Sprig
It’s such a shame that some of my friends have had unfavorable visits here. I’ve been numerous times and never had a bad experience. It’s a great neighborhood restaurant if anything else. Dishes are well thought of, crafted beautifully, taste delicious, and ingredients are top-notch. It doesn’t hurt that my parents’ house is a stone’s throw away in Oak Grove either and this has been a favorite family spot for many months now. There’s also a very cool bar (if cool is even a good description). You all know I don’t drink so take cool to mean good.
Sprig’s road to success has been shaky. Not too long ago, we went over to this new bistro that just opened to see the menu. Prices were in the $25 range and for a restaurant in an older strip plaza, it did not really belong. They also had funky hours and they never seem to be open when we wanted to eat there. Our excitement for this new place soon began to fade. Besides, there’s a neighborhood bar next door that has also been a family favorite so we chose to go there all the time instead. I really thought they wouldn’t last more than a couple of months. Fast forward to a few months later and running out of eating options, decided to drive by another time. The menu no longer boasts of special occasion prices. Rather, it’s been toned down to where you can affordably eat there many times a week. The dishes are also more new Southern. You know, not the traditional southern dishes you see at Southern places. They’re more, I don’t know, I guess you can use the word exciting. Our love affair with Sprig started the minute we set foot in the door. And the food? Exciting.
Want in on Atlanta’s best kept secret? They have the best Pimento Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and just so, so good. It has just the right amount of zing from the pimientos and the perfect saltiness from the sharp cheese. I’m warning you– this is addicting.
I love the corn bread here enough to get a plate of it. They’re moist and sweetish and you can really taste and see the corn in it. Dip it in butter and oh my, what a great appetizer.
One of the best things I’ve eaten here is the Sugar Rubbed Pork Shoulder. I must have eaten this twice a week for an entire month! This (pork belly) dish is so fantastic I think about it all the time! Yes, it’s that memorable. The pork is so juicy and melt-in-your-mouth tender. The skin is crisp and sweetish. Absolutely a delicious and gorgeous dish. Get it with the Carolina rice grits and you’ll have one of the best dishes of your life.
You want something to knock your socks off? Try the Lamb Stroganoff. Seriously, the braised lamb in creamy mushroom sauce atop house-made egg noodles is so fantastic you’ll moan with every bite. It’s a huge serving (for normal people) even for the half order so keep that in mind.
The North Carolina Seared Trout is another tasty dish. The fish is fresh tasting, seasoned just right, then seared to perfection, with crisp edges to boot. Sides change depending on what’s fresh and what’s in season. Just know that all the sides are great.
Want a meaty option? Get the steak. Straight forward, no frills, good steak.
I don’t follow any diets but for those who do, they have tons of gluten-free and vegetarian options. Even for dessert. This farm-to-table neighborhood restaurant is worth a try. Take my word for it.
Sprig Restaurant
2860 Lavista Rd.
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 248-9700
Technorati Tags: new Southern, Oak Grove, Decatur
