Chow Down Atlanta

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

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

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

J Christopher’s has been one of my go-to places whenever I crave for breakfast. I like that you can expect the same good, quality food every time you visit. Service may be spotty at times and some locations just have it bad. But for quick breakfast stops, I head on over to this place especially now that they’ve expanded, the 2-hour waits have vanished.

I’ve been going to this place since 2000 so I’ve tasted everything on the menu. They’re all good. The skillets are fun because you get everything on one plate and, well, because they’re served on hot skillets. Now how cool is that?

But yesterday was the very first time I’ve ever tasted their Blueberry Crunchcakes. They are so wonderful. It’s like eating pancakes with a slight crunch thanks to the addition of crunchy granola. While I’m no fan of crunchy pancakes and I hate waffles because of the crunch, these crunchcakes are different. The texture is so unique. And the taste is amazing. You have to try it for yourself. It’s really, really good.Insider tip:
Open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily from 7am until 2pm. Their Tuna Melt is worth a try.

The scoop:
J Christopher’s
Several locations

Technorati Tags: J Christopher’s, brunch, crunchcakes, skillet breakfast, Atlanta

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

Deep in the bowels of the BOA area between Cumming and Alpharetta lies a rustic-looking white house typical of old southern homes. Step inside and you’re bound to feast on real southern cooking. The Midway Meal House offers southern breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Raring to eat breakfast, I was sorely disappointed to find out we missed it by 5 minutes. No concessions. Breakfast is served til 11am daily. Moping and ready to leave, a basket of bread appeared and being the bread person that I am, couldn’t resist and grabbed one immediately. The freshly baked biscuits were fluffy and milky. Enough reason for me to stay.

So I had to order lunch — grilled chops and two sides while my eating buddy had Chicken Livers. The grilled chops were tasty and well seasoned, albeit a little on the thin side. With too many sides to choose from, I settled for the fried okra and broccoli casserole. The fried okra were fried to perfection. While the casserole looked better than it tasted (think baby food consistency). I would have liked to see more solid bite-sized bits of brocolli.

The Chicken Livers were outstanding: lightly battered, well seasoned and perfectly fried. The mac-n-cheese was creamy and cheesy.

All in all, it was a good lunch. I can’t say I was floored, but enough to make me come back the next time I’m craving for a decent southern meal. Service is great and the kitchen is fast. Expect to wait on weekend mornings.

Insider tip:
Breakfast daily until 11:00AM. Repeat, 11:00AM.
Daily specials available.

The scoop:
Midway Meal House
5150 Atlanta Hwy.
Alpharetta, GA 30004
770-442-3738

Technorati Tags: Midway Meal House, Alpharetta, Cumming, Highway 9, southern food, meat + two, chicken livers

Tuesday is my favorite pasta day. It’s because Tuesday is lasagna day at VZ. It’s the only day they ever make lasagna. But more on that later. VZ is this amazing pizzeria place on 141/Peachtree Parkway in the Johns Creek area. Believe me when I say this place rocks! Everything is made to order so although you’ll have to wait a few minutes for your pizza, pizza knots, and garlic bread, it is so worth the wait. The side salads are big and so fresh you’d think the greens came straight from the garden. The strombollis are huge enough for two people to eat and can be ordered with any combination of ingredients. The 10-inch heros are baked crispy on the outside. I mean it, everything on the menu is good.

First, the pizza dough is made in-house, fresh and really just amazing — it has the right amount of chewiness, crispiness, and doughiness. The homemade pizza sauce is bold and tasty. And the toppings, fresh and plenty! One bite and you’ll be hooked.

Then, of course, there’s the lasagna. Huge portions of home-made-from-scratch lasagna. It is THE best lasagna this side of Italy. Seriously, I’ve been to Italy countless times and although the version of pasta there cannot be duplicated, VZ sure makes a worthy contender. The layers of al dente pasta sheets, meat, and sauce then generously topped with their chuncky tomato sauce make this lasagna so addicting. Unfortunately, it is only available on Tuesdays. But now you know where to find me on Tuesdays!

If you’ve never been at Verra Zanno, you owe to yourself to go and be wowed. Start with some garlic bread which comes with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Follow with a side of salad. The pizza is a must try for your first visit. After that, which I guarantee you’ll be back, try the pastas, then the rolls/strombollis, and the heros. Of course, you have got to be there on Tuesdays!

Insider tip:
Lunch specials daily. New specials available (click here). Whole pizzas cost a little more than what you’re used to but the taste and quality will definitely make up for the price.

The scoop:
Verra Zanno
(678) 473-0209

11600 Medlock Bridge Road (AKA 141) Suite 190
Duluth, GA 30097

Technorati Tags: Verra Zanno, pizzeria, pizza, pasta, Johns Creek, 141 Peachtree Parkway

Growing up, tagging along with our shopaholic mom make her rounds of boutiques in Buckhead means snacking or lunching at Brasserie Le Coze, The Tavern at Phipps, or at The Zodiac. She’s a creature of habit so it’s either one of those three or nothing else. These days, Brasserie is gone and The Zodiac is now called NM Cafe.

While the menus haven’t changed, the look definitely has. Gone are the dark interiors and clubhouse feel. Today’s look resembles, well, let me just say this, it reminds me of Cafe Aquaria at the Georgia Aquarium. I have to say I have mixed feelings with the new cafeteria-style decor. It’s good that they updated their look but I’m kinda partial to the warm clubhouse feel. There’s just something about it that made the place cozier. The new plastic-looking white chairs and melamine tables do nothing for me.

One good thing is that the menus haven’t changed much. You still get these warm, fresh-from-the-oven, airy popovers served with homemade strawberry-infused whipped butter the minute you get seated at your table. Minutes later, you get demitasse cups of warm broth for dunking your popovers with — yummy and heavenly. I tell you, my sister and I can finish two of these apiece. That’s aside from our main entrees! These hollow popovers have custard-like walls that are chewy while the outside remains flaky. No trip to Neiman Marcus is complete without a visit to The Zodiac for these amazing popovers. The bar menu offers quick bites, daily specials, and light fare while the regular menu offers more substantial choices. The she-crab bisque drizzled with sherry wine is a popular choice. The creamy soup is smooth and has huge chunks of crab. Presented in a covered tureen, would you believe only the head chef is allowed to add the sherry wine to it? A mainstay for many years, the herb roasted chicken is another popular choice. The chicken is moist, tender, juicy and flavorful with just a hint of sweet glaze on the outside. It comes with garlic mash and steamed haricot vert. I’m not much of a sweet-glaze person so I always get a side of au jus to wash it off.If you’re tired of the usual mall food, then The Zodiac NM Cafe is a great alternative. Expect to wait during peak lunch times when the ladies who lunch are all out. Prices are very reasonable — the soup is $8 and the chicken is $15. They also have good salad choices with the special salad of the day always a great choice (usually a combination of 3 small salads on a plate).

Insider tip:
Located on the ground floor inside Neiman way in the back.
Opt to sit at the bar where you get a choice of the two menus.

The scoop:
NM Cafe
Neiman Marcus
Lenox Mall
3393 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 266-8200
Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Sun 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Technorati Tags: Zodiac NM Cafe, Buckhead, Neiman Marcus, Lenox Mall, Buckhead, Atlanta