Chow Down Atlanta

Five Guys Famous Burgers And Fries has been taking the Southeast area by storm. Touting fresh burgers made-to-order, they pride in not ever freezing or microwaving anything on their menu.

I love 5G because of their unpretentious attitude. They’re not trying to be an upscale restaurant. If you can remember that and think of it as a walk-in only, step-above-”fast-food”-joint where you can get cooked-to-order juicy burgers, then you’ll have a grand time at this place. And if that’s not enough to wow you, then have a taste of their fries and you’ll know what I mean.

While a bit pricier than your average hamburger fast-food joint, 5G seperates from them by starting with freshly-ground beef and hand-cut fries. The burgers are really good and the fries are out of this world. Although all burgers are cooked well-done, you’ll hardly notice because of it’s juiciness and tastiness. And with 15 toppings to choose from, you can have your perfect burger. The fries, cooked in peanut oil, are peeled and hand-cut every morning. They are fried to perfection with the necessary crispiness on the outside. So go and get yourself a 5G burger and fries and see what the rage is all about.Insider tip:

There are complimentary jumbo peanuts to munch on while waiting for your food. The regular serving of fries is good enough for two people. Try the Cajun — it’s delicious.

Insider tip:
Free peanuts on the shell.

The scoop:
Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries
Open daily from 11AM

Technorati Tags: Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries, burgers, hotdogs, fries, fast food

Radial is well known for its creative breakfast menu which includes their famous buckwheat pancakes and vegetarian sausage. On this particular visit, I opted for the boring played it safe with the American Breakfast that consisted of two eggs (poached), toast, and vegetarian sausages. I can’t rave enough about the vegetarian sausages — they’re juicy and tasty and the perfect perk-me-up to your boring eggs-and-toast fare. I also ordered a side of grits that came in a huge bowl and although the first bite was promising, the second was a complete let-down. Not only was it cold (as in refrigerated cold), the whole thing resembled what looked like a huge clump of goop.

Since it was past lunch time and I was feeling rather ravenous (as always), I decided on also getting the weekend special of Walnut Waffles with Cinnamon. I’m glad I did as it was a true winner. It had enough crunch as well as chewiness and just a slight hint of cinnamon. It was mighty delicious especially doused with pure maple syrup.

My sister who also ordered the American Breakfast got a short stack of pancakes. The pancakes were huge and okay tasting but didn’t really leave a lasting impression on me.

Service was below average on this visit. It was funny how our server, when asked for her recommendation, replied that she wasn’t a breakfast person and offered no help whatsoever. We had to ask for drink refills a few times which we didn’t mind since we weren’t in a hurry to leave anyway. At one time, my sister had to ask our server to replace her coffee as there were lots of coffee grounds floating all over her mug. She got a new cup but with the same floating stuff. Funnier is when she’d refill my sister’s drink and leave my empty glass completely empty.

In any case, Radial is a favorite breakfast place of mine. The food is good, the atmosphere is relaxed, the place is chic, but the service can be awful at times.

Insider tip:
Turn-over of tables is pretty fast. Avoid tables closest to the kitchen unless you want to smell like bacon all day long.

Radial celebrates it’s 8th birthday on April 18 with free Joshua John cupcakes.

The scoop:
Radial
1530 Dekalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 659-6594
Open daily 8am-4pm

Technorati Tags: Radial, breakfast, brunch, buckwheat pancakes, vegetarian sausage, Candler Park, Edgewood, Dekalb Avenue, American cuisine

This Thai place in Alpharetta has been open for five years and is operated by an all-Thai staff. It has been consistently popular among office workers around the area wanting a quick, delicious, inexpensive lunch. I came in around noon and no tables were available. In fact, there was a wait of about 10 minutes and people were lining up all the way out the door.

The simple menu consists of mainstream Thai food — mainly stir-fry and curries. There are a few notable items such as the chicken wings that are well marinated and fried crispy and the salads (Larb and the Spicy Sausage salads) but I’d forgo the soups (which I think don’t justify the $3 price tag given the small bowl you get). The main entrees are very tasty with the right amount of spices and made with fresh ingredients. Lunch specials come with a tiny eggroll (literally, it takes two bites to finish it), and steamed or fried rice. Overall, I’ve always found their dishes to be consistent. A good place for cheap and quick eats.

Insider tip:
Don’t let the lunch crowd scare you — the kitchen and service are lightning fast. The service is courteous and very efficient.

The scoop:
Thai Thai
11525 Haynes Bridge Rd. Suite 150, Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 777-1306
Lunch: M-F 11am-3pm
Dinner: 5-10pm

Technorati Tags: Thai, Thai food, Thai Thai, Alpharetta, Haynes Bridge Rd., lunch, dinner, lunch specials

Serving the Alpharetta area since 1920, Alpha Soda serves Southern fare with a Greek twist in a setting of black and white tiles, lots of dark wood and leather. It’s not your typical diner. More like an old country club.

I love Alpha Soda’s daily specials and their breakfast fare. I love it even more because they serve it all day long. Notable dishes include the Alpharetta Egg Sandwich (a kicked-up egg/blt sandwich), the Eggs Benedict (available only on weekends), and the Chicken & Brie Scramble (chicken and brie omelet).

Chef’s daily specials are worth a try especially the pot roast which makes an appearance every so often; as well as freshy made vegetables. Make sure you leave room for dessert (especially the Red Velvet Cake) and check-out the mouth-watering pies, cakes, cookies that are showcased in a huge deli case.Insider tip:
Open daily beginning at 7am.
Service is unsually slow even in off-peak times so don’t expect to breeze in and out.

The scoop:
Alpha Soda
11760 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004
Phone: (770) 442-3102

Technorati Tags: Alpha Soda, diner, Alpharetta, breakfast

You know what they say about going shopping hungry? Well, it’s true. Because why else would I buy a soy milk maker for $120 that makes 48 ounces of milk and takes an hour of labor (prepping/cleaning) to make, when I can buy a 32-ounce carton for 99 cents and ready to drink, like — now?

Insider tip:
Available at Super H Mart for $129.99. Don’t forget to grab a bag of soya beans and some honey powder.

Technorati Tags: soy milk maker, soy beans, Super H Mart