Chow Down Atlanta

Lottafrutta is this cool sandwich place a few blocks from Georgia State in Auburn Avenue. It’s been one of our favorite places for a quick bite to eat whenever I’m on this side of town (which is about twice a week). A couple of years ago, you wouldn’t want to walk around Auburn Avenue. But they’ve really cleaned the place up. It’s beautiful here now with lots of quaint houses and quirky townhomes.

Lottafrutta serves grilled sandwiches on Latin bread. They’re wonderful. The sweet bread is soft, grilled panini-style, and filled with ham, turkey, or veggies. Or get it the way I do: Just Veggin’ with Turkey — creamy havarti with avocados, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sprouts with a slices of oven-roasted turkey. It is just so delicious. Each sandwich comes with a tiny tub of chulpe (grilled corn, Ecuadorian style). It’s crunchy and very appetizing.

Then they have these fruit cups that are just equally amazing. My two favorites are the Limonatta and the Cremolatta. If you have a taste for tart stuff, then Limonatta is for you. It has slices of cantaloupe, coconut, cucumber, watermelon, pineapple, mango, and papaya with fresh lime juice then sprinkled with spicy chile guajillo. You get this sweet-tangy tastes with a hint of spice. No worries, it is not spicy at all, with the heat more akin to paprika. On the other hand, if you want all sweetness, then go for the Cremolatta with slices of grapes, watermelon, strawberry, papaya, and cantaloupe then topped with a generous amount of homemade cream. Both delicious and both great accompaniments to the sandwiches. The fruit juices and the ice pops are also irresistible.

Lottafrutta is one sandwich place you must, must try. Grilled sandwiches are only $6.25 (they are good-sized), fruit cups start at $4.75.

Insider tip:
Open during the week at 7am for breakfast. Try the Cuban coffee — awesome!

The scoop:
Lottafrutta
590 Auburn Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 588-0857
M-F: 7am-5pm
Sat/Sun: 9am-5pm

Technorati Tags: Lottafrutta, Inman Park, fruits, grilled sandwiches, Latin bread, limonatta, cremolatta, frutta cups, salads, breakfast, brunch, Cuban coffee

I was one among the chosen few invited during their closed-to-the-public-friends-and-family-only opening night in October 2003 and I’ve been impressed ever since. A cozy den. That’s how I think of Bear Rock located in Buckhead. You’ll find a working fire place, comfy couches, stone and wood accents, and deep-hued walls. You’re gonna be wanting to kick back and relax. And they actually encourage you to do so.

Morning regulars linger for hours over bagel sandwiches (toasted with ham/bacon, cheese and egg), the wheat tortilla wraps with an assortment of filling, or even the yummy blueberry scones. Sandwiches are served on freshly-baked bread and can be topped with freshly sliced or grilled meat, roasted vegetables or one of the many interesting spreads such as poblano, vidalia onion, pesto mayo, or roasted garlic tomato. There are also a good variety of specialty salads, one-pounder baked potatoes, pizzas, and soups that change daily. Desserts come in many forms such as cheesecakes, cakes, and cookies. By the way, the big chocolate-chip cookies with humongous chunks of chocolate is a must-try.

Most people would think of Bear Rock as an upscale sandwich shop. True, but not in the snobby, pricey sort of way. In fact, you’d never pay over $10 (or even close to it) for any meal. To think, you’re getting fresh ingredients, quality food, and inventive menu items. And if you’re thinking you’d tire of the food easily, fear not for the quite extensive menu changes every so often. It’s a good place for a quick bite to eat plus great service to boot that comes from the friendliest staff.

Insider tip:
Wi-fi is free. Check the website for special offers such as family nights where kids eat free.

The scoop:
Bear Rock Cafe
http://www.bearrockfoods.com/franchise/index.cfm?franchise=1
Peachtree Battle Shopping Center
2355 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
404-816-5515 (p) 404-816-5514 (f)

Technorati Tags: Bear Rock Cafe, sandwiches, sandwich shop, breakfast, wi-fi spot, American cuisine, Buckhead, Atlanta, Kids menu