Chow Down Atlanta

Had a girls’ night out in the burbs recently and decided to hit Norman’s Landing. If there’s anything that really stands out about this place, it’s the service. We came in on a busy, jam-packed Saturday night. Our server, Terry, despite the chaotic atmosphere that night was absolutely magnificent. She was calm, very attentive, and very efficient. Drink orders were taken less than a minute after we got seated, delivered 2 minutes later, and dinner orders taken a minute after. Eager to please, she even suggested to give us separate checks after the meal (there were 7 of us; and on a very busy night, too). I have nothing but praise for Terry. She was terrific.

Norman’s Landing has been a Forsyth County institution since 1995. The few times that I’ve been, it has always been packed, both for lunch and dinner. Wooden floors, tables, chairs, and booths give it a casual, homey feel. The menu is extensive and while seafood is the specialty of the house, there are plenty of other alternatives for the non-seafood fan such as steak, ribs, and chicken.

I settled for the grilled Cajun scallops served with two of the special sides of the day: macaroni-and-cheese, and grilled asparagus. Although the scallops were perfectly grilled, juicy, and tender, the Cajun seasoning was a bit much. To say they were salty is an understatement. Too bad, they would’ve been quite delicious. The macaroni and cheese were the clear winner of the evening. This version’s very, very creamy, tasty, and a perfect description for comfort food. It was so good, I could’ve easily eaten a huge bowl. The grilled asparagus was a little on the wilted side but still a good choice nonetheless.

The kitchen must have had a heavy hand on the salt and seasonings on this particular night. A friend who ordered the country fried steak gave up after a few, very salty bites; although others on the table had favorable experiences including one whose blackened grouper was outstanding. Overall, a dependable place for good, fresh, quality seafood this side of town. Portions are big. Prices are decent (seafood averages at $15; steaks/chicken start at $12, all for dinner). Service is always stellar.

Insider tip:
Located just off the exit ramp on Exit 13 on Ga 400 across from the newly built The Avenue Forsyth outdoor mall.

The scoop:
Norman’s Landing
365 Peachtree Parkway GA 400 Exit 13 (Rt. 141)
Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 886-0100

Technorati Tags: Norman’s Landing, Cumming, Forsyth County, seafood, steaks, chicken, ribs, daily specials, The Avenue Forsyth

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

The best, unforgettable peri-peri chicken I’ve ever had was during a vacation in the Middle East two years ago — I tasted it in different places in two different countries and they tasted very similar to each other. Piri piri (or peri peri) is a small spicy pepper grown in South Africa and its neighboring countries which is also known as the African bird’s eye chile. Peri-peri chicken (or shrimp) is grilled chicken (or shrimp) marinated in peri-peri sauce made with peri peri, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, olive oil, and salt. The taste is distinct and totally different from Jamaican jerk chicken.

Boneheads, a quasi fast-food place which is part of Raving Brands (think Mama Fu’s, Moes, doc green’s, Shaun’s) specializes in piri piri chicken. Their piri piri chicken comes in three sizes: whole, half, or breast, and in different flavors: lemon & herb, medium, hot, or very hot. I love spicy food and am known to squeeze raw bird’s eye chili peppers (both African and Asian varieties) into my food. So I tried the hot flavored half chicken which came with seasoned rice, a choice of side (Asian cole slaw), and a topping (I chose cucumber lime and yogurt).

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