Chow Down Atlanta

Note: This place closed on December 4, 2008.

I finally got a chance to visit The Depot. It’s this new gastro pub serving New Orleans-style cuisine in a restored freight depot. I must admit, the place is impressive.

Most of the architectural details have remained intact with a touch of modernism added for good measure. The front and side entry, concrete floors, part of the brick wall, the platform, tracks, have all been retained which lend a nostalgic feel to the place. While modern patio furniture, an added wing that now houses the kitchen, a wine cabinet, red leather bar stools, provide a refreshing contrast. The double-sided bar is expansive and serves as the focal point. I particularly love the red club-style bar stools and the original tracks put to good use as foot rests.

Outside, a huge three-part patio beckons. The main part, geared more for dining, includes festive green and white chairs complementing black tables, all on a stone-tiled floor with a fountain to boot. There’s a small strip on the side by the grass (right beside the beltline) that provides additional seating. And the best part, a few steps up where the original platform extended, are bar stools and pub tables facing the double-sided bar. By allowing access to the bar outside, you can still be part of the action. It’s an inventive design and use of space.

I was able to try a few things and those that made a lasting impression include the sweet potato chips (thinly sliced and fried crisp), the crab fingers (hefty sized, thin batter), pizza (good, chewy crust), and, of course, the raw oysters. Menu items range from $8-15. Drinks are generally cheaper by a buck or two. All in all, The Depot offers a hip place to have a drink. Having a unique take on bar food is just an added bonus.

Inside scoop:
Located off I-20 just past the Atlanta Zoo exit.

The scoop:
904 Memorial Drive, Atlanta
In Reynoldstown at Glenwood Park
404-577-1904
Mondays-Fridays: 11-3am
Saturdays: 11am-2am
Sundays: 11-midnight
Serving food from 11 a.m. until midnight on Sundays and Saturdays

Technorati Tags: The Depot, East Atlanta, Reynoldstown, Glenwood Park, New Orleans cuisine, gastro pub

Note: This place has closed for good as of November 2008 (it closed, re-opened, then closed again.)

This is so long overdue. And to think I’ve been waiting for this place to open. So it finally did one rainy day the first week of February. Vite Lavie is not your usual tea house. First of all, they don’t have dress-up tea parties. And they don’t have afternoon tea. But what they do offer is a comfy hang-out while you enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea.

Concocted by (handsome) college buddies from Ohio, the pair did a study and chose Atlanta for their new venture. After graduation, they packed their bags and moved here. Another study and they landed in Alpharetta.

Vite Lavie offers a great selection of loose tea leaves including those from China, Japan, India, and elsewhere. They have my favorite Silver Needle and the usual, green, black, Earl Grey, and English Breakfast to name a few, plus a handful of other exotic ones. Once you make your selection, the tea barista (aka owner guy) will brew you a perfect (big) cup of tea using the right temperature and the correct implements. The cup is monstrous and I would say, it’s all of 20 ounces.

If tea isn’t your thing, they do offer smoothies that are also tea-based. Sorry, but no sodas here. If you’re feeling a little famished and need something to go with your tea, then check-out the pastry case for goodies from Joli Kobe bakery. Plans for serving sandwiches are on its way and I can’t wait. Nightly live music is also on the horizon.

For now, Vite Lavie is a great hangout. The atmosphere is serene, while the comfy couches are so inviting. With wifi available and just about anything you need (see owner guys), people are not gonna want to leave.

Insider tip:
Teas average $4. Ask the owner guys for anything you need, chances are, they can get it for you.

The scoop:
Vite Lavie
9945 Jones Bridge Rd
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Phone: 770-442-5011

Technorati Tags: Vite Lavie, tea, loose tea, tea house, Alpharetta