Chow Down Atlanta

I heard that The Epicurean recently changed restaurant chefs in the name of Jon Wolf (Ritz Carlton) so CDA headed down to Decatur to see what changes have been made, to sample the new Summer menu, and well, to celebrate a birthday. I was happy to learn that there have been no drastic changes as far as the menu is concerned — the crab cakes are still a mainstay and the recipe (and taste) has remained intact. I’ll also have you know that I like Jon. I like his straight-to-the-point, no-fancy-schmancy-getup take on food: it’s simple yet original and creative; basic yet inspired. Case in point: Lobster Corn Risotto.

There were tons of tender, tasty lobster bits embedded in creamy risotto laced with crunchy corn then sprinkled with tarragon. It had a lot of different textures from the lobster, corn, and risotto, yet the simplicity of the flavors (salty with sweet, milky and creamy) made this dish scrumptious.

I was expecting a salty appetizer with the Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp but was pleasantly surprised with the mildness of the prosciutto wrapped in a succulent, plump shrimp atop crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside corn cakes. It was definitely a good, mellow first course to the heavier-tasting risotto.

The Macerated Peaches dessert proved to be another perfect choice and complemented the shrimp and the risotto dishes. Surprisingly light, I was expecting (again) to be confronted with a rich, syrupy, sugary, mushy concoction. Instead, I was faced with an enticing martini glass full of peaches still with enough crunch then topped with homemade peach ice cream dotted with fresh peach bits. It was decadent!

There were other dishes we consumed and each one was as wonderful as the other. If you want great food, great service, great wine selection in a French restaurant minus the snobbish feel, then Epicurean is the place to be. You won’t be disappointed. Guarranteed. (P.S. Tell Andres Chloe sent you!)

Insider tip:
Closed on Sundays and Mondays but will open Sunday, May 13 10:30am-2:30pm for a special Mother’s Day Brunch.
Their wine shop sits next door.
Menu changes monthly. Check their website for details.
Six-course tasting menus available on Friday/Saturday as well as a 3-course Prix-Fixe Tuesday-Thursday.
Service is outstanding.

The scoop:
The Epicurean Restaurant
1361 Clairmont Rd.
Decatur, GA 30033
Telephone: 404.321.0530
Open Tuesday to Saturday
Lunch: 11am to 5pm
Dinner: 5pm to 10pm

Technorati Tags: The Epicurean Restaurant, Chef Peter Golaszewski, Decatur, French bistro, French-Southern Cuisine, wine shop

I’ve been going to Joel for a while. I remember bumping into highly-acclaimed Chef Joel Antunes in 2003 when he was having a cooking demo at the grand opening of (gasp) Bloomies at Lenox. I was drawn not by his ability to produce such flavorful morsels of food given the two-burner stove he was laboring over with, but by his soft, accommodating demeanor. A true French artiste at heart, his attention to detail is remarkable.

The former head and star of the Ritz Carlton Buckhead’s The Dining Room built his 5-million dollar brasserie with a dream kitchen that’s quite out of this world (just imagine a 62-foot stove). From the moment you step in, you’ll be wowed by the contemporary decor. That includes the ultra-spacious hip bar and the uber-stylish ladies bathroom.

I’ve been to Joel many, many times and I have yet to be disappointed. Both with the food and the service. I love the way Chef Joel incorporates Asian ingredients with his French cuisine — an influence from his life in Asia some time ago. Every item on the menu is well-thought of: from the balance of flavors to the textures and taste.

For a truly good deal, go for the three-course $49 Chef’s Weekly Menu (used to be $39) available during the week or the Spa Menu for $25 guaranteed served in 35 minutes or less. It’s a five-star food from a five-star chef in a five-star place with a five-star service but not a five-star price.

Insider Tip:
The entrees, on their own, are quite satisfying (especially after the bread and starters) so I’d forego ordering any additional sides unless you’re really feeling ravenous.
Check-out the ladies bathroom — it rocks!
The extensive wine selection can be daunting so ask for the Sommelier’s recommendation. And stop-by The Market where you can purchase wine served at the restaurant (unfortunately, it’s only open until 5:30pm but you can definitely pop in after your lunch).

The scoop:
Joel
www.joelrestaurant.com
3290 Northside Parkway at the Piazza at Paces in the Forum Building
404-233-3500
Valet Parking
Reservations recommended
Dinner: Monday-Thursday 5:30PM - 10:00PM
Friday-Saturday 5:30PM - 10:30PM
Lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11:30AM - 2:00PM

Technorati Tags: Joel restaurant, Chef Joel Antunes, Atlanta, Northside area, prix fixe, weekly menu, French cuisine

Atlanta’s top gourmet marketplace Star Provisions is the answer if you’re in need of a specialty food item that’s hard to find. Like the famed Kobe beef offered at $48 a pound. Or foie gras. Or the freshest cheese.

I go to SP at least twice a week for two things (among others): fresh bread and cheese. The have the best baguettes bar none. In fact, most of their breads are amazing including the Chocolate Cherry bread made with Valrhona chocolate. It’s crusty yet soft and chewy on the inside with bits of cherries and the most indulgent taste of chocolate. Honestly, I could eat a whole loaf in one sitting.

SP has also one of the most extensive artisanal cheese selection in town and carries cheeses from all over the world as well as Georgia’s own Sweet Grass Dairy. And when they say they have fresh cheese, they do have fresh cheese. The other day, my sister and I came in looking for goat’s milk cheese. The resident cheese monger pointed us to the Le Cornilly chevre which he said just got flown-in from France about 5 minutes ago. Yeah right. But no, really, the box is still sitting right there not even fully unpacked yet.

It’s a one-stop-shop in all. There’s also a wine shop (albeit a small selection), seafood, and a gourmet to-go section where you can get freshly-made soups, salads, pizzas, delectable entrees, sandwiches, and more. You can also find quirky tableware, kitchenware, and cookware. And it’s the only place in the state that carries those funky Orla Kiely bags.

Insider tip:

Fresh-baked croissants are available only on Saturdays. The Orla Kiely bags are way cheaper here than the company’s prices or any catalogs around.

The scoop:

Star Provisions
http://www.starprovisions.com/
1198 Howell Mill Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 365-0410
Mondays-Saturdays 10AM to 10PM

Technorati Tags: Atlanta, Star Provisions, specialty food store, gourmet food store, seafood store, meat store, Kobe beef, foie gras, artisanal cheese, baguettes, chocolate cherry bread, bakery, wine shop, cheese shop, Orla Kiely