Chow Down Atlanta

The Shed at Glenwood is one of my favorite places — food is simple yet well executed, and well, just plain good.  I’ve never had a bad experience here and service is always on point.

On a recent visit a couple of weeks ago, I feasted on their famous Beet Salad. It had roasted Beets, organic Vermont goat cheese and a drizzle of balsamic dressing. This is a must try here. Must. It is a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and salty in subtle amounts. I simply love this.

My dinner date’s lentil soup was full of flavor, chunky, and comforting. It was a huge portion and good enough for sharing.

My grilled all natural ribeye steak was perfection. It is a thick piece of meat with flavor all the way through. The side of jumbo lump crab meat in drawn butter was fresh and a great surf with the turf. The mashed potatoes were creamy and gave a nice background to the main.

You all know by now that I am not fond of desserts (give me fresh baked bread anytime) but our server sold us into trying the white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. It was great; cheesy but not cloyingly sweet, with a hint of raspberries.

I make it a point to visit when Chef Lance Gummere has a Prix Fixe offering. It is a great value and a good way to get introduced to his cooking. Our dinner came to $120 before tip for two people (3-courses plus a glass of wine). Incidentally, I am not a drinker and would prefer Diet Coke over anything else. But I found a favorite in their Sangria which is made with fresh fruits, red wine, and ginger ale. It is sweet which is why I love it. And it is also strong (for me) — a few sips rendered me light headed).

Insider tip:
My car GPS couldn’t find this place so I had to call for directions: use this address instead: 890 Glenwood Ave SE.

The scoop:
The Shed at Glenwood
475 Bill Kennedy Way SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 835-4363
Tuesday-Thursday: 4pm-10pm
Friday: 4pm-12am
Saturday brunch: 10am-3pm, dinner service 3pm-12am
Sunday Brunch: 10:00-3:00
Sunday Supper 3:00-9:00

Technorati Tags: The Shed at Glenwood, Lance Gummere, farm-to-table, American cuisine, East 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