Chow Down Atlanta

My mom is a creature of habit and one habit she hasn’t kicked is Murphy’s. We’ve been going to Murphy’s regularly since I was a teenager but despite of that, I, too, have not gotten tired of their food. Located in the hip neighborhood of Virginia Highland, Murphy’s has been consistently good with their food and service for 25 years. Current chef Gregg McCarthy churns out favorites such as the grilled smoked double-cut porkchops (available during brunch and at other times by request), or the rainbow trout which still keep attracting diners.

I’ve tried almost every item on the menu at Murphy’s and though I have my favorites (and not-so-favorites), I can honestly say you can’t go wrong with any items. My top recommendations include: Grilled Porkchops (very juicy, very flavorful), Crispy Beef Shank (seasonal; bold and heavenly), Shrimp and Grits (light but packed with flavor), and the North Georgia Trout (clean, refined taste). For brunch, try the Corned Beef Hash (the mustard gives it a kick) and Eggs Virginia Highland (an exciting veggie option).

More pictures on my Flickr account here.

The desserts are also all good but opt for the seasonal items. A week ago, they had this amazing Carrot cake that was so moist. It was insanely good!

Post Script: As I’m writing this, my mom calls and asks me to have lunch at Murphy’s today. She is addicted

Insider tip:

Avoid peak hours at all cost as waiting times can be as long as 2 hours. Your best bet is to come on a Sunday evening. Valet parking available.

The Scoop:
Murphy’s
997 Virginia Avenue NE, Atlanta GA 30306
404.872.0904
Very limited free parking. Valet only available during dinner. Pay parking nearby.
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:00am –10:00pm
Friday: 11:00am –midnight
Saturday: 8:00am –11:00pm Brunch served 8:00am�4:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am –10:00pm Brunch served 8:00am�4:00pm

Technorati Tags: Murphy’s, Concentrics Restaurant group, Va-Hi, brunch, Gregg McCarthy, porkchops, beef shank, Atlanta

Had lunch with my best friend over at Gordon Biersch in Midtown today. It was my first time and I was really impressed with the decor and ambiance.

I loved the high ceilings and the upper mezzanine where they have a private banquet room, a billiard room, and a bar. Lots of warm wood contrasted with cold steel with light colored walls to balance it all. I really like it. Sadly, no amount of ambiance or decor can salvage the disappointment I had with my food.

I asked our server how the Meatloaf Sandwich was and he said it was, “really, really good”. It was also the lunch special so I went ahead with it. What came before me was two unappealing, very-dry looking squares of grilled meat on a bed of shredded lettuce and a slice of tomato in a big dried-out bun. All I can say is that the taste was as bad as it looked — bland, bland, bland — and no amount of ketchup can save this sandwich.

Okay, so I probably ordered wrong because my friend’s Chicken Caesar pizza was quite tasty. It had chunks of tender chicken, crisp lettuce, and gooey cheese; and the crust was chewy and doughy. It was also big for a lunch portion, although, my friend, being a guy, had no trouble finishing it. Overall, it was flavorful and I wouldn’t mind ordering it next time.

Verdict

I wouldn’t mind coming back to try a few other things from their extensive menu. The problem with micro breweries is that they usually would rather let their food take a back seat to their brews.

Insider tip:
Attentive service but the kitchen is very slow. Valet and self parking available. Located on Peachtree and 6th.

The scoop:
Gordon Biersch
848 Peachtree Street, NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: 404-870-0805
Fax: 404-870-0806

Hours:
Sun-Thurs: 11:30 AM - 12:30 AM
Fri-Sat: 11:30 AM - 2:00 AM

Technorati Tags: Gordon Biersch, micro brewery, Midtown, Atlanta, Peachtree St., 6th Street, meatloaf sandwich, chicken caesar pizza

Maybe it’s about the perfect combination of eggs, meat, and carbs that makes me love breakfast enough to be able to eat it anytime of the day. For such fixes, Goldberg’s is one of my favorite choices. I’m sure you’ve heard about their bagels, too. They’re chewy, dense, and have that distinct bagel taste. You know, as opposed to that regular bread taste. With so many kinds to choose from, you’re bound to go home with a dozen bagels or more. Which is usually what happens to me. Two of this and two of that, and before I know it, I have a huge bag of bagels and a big tub of cream cheese.

Goldberg’s (which resembles a NY deli complete with hanging sausages) has everything I want in a breakfast (served all day): eggs, turkey sausage, oatmeal, and a side of toasted bagel with cream cheese. The turkey sausages were plump, juicy, and surprisingly not salty. The oatmeal was home-made and chewy. Oh, did I tell you about the toasted bagel that comes with your breakfast? Yummy.

Insider tip:
Expect long waits on weekends. Open daily from 6am-3pm.

The scoop:
Goldberg’s Bagel and Deli
4383 Roswell Rd Ne, Atlanta
(404) 256-3751

Technorati Tags: Goldberg’s Bagel & Deli, breakfast, bagel, American, NY

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

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

I’ve been going to Joel for a while. I remember bumping into highly-acclaimed Chef Joel Antunes in 2003 when he was having a cooking demo at the grand opening of (gasp) Bloomies at Lenox. I was drawn not by his ability to produce such flavorful morsels of food given the two-burner stove he was laboring over with, but by his soft, accommodating demeanor. A true French artiste at heart, his attention to detail is remarkable.

The former head and star of the Ritz Carlton Buckhead’s The Dining Room built his 5-million dollar brasserie with a dream kitchen that’s quite out of this world (just imagine a 62-foot stove). From the moment you step in, you’ll be wowed by the contemporary decor. That includes the ultra-spacious hip bar and the uber-stylish ladies bathroom.

I’ve been to Joel many, many times and I have yet to be disappointed. Both with the food and the service. I love the way Chef Joel incorporates Asian ingredients with his French cuisine — an influence from his life in Asia some time ago. Every item on the menu is well-thought of: from the balance of flavors to the textures and taste.

For a truly good deal, go for the three-course $49 Chef’s Weekly Menu (used to be $39) available during the week or the Spa Menu for $25 guaranteed served in 35 minutes or less. It’s a five-star food from a five-star chef in a five-star place with a five-star service but not a five-star price.

Insider Tip:
The entrees, on their own, are quite satisfying (especially after the bread and starters) so I’d forego ordering any additional sides unless you’re really feeling ravenous.
Check-out the ladies bathroom — it rocks!
The extensive wine selection can be daunting so ask for the Sommelier’s recommendation. And stop-by The Market where you can purchase wine served at the restaurant (unfortunately, it’s only open until 5:30pm but you can definitely pop in after your lunch).

The scoop:
Joel
www.joelrestaurant.com
3290 Northside Parkway at the Piazza at Paces in the Forum Building
404-233-3500
Valet Parking
Reservations recommended
Dinner: Monday-Thursday 5:30PM - 10:00PM
Friday-Saturday 5:30PM - 10:30PM
Lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11:30AM - 2:00PM

Technorati Tags: Joel restaurant, Chef Joel Antunes, Atlanta, Northside area, prix fixe, weekly menu, French cuisine

Roaster’s has been consistently delivering good, inexpensive southern comfort food to metro Atlanta since 1990. Before that, we always wished a rotisserie place would open in Atlanta. There were only two places that had rotisserie chicken on the menu back then. I remember one of Roaster’s first locations near Gwinnett Place Mall that, unfortunately, closed down about 7 years ago. Four locations remain, each offering the same casual atmosphere, great service and tasty dishes.

The chicken fingers are really, really good — lightly battered and very tender. As well as the rotisserie chicken, the fall-off-the-bone ribs, the fresh veggies, and the salads. There are specials of the day offered daily that include a soup, a veggie, and an entree. The creamed corn is particularly good, unfortunately, it’s not a staple on the menu. Each table gets freshly-baked sweet corn muffins and yeasty rolls on the house.

Inside tip:
You can get a veggie plate with a choice of 3 or 4 veggies.
The chicken finger appetizer with one side is as filling as the regular order with two sides.

The scoop:
Roasters Rotisserie
http://www.roastersfresh.com/index.html
Locations: Lenox, Cumberland, and Roswell Road
Alpharetta Location not on website:
11585 Jones Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, 30022 - (770) 753-0055

Technorati Tags: Roasters Rotisserie, chicken fingers, rotisserie chicken, ribs, kids menu, Alpharetta, Lenox, Cumberland, Roswell Rd, Atlanta

If you want an 8-dollar breakfast that is surely guaranteed to fill you up, then head on to The Original Pancake House where 6-egg omelettes plus a side of 3 buttermilk pancakes are the norm. Aah, too much food. But good food. And the best pancakes. the Dutch BabyEverything is made from scratch daily including the whipped cream and the fresh-squeezed orange juice. The signature sourdough-yeast-batter pancakes are really the best — chewy and not overly sweet. The baked Dutch Baby served with a plate of lemon wedges and powdered sugar looks like a huge moon crater with a crispy outside and a soft inside. Most everything on the menu comes with a short-stack of pancakes: the omelettes, the meats, and the egg specialties. Don’t miss the kosher corned beef hash. It has cream!

Expect hour-long waits on weekends and since everything’s made-to-order, your food won’t come in a flash. But the taste, price, and size will surely make up for it.

Insider tip:
The omelettes are big enough for two people. Try the Dutch Baby, it’s delicious.

The scoop:
The Original Pancake House
http://www.originalpancakehouse.com/index.html
Duluth Location (not on website)
3665 Club Dr Ste 104
Duluth, GA 30096

Technorati Tags: The Original Pancake House, breakfast, brunch, pancakes, Dutch Baby, sourdough-yeast, omelettes

I was one among the chosen few invited during their closed-to-the-public-friends-and-family-only opening night in October 2003 and I’ve been impressed ever since. A cozy den. That’s how I think of Bear Rock located in Buckhead. You’ll find a working fire place, comfy couches, stone and wood accents, and deep-hued walls. You’re gonna be wanting to kick back and relax. And they actually encourage you to do so. Read the rest of this entry »

I enjoy dining at The Clubhouse for their cozy atmosphere and decor — a true private country club feel. I particularly like the dark wood floors, maroon velvet drapes, white linen-topped tables, and leather chairs/booths. The light fixtures covered in sheer red fabric and gold tassels also add a wonderful touch. But it stops there.

There’s really not much to be said about the food except that while it’s decent, it’s nothing spectacular except for the humongous portions you get. I’d stick with the basics such as the Flaming Hot Spinach Dip served literally flaming. And the salads, sandwiches and burgers. The entrees won’t knock your socks off and for the price you’d pay, there are a lot better alternatives in the area.

Insider tip:
Their ValuedMember Program allows you to accumulate points every visit.

The scoop:
The Clubhouse Restaurant
http://www.theclubhouse.com/Atlanta/index.cfm
Located at the Lenox Square Mall
3393 Peachtree Rd. NE,
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 442-8891
Monday-Thursday 11:30AM - 10:30PM (Bar til 12AM)
Friday-Saturday 11:30AM - 11:30PM (Bar til 1AM)
Sunday 10:30AM - 9:30PM (Bar til 10:30PM)

Technorati Tags: The Clubhouse Restaurant, American cuisine, Lenox, Atlanta