Chow Down Atlanta

I started these Postcards series last summer (2007) when I went on a two-month long trip around Asia. These were a way for me to share my photos to all of you. In keeping with that tradition, I give you: Austin. I came back very late last night from a two-day stay in Texas: one day in Dallas to visit friends from 1st Grade, and one day in Austin to visit highschool friends. I had so many places in mind to visit (and re-visit) but you can only eat as much in one day. First stop: Artz Rib House.

Artz was my very first stop in Austin. It was recommended by friends who live and breathe Austin. I already knew what I was going to order even before I left Atlanta — the Combo platter. It allows you to taste most of everything on the menu. My selection: baby back ribs, beef ribs, and sausages. Okay, so I order and this extremely nice server tells me that there’s no way I can finish it and told me that if there’s a place I can store it in then I can just take my leftovers with me. Do I really look like a tourist? I thought I just look hungry. So I told him that I really wanted to taste everything and the combo meal is the only way I can do that. So okay. He warned me, though, that it’s going to be huge.

To say it was huge was a gross understatement. And my picture doesn’t do justice at all. What came before me was probably all of 10 pounds of meat: half a rack of meaty baby back ribs, two humongous beef ribs, and two plump sausages. Not to mention a side of coleslaw, potato salad, beans, and bread. It was intimidating! And I’m never intimidated of food. So all I can think of was that I can do this. So chomp away.

First bite and I heard angels singing. It was so delicious that I needed a moment of silence to pay respects to whoever created this masterpiece. The baby backs were so tender and had the perfect balance of salty, sour, and sweet. It was heaven. The beef ribs were equally magnificent. Tender, juicy, and very tasty. So were the sausages. They were good enough to eat plain. But add a bit of barbecue sauce to the meats and all bets were off. Perfect combination! Years ago, we would fly to Austin just to eat at County Line. It became a favorite fast. Moreso because they have the most amazing loaf bread and we used to bring tons of them back to Atlanta. I don’t know why we never went to Artz which, in my opinion, is much better taste, quality, and quantity-wise. By the way, and in case you’re wondering, I almost finished the entire plate. Except for half a sausage and half a beef rib. Extremely nice server was impressed. And flabbergasted.
So there you have it. I had the best barbecue in Austin. Next up: Austin Tex-Mex.

Click here for more information on Artz Rib House.

P.S. Though I just got back from Texas a few hours ago, I am leaving again in a couple of hours for a 10-day trip to Germany and Czechoslovakia. I’ve been to Germany many times but this will be my first time in Prague. More Postcards to come…

**This place has closed.**

There’s been a lot of rave for this one since it opened less than a year ago. A mom-and-pop joint from a Cuban-Florida transplant, the wife cooks, the husband hosts, while their cute little girl entertains. She is so cute you can’t say no when she offers you her jelly beans. It’s literally like going to your parents’ place for dinner — homecooked meals, family atmosphere.

I came in for lunch ravenous. So I started off with a Chicken Empanada. I love empanadas. I grew up eating all kinds of empanadas from all over the world — baked, fried, beefy, meaty, flaky, crunchy. Here in Atlanta (and beyond), I’ve tried them all: Asian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Cuban, Mexican, name it, I’ve tried it. So I was ecstatic to see empanadas on the menu.

Their version of fried pie is absolutely delicious. The thin crust has just the right amount of flakiness. It was filled with lots of seasoned chicken. No fillers. Just tender chicken meat sauteed in spices. Best of all, it wasn’t greasy at all. It’s a perfect snack or appetizer.

The extensive menu boasts of the usual Cuban sandwiches as well as a wide selection of appetizers, sides, salads, and entrees. I was in the mood for pork so I ordered the Grilled Porkchop plate. I knew it wasn’t going to be the usual ordinary grilled porkchops and I was right. What came before me was the best Cuban meal I’ve had outside of Miami. The thin, flattened porkchop was grilled to perfection, drizzled with the most amazing sweetish-salty sauce, then topped with sauteed sliced onions. It was tender and flavorful. My huge plate came with a small side salad, fried sweet plantains, rice, and a cup of black beans. The sweet plantains had just enough ripeness, not at all mushy, and naturally sweet. It makes for a great dessert, actually. While I was never a beans person (ok, I admit, I hate don’t like all kinds of beans), I demolished the cup of beans up to the last drop. Believe me, it was that good. I was even surprised at myself for having finished it. For finishing everything on my plate!

The trek up 400 in Forsyth county is worth the trip. The food and service will not disappoint you. In fact, you’d be coming back. Again and again.

Insider tip:
Portions are huge. Save room for dessert. The flan is delicious!

Entrees range from $8.95 to $15.95 while sandwiches average $6. Empanadas are $1.50 each.

The scoop:
From Havana To you
6300 Highway 9 • Alpharetta, GA 30004
Phone: (770) 475-7344

Technorati Tags: From Havana To You, Havana2U, Cuban, Cuban sandwiches, Forsyth, GA400, Lecon Asado

*This place has gone out of business as of January 9, 2009.*

This is another one of those places I waited to open. It sits in the middle of a Korean plaza sticking out like a sore thumb. So I came in opening day and was impressed. Very impressed. It was bright, airy, and spotless. Food wise, the prices are cheap and everything taste delicious. It actually reminds me of Las Tortas, only cleaner.

It’s not your usual Mexican place. It’s actually more artsy with contemporary colors and fixtures. Did I say it was spotless? It was so clean you can eat off of the floors.

I’ve tried mostly everything they offer. The burritos are hefty and jam-packed with meat, veggies, and rice. It’s quite a filling and delicious meal. As with most Mexican places these days, they offer a salsa bar and the roasted jalapenos are always a great addition to any meal.

The Carne Asada taco is my favorite. You get two corn tortillas topped with meat, onions, and cilantro. Add salsa from the bar and you’d think you’ve gone to Taco heaven. Don’t be surprised with the size of these tacos — although they are small, they are cheap so plan on eating two (or three).

Prices start at a measly $2.50 to $5. Everything is made fresh to order. You can’ beat this place for quick, inexpensive, yet delicious meals. Mexican friends swear this is a good place. They’ve even brought their moms who also gave their seal of approval.

Insider tip:
This is not your typical Americanized Mexican restaurant. Having said that, don’t expect them to have cheese dip. They don’t. Insist and they’ll make you happy by giving you liquid milk-cheese.

Located inside a Korean plaza across from the old Sports Authority and Bally Fitness. Next to the car dealerships near Gwinnett Place Mall.

The scoop:
King Taco Mexican Grill
3473 Old Norcross Rd Nw, Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 623-0990

Technorati Tags: King Taco, tacos, burritos, sopes, Duluth, Mexican cuisine

I interrupt this program to show you what we had at a friend’s house for dinner: an elaborate, authentic Pakistani meal. The dishes were to. die. for. And all made from scratch the same day. I needed to be carted out of the door after this.  There was way too much food.  If I remember correctly, there were 12 main dishes (maybe more) for this simple get-together for 8 people.  Not including the appetizers, salads, and desserts.  Ah, glorious food…

The set-up:

Big thanks to our gracious hosts for having us over. The food was fantastic!

The atmosphere

Nope, it’s not your regular pizza place. Think of it as high-end dining in a casual atmosphere at affordable prices. Cozy leather booths, wide open spaces, interesting artwork, and shiny concrete floors. It may seem impersonal and intimidating to the uninitiated but the dark colors actually exudes warmth and coziness. The light-colored walls and floor-to-ceiling glass window provide ample natural light while pendant lights add just enough illumination to your food.

The bar and the kitchen

The open kitchen on the side corner offers an obstructive view but allows you to take a peek at their brick ovens and witness busy hands use nothing but fresh ingredients. With the staff making up of culinary school graduates, you’re bound to have consistent food. Front and center, the bar is a sight to behold with their cruvinet system. Using nitrogen to preserve the wines and prevent oxidation, Urban Flats is able to offer even the slightly costly wines by the glass. Also functioning as a refrigeration system, it keeps the reds and whites at perfect temps. I was a bit surprised at their quite extensive wine list which is not usual for places with food prices as theirs.

The food, the food

Yes, we’re all in here for the food. I highly suggest you start with some appetizers. My favorite and the best on the menu is the Tuna Poki. Amazing taste and textures — a combination of sweetish, salty sauce over melt-in-your mouth tuna and crunchy cucumbers and ripe tomatoes. Honestly, I can finish two of these!

Other notable apps include the Mozzarella, Tomato, and Prosciutto — a unique take from your boring Caprese drizzled with balsamic glaze. Another favorite is the Baked Cheese and Tomato. Think creamy, tasty tomato bisque topped with a huge warm, freshly-baked goat cheese. Served with garlic bread, this makes for one great dip. No double-dipping, by the way. Like I said, get your own!

Of course, the flat breads take center stage. The wheat pizza-like dough comes with an assortment of toppings, some more unusual than what you’re used to. Baked to perfection in brick ovens, the make for a filling meal. I have a thing for contrasting tastes and textures so I usually go for something sweet/salty or any other interesting combination. I liked the Tuna, Pear and Brie with a honey-mustard drizzle, or the Spicy Shrimp Chorizo with shrimp, sausage, bleu cheese and chipotle drizzle. The Steak and Portobello is a family favorite and so is The Angus.

If flat breads aren’t your thing, there are plenty other choices. There are wraps and flatwiches, as well as other mouth-watering entrees. The Woodstone Salmon is absolutely delicious with its citrus parmesan crusted salmon served with a side of asparagus, potatoes, and topped with some caper sauce. The French Dip comes with tender oven roasted beef and served on a warm baguette. Everything is good.

If you still have room for dessert. Do try the Chocolate Lava Cake or the popular Chocolate Fondue. Either way, it’s the perfect period to a great and filling meal.

See more pictures by clicking here:

Insider tip:
The kitchen is very flexible and will make accommodations to suit your needs. Have your flatbread crunchy by requesting a few minutes extra in the ovens. Prices start at $7.50 with the priciest item topping at $11. Flatbreads range from $8-10. Extensive wine list including a $230 bottle of Opus One (Napa) ’03 and the usual Veuve, Moet, and Dom.

Now serving brunch on weekends. Wine Tasting every Wednesdays from 5-8PM @ $15/person.

The scoop:
Urban Flats
The Avenue at Webb Gin
1250 Scenic Highway SW
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
Phone: 678-344-2022

Technorati Tags: Urban Flats, Snellville, flat bread, tuna poki, goat cheese dip, flatwiches, flats, no-double-dipping, cruvinet