Chow Down Atlanta

Last week, CDA was lucky enough to be invited to experience the new decor and menu concept at Outback in Johns Creek (Alpharetta). They just underwent a massive remodelling and I must say that the place is beautiful. I remember when Outback first came to Atlanta in the late 80s. I was very young then but the times that my family went to check it out were memorable since I really love their Bloomin’ Onion appetizer. My dad’s sister and her family migrated to Australia in the 70s and my cousins would tell us, in their cute Aussie accents, about their original version back in Sydney.

I love what they’ve done to the place. Although located on a strip mall, you’ll be transported once you get in. Sunny yellow walls accented with black steel with warm wood tables and booths make the place cozy and casual. It does have that steakhouse feel but in a modern kind of way.

Since I was driving and do not take to alcohol too well, I opted for a non-alcoholic drink while my long-time friend (we practically grew up here in Atlanta together) had a peach Bellini-type drink called The Wallaby Darned. It had champagne, vodka, and peach schnapps. Sweet and refreshing, it was like fruit juice, which makes it the more dangerous since it’s easy to have quite a few of it. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip served with honey-wheat toast was a great way to start a meal. I particularly loved the toast which wasn’t jaw-breaking at all. In fact, there was enough chewiness in it that made it so good.

I had been eating steaks four days in a row so I went with the Combo Griller with grilled shrimp and scallops. It usually comes with a grilled pineapple, wild rice, and grilled veggies which I really didn’t have a taste for so I went with the monotonous mashed potatoes and green beans instead. I always get apprehensive when Cajun spices are involved because I never have any luck with it but Outback’s version was simply perfect. My shrimp and scallops were succulent and so flavorful. My friend got the Victoria’s Filet which was 7 ounces of center cut filet cooked perfectly. It was moist, tender and tasty. A great steak to be had.

Not being a big fan of desserts (I did eat an entire loaf of the complimentary honey wheat bread), we shared the brownie with house-made vanilla ice cream and house-made whipped cream. The brownie was so moist, so chewy, and so chocolatey. Topped with the ice cream, whipped cream, and house-made chocolate sauce, it was a great way to cap off our meal.

The verdict

Definitely a solid, casual place for steaks and seafood. The decor is wonderful and makes you feel like you’re dining in an upscale place. It’s befitting of the city and its clientèle. Service is impeccable. Our server was very attentive and very efficient. Don’t discount this chain yet. It can definitely give you a run for your money.

Insider tip:
Located in the Steinmart plaza on the corner of Jones Bridge and State Bridge Roads. The restaurant actually faces State Bridge.

The scoop:
Outback Steakhouse
10955 Jones Bridge Rd, 120-124, Johns Creek GA 30022
770-442-8775
Hours:
Monday: 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Thursday: 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Friday: 4:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Saturday: 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Technorati Tags: Outback Steakhouse, steaks, seafood, honey wheat bread, Johns Creek, Alpharetta

My family has been a fan of churrascaria for many years now way before the craze even hit Atlanta. Back then, we’d had to go to New York City just to get our fill. So you can just imagine our excitement when Fogo opened in Atlanta in 2001. Throughout the years, we’ve seen waiters become meat slicers and meat slicers become assistant managers who turn into regular managers and then on to head managers. But what has remained the same is the outstanding quality of the food and the impeccable service.

In a nutshell, Fogo is a steakhouse with a twist complete with a lavish salad bar. Men in gaucho attire parade around with slabs of meat in skewers and stop at every table to give diners a slice or two. There are 15 different cuts of meat accompanied by side dishes brought to each table which include fried bananas, polenta, mashed potatoes and hot-off-the-oven cheese bread. The gourmet salad bar is a vegetarian’s dream complete with fresh buffalo mozzarella, hearts of palm, fresh vegetables, and other Brazilian side items.

While some might balk at the price tag ($44 for dinner/$29 for lunch - beverages and dessert not included), you do come out ahead considering the selection of food available and the fact that you can eat as much as you like. They have an extensive wine list plus a variety of desserts and after dinner drinks. Fogo is definitely a meat-lover’s paradise.Insider tip:
The lemonade is fabulous. So is the Papaya Cream dessert drizzled with cassis liqueur.

The scoop:
Fogo De Chao
3101 Piedmont Rd. Atlanta
404-266-9988
Lunch M-F 11am-2pm
Dinner daily from 5pm
Valet parking available

Technorati Tags: Fogo De Chao, Piedmont Rd., Buckhead restaurants, Atlanta, churrascaria, Brazilian cuisine, salad bar, steakhouse, all-you-can-eat