.

Well, they kept the best of the old and changed many things for the better. A cup of broth is still served with delicious popovers and strawberry butter - so melt in your mouth. The location is also the same, on the bottom floor of Neiman's. The decor is totally different, though. It used to be very traditional, but now it's cheerfully modern - a welcome change.

We selected four cheese fondue for our appetizer - served with croutons and vegetables for dipping. The fondue was rich and scrumptious, resembling the flavor of cheddar cheese toast. My entree was the crab cake sandwich, and my mom had the spare rib plate. We enjoyed both dishes, and my favorite part were the tiny shoestring fries served Belgian-style.

Service was excellent, everything was posh yet casual. I recommend it to anyone. Next time I would like to try some of their special drinks, including Mint Julep Tea and Peach Tea, or dozens of specialty cocktails. Fabulous! 10 out of 10 for best casual lunch.

- Rebecca

Nan Thai Fine Dining - Review

Nan Thai Fine Dining

1350 Spring St.

Atlanta, GA 30309

404-870-9933

http://www.nanfinedining.com/

(at 17th Street)

Chris and Rachel visited Nan for dinner on 12/4/2007.

What did you order? How was your food?

Chau Moung appetizer – Minced Chicken dumplings - Good
Tom Kha Kung – Coconut Chicken and Shrimp soup - Good
Panang Chicken Curry - Awesome. Top 2 in Atlanta


Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?

Service was impeccable.

What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?


Décor was great. Very contemporary, but warm. Waitresses are stylishly dressed yet in theme.

Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

It’s pricey…but you pay for the service and atmosphere.


On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.
This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food 9 • Quick bite • Family-friendly

• Outdoor • Romantic • Special occasion

I still prefer Aunt Annie's Thai Castle in Buckhead, but maybe that’s because it’s where I first tried both coconut chicken soup and Panang Chicken. You get a large serving at both restaurants, though.

Foodies Update

My cat, Nibbler, in the Christmas tree.












Dessert display at Taste of Atlanta




Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to explain my temporary absence. I have two more weeks in this semester at USF Online (three huge projects left), and then I will finish my Taste of Atlanta post and add more Foodies Reviews. I hate neglecting this blog, but my GPA is my priority. The good news is that I will graduate with my MLS in May! Hooray!

Meanwhile, my chef husband is cooking almost every day at the country club where he is employed, and he still loves it. He tells me that cooking is a profession you really have to love since it's so labor-intensive. Luckily, my dad made a southern-style Thanksgiving feast for our family, complete with yams and cornbread. Hope you had a fantastic Atlanta Thanksgiving!

Taste of Atlanta - 2007

I attended Taste of Atlanta on October 14, 2007 with my mom. Here are some photos from our culinary adventure. We had a wonderful time - an amazing food festival!

The Cafe at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

The Cafe at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead
(By Lenox Mall)
3434 Peachtree Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-237-2700

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Buckhead/Dining/Default.htm


Rebecca M. ate a late lunch at The Cafe with her husband and parents.

What did you order? How was your food?

All had an excellent Merlot. My mom had Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho, Dan, Dad and I had Lobster Bisques. 2 Steaks au Poivre, 2 Steaks with Hollandaise. A la carte sides. Everything was delicious - steaks cooked perfectly. Ketchup and mayonnaise were presented in small, personal bottles.

I brought my wedding cake with me, and for a $25 fee , they cut it and plated it beautifully.


Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?

Service was impeccable. Multiple servers made sure our drinks were always full and we had everything we needed.


What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

The Café is lovely – very elegant with paneled wood and pretty upholstered chairs. The carpet is a dark pattern. Water is served in blue goblets.


Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

Yes. If you are going to dine at a fine restaurant, why not go to the Ritz? It matches or surpasses other comparable restaurants, and it has added cachet. Also at this location - The Dining Room - arguably the best restaurant in Atlanta.


On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.
This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food 10 • Family-friendly 8
• Romantic 9 • Special occasion 10

Review of Daddy D'z BBQ Joint

Daddy D’z BBQ Joint
264 Memorial Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30312
In Historic Grant Park
404-222-0206
http://daddydz.com/
Live Blues Music on Weekends

Chris R. ate breakfast at Daddy D'z on 8/11/2007.


What did you order? How was your food?

½ Ribs plate, with Mac and Cheese, Broccoli Casserole, Cornbread and spicy BBQ Sauce.

Ribs were pretty good. A little on the fatty side, and they tasted almost like dark meat… which I’ve never experienced with ribs. I liked the BBQ sauce, sweet and spicy. Cornbread was dry and stale.


Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?

Service was good. Owner was very attentive and helpful.

What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Décor was good. Exactly what you want out of a BBQ joint.


Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

I ended up spending about $17 with drink…so it was a little pricey…

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.
This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply).

• Good food 7.5 • Quick bite • Family-friendly

• Outdoor • Romantic • Special occasion

Summarize your experience in this restaurant.

Yes, I had ribs for breakfast. I will definitely be back, though, to try the pork plate.

Review of KC Pit BBQ

KC Pit BBQ
234 Hilderbrand Dr.
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
404-459-6497
http://www.kkcpitbbq.com/
(Cool Website!)

Chris R. ate lunch with three co-workers at KC Pit BBQ on 7/12/2007.


What did you order? How was your food?

Ribs – just ok. Very, very sweet, as was the coleslaw, and baked beans. I'm not sure if it’s a KC thing, but I'm not a huge fan.

What did your companions order? How was their food?

Beef BBQ Plate. OK.

Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

Average.

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.
This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply).

• Good food 7 • Quick bite • Family-friendly

• Outdoor • Romantic • Special occasion

Summarize your experience in this restaurant.

Wasn’t impressed. I tried it because it was on the BBQ Quest: Kissed by Fire show, but to be fair I didn’t have the pulled pork which I’ve been having everywhere else so I’ll prob have to go back to truly compare…right now Williamson's Bros. is on top of the list.

Review of The Vortex Bar & Grill, Little Five Points

The Vortex Bar & Grill
Little Five Points Location
438 Moreland Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30307
www.thevortexbarandgrill.com









Chris R. ate lunch with his mother at The Vortex on Saturday, July 28th.


What did you order? How was your food?

Great Big Jerk Burger and ‘tater tots. Burger was overcooked and dry. Taters were delicious! Tots are the next French Fry…mark my words…


What did your companions order? How was their food?

Turkey Buffalo Blue Cheese Burger – She enjoyed it.


Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received? What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Service was pretty terrible. I think the hostess and bartender pride themselves on being as rude as possible. Maybe it's part of the atmosphere, or maybe I am getting old, but completely unnecessary nevertheless. Blonde-haired waitress was genuinely nice though…


Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

Yeah – roughly $10 a burger with one side.

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.
This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food 5.5 • Quick bite 7 • Family-friendly 2

• Outdoor • Romantic 4 Special occasion


Summarize your experience in this restaurant.

Won’t be back – there are too many good burger joints in Atlanta to waste my time at The Vortex.

Review of Figo Pasta

Figo Pasta
(Osteria del Figo)
http://www.figopasta.com/












Chris R. and Rachel dined at Figo on 7/26/2007


What did you order? How was your food?

Braised Pork Ravioli with Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Sauce and Garlic) It was pretty good and really cheap. $4 for the pasta, then $4 for the sauce. I wish I had gotten the FunghiWild Mushrooms in Cream Sauce , instead. Also had the Insalata di Spinaci - Baby Spinach topped with Goat Cheese, Raisins, Honey Balsamic Walnut Vinaigrette.


What did your companions order? How was their food?

Spinach Fettucine with Pollo (Chicken and Bell Peppers in Spicy Tomato Sauce)

REALLY good…we both like hers better.


Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received? What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Service was great! Quick and friendly. Décor was non – imposing.


Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

Absolutely


On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.
This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply).

• Good food 10 • Quick bite 9 • Family-friendly 8

• Outdoor • Romantic • Special occasion


Summarize your experience in this restaurant.

I know Im a little behind the ball on this restaurant, but it did live up to the hype. I am not a huge pasta eater, but I will definitely be back.

Review of Harold's Barbecue

Harold's Barbecue (Closed)

McDonough Location

1352 McDonough Pl.

McDonough, GA 30253

770-898-3635

http://www.haroldsbarbecue.com/

Chris R. ate lunch at Harold's Barbecue on 6/28/2007.

What did you order? How was your food?

Pulled Pork plate with fries, cornbread and Brunswick Stew. Conbread and stew were good, have to say the pulled pork, although its carved right in front of you, was a little dry.

Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received? What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Service was friendly and rapid. Décor was great….ideal dive seemingly in the middle of nowhere…It's got fire pits inside so its smell amazing.

Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

Yes…

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.
This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food 8 • Quick bite 8 • Family-friendly

• Outdoor • Romantic • Special occasion

Summarize your experience in this restaurant.

Good…I’d go back if I was in the area.

Review of Toast

TOAST (Closed)
817 W. Peachtree St., Ste. E-125
Atlanta, GA 30308
(In Midtown, connected to The Biltmore)
404-815-9243

http://www.toastrestaurant.com/

Our reviewer ate at Toast with a friend on Wednesday, 8/8/2007.

What did you order? How was your food?

Last night, Shannon and I went for the $5.00 burger and chips, or you can get their jalapeno coleslaw. The burgers are cooked outside on a grill, and then you can go up and load it with tomatoes, onions, delicious blue cheese, American cheese, pickles, lettuce, ketchup, mustard and mayo. Delicious burger for only $5.00 - CHEAP!!!

Their usual menu is not this casual, but they are doing the burger thing every Wednesday from 5-8. I’m not sure how long they will be doing this, so you'd better check it out soon. They have other specials going on on other nights, but I can’t remember what the signs said.


What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Very clean, contemporary interior and great patio, although it was way too hot to sit outside last night.


Summary:

I’ve eaten there several times and have always enjoyed my food and cocktails. I will definitely be going back!!!

Review of FUEGO Spanish Grill

FUEGO Spanish Grill
1136 Crescent Ave.
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(In Midtown off of Peachtree)
Phone: 404.389.0660
Fax: 404.389.0662
Email: connie@fuegocafe.com
www.fuegocafe.com





Erinn Lowe and her husband, Mike, dined at Fuego on 8/4/2007.



What did you order? How was your food?

Several tapas dishes including fried grouper, empanadas, grilled shrimp and vegetables. We split everything. Very tasty!


Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?


Everything was very good. they have wonderful complimentary bread served with an excellent olive tapenade.

What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

It is very romantic with candlelight, but lively. They also have live Spanish music.


Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

Yes. You can mix and match dishes, and most tapas range from 4 to 8 dollars.


This restaurant is best for

• Good food
• Romantic

Summary:

Very fun restaurant with great food. It can be romantic, or just an enjoyable evening out with friends.

Review of Top Floor (TOP FLR)

Top Floor in Midtown
674 Myrtle St.
(Intersection of Ponce de Leon & Myrtle St.)
Atlanta, GA 30308
404-685-3110









Becca and Kristy dined at Top Floor on 8/3/2007.

What did you order? How was your food?

Kristy and I ordered Stella Artois to drink. We started our meal with an Artisan Cheese Plate. It was served on an attractive, modern dish presented at an angle. The cheese plate was delicious and included an exquisite, airy blue cheese; shallots; a mild layered-goat cheese; peppercorn relish; and a French cow's milk cheese that resembled cheddar. Kristy thought the peppercorns were an acquired taste, but loved everything else.

For our entrees and sides, I had Hanger Steak with Potato Gnocchi. My steak was tender and cooked perfectly, garnished with a sprig of thyme. The gnocchi was scrumptious! I am a comfort food fan, so the buttery but complex flavor of the gnocchi and cherry tomatoes was just what I wanted with the steak.

Kristy ordered Grilled Salmon with Asparagus and Tomatoes. She said it was cooked to perfection. The salmon was topped with olives, onions, and capers. She detected a light basil taste as well, and overall found the entire dish to have a fascinating mix of flavors.

Top Floor's dessert menu is a lot of fun. There is a truffle list, filled with interesting choices, and a nightly chocolate dessert menu. The Chef de Patisserie, Taria, creates these delights. Kristy tried the Boca Negra, a flourless chocolate cake served with tobacco-infused ice cream, and I had the Raspberry Mud Cake.

My dessert was very tasty. It came with a scoop of chocolate ice cream and a generous portion of sauce. Kristy's flourless chocolate cake was the crowning moment of the evening, though. Our hats off to Chef Taria for her perfect dessert! Kristy was so enthralled that she exclaimed, "I cheated on my fiance with this cake!"

Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?

Service was great. Everyone at Top Floor is friendly and attentive. The Chef de Patisserie and the owner checked on us to make sure we were enjoying everything.


What do you think of the decor and atmosphere?

Decor is trendy and chic. Menus and tables are cream with black-edging. Small candles dot the room and the windowsills. Gorgeous Asian-inspired murals adorn the walls, and one wall is black with a damask pattern straight out of Edgar Allen Poe. A pleasant atmosphere.


Was this a good value?

Yes, Top Floor serves cutting-edge cuisine at a reasonable price.



This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)


* Trendy
* Good food
* Outdoor
* Romantic
* Special occasion

Summary

Kristy: Amazing! 10/10

Becca: Lovely! 9.5/10 for cutting-edge cuisine.

Reviewed by Rebecca M.

Review of World Peace Cafe

World Peace Cafe
227 Sandy Springs Pl., NE
Suite 302
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
404-256-2100
http://www.worldpeacecafeatlanta.com/

Becca M. ate lunch here on 7/28/2007.

What did you order? How was your food?

Let me start by saying that this was my second experience at a vegetarian restaurant (the first was The Soul Vegetarian- very good). There are many vegan options, as well as ovo-lacto options. The Cafe also hosts inspiring discussion events and brunches. See their website for info.

I had the Grilled Polenta Cake with Eggplant Caponata and a side salad with creamy lemon dressing. I washed it down with a Guayaki Yerba Mate organic tea, Empower Mint flavor.

I definitely enjoyed my entree and salad. The polenta was tasty - I love anything made from corn, and the dressing was tangy and mild. The caponata topping was delicious; it contains eggplant, pistachios, olives, capers, and raisins. The bottled tea was expensive, but had a unique, minty flavor. If it also improves my vitality, clarity, and well-being as the label says, then it was worth it. I would like to try some of their other menu items next time I go.


Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received? What do you think of the decor and atmosphere?

Service was good. I ordered at the counter and was given a metal stand with a pretty flower card at the top with a number on it. In a few minutes, a very nice, informative gentleman brought me my meal. I asked him several questions, and was surprised to hear that this location is the only U.S. location. There are also locations in Hong Kong and Vienna!

The decor is very cute. Large red and white paper lanterns move gracefully in the breeze above you, and the atmosphere is cheerful and peaceful.


This restaurant is best for...


Good Food, Quick Bite, Family Friendly

8/10 for a vegetarian, peaceful lunch.

Review of Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q

Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q
1600 Marietta Hwy.
Canton, GA 30114
770-345-9067
(The other location is near the Big Chicken in Marietta)
http://www.realpagessites.com/williamsonbros/index.html

Chris R. ate lunch here with eight other guests on 6/15/2007.

What did you order? How was your food?

BBQ Pork Platter -- Incredible! I've been on a BBQ tear lately, trying just about every place I can find in Metro Atlanta, and for Pork BBQ, Williamson Bros. is the current leader. I've still got a few more places to try, then I will get back to you with my list.

Do you consider this a good value?

Yes.

This restaurant is best for...

Good food - 10

SERIOUSLY GOOD BARBEQUE!

Review of Lobster Bar at Chops

Lobster Bar at Chops
70 West Paces Ferry Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30305
404-262-2675
www.buckheadrestaurants.com/chops.html

Erinn Lowe went to Lobster Bar at Chops with her husband, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and assistant on 7/18/2007. Chops is located on West Paces Ferry in Buckhead.

What did you order? How was your food?

Filet mignon. It was excellent.

What did your companions order? How was their food?

Filet mignon, excellent as well.

Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received? What do you think of the decor and atmosphere?

Everthing at Lobster Bar was exceptional; servers were very attentive, the decor was gorgeous. Overall, this was a good value for the price.

This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food • Quick bite • Family-friendly

• Outdoor • Romantic • Special occasion

Review of Doc Green's

Doc Green's - Salads & Grill
Perimeter Location
4511 Olde Perimeter Way, Ste. 800
Atlanta, GA 30346
http://www.docgreens.com/

Reviewed by S. S.

What did you order? How was your food?
What did your companions order? How was their food?


I had the California Chicken Panini. Very good, lots of flavor.

I also had a side salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The salad was not the best. It could have been colder and the lettuce didn’t seem very fresh. They could have left some of the cucumbers off as well. It was soaked in dressing.

Friend had a salad with steak and they said it was very good.













On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.

7/10


This restaurant is best for -

• Quick Bite


Summary:

Overall, it was a good meal and I enjoyed sitting out on the patio. There was ample opportunity for people-watching.

Review of Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill

Smokey Bones
Barbeque & Grill
Kennesaw Location
2475 George Busbee Pkwy.
Kennesaw, GA 30144








Our reviewer visited Smokey Bones with three other guests on July 19, 2007.

What did you order? How was your food?

All ordered the pulled pork BBQ plate, various side items including french fries, asparagus, onion rings. Child's order included grilled cheese and cinnamon apples.

The BBQ is delicious and the serving is plentiful! I only finished 1/2 my order and took the remainder home for lunch tomorrow. The onion rings taste like they are cooked in a beer batter and they are first rate. Even the children's grilled cheese was better than you would make at home. Try mixing the bbq sauces at the table (sweet and tangy mustard).


Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received? What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

We had excellent service. Young college-age server, referred to us as "friends", very cheerful, made us smile.

The decor at Smokey Bones is like a Colorado ski lodge...large wooden columns, fire pit when you walk in, and it also serves as a semi-sports bar with lots of TVs and a box on your table to control station/volume.

Smokey Bones is great for family meals and good food quality.

Review of Twist

Twist
In Phipps Plaza
3500 Peachtree Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30326
http://www.heretoserverestaurants.com/

Chris and Rachel visited Twist for dinner on Thursday, 5/10/2007.

What did you order? How was your food?

Steamed Mussels with Creamy White Wine Broth,
Applewood Smoked Bacon & Grilled Bread – Good, 8 out of 10 on my Mussels ranking.

Langosta- fried lobster tail, avocado, Jimmy's sauce, mango, red tobiko,
Teriyaki Glaze – Don’t know what Jimmy does to his sauce but its incredible! 10 out of 10. In my top 3 sushi rolls in the city.

What did your companions order? How was their food?

Tomahawk- tuna, avocado, cucumber, topped with eel, teriyaki glaze – Good.

Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received? What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Not exceptionally good or bad.

Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

It’s a little on the pricey side, but gourmet sushi has routinely become $12 a roll, so not abnormal.

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.
This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good Food 9 • Quick Bite • Family-Friendly

• Outdoor 9.5 • Romantic • Special Occasion

Review of Nava

NAVA

3060 Peachtree Rd
Atlanta, GA 30305
404-240-1984
http://www.buckheadrestaurants.com/nava.html











On 5/19, Chris R. and Rachel went to Nava for a birthday dinner.


What did you order? How was your food?

Appetizer: White Corn Asiago Nachos, Hickory Fired Chicken, Queso Cotija Fundido - delish

Wanted the Ancho Chile Grilled Flatiron Steak, Fire Roasted Onions, Chipotle BBQ, but unfortunately they had changed their menu/chef and no longer carried it, so, I got a Ribeye Steak with Roasted Red Pepper Polenta Fries, of course it was really good.

What did your companions order? How was their food?

Red Snapper with Roast Garlic-Chipotle Whipped Potatoes (Not on the online menu…which I think is outdated) She liked it.

Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?

Good, really good. Waiter was genuine and honest. Very new, and seemed a little nervous, but knew the items and could offer knowledgeable suggestions (even told us about the specials which “weren’t very special so you should stick to the menu!"). Definitely a breath of fresh air in such a stuffy restaurant.

What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Very cool.

Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

You pay for the high quality food, service and atmosphere...

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.
This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food 9 • Quick bite • Family-friendly

• Outdoor • Romantic 9 • Special occasion 9

Was a little disappointed that not only could we not make a reservation for the patio, but we also dropped the fact that it was Rachel’s birthday, and neither the hostess nor the waiter took much notice.

Taste of Sandy Springs

The first annual Taste of Sandy Springs was held on May 21st. The festival showcased Sandy Springs restaurants and businesses on a stretch of Sandy Springs Circle. I was lucky enough to get a gift certificate for ten tickets, worth $20. Each ticket could be exchanged for a sample plate from a restaurant booth. My mother and I had a ball tasting the large variety of dishes. Everything was actually really good. Following is a description of our taste adventure.









Artuzzi’s Italian Kitchen – 7.5

http://www.artuzzis.com/
At this booth, we tried a meatball sub and a cannoli. The bread on the sub was fresh and tasted great, a very good sub overall; and the cannoli was excellent. No pic, sorry!


Boneheads – 7.5

http://www.eatboneheads.com/
The Boneheads booth had a choice of peel and eat shrimp and lemon piri piri chicken. I chose the chicken, which was served with rice and was available in medium or hotter spice levels. I got medium, which was spicy but edible without much discomfort. The piri piri chicken was really good.












Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar - 8


http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/
Fleming’s booth offered Seared Ahi Tuna plates. The tuna was flavorful and a bit salty, served with carrot salad, wasabi, and ginger-mustard sauce. It was pretty good.














Garrison’s Broiler & Tap – 9


http://www.garrisonsatlanta.com/
One of my favorite samples – Asian Chicken Salad. Presentation was really cute in a Chinese Takeout container with chopsticks. The sweet, tender chicken was scrumptious, the cabbage crisp and refreshing. It was topped with a wasabi dressing. Great dish!














Sultan’s Lebanese & Turkish Cuisine – 8.5


The gentleman at this booth was very charming – he thought that it was strange that I said he was “sweet.” (He gave me all three options for the price of one ticket). There was kibby, spinach pie, and Mediterranean meat pie. I looked up kibby, and my source said that the “basic ingredients of Bulghur, Meat, Onions, Nuts and Spices are all common.” It was similar to falafel, but had a more spiced flavor. Very good. The pies were both delicious - the spinach pie was a little sour. I had never tasted that exact flavor before, but it was not overpowering, and my mom and I both liked it.





Nothing But Noodles – 9


http://www.nothingbutnoodles.com/
So tasty! We were served Basil Pesto bowtie pasta. Here is the description from their website – “Basil Pesto - Farfalle pasta tossed with fresh mushrooms, tomatoes and our original basil pesto cream sauce. Garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan and Romano cheese. (Sauce contains walnuts.)” I was expecting a plain, adequate flavor, but this dish surprised me with its buttery, exquisite pesto flavor. I definitely recommend it!








Joli Kobe Bakery & Bistro – 8

http://www.jolikobe.com/
This extremely popular restaurant had a beautiful display offering ravioli, wild mushroom crepes, duck confit, and a plethora of cookies and mini-pies. Everything looked delicious. We tried the duck confit rillettes on toast. Duck is not a personal favorite, but I did enjoy the dish. The toast was crunchy, a perfect complement to the tender duck, and red pepper slices added a nice touch of color.






Singha Thai – 8.5

This booth was wonderfully decorated with carved roses and lovely Thai food. We chose satay chicken with peanut sauce. It was really good! This simple dish was served on a stick and we had nothing bad to say about it.

Meehan’s Public House – 8.5

http://www.meehansalehouse.com/
Meehan’s Public House presented two dishes, slider burgers and ahi tuna tostadas. We tried the slider burgers. The website reads, “101 Slider Burgers - Tomato Jam, Boursin Cheese, Bread n Butter Pickle.” They were good, but I preferred mine without the large, sweet pickle on it. My mom was fine with it, though. I plan to visit this pub because it seems upscale and has an Irish theme.

Taste of Sandy Springs was so much fun! I can't wait to go next year!