Chow Down Atlanta

It isn’t hard to believe that this Atlanta institution has been around since 1927. I say that because of the much older clientele — regulars who add to the hour-long waits during lunch time; including a good mix of hungry folks from all walks of life. And there’s good reason why the wait is usually long.

The main star at Colonnade is the fried chicken. It is simply the best fried chicken. Just like your momma used to make. Its buttermilk crust is light and crispy, and the chicken meat is tender and juicy. It is perfectly seasoned and comes with two sides.

While the fried chicken takes center stage at this joint, other southern favorites come close behind. The pork chops are fantastic, as well as the fried catfish. Sides are house made and include the usual fried okra, creamed corn, black-eyed peas, collard greens, macaroni and cheese. They’re all good. But the best part of the meal at Colonnade is the bread. Hot off the oven, yeasty Parker rolls, wheat rolls, and corn bread. I am so in love with the yeast rolls that I’m known to horde them, hide them in a napkin, and take them home. I just can’t get enough of them.

Colonnade serves delicious southern food at very affordable prices. The place is very unassuming with a cafeteria feel. Service is very warm and friendly.

Insider tip:
Blue plate specials daily.

The scoop:
Colonnade Restaurant
1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
(404) 874-5642

Technorati Tags: Colonnade Restaurant, Buckhead, Cheshire Bridge, American Southern cuisine, fried chicken, yeast rolls

Located in a strip mall on the corner of Old Alabama and Holcomb Bridge Road just east of GA 400, Nelayan is one of only a handful of Indonesian restaurants in Atlanta (which numbers less than 5). It is odd because there’s actually a big community of Indonesians here in Atlanta. They’ve only been opened a few weeks yet you’ll see a bunch of familiar faces on a regular basis.

The place is small with only about 10 tables yet it is spotless and bright. There’s a counter that separates the kitchen which is common in Asia and used to place cooked dishes a la cafeteria style. Plus a wall of shelves by the entrance showcasing dry goods for purchase. Notable items include kropek (shrimp crackers that you fry in oil), kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), pastries, chips, and other Indonesian pantry staples.

My favorite Indonesian food is the bihun. I eat bihun in every single meal whenever I’m in their part of the world. Even for breakfast. No, make that, especially for breakfast. It is comforting and filling. Nelayan’s bihun is exactly as the ones in Indonesia. It’s made with rice noodles softened in broth then topped with tasty stir-fried chicken with mushrooms and green onions. It comes with a side of meatball soup that you can eat on its own or dump on the entire dish. Don’t worry, it not gonna make a soupy dish as the noodles will readily absorb most of the liquid. Either way, it’s great. If there’s only one dish that you need to eat at Nelayan (or Indonesia, for that matter), then this is it. It is so delicious. Period.

The Barbeque Chicken is another winner. It is marinated, boiled in its own marinade, then grilled over charcoal. It is fantastic with its sweetish-salty glaze. It comes with rice, soup, cucumber slices, and hot chili paste. This one’s a perfect size for lunch. The Chicken Satay is also a great choice. Their version is a regular entree portion (with 6 big skewers), unlike other places where they serve it as an appetizer. The chicken is grilled, then topped generously with a thick peanut sauce but not as peanuty as the Thai version. It’s served with cubes of steamed rice cake. It is important to note that you don’t eat these cakes by themselves as they are bland have no taste whatsoever. Instead, you sop them up with the peanut sauce before biting into them. It’s a great combination, believe me.

Other items which I’ve tried include the Stir-fried Vegetables with Tofu, Shrimp, and Chicken. It’s a few steps above its Chinese counterpart with it’s very flavorful sauce and crisp veggies. The Grilled Fish wrapped in banana leaves is to-die for. Unfortunately, they hardly have it and the one time they did, it was unbelievably delicious. Their Nasi Goreng Kambing (curry fried rice) is actually made of lamb instead of the customary goat. No matter, it is yummy.

Family-owned and operated Nelayan has long been added to my Asian rotation. Although a little on the expensive side, food is consistently top quality and delicious. Service is warm and friendly (like you’re family).

Insider tip:
Entrees start at less than $10 but average over $15. The Ice Cacang dessert is a must try — it’s similar to the Vietnamese version — with fruit and jelly in a sweet syrup then topped with ice.

The scoop:
Nelayan
1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd
Roswell, GA 30076
(770) 650-7775

Technorati Tags: Nelayan, Indonesian cuisine, Indonesian restaurant, Roswell, Holcomb Bridge Rd., kambing, bihun, Atlanta restaurants

Alas, I have found one of the best burgers in ATL. Hungry for a snack one late evening, my family ended up at H&F and ordered the last 4 burgers of the evening. It was 10:05PM. The burgers sold out less than 5 minutes after they were available. Incredible.

This burger is simply fantastic. Ground the same day, it is juicy, meaty, and tasty. It is perfectly seasoned, through and through, without any bland spots (or bites). Two plump patties with cheese and onions on their own buttered, toasted bun. With a side of perfect fries. I’ve gone to burger heaven.

But the goodness doesn’t stop there. We also had the Metzger Farm Pork Belly with creamy grits, charred onion and b&b pickle. My mom finished an entire order by herself — and that’s in addition to her burger. The pork was crispy yet juicy with just enough fat to tease. The grits, onion, and pickle relish were all superb, all on its own, yet allowed the pork to shine. Together, they made one fantastic team. I would love to have a dinner portion of this.

I love okra and the Fried Okra with sweetish, spicy vinegar truly delivered. The okras were extremely fresh and sweet with just a light dousing of batter. A perfect side to the pork belly. I demolished an order and would’ve loved another but my burger, the Eli’s bread with salted butter, and drink (below) have occupied most of the space in my belly.

It was a perfect late night snack. And a habit that would be extremely hard to break.

Insider tip:
Grab an available table when you see one.
Service is impeccable.
While the bar side has a fun and lively ambiance, the other side is cozy and gives plenty of room to dine in a casual yet classy space.
Valet parking available.

The scoop:
Holeman and Finch
2277 Peachtree Road
Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone 404.948.1175
Fax 404.969.3034
Hours of operation
Mon - Sat 5:00pm to 1:30am
Sun - 12:30pm to 3:00pm

Technorati Tags: Holeman and Finch Public House, burgers, gastropub, Buckhead

Once in a while, a craving for Szechuan cuisine hits and Sichuan House is the answer. Szechuan cuisine is characterized by very spicy foods with lots of heavy sauces and gravies. Because of the geographic location of the Sichuan province in China, the climate lends a hand in food spoiling very easily. Thus, food preservation is necessary. Pickling, smoking, drying, and salting are techniques that have been perfected in the region. Personally, I like Cantonese food better (having visited Hong Kong yearly while growing up so my taste buds are more accustomed to it); but that’s just me.

Sichuan House boasts of authentic Szechuan cuisine. Their Traditional Choice Menu includes items geared more to the Chinese palate — the Tea Smoked Duck is fantastic, the Stir-fried Beef Tripe is delicious, the Roasted Whole Tilapia with Scallions is a must try, the Cumin Mutton (or beef) is also a must try (very flavorful); however, the Spicy Sichuan Pork (salt and pepper pork with tons of chili peppers) is disappointingly all heat and no flavor.

Other items form the Traditional Choice Menu that I never tire of include the Winter Melon Chicken Soup, Ground Pork with Mustard Greens and the not-on-the-menu Shredded Chicken in Spicy Garlic Sauce. The Winter Melon soup is comforting with big chunks of chicken and slices of sweetish winter melon. It’s a good take on the plain chicken soup. The pork with mustard greens is absolutely delicious with a good bit of bitterness from the greens balanced by the saltyish pork. The chicken in garlic sauce with julienned winter melon, wood ear mushrooms, red and green bell peppers is a spicy, tasty dish. Get past its oiliness from the chili oil and you have a dish that’s truly a winner.

For a truly authentic Szechuan food, Sichuan House offers a piece of China. For the not-so-adventurous, a toned-down American version is available. The place is clean and bright while the staff is helpful but can get absent-minded (especially when they’re busy shucking vegetables in a nearby table. No worries, just flag them down to get service.

Insider tip:
All orders come with house roasted peanuts (roasted at home by one of the servers) and pickles.

The scoop:
Sichuan House
5900 State Bridge Rd
Duluth, GA 30097
Located on the corner of 141/Medlock Bridge/Peachtree Pkwy and State Bridge Rd/Pleasant Hill Rd where Target and Home Depot are.

Technorati Tags: Sichuan House, Duluth, Gwinnett, Atlanta, Szechuan cuisine, Sichuan cuisine, spicy food, Chinese cuisine, Cumin Mutton, Tea Smoked Duck

Casa Vieja has been my long time go-to place for my pork-grease fixes. Like most places on Buford Hwy, it has a cult following of office lunch crowd; although their main business comes from fellow Colombians who tend to linger over a leisurely meal.

Case Vieja’s homey and colorful ambiance attempt to imitate its homeland. Scenes from everyday life are depicted in every corner with murals that resemble a studio backdrop. It’s enough to get you in the mood and think you’re eating in a far away place. Add to that a staff that is warm, efficient, and forgiving of a gringo’s lack of familiarity with the Spanish language and you’d really feel like you’ve been transported back.

If you want to get a taste of a typical Colombian cuisine, I highly recommend the Bandeja Paisa, a typical dish from the northwest region. I call it “everything including the kitchen sink“. A steal at $8.50, this one includes just about everything: a grilled skirt steak, fried pork rind, a fried egg, beans, rice, fried plantains, a slice of avocado, and an arepa. It’s an overwhelming sight. But delicious, nonetheless, as I have never found any problems finishing the entire order — of course, I’ve always been a big eater, despite my size. The flavorful steak is pounded flat then grilled. Its simplicity complemented by a good dousing of the fantastic cilantro-vinaigrette sauce (Colombia’s answer to ketchup). The fried pork belly (chicharron) with the rind included is my absolute favorite. It is perfectly cooked to a crisp golden brown. Think of it as a glorified fried pork chop. It’s finger-lickin’ good! The rice and beans are also notches above the usual. Theirs are house made. And tasty. The plantains are sweet and balances the entire dish. The arepa, sadly, is forgettable. It’s chalky and hard. I’ve been eating arepas forever, compliments of family friends who make arepas from scratch and literally hand-carry them on their flight to Atlanta everytime they return from a visit to Bogota. In fact, their cheese-filled arepas are to die for. But I digress.

The Pechuga De Pollo or grilled chicken plate is another solid choice. The flat chicken breast is flavorful and grilled perfectly. It comes with a side salad, rice, and fried sweet plantains.

For something lighter, the steak tacos are a perfect choice. An order gets you 3 corn tacos filled with thick chunks of steak topped with cilantro and onions. It’s the best value on the menu at $4.50 per order which has the same amount of steak as the plates. Not on the menu, the big bowl of steaming chicken rice soup is a great starter. Although be warned that this isn’t the chicken soup you’re probably accustomed to. Theirs has curry, which adds a big punch to an otherwise common fare. I’m not very fond of their empanada as I’ve always loved Cuban empanadas. Casa Vieja’s empanadas are filled with chicken curry stew which is good; just not my favorite type.

For great Colombian food, Casa Vieja is the answer. The food is good, the place is clean, and the service is efficient and friendly.

Insider tip:
Be warned, as servings are huge. Service is good but the kitchen can get slammed during peak lunch hours when a wait on food is normal. Try the fresh fruit shakes — they’re very good and refreshing.

The scoop:
3652 Shallowford Rd NE # D
Doraville, GA 30340
(770) 454-8557
I was told that they are closed on Thursdays. Open all other days from 11am to 9pm. Call ahead to be sure.
If you’re familiar with Asian Square on Buford Highway, Casa Vieja is directly behind it on Shallowford Rd.

Technorati Tags: Casa Vieja, Buford Hwy, Shallowford Rd, Colombian cuisine, Bandeja Paisa, arepa, chicharron, pandebono

Another quick lunch spot on Peachtree and 17th, this place is known among the Midtown lunch crowd for its tacos. Steak tacos, that is. Theirs is made with sirloin steak and grilled to a perfect medium-rare (unless you opt to get it at a different temperature, in which case, they’ll be gald to nuke it in the microwave for you) . You then get to dress it up the way you like it with the assorted toppings they have. All orders come with rice, beans, and a side salad. Their steak tacos are really good. The meat is tender and flavorful. The rice and beans are ho-hum but the salad is competitive — crisp and fresh with a very good vinaigrette dressing.

The Taco Salad is quite good, too. I found the fried tortilla shell a little on the greasy side but the chicken (sauteed in spices) was very flavorful. Likewise, I also enjoyed the Nachos Supreme which came with with lots of melted cheese and chicken chunks (though a bit dry). Overall a good choice for a Mexican place that’s a notch above fast food.

Insider tip:
Chips and salsa are free for the taking. Patio seating available. Food averages $7.95 per order.

The scoop:
1389 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 875-5005
Open for lunch only.

Technorati Tags: Sausalito West Coast Grill, Mexican, steak tacos, Midtown, Peachtree St., 17th St, taco salad

A friend and I visited Straits a couple of days ago. It’s the new venture from rapper Ludacris who aims to bring a fresh, new vibe to the Atlanta food-slash-bar scene. I have been a fan of Luda for a while but I have been more impressed with his intention to help the youth and give back to the community — a very admirable side to his bad boy persona.

The scene

Contemporary Asian feel is what comes to mind. Lots of dark wood coupled with red walls and curtains. It’s a kind of place you dress up to go to yet it has a comfy feel. The noise level is high with people shoulder-to-shoulder in the bar area. The place was packed, to say the least. This is not the place to have a quiet dinner. Instead, it’s one where you kick off your shoes, enjoy a cocktail, hobnob with beautiful people, and have food as a bonus.

The meal

We tried a few things from the menu starting with the Roti Prata. Identical to the Malaysian roti canai, this one came with slices of grilled flour, yeastless flatbread and a bowl of yellow curry with chicken pieces and potatoes. I like my curry bold and hearty and this one, although flavorful and hearty, lacks the punch I require of curries: the simmered for hours taste. Still, I consider it a decent choice for a starter.

Next, we tried the Singapore Satay Sticks that came with skewers of chicken and steak on a bed of peanut sauce. These were pretty good. In fact, I consider this the winner of the night. The marinaded meat were succulent — tender, juicy, tasty. I absolutely loved the peanut sauce. This version is chunky. Sauteed in onions and tomatoes with chunks of peanuts, it was delicious. A different take on a rather boring sauce.

I found the Vegetable Egg Rolls and Samosas a bit underwhelming. The egg rolls were filled with the usual stir-fried veggies while the samosas were filled with bland potato puree. The only saving grace for these appetizers were the sweet and sour chili sauce.

Supposedly the dish that lured Chris to open Straits in Atlanta, the Kung Pao Lollilops were next on our plates. These were teriyaki-glazed chicken drummettes fried crispy on bed of the sweet-sour chili sauce. A fun and perfect bar food, I found the teriyaki-glaze a bit on the salty side. Still, I would order this dish again in hopes that it wouldn’t be as salty the next time.

For our mains, we had the Lobster Pad Thai, the Tamarind Beef, and the Seafood Green Curry. The Lobster Pad Thai was a sight to behold — a whole steamed lobster atop a bed of shrimp and chicken pad thai. Impressive looking, really. Although, I found it to be on the dry side, it has lots of potential. With loads of big fresh shrimp, tender chicken pieces, crunchy bean sprouts, and noodles, this may just be Strait’s signature dish in Atlanta.

The Tamarind Beef came with huge chunks of filet mignon on a bed of baby brussel sprouts with black pepper oyster sauce. individually skewered, the pieces of steak were very tender and juicy, albeit on the salty side. The brussel sprouts were refreshing and actually balanced the saltiness of the steak. This is another dish with a great potential and I’d like to see an improvement in future visits.

I give extra points for the Seafood Green Curry. It was inventive: with fresh, not-overcooked veggies that are not your run-of-the-mill curry vegetables. This one had napa cabbage, Thai eggplant, long beans, cabbage, carrots, and broccoli. It also had shrimp, chunks of filleted fish, clams, and mussels. The jalapeño curry was light and refreshing, though I would have liked it to be bolder. No matter, it’s a great choice for those who want a light but filling meal.

I’m not much of a dessert fan but we did try the French Kiss. The name alone warrants a try, don’t you think? This one came with a moist, velvety chocolate cake topped with strawberry ice cream with strawberry sauce. A good ending to a filling meal.

The service

Service is still spotty which I’m hoping will (and should) improve. I had a feeling our server was nervous more than anything else.

The verdict

I seriously hoped Luda would be in the house that night. Imagine the surprise when he walked by — no posse, no security, no scantily clad women hanging by his arms. Just him. Checking out the scene. I made a bee line, said hi, and had my date take a picture of us. Sorry, I’m still giddy up to now. He was very friendly and unbelievably nice. An added treat to a fun evening.

Overall, this is a hip place for Atlantans to chill out while sipping creative cocktails or munching on classy lounge food. The place is beautiful and inviting. Good vibe, good music. A great food concept this side of town and I imagine the kitchen making improvements and tweaking its dishes to suit the tame palates of the average American.

Insider tip:
The upstairs area is quieter and more cozy. Valet parking available. Adjacent parking lot with plenty of spaces ($3).

The scoop:
Straits
793 Juniper St. NE
(Corner of 5th and Juniper)
Atlanta, GA 30308
404-877-1283
Hours: M-W 5pm-12midnight, Th-Sat 5pm-1am, Sunday 5pm-11pm. Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm

Technorati Tags: Straits Restaurant Atlanta, Singaporean cuisine, Chris Bridges, Ludacris, Chris Yeo, Juniper St.

Had a girls’ night out in the burbs recently and decided to hit Norman’s Landing. If there’s anything that really stands out about this place, it’s the service. We came in on a busy, jam-packed Saturday night. Our server, Terry, despite the chaotic atmosphere that night was absolutely magnificent. She was calm, very attentive, and very efficient. Drink orders were taken less than a minute after we got seated, delivered 2 minutes later, and dinner orders taken a minute after. Eager to please, she even suggested to give us separate checks after the meal (there were 7 of us; and on a very busy night, too). I have nothing but praise for Terry. She was terrific.

Norman’s Landing has been a Forsyth County institution since 1995. The few times that I’ve been, it has always been packed, both for lunch and dinner. Wooden floors, tables, chairs, and booths give it a casual, homey feel. The menu is extensive and while seafood is the specialty of the house, there are plenty of other alternatives for the non-seafood fan such as steak, ribs, and chicken.

I settled for the grilled Cajun scallops served with two of the special sides of the day: macaroni-and-cheese, and grilled asparagus. Although the scallops were perfectly grilled, juicy, and tender, the Cajun seasoning was a bit much. To say they were salty is an understatement. Too bad, they would’ve been quite delicious. The macaroni and cheese were the clear winner of the evening. This version’s very, very creamy, tasty, and a perfect description for comfort food. It was so good, I could’ve easily eaten a huge bowl. The grilled asparagus was a little on the wilted side but still a good choice nonetheless.

The kitchen must have had a heavy hand on the salt and seasonings on this particular night. A friend who ordered the country fried steak gave up after a few, very salty bites; although others on the table had favorable experiences including one whose blackened grouper was outstanding. Overall, a dependable place for good, fresh, quality seafood this side of town. Portions are big. Prices are decent (seafood averages at $15; steaks/chicken start at $12, all for dinner). Service is always stellar.

Insider tip:
Located just off the exit ramp on Exit 13 on Ga 400 across from the newly built The Avenue Forsyth outdoor mall.

The scoop:
Norman’s Landing
365 Peachtree Parkway GA 400 Exit 13 (Rt. 141)
Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 886-0100

Technorati Tags: Norman’s Landing, Cumming, Forsyth County, seafood, steaks, chicken, ribs, daily specials, The Avenue Forsyth

I’ve been to a bunch of Jason’s Deli around the city and I find that the one at The Forum in Norcross has the best “service”. The staff is friendly, courteous, very efficient, and they hardly make a mistake on my order. I also like that it’s bright inside. And they always have those mini gingerbread muffins. Always.

       
A fresh take on fast food, Jason’s Deli is my go-to place for inexpensive, healthy meals (with sandwiches made fresh to order). My current favorite is the Chicken Club Wrapini — a wrap made with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, fresh sliced Roma tomatoes, purple onions, cheddar and Swiss cheeses and homemade ranch dressing. Served hot, it is perfect with a cup of chicken pot pie.
Insider tip:
Gingerbread and jalapeño mini muffins, assorted nuts and crakers, as well as soft serve ice-cream are free with any meal.

The scoop:
Jason’s Deli
Several locations. Check website for locations.
Hours vary. Hours not available on their website.

Technorati Tags: Jason’s Deli, The Forum Shops Norcross, fresh food fast, chicken club wrapini, gingerbread muffins