Chow Down Atlanta

I do a good amount of driving from OTP to go to Star Provisions and H&F weekly for my bread addiction. Specifically, I go for my weekly ration of baguettes. I went to Parish Foods & Goods last week to have lunch and saw their baked goods very tempting. But first, lunch.

I looked around to see what everybody was eating before settling on the Fried Green Tomato BLT. First of all, it was huge. Really huge. A good value at $7.50. There were crisp fried green tomatoes with just a light dusting of batter, 4 substantial slices of thick bacon, fresh red tomato slices and lettuce, in a spicy remoulade. Lots of different textures. It was delicious and very filling. My only complaint is that they could have used slightly thicker slices of bread. The bread, which were grilled to perfection, simply couldn’t hold up to all the filling and disintegrated in my hands. Shame. It was good bread, too.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without grabbing some baked goodies. Got a couple of baguettes that were very hard and tasteless. Despite rejuvenating them in the oven. To the trash they all went. The chocolate tea bread was a bit dry but very chocolatey in taste which I like. I just can’t get past the dryness. The banana-nut and blueberry muffins were bursting with flavor and fabulously moist and dense just the way I like them. Will remember to get more next time.

There are a lot of interesting items on the menu that I’d like to try in future visits. Yes, I’ll be back. But not for the baked goods.

Insider tip:
They have to-go meals for 4 people that can be picked up daily.
Sandwiches range from $6-10. Dinner entrees range from $12-24.

The scoop:
Parish Foods & Goods
240 N Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 681-4434

Technorati Tags: Parish Foods & Goods, Inman Park, Atlanta, bakery, New Orleans cuisine

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