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.