STRAITS Atlanta

Straits
793 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

Toast of the Town - Event Review

Wine Enthusiast's Toast of the Town event was held in Atlanta on April 17th, at the Georgia Aquarium in the Oceans Ballroom, an amazing venue. The ballroom was packed with beautifully-dressed food and wine aficionados. It was definitely the place to see and be seen for Atlanta's social set that evening, as guests sampled the unbelievable smorgasbord of delectable beverages and cuisine. Here are some photos I took of the event, as well as some thoughts about the offerings from vendors and local restaurants. VIP status was an option for some guests, who arrived early and were treated to many perks.

Here is the description of the VIP package:

The VIP Tasting is a private pre-event tasting of reserve and estate wines. Includes a complimentary Wine Enthusiast Wine Master 2008 pocket electronic wine buying guide, tasting glass, tasting notes booklet and admission to Grand Tasting.



Throughout the ballroom were tables stocked with refreshing Saratoga spring water, like the bottle this very nice lady is holding here. You can begin to understand how many tables, wine bottles, and chefs there are by looking at the background.















Here are some more guests enjoying themselves at Toast of the Town. There were so many drinks and foods to taste that conversation was not a priority, although the woman here seems to be taking a break from the sampling.

I tried lots of wines and champagnes, all excellent. Some brands I liked best were Freixenet, Henriot, San Pedro, Piper Heidsieck, and Sebeka.









Here is one of my favorite dishes of the evening -

Tataki Roll from Nakato Japanese Restaurant on Cheshire Bridge Road, (404) 873-6582. The servers were wearing kimonos, and this roll was simply delicious. The outside is seared sirloin with wasabi mayo and sweet ponzu sauce.










Another favorite here may not look like much in the photo, but trust me, it was the best! I don't know why, but pasta always turns out great at catered events!

This was Prosciutto and Four Cheese Ravioli in Marsala Sauce from the Village Tavern in Alpharetta, (770) 777-6490. It was scrumptious - great prosciutto flavor with creamy and buttery sauce.






This was a yummy dish - Aged cheddar grits with barbeque beef brisket and green tomato relish from Atlanta Grill on Peachtree Rd., (404) 221-6550.

























We had awesome views of the whale sharks and beluga whales! I believe the above dish is the Shaved Housemade Tasso Ham with Butterbean Hummus and Micro Basil, which I noted as scrumptious, delicioso, beany? (Can't read my writing). Anyway, it's from the South City Kitchen in Vinings, (770) 435-0700.









Ray's in the City, (404) 524-9224, produced this yummy Parmesan Crusted Sea Scallop. Ray's restaurants always have fantastic seafood!
















On the left is the Serrano Crostini from Eclipse di Luna on Miami Circle, (404) 846-0449, and below are the delectable Bacon-wrapped Medjool Dates, Marcona Almonds, Smoked Sea Salt, and Vincotto from Repast on Glen Iris Drive (404) 870-8707.



















Of course, there were lovely desserts from several restaurants as well. I tried two options from Seasons 52 (already reviewed on this blog) - the key lime was amazing, as was the mango cheesecake on the left, and I had the sample plate from The Melting Pot, which I have also already reviewed. I should have tried the White Chocolate Bread Pudding from Feast, but I will just have to go there or wait till next year.

Toast of the Town was a huge success. A wonderful time was had by all, and I can't wait to attend again next year!

Toast of the Town - April 17th, 2008

Wine Enthusiast's Toast of the Town event is coming to Atlanta, and I am definitely going. Here is the information. Hope to see you there!

Toast of the Town
Thursday, April 17
VIP Tasting 5pm
Grand Tasting 7-10pm
Georgia Aquarium
http://www.toastofthetown.com/

Enjoy a spectacular evening of wines, spirits and music, paired with culinary creations from some of the city's top restaurants!








Participating Restaurants Include:

Atlanta Grill
Babette's Cafe
Bistro VG
Canoe
City Grill
Ecco
Eclipse di Luna
ENO
Food 101
Halyards
Imperial Fez
Justin's Restaurant
La Tavola Trattoria
The Melting Pot
Oceanaire Seafood Room
Peasant Bistro
Portofino
Ray's in the City
Repast
Seasons 52 - Perimeter
South City Kitchen
Steel
Taurus Restaurant
The Clubhouse
Tramici
Village Tavern Alpharetta
Woodfire Grill
Cafe Dupri
Cafe Elan
Nakato Japanese Restaurant
Feast Restaurant
The Sun Dial Restaurant
Gumbeaux's, "A Cajun Cafe"

Buckhead Italian Market and Bakery

Buckhead Italian Market and Bakery
3655 Roswell Rd., NE, #106
Atlanta, GA 30342
404-467-9217

10 out of 10 for bringing an Authentic Italian Trattoria to Atlanta!




My husband, Dan, and I dined at the Buckhead Italian Market and Bakery on 3/18/2008. It is a charming, authentic Italian trattoria (casual Italian restaurant) right in the middle of Buckhead. It also boasts Italian groceries and an excellent bakery with fresh-baked Italian delights like tiramisu, cannolis, and Italian cookies.

Mama Henriette and her son, Chef Marcello, own and run the establishment, handing out food and friendship in equal measure. They truly make every customer feel at home. More features include BYOW (bring your own wine), Italian groceries and deli items, and there are handsome wooden wine lockers you can rent as well. I wholeheartedly recommend the Buckhead Italian Market and Bakery to all Atlanta foodies.


What did you order? How was your food?

I have eaten here several times, and always enjoy my meal. This time I had Eggplant Bolognese, and Dan had Sausage Lasagna. Both dishes were delicious. Dessert was out of this world! We had a Magico cube of chocolate cake topped with white cream, then coated in bittersweet chocolate. We also tried a cannoli, which was perfect - very authentic, and the pastry was excellent according to my chef husband.


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

Fantastic service. Mama Henriette and Marcello make you feel right at home. When I was struggling to decide what to choose from all of the appetizing options, she asked me, "What did you notice first? Choose the one your eye went to, because you eat with your eye." It's so true!


What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Stellar atmosphere. It's a slice of Italy right here in Atlanta. The exterior transcends the strip mall, and has charming outdoor seating. It would be lovely to spend an afternoon outside eating authentic Italian food and sipping red wine. Ahhh...


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

Yes, we spent about $25, but that included dessert as well.


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 for authentic Italian trattoria appeal.


This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply) All of these! You must try the bakery!

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

NBC Restaurant Competition Show Tryouts - March 16th!

Hey Everybody,

I got an e-mail from NBC, and I think this sounds really neat! I may just have to go tryout. They want me to spread the word to everyone else who's interested, too.

OPEN CALL FOR NEW NBC RESTAURANT
COMPETITION SHOW

GRANADA AMERICA, the producers that brought you Nanny 911, Hell’s Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares are seeking two-person teams, with pre-existing relationships, who have always dreamed of opening their own restaurant!
Have you and your spouse, friend, family member, business associate or colleague
dreamed of opening your own restaurant? Is one of you a whiz in the kitchen while the
other is a front of the house superstar? Do you have what it takes to open and run a
successful restaurant? Has financing always been a problem?
HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE YOUR DREAM COME TRUE!
Casting Directors want to meet your team at our open call!

W Hotel Atlanta Perimeter
111 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta, GA 30346
Sunday, March 16th 2008
10am – 4pm

WE ARE SEEKING PEOPLE WHO ARE:
• Over 21 years of age; U.S. Citizens or Permanent U.S. Residents
• 2-person teams with pre-existing relationships: couples, friends, family, co-workers, chef teams, retired couples, college grads, weekend gourmets, old and young!
• Must be outgoing, creative, love the restaurant business and want to open and run your own restaurant!

APPLICANTS SHOULD COME TO THE OPEN CALL AS A TEAM WITH COMPLETED APPLICATIONS
For more information E-mail or Call us: NBCteamsAtlanta@yahoo.com or (646) 961-3991.
Please include your names, ages, the city you’re from, occupations, contact phone numbers, a recent photograph of yourselves and a brief summary as to why your team is perfect for the show!
Additional information posted on the Now Casting section at www.NBC.com

Review of AquaKnox

AquaKnox at Terminus
3280 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30305
404-477-5600
www.aquaknox.net
Open for lunch and dinner -
Reservations taken.




Elizabeth Long from Dorey had lunch with her client and friend, Andria Kriss from Cousins, at AquaKnox at Terminus on Wednesday, February 6th, 2008.

What did you order? How was your food?

I had the Mediterranean Vegetable Wrap, and Andria had oven-roasted Maine Sea Scallops. High-food quality with artistic presentation.


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

Service was pleasant, timely and attentive. There was no hesitation to a request to split meals.


What do you think of the décor and atmosphere? Décor was good. Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

Your first impression of AquaKnox is impactful. There's a sexy ambience created by the lounge-like music, soothing lighting and contemporary furnishings done in earth and ocean tones -- magnificent. Decor and view are beautiful with an oceanic feel.


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

It's a little pricey - high quality, though.


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 10 • Special Occasion 10

Summarize your experience in this restaurant.

AquaKnox is perfect for any special business or personal occasion.

La Madeleine - East Cobb Location

La Madeleine - East Cobb
4101 Roswell Rd., Ste. 812
Marietta, GA 30062
770-579-3040
http://www.lamadeleine.com/




Becca and Dan had lunch at La Madeleine on 1/26/2008.


What did you order? How was your food?

We ordered a Croque Monsieur with pasta salad, and a Chicken Crepe Riviera with rice and broccoli. For dessert, we had a slice of Sacher Torte and a slice of Cheesecake. The Croque Monsieur was to die for. The bread was thick and topped with a cheesy egg layer. Swiss cheese and ham were melted with garlic sauce inside, and the sandwich was toasted perfectly. The pasta salad was also very nice.

The Chicken Crepe Riviera was good, but not quite as delicious as the Croque Monsieur. The sauce seemed a bit heavy and greasy, but had a nice, buttery flavor. The crepe's texture was right. Rice and broccoli went well with the dish.

Dessert - YUMMY! Need I say more. Well, if you've had Sacher Torte, you know it's scrumptious. This cake, a German word pronounced like "soccer," not "sachet," is a Viennese confection that was invented in 1832. It is dark chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam in the middle. I used to think it was raspberry, but now I know. Sacher Torte is one of my favorite desserts, and going to La Madeleine for coffee and Sacher Torte is my idea of heaven. Oh yes, the cheesecake is creamy and delicious, too!



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

Well, La Madeleine is actually a cafeteria style restaurant. I think that the serving style adds charm to La Madeleine rather than detracting from it. I love analyzing the bakery presentation and all of the lovely salads, soups, spinach pochettes, potato galettes, croissants, etc. That's part of the fun. Also, one time I had to wait a few minutes for a takeout order, and they gave me a free chocolate croissant. C'est très sympa!


What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Très charmant. La Madeleine's decor is French Provincial. Stone fireplaces, tiles, hardwood floors, ceramic vessels, and paintings of french landscapes prevail. I love it!


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.

La Madeleine is Fine French Fast Food. It is not really comparable with a sit-down restaurant. I give it a 9.5 for bringing a little bit of France to suburban Georgia. Je l'adore!



This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food • Quick bite • Family-friendly


• Outdoor • Romantic • Special occasion