Straits793 Juniper Street
Atlanta, GA 30308
404-877-1283
M-Sat open at 5
Sunday Brunch 11-3
http://www.straitsrestaurants.com/
What can I say besides "YEAH!" With Straits Restaurant's opening, Atlanta superstar Ludacris and Chef Chris Yeo have struck San Francisco gold right here in midtown Atlanta.
Take a look at Chris "Ludacris" Bridges' bio, and you may be awestruck by all of his accomplishments. Personally, I adore his amazingly catchy songs, thought his acting was great in Crash, and love that he has collaborated with another of my favorite artists, Kylie Minogue. But Luda has even more creativity to share, as evidenced by the success of his wonderful new Singaporean restaurant, Straits. Ludacris was so impressed by Chef Yeo's Straits location in California that he just had to bring it to Atlanta for all of us to enjoy. Thanks, Luda!
My husband Dan and I dined at Straits recently, and we both agreed that the cuisine and the atmosphere were phenomenal. Not to mention that we got to meet Ludacris and Chef Yeo! We also met the sous chef, who was very pleasant and charming as well. Decor, I would describe as modern Asian done in lush, varied textures, with a theme of dark burgundy.
Kung Pao Chicken Lollipops at Straits
Okay, I did not think that I would be the type to be starstruck, but I was. Luckily, I was brave enough to say something when Ludacris checked on us. My husband talked to Luda about the cuisine. I managed to stammer out that I loved his earrings. They must have been 100 carats. Seriously! And I got his autograph!! We got to meet Ludacris' mom, too. It was her birthday, and it was really wonderful that she took the time to make sure we were enjoying ourselves.
Anyway, by talking with Ludacris, we discovered that his favorite dish at Straits are the Kung Pao Chicken Lollipops pictured above. We tried some, and they were delectable. Much neater than a chicken wing! I never eat chicken wings because they are so messy. We also had Roti Prata and Samosas for our appetizers, Indian dishes that were familiar, yet updated in Chef Yeo's talented hands. See, that's why this Singaporean thing is so great. You can have Indian, Chinese, and Malaysian food all at the same restaurant!
We tried a Passion Fruit Margarita that was refreshing and sweet, and some lovely Sauvignon Blanc. Other dishes we tried (all exquisite) were Mix Satay, Vegetarian Egg Rolls, Seafood Curry, Lobster Pad Thai, Tamarind Beef, and Crispy Whole Chicken. Dan told Ludacris that his favorite was the Tamarind Beef. It was fantastic. It was tangy, rich, and cooked perfectly. Sauces at Straits are some of the best I have ever had. There were chili sauces and yellow and green curries.
The Lobster Pad Thai was another stand-out (see below). And our dessert was delicious, too! We had a French Kiss - strawberry ice cream with chocolate cake and strawberry sauce. I joked with Dan that the French Kiss meant that Ludacris would come out and kiss you. This upscale, gorgeously-decorated restaurant is already a hotspot on the Atlanta dining scene. I will definitely be back for dinner and to try the Sunday brunch. I would recommend it to anyone. And who knows, if you go, you just may see Ludacris, too!
Lobster Pad Thai at Straits
Chili Crab at Straits
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