Chow Down Atlanta

I’ve passed this place countless times especially when I used to live in Duluth but never got the chance to try it. Until a friend who happens to know the chef over at their Lawrenceville location told me about some new menu items they’ve unveiled. So off I went. Except my navigation kept directing me to an office park. I kept going back and forth on Lawrenceville Highway trying to find it and after doing this for 30 minutes, I gave up. Tired and hungry, I ended up going to the Duluth location instead.

Boudreaux’s has been a popular hangout by locals in Duluth as evident by the customers who are first name basis with everyone during a busy lunch hour. It is located in downtown Duluth, which, I still think, has the best city leaders (they spend their money wisely). But anyway, I came in to what looked like a hole in a wall. Literally. I went up the counter not knowing if there was table service, perused the menu, and settled on an Oyster PoBoy and a cup of seafood gumbo.

The PoBoy was a pleasant surprise. It was huge. With even bigger, lightly-battered, golden brown oysters. Tons of them! Piled high on a toasted hoagie roll with crispy lettuce and tomatoes. The oysters were succulent and tasted like the ocean (read: fresh). The lady boss handed me a few plastic squirt bottles of cajun sauce, mayo, tartar sauce, and cocktail sauce. I tried the cajun sauce, found it to be a little bland for my taste but it was a good relish to my gigantic sandwich. At less than $11 this was a very good, very inexpensive sandwich.

My gumbo was also good. It was chunky — with rice and lots of big pieces of seafood: shrimp, oysters, scallops, crab. The soup was very satisfying with the broth having just the right amount of salt and spices. A few drops of Tabasco and it was kicking!

As a no-frills joint, expect no fanciness anywhere. Soups are served on styro bowls and eaten with a plastic spoon. Sandwiches are on red plastic baskets and sauces are communal from plastic squirt bottles. They have a large selection of soda including my favorite rootbeer. Just grab one from the chiller case along the wall. Now plop down on one of the comfy chairs and listen to the blaring television.

Insider tip:

Grab some fresh seafood on your way out. Daily specials listed on the board. Table service is offered. Spices and marinades available for purchase.

The scoop:

Boudreaux’s Cajun

3067-A Main Street,
Duluth, GA 30096
770-814-8388

860 Highway 120,
Suite 450
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
770-236-8585

Open Daily from 10am

Technorati Tags: Boudreaux’s Cajun, fresh live seafood, poboys, gumbo, seafood, Duluth

Aside from the Vietnamese Bahn-mi, I so love Mexican tortas. These sandwiches are a quick way to satisfy hunger and are very inexpensive. Las Tortas Locas makes the best Mexican sandwiches around. Trust me, others just don’t compare. I’ve been eating their tortas for years now. The big oval bread is freshly-baked and lightly grilled then filled to the brim with huge chunks of flavorful meat, cheese, lettuce, avocado, tomatoes and mayo. At less than 5 bucks a sandwich, it’s the best deal for your money. There are many types to choose from and each one is equally good.

If tortas isn’t what you have a taste for, there are other items on the menu that are sure to satisfy you including the 2-tortilla tacos served open-faced. There are also your usual burritos and quesadillas. Add to the that a variety of free salsas to mix and match to complement your meal and you’ll understand what the line during peak hours is all about.

Insider tip:
The Peachtree Industrial location is only a walk-up stand in a gas station. Other locations are self-serve restaurants with plenty of seating. Most locations only accept cash. Asking for directions is like pulling teeth; worse, most times they just hang up on you since most employees only speak Spanish, so better print your directions before venturing out.

The scoop:
Las Tortas Locas
5841 Roswell Road: 404-844-4445
2493 Chamblee Tucker Road: 770-457-0099
6101 S. Norcross-Tucker Rd. Suite A: 770-491-0106
1026 Windy Hill Rd. Suite 6: 770-805-0304
6405 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.: 770-368-8747 (very limited seating)
4140 Jonesboro Rd. Suite A5: 404-608-1450
345 Pat Mell Road: 770-803-0303

Technorati Tags: Las Tortas Locas, Mexican cuisine, Mexican sandwich, tacos, salsa, Atlanta

From the outside, you’d think this place is just another strip mall food joint: the sign is ordinary and the outside looks like a fast food deli complete with menus posted on the glass walls. But since it was their opening week at the time, I was determined to give it a try. And boy, was I surprised. Inside was a lovely restaurant with shiny maroon concrete floors, muted golden walls, dark wooden tables and chairs, columns, and Grecian style decoration.

The menu is typical Greek — salads, pitas, roasted chicken… nothing fancy and not extensive either. But if you want a quick bite to eat and you’re already in the neighborhood, then this is the place to try. For starters, they give you a free plate of four different kinds of dips: cucumber-yogurt, chili, honey-mustard, and garlic-mayo; with pieces of grilled pocket pita on the side. I’m saying pocket pita here as opposed to the flat doughy pita

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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