1/21/08

Los Bravos

Los Bravos
Mexican Restaurant
2155 Roswell Rd., NE
Marietta, GA 30062
770-565-8919













Dan and Becca visited Los Bravos on Friday, 1/18/2008 for dinner.

What did you order? How was your food?

I ordered a vegetarian plate with a quesadilla, tostada, and a burrito. My plate was delicious and very cheesy. Dan ordered tamales and enchiladas served with rice and beans. Los Bravos' tamales are the bomb. We also got monster mango margaritas - nice and strong.


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

We have been here many times, and service is always cordial and prompt.


What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Decor at Los Bravos is better than the average neighborhood Mexican restaurant, more classy and colorful. Atmosphere is festive.


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

Yes, we spent only $25, and the drinks were strong.


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 great for a local Mexican restaurant. I give it an 8 for local Mexican restaurant.


This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food • Quick bite • Family-friendly • Outdoor • Romantic • Special occasion

La Madeleine French Bakery on Urbanspoon

1/12/08

MALAYA

Malaya

Thai, Malaysian & Chinese Cuisine
857 Collier Rd., NW, Suite 10
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-609-9991/404-609-9892
Order Online at
http://www.allmenus.com/






Rebecca shared carry-out ordered online from Malaya with her parents on 1/12/2008.

What did you order? How was your food?

We ordered two entrees - Kari Ayam Malaya (Malaysian Curry Chicken) with steamed rice, and Pan Fried Egg Noodle. The Malaysian Curry Chicken was fantastic. It is a traditional, homestyle Malaysian curry with potatoes, onions, and string beans. If you dine in, it's served in a claypot. The flavor was exquisite, and it was only mildly spicy. It tasted similar to Thai curry, but Malaysia has its own distinct curry ingredients. According to Wikipedia, "Malaysian curry powders are now much sought-after internationally."

Pan Fried Egg Noodle is a plentiful helping of crispy egg noodles served with chicken, beef, snow peas, nappa, carrots, and broccoli in a clear brown sauce. This dish was also delicious and enjoyed by all. Four sweet bean dumplings were included for dessert, as well as fortune cookies. The entire meal was excellent.

How was the service? What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

When I picked up the order, I was greeted cheerfully. The man who helped me was very polite and friendly. The decor is pretty and traditional, and creates a warm Southeast Asian atmosphere.

Do you consider this a good value? If no, why not?

Yes. This is a mid-priced restaurant with entrees starting around $8. Mine both cost $9.25. The quantity of the food was generous.

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.

10 out of 10 for Malaysian, Thai and Chinese Cuisine

This restaurant is best for...

Good food, Take-out, Family-friendly, Romantic, Special occasion

One sentence summary:

Malaya offers delicious Asian Cuisine at affordable prices, and its easily accessible location near I-75, plus its online ordering option, should ensure the continued success of this Malaysian, Thai and Chinese gem.



Malaya on Urbanspoon

1/6/08

The Melting Pot - New Year's Eve Review

The Melting Pot - Kennesaw Location














My husband, Dan (the Le Cordon Bleu grad), and I went to The Melting Pot's New Year's Eve event at the Kennesaw Location for my birthday (12/31). We had been once before for my college graduation party and had enjoyed it. So, here is my review!

What did you order? How was your food?

The menu was prix fixe. The restaurant offered five courses - an amuse bouche, an appetizer, a salad, an entree, and dessert. We also got the wine pairings option which gave us four wine pairings. The amuse bouche was a shrimp cocktail. We both liked it and thought the cocktail sauce was great. The wine pairing was a Gewurztraminer, one of Dan's favorites, and was matched well. Second was the entree; garlic herb cheddar fondue with a variety of breads, vegetables, and Granny Smith apples for dipping.

Fondue is the essence of The Melting Pot's experience - this is Chuck E. Cheese for grownups. You play with your food, and it's delicious. Plus, you get to watch the server mix in all the ingredients.

Salads were fresh and very good. The entree was a selection of meats - lobster tail, filet mignon, sirloin, pork, and pesto chicken. We chose coq au vin for the cooking style, and several sauces were also provided for dipping, as well as more vegetables. The entree was probably the best part, we had so much fun losing the pieces of meat and finding them with the "search and rescue" slotted spoon. The entree also came with a wine pairing.

The dessert was Snickers fondue with brownies, oreo-covered marshmallows, cheesecake, and strawberries. Very chocolaty and delicious. The wine pairing was port. I don't know how we ate dessert after all of the other courses!



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

The service was excellent once we got seated. There was a gift bag on our table with free spices, white chocolate fondue, and coupons. A fantastic touch.

Unfortunately, it was extremely crowded at 9 PM, and even though we made a reservation, we weren't offered a table for twenty minutes. We had a great time at the bar, though. Please don't judge the restaurant based on that, because this seating problem did not happen when we went for my graduation, so I assume it was only because it was a special occasion, and it was worth the wait.

Our server was gracious and very knowledgeable about our meal. She was humorous and chatted with us a bit, too. Then, the manager or owner came by and took two complimentary photos of us with a digital camera. He e-mailed them to us promptly. Another fun part of our experience.


What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Very romantic. The building is lovely, and so is the interior. The lights are dim, and jazz music played softly. I love the atmosphere.

Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent?

Yes, but it is on the pricey side. The prix fixe menu was $79 per person; with the four wine pairings, it was $99. You do get plenty of food, fun, and wine for your money. Also, we got the gift bag and the free digital photos. A more affordable option if you just want to try it is to go for dessert or appetizers. Their regular menu is great for a romantic date.

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.

9.5 for fun fondue and romantic dates.


This restaurant is best for
• Good food • Romantic • Special Occasion


Melting Pot on Urbanspoon

12/23/07

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

Nm Cafe (at Neiman Marcus) on Urbanspoon

12/6/07

Nan Thai Fine Dining - Review

Nan Thai Fine Dining
1350 Spring St.
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-870-9933
(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.
Nan Thai Fine Dining on Urbanspoon

11/26/07

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!

11/9/07

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!