Chow Down Atlanta

Another Atlanta institution, Mellow Mushroom has been around for over 30 years. While the pizza is not New York style, they do boast of using spring water for their dough. I’m not a big follower of this popular franchise although I’ve been known to sprout by (no pun intended) for their toasted subs every once in a while.I would say the pizzas are just okay. Nothing to really rave about taste wise, but they get points for using fresh ingredients and a wide array of toppings. The pizza dough is chewy if you’re into that kind of thing which I am. The pretzels are worth a try and comes in two sizes (small = 3; large = 6) with a choice of dipping sauces (marinara or honey mustard). I usually just go for the toasted subs.

Insider tip:
45 Locations to serve you

The scoop:
Mellow Mushroom
Open daily from 11am

Technorati Tags: Mellow Mushroom, pizza, subs, pretzels, Atlanta

I’ve meaning to write about PURE but like most restaurants that I visit frequently, I tend to drag my feet thinking I’d do it next time. But since my pictures are getting stale (from having been taken a looong time ago even though I eat there all the time), I decided to take some fresh photos just the same. PURE Taqueria is a popular joint among North Fulton residents who don’t mind waiting at least 20 minutes for a table during lunch. Of course, there’s also the out-to-lunch office workers whose clock-watching glances are a dead give away. Nevertheless, if you go to PURE, be prepared to wait. For a table. For your food. For a drink refill. For your bill.

But the wait is so worth it. Especially if you get the fish plate. During my visit they had Pescado Veracruz: a filet of crispy-fried snapper and freshly-steamed mussels in a tomato-based broth that was so wonderful I had to eat slow to savor every bite. Saying it was delicious was putting it mildly. The crunch of the fish complemented the tenderness of the mussels with a mild yet full-flavored broth that put them all together in one happy dish. It came with a side of not-your-typical Mexican rice (theirs is moist, plump, and very well-seasoned compared to the usual dry, orangy, bland kind you get elsewhere), and a cup of flavorful charros (beans in tasty broth) that only decorum is preventing you from slurping the entire serving in one breath.

PURE is well-known for its fish tacos made with fresh grouper, lightly battered, fried, then dressed with a poblano-cabbage slaw. But I much prefer the Cabeza tacos made with beef cheeks (yes, Virginia, Cabeza means head in Spanish) which are so tender and tasty. The Queso Fundido with peppers were a bit too oily for my taste but since I knew the wait for our mains could be long, I happily munched on it. No matter, the salsa will keep you occupied while waiting.

Insider tip:
Open from 11am. Located in a residential area (wonder how the next-door neighbor feels) and resembles an old PURE gas station. Additional seating available on the attached covered patio. Try the salsa sampler not on the menu. Free Queso Fundido coupon available on the website until June 30.

The scoop:
PURE taqueria
103 Roswell Street
Alpharetta, GA
(678) 240-0023

Technorati Tags: PURE Taqueria, Roswell St., Alpharetta, North Fulton, Mexican cuisine, tacos, fish, kids menu

Boasting of a healthier alternative to the same old Korean food, Min Sok Chon delivers its aim through soups. If you’re in the mood for soup, this is the place to be. Now I’m a self-confessed Galbi-tang (beef rib soup) fanatic and would always order it if it’s on the menu.

There two versions of galbi-tang: seasoned beef broth and unseasoned milky broth (which is actually called sulung-tang). Min Sok Chon’s version is of the milky variety (sulung). Which means you have to add salt as it’s devoid of any taste. I’m not crazy about this version and much prefer the flavorful alternative. Still, it’s galbi-tang.

There are many other types of soups available with varying ingredients ranging from the tame (chicken), middle-of-the-road (fish), and not-for-the-meek (oxtail). The oxtail soup is actually very, very good. And it’s nice that each item on the menu has a corresponding picture on the wall so you know exactly what you’re getting. Other notables include the Bulgogi and Seafood Pancake.

Insider tip:
This restaurant used to be a Korean Chicken Wing place until the owners decided to change concepts in January ‘06. Located inside the Super H Mart plaza in Duluth.

The scoop:
Min Sok Chon
2550 Pleasant Hill Rd #204
Duluth, GA 30096
Phone: 770-232-0001

Technorati Tags: Min Sok Chon, Duluth, Korean, soup, Pleasant Hill Rd, Korean soup, Korean cuisine, Bulgogi, Galbi-tang, Sulung-tang, Korean Seafood Pancake

There’s a lot of debate as to which sushi place is the best in Atlanta; and I must admit, there are only a handful. The top two are: Haru Ichiban and Sushi Yoko. I’ll post something about those later on and explain everything. I’ve lived in Asia and travel there twice a year all my life usually staying over 4 weeks at a time so I can call myself quite knowledgeable when it comes to sushi. For now, let me talk about Sushi Zutto. I am never a fan of all-you-can-eat sushi. First, because the quality of the sushi used is much to be desired; second, the selection is just awful; third, the serving sizes are microscopic; and fourth (which irks me to no end), most are made by inexperienced non-Japanese sushi chefs. But not at Sushi Zutto.

Opened a little over a year ago, Sushi Zutto continues to impress with the use of fresh, high-grade sushi, and a more than ample selection to choose from. Its all-you-can-eat concept is uncommom — instead of the usual buffet style where the sushi can be sitting out for goodness knows how long, you indicate your choices from a piece of paper listing all the available sushi for consumption. The sushi is then made-to-order. At $16.95 per person (no sharing and no left-overs please), choices include good-sized rolls, nigiris, makis, and gigantic temakis (hand rolls). Soup and salad are included.

You’ll be amazed at the freshness of sushi at Sushi Zutto. But do pace yourself as there are so many to taste and choose from. If you’re not feeling that ravenous, you can order off the menu where rolls start at $5 and combination lunches/dinner go for no more than $12. Still, the best deal is the all-you-can-eat.

Insider tip:
Pick up discount coupons good on your next dinner on your way out. Avoid the 12-1:30pm lunch crowd or you’ll be waiting for your sushi for a while.

The scoop:
Zutto Japanese Restaurant
4000 N Point Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30022
(678) 624-7555
Open daily from 11am-3pm 5pm-10pm

Technorati Tags: Sushi Zutto, sushi, all-you-can-eat sushi, Alpharetta restaurants, Japanese cuisine

Royal China’s owners have been in the food business in Atlanta for over 25 years starting with Barbeque Corner inside the Din Ho food court and its sister BBQ Corner II on Buford Highway (I practically grew up eating their food). In the mid-80s, the owner wanted to bring authentic Cantonese cuisine especially dim-sum to Atlanta so he imported hand-picked one of the best Cantonese cooks in Hongkong and brought him to BBQ Corner II. Later on, he opened Royal China and moved the Hongkong chef to it.

I can understand why some people think Royal China isn’t as good as their favorite places and I can’t fault them because that can be attributed to the fact that authentic Cantonese cuisine takes some getting used to. In other words, it’s an acquired taste for the average Westerner’s palate. Most Chinese restaurants in America serve Mandarin, Hunan, and even Szechuan cuisine (or a combination) and these are what people are used to (read: heavy sauces). Dim sum is a Cantonese invention and as such, has Cantonese flavors and style of cooking (steaming, boiling).

Royal China has the best most authentic dim sum in Atlanta hands down. Not only that, the food is fresh, delicious and unique, and the prices are inexpensive. Dishes are served hot via steam carts (unlike other places) that roam around the restaurant. You point at what you like, the server places your selection on your table, then marks it on the food card which also serves as your bill. If you’re not familiar about what to order, my tip is to try everything you think looks good because I assure you, each and every dish is really good. On weekends, there are special items such as clams on bean sauce or steamed Chinese broccoli which are only available that day so do try those as well. I do have a few suggestions, however…

Don’t miss the siu mai or dumplings. They come in several varieties such as pork (a must try for its tastiness), shrimp, shark’s fin, and other combinations. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, go for the beef tripe — fork-tender slices in ginger broth — the clean taste of the broth balances the texture of the tripe. There are also items for the hard-core such as the chicken feet (tasty but bony). The fried minced shrimp wrapped in bacon served with spicy sweet and sour sauce is another must-try and goes well with the lotus-wrapped rice (sticky rice topped with chicken and pork sausage, hard-boiled egg, and spices wrapped in lotus leaves then steamed). Other dishes worth trying are the char siu bao (pork buns) which are steamed dough buns filled with barbecued pork simmered in vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce; fried eggplant with shrimp (slices of eggplant topped with steamed minced shrimp served with sweetish-salty sauce); steamed Manila clams in ginger-soy sauce; radish cakes (mashed radish mixed with shrimp or pork then steamed or fried); egg custard cups; steamed cake buns; and, better save room for the tofu dessert — silky smooth soft tofu in ginger-sugar sauce. A perfect way to end your wonderful dim sum experience.

Insider tip:
Dim sum is served daily with weekends having a more extensive selection. Plan to go before 11 am on weekends as it’s common to have an hour wait around noon. If you’d rather not wait, ask to share a big table. Not to worry, you won’t share the bill or the food. Just the space.

The scoop:
Royal China Restaurant
3295 Chamblee Dunwoody Road,
Atlanta, GA 30341
Phone: (770) 216-9933
Major Credit Cards accepted
Plenty of parking

Technorati Tags: Royal China, Cantonese cuisine, Chinese Cuisine, dim sum, Buford Highway, dumplings, tofu dessert

I was finally able to try Shane’s and I must say I really like it. I like their barbecue because the sauce they use is sweet with just a tad of tanginess, not vinegary as others are (like Dreamland’s). The ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and are really, finger-lickin’ good, with flavor all the way to the bones. The pulled pork are also tender and has that slow-cooked taste to it. The chicken tenders are surprisingly big and plump; not your average flat, skinny tenders you see everywhere. They’re very flavorful and moist inside. The sides are equally good. The mac-n-cheese is creamy, the fries are crispy on the outside, the Texas toast is soft and slightly toasted, the baked beans are not mushy.

You get a lot of value for the money as servings are humongous. The picture above is the $9.99 Sampler platter with a quarter rack of ribs, pulled pork, 2 plump chicken tenders, a Texas toast, and two sides. It’s a true hungry-man’s lunch. Most items on the menu start at a little over $5 such as the Chicken Tenders plate with 4 big tenders and a side. While the most expensive is the Full Rack of Ribs plate with 2 sides for $12.99.

Insider tip:
Come hungry as portions are huge.
The soft and chewy chocolate-chip cookies are delicious.
Try the Peach ice tea.

The scoop:
Shane’s Rib Shack
Check website for locations
Open daily at 11am

Technorati Tags: Shane’s Rib Shack, ribs, barbecue, chicken tenders, pulled pork, barbecue ribs

Souper Jenny has one of the best lunch deals in town: $10 gets you a humongous bowl of soup, a side (choose sandwich, pasta, or salad), a seeded roll, a cookie, a fruit, and a drink. While $10 may seem a bit much for some folks, consider this — you get tasty, freshly made food daily using the freshest, healthy ingredients and the portions are substantial.

There are six kinds of soups daily (hot and cold), as well as two types of sandwiches (one of which is made with homemade pita bread), pasta, and salads. The soups are hearty and flavorful while the sandwiches are creative (think chicken salad with arugula, basil, and dried cherries).

The line outside starts a good 15 minutes before the place actually opens but fear not for it moves rather quickly. The place is cozy but rather cramped. Parking can be a pain during peak times.

Insider tip:
Menu changes daily. Call ahead to get the day’s menu.
Cash only.

The scoop:
56 E Andrews Dr NW
Atlanta, GA
30305-1316
Phone: (404) 239-9023

Technorati Tags: Souper Jenny, lunch, lunch deals, brunch, fresh daily, Buckhead

I’ve been going to BCD since its opening day in January 2005. I was literally one among the very first customers and have been a regular ever since. My mom, also a big fan, describes it as “like eating at someone’s home.” And I definitely agree. It’s home-cooked meals at best.

I eat at BCD almost twice a week (sometimes more). I like the fact that the food consistently stays the same: quality and taste wise. The menu has stayed the same until early this year with the addition of two new soups: Galbi-tang (beef soup made with short ribs), and Chicken soup. Galbi-tang is my absolute favorite Korean food and I was jumping with joy when they finally added this to their menu. In Atlanta, BCD has the best Galbi-tang — it is pure beef broth (no milk), seasoned perfectly (the ones with milk are not seasoned at all and you’ll know this by the bowls of salt that are served with it), and has fall-off-the-bone beef ribs and tender radish and mushrooms. (Side story: they used to call this soup Well-Being Soup and they even had small posters on the wall advertising this new soup. I asked one of the ladies there if it was Galbi-tang and when she said yes, I told her the correct translation was Beef Ribs Soup. They’ve since changed the posters.)

Everything on the menu is good. I guarantee it. The Galbi-gi (grilled short ribs) are tender and flavorful; and the tofu soup is tasty with chunks of silky tofu. The cold noodle dishes are refreshing and perfect for the hot summer-like days we’ve been having. The seafood pancake is full of seafood chunks; and the Bulgo-gi (grilled sliced beef) is a good choice as well.

White steamed rice comes in its own individual servers (hot stone pot in a wooden box) and you must spoon it into the provided metal bowl to eat it. After a while, a crusty bottom will form in the stone pot and the servers will pour hot bori-cha (barley tea) over it. Leave it to soak for a minute or two before you spoon the rice directly into your mouth. The result is soft, wet rice in a nutty soup. Delicious. Personally, my rice of choice at BCD (and only because BCD has the best) is the red bean rice. It’s only available by request.

Insider tip:
There is a special going on wherein you’ll get 5% of your total food bill back in a form of a ticket which is redeemable on your next visit.

The scoop:
Book Chang Dong
Located inside the Super H Mart Plaza on Pleasant Hill Rd.
2550 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth
(770) 814-2299
Open daily from 11am

Technorati Tags: Book Chang Dong, Korean food, Korean cuisine, Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth, Super H Mart plaza