Monday, December 7, 2009

Not Just Dinner


7:05. Already late, I sat at the red light on the off ramp from 75 onto 14th. My phone buzzed. The text - "I'm here".

Just a few minutes later, I parked and walked through the beautiful street nightlife scenes until I saw the entrance. I caught my breath and walked up the stairs into the entry way to Joia.

The room was wide open, with a bar to the right, a dance floor/ sitting area straight ahead and dining room to the left. The lighting was dimmed, suitable for the dinner hour. The hostess greeted me, and as I told her my name, she said "she's right over there".

As I turned, I saw her silhouette that was caused by the candle glowing on the table, and had to catch my breath again. My first impression was right. As we sat and talked, I realized that she was both captivating in appearance and conversation.

We talked about "old Atlanta". The urban jazz softly embraced the conversation. She told me of all the restaurants and places she and her family would frequent, and which places had stood the test of time.

There was a perfect couple just across from us. He in his dark suit and she in her dinner dress that was complimented by perfect make-up and hair. They sat there, framed by the picture window that completed the scene with the view of the streetlight gently cutting through the leaves of the trees.

The mood of the room was soft, comfortable and private. There was no din to shout over. The servers stood as sentries, just far enough away to not intrude. Our server was perfect. She brought our drinks and smiled as she offered us a choice of appetizers.

M ordered the mussels, and rightfully so. No fishy taste here, these mussels were done up just right. Salty enough to make you want one more, subtly seasoned so you don't regret the decision.


We also tried the Gemilli Pasta. This tasty dish is wonderful. It doesn't have to be a side dish, it can stand on its own. Filling, creamy and delicious, its purpose is more than served.


As we dined, our conversation became more familiar. The introductory nervousness was gone, aided along by the atmosphere and comfort of the surroundings. Our main course arrived. The braised ribs and vegetables were as good as any I'd had before. I was swept by scent and taste into the favorite kitchens of my past.


I have never had ribs that tasted so much like roast in my life! Chuck Taylor (Joia's chef) had outdone my every expectation.

After trying the ribs, it hit me. I was comfortable. I was dining with someone I had met but once, and I felt comfortable. The atmosphere changed as the night waned on. The median age of the patrons went down, and the music got a little less soft. The people began to mingle near the bar or sit in the plush chairs that surrounded a soon to be dance floor.

I realized, with those observations, that this is the consummate date spot. A comfortable dinner enhanced by casual conversation that would give way to drinks and music and maybe dancing. All in one place.

Growing up, my parents would throw dinner parties. My mother would prepare her very best food. Prior to dining, the guests would gather in the living room and slowly move to the dining room. The soft music was a backdrop to casual conversation. The meal would be served, and everything would get quiet for a while as the guests savored the effect on their senses.

As the meal progressed, those who might not know one another grew more familiar. Invariably, as the meal drew to a close, someone would suggest retiring to another room, where the music would play. Later, the laughter would grow, and some guests would dance.

It was a fun place. There was no need to go somewhere else. The party had all that was required for a complete evening.

That was how I felt at Joia. It had all an evening required. No awkward, uncertain "Where would you like to go now?" decisions. This place offers more than a dinner date. It offers a dinner party.

Joia Restaurant & Lounge on Urbanspoon

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Villa Vino


On a cool, rainy day, I made a visit to a new old friend.

Villa Vino is the kind of place that locals can call home. Built like the bar and grills I grew up with, where space was at a premium and every inch was used, this place felt like home.

Sitting snug with its neighbors on Roswell Road, Villa's deck invites the patrons in the front door. Walking in, I see the long bar that connects to the open kitchen on the right, and the tables and booths that line the left. On the walls, original artwork catches my eye.

Much longer than it is wide, this place immediately conjured up images of the New England corner restaurants of my youth. There is a downstairs, with an open floor pattern, complete with its own bar and lined on three sides with tables and padded benches. On weekend evenings, this place comes alive with a young crowd that enjoys a good meal as well as a good time.

I tried a sampling of appetizers and entrees.

Pesto Brie

The Pesto Brie and Sausage Bread came out first. I really liked the brie, but the sausage bread was even better! Homemade bread, wrapped around sausage with a marinara dipping sauce sounds really simple, but it was so good! Not taking away from the brie or even the garlic knots that followed, but you have to try that sausage bread!


Ravioli Florentine

Served next was the Ricotta Ravioli Florentine. A Taste of Atlanta Award winner, this dish is not to be ignored. Ricotta cheese fills this ravioli topped with spinach, onions and mushrooms in a fresh cream sauce. This is a very good meal on a cold rainy day. Very comforting, and very tasty.



Villa Special

Finally, I was served the Villa Special pizza. Not for the faint of heart, this pie had sausage, pepperoni, ham, salami, bacon and ground beef (not the little pebbles of beef you usually get at other places, but strips of ground beef that add texture and volume to the mix). The crust was thin, but soft. The sauce and cheese were there, but didn't try to take over the pie.

Russell McQueary is the manager at Villa Vino. Stop by and say hello to your neighbor. After he feeds you, call me and thank me.

Villa Vino on Urbanspoon

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Cafe at Pharr

If you find yourself in Buckhead, in the vicinity of Pharr Road, at lunchtime, do yourself a favor and find a place to park. Make your way to 316. On the opposite side of the street from Atlanta Fish Market and a block down, in a small strip shopping center, sits a most unpretentious little lunch spot.

Cafe at Pharr has been serving customers since its bakery days in 1992. When my friends and I ate there a short while back, the place was packed. It is highly unusual for a strip mall restaurant to continue to thrive for over fifteen years. With a change in ownership in the mid-nineties (from parents to son), and the evolution of the menu to include sandwiches and Taiwanese bread, the Cafe at Pharr still draws a crowd. Something has to be right.

I am here to tell you it is the Walnut Chicken Salad (pictured above, just to the right of the tomato, next to the tuna, also good). Now, someone else will tell you they like the Celery or Curry Chicken Salad, but I will say the surprise of the sweet golden raisins in the walnut chicken salad is the best.


The Walnut Chicken Salad was not an easy choice. The Curry Chicken Salad surprised me. The menu says "Not too spicy... Not boring... Just right!" and that much is true. I often worry that spicing things up can be overwhelming to the base ingredient. Not so, here. In this case, the curry simply flatters the chicken by being tasty but not overbearing.


By the way, we fought a little bit over the Egg & Potato Salad (REALLY good) and the Shrimp Salad (lightly coated with mayo, salt and pepper). You can order the shrimp naked, but I highly recommend the mayo coating. Try to hide the Egg & Potato salad so that nobody else at your table can see it. Trust me on that move. You want it all. You want all of the yogurt rolls, too.

The Cafe at Pharr is the place to be in Buckhead at lunch. The place draws a crowd the old fashioned way. Good food at a good price, served by people who learn your name.

Cafe at Pharr on Urbanspoon

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Johnny's Pizza


Last week, my daughter and I went to visit another of Mike Ford's eateries, Johnny's New York Style Pizza, which sits west of US 41 on the south side of Barrett Parkway at 1615 Ridenour Blvd in Kennesaw.

Mike and his partners had wowed us with Johnny's next door neighbor, Keegan's, a few weeks ago. They did a good job this time, as well.

The dining room is wide open, with the kitchen all the way to the back, which is very different from most Johnny's locations. So if you are looking for the loud, hear every cook and server conversation spot, try someplace else. Here, one can actually sit down, eat a pie and watch a game.

We were met by Rachel, the manager, and our server Lauren. They both seemed happy to be there. If you've read any of my posts, you know how important I believe that to be. If the staff is treated well, they will be happy, and in turn will make sure you are happy.

Before I say anything else, let me say that there is usually more to a good pizza place than pizza. Such is true of Johnny's at Ridenour. Johnny's serves a pretty decent array of Italian dishes at a very good price. The starters here range from $2.50 to $6, the salads from $3.50 to $8, and the entrees start at less than $10.

Garlic Knots

The first plate brought to our table was a serving of Garlic Knots, which comes with a cup of marinara sauce. Be careful. That particular appetizer is very good, and very addictive, and very filling. Remember to share, or you will be the only one not able to eat any of your entree.

Johnny's @ Ridenour offers a variety of salads, some of which are a meal in itself.

There is the Garden Salad, an Iceberg & Romaine mix with tomatoes, mushrooms, red onions, cucumber slices and pepperoncini peppers. Also offered, a Greek Salad, which is an Iceberg and Romaine mix with tomatoes, onions, feta cheese, pepperoncini & Greek olives. There are more. Check the menu here to see a complete list. Beth and I enjoyed the Greek salad with oil and vinegar dressing. The serving size was just the right complement to a pasta or pizza meal.

Lasagna

Our entree of choice tonight was lasagna. It was delicious! A hefty amount of meat (sausage and meatballs) layered in with a very good marinara sauce made for a tasty entree. Couple that with the garlic bread and the meal is complete.

The Gourmet

I did say this is a pizza place, right? Well, tonight, we tried two pies. The first was the Gourmet, made with spinach, sun dried tomatoes, black olives, artichoke hearts and feta cheese, this is the pie for a gourmet veggie lover!

Italian Special

The second was Johnny's Italian Special - the house specialty. Now, this is my kind of pie. The sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers and pepperoni all blend to make a pie fit for a man's man.

The bottom line to this review is this: whether you are looking for a slice, or a full meal, if you want a comfortable neighborhood place to eat a decent Italian dish, come visit Rachel and Lauren at Johnny's. You just might see me there.


Johnny's New York Style Pizza on Urbanspoon

Saturday, September 19, 2009

The Vineyard

The Vineyard

Felicia Prezzano and Tina Sivadon started out with a gift shop on the main floor of this Marietta Square storefront, and later came up with the idea of opening a mall restaurant upstairs. All I can say is Bravo!

... on the way upstairs

These two ladies have transformed this upstairs suite into a charming spot to have a nice relaxing lunch. With bay windows overlooking the square, you can watch the entertainment as the world streams by almost as an invisible bystander. None of the hustle touches you, but the life is in plain view.

View from the entry

If you choose, you can sit further back, away from the view, and concentrate on the conversation at your table. Either way, you will find The Vineyard as comfortable as the dining room in your home. Just take a look at the china. You will swear it is your grandmother's (thanks for that quote, Ann-Marie!).

Tea Press

Ann-Marie Reeder and I went to visit The Vineyard last week. We sat near the window, and shared a nice meal. Ann-Marie had hot tea, served in a French Press, and I got sweet tea with a peach flavor to it.


Ashley

Ashley was our server. When she was asked to bring us what the restaurant was proud of, she was at a loss. The choices were too great. To start us off, Ashley brought out some appetizers, followed by three salad samplers.

Crab Cakes

For appetizers, we were served Parmesan Spinach Bites and Mini Crab Cakes. Both were delicious. I was partial to the crab cakes, which were about three inches in diameter, crispy on the outside, and meaty but not heavy on the inside.

Orchard Salad

The Orchard Salad (a mixture of mixed greens, pears, roasted asparagus, pine nuts, gorgonzola cheese served with a house apricot vinaigrette dressing), the Greek Pasta Salad and the Sweet Potato Salad. Of these, the nicest surprise was the Sweet Potato Salad. It was a very enjoyable twist on traditional potato salad. The sweetness made it almost like dessert!

Sandwich Tray

Following the salads, Ashley brought out our sandwiches! Eggplant Panini, Classic Harvest, and the Cafe Croissant. I am not a big eggplant fan, but this sandwich was good. The Cafe Croissant had creamy chicken salad with cranberries and almonds. That was almost my top selection, but my favorite of the three was the Classic Harvest, which came with turkey breast, bacon, cheddar and mixed greens with Dijon on raisin walnut bread. Delicious!


Dessert Array

Okay. As if this could get better, Ashley brought out the dessert tray. That thing had a bread pudding (good even to non-bread pudding fans), Bundt Cherry Pound Cake (as good as your mom's), Cinnamon scones (delicious), berry filled cookies (excellent) and an Almost Candy Bar (better than a creamy Reese's, the hit of the tray!).

The Vineyard Cafe offers a variety of menus, from catering to brunch and lunch as well as tea parties. Services include Boxed Lunches, Corporate catering and delivery (with notice). Call them at 678-581-3771 to book your next meeting, party or delivery. To see the menu, visit their website at www.thevineyardcafe.com

Whatever you do, the next lunchtime that you find yourself in Marietta near the Square, you owe it to yourself to try The Vineyard. Give yourself enough time to browse the gift shop!



What our readers say:

Cassandra Buckalew
Just had lunch there. They have the best chicken salad around! Can't wait to read your review.


Shawn Williams
I Love That Place..the Pizza thing is Deliche!


Ann-Marie Reeder
(my Auburn Friend who I had pleasant lunch company with)
I have 2 boys but we will be back! I would like to have a tea party, though! I really liked the mint tea and what it was served in. Very nice :))




Vineyard Cafe on Urbanspoon

Monday, September 14, 2009

MF Buckhead

A short while ago, I had the distinct pleasure of visiting MF Buckhead. A sushi restaurant, MF Buckhead joins MF Sushibar and Nam as a creation of owner Alex Kinjo.

The Executive Chef at MFB is Fuyuhiko Ito, formerly of Nagano, Japan. Chef Ito started his cooking career at seventeen. He began working in Izakaya restaurant as a dish washer, working his way up. He has now been in the business for twenty-five years.

The son of musicians, Ito is a trained cellist, and a true artist.

Chef Ito

It was my pleasure to be in the company of Suprina Berenyi. Ms. Berenyi is an accomplished, well educated chef, who studied at Cornell and NYU, as well as Le Cordon Bleu Paris. She operates Suprema Gourmet as a Chef/Nutritionist.

Suprina Berenyi

I was fortunate to have such a lovely, educated dinner companion, since I know nothing of sushi. Suprina took the time to explain everything, step by step and morsel by morsel throughout our meal. She taught me everything from how to properly hold the chopsticks and sushi dining etiquette, to the pieces and parts of each dish. I learned how it should taste and the texture the dish should have. Thank you Suprina!

Dining Room

Of the restaurant itself, I will say that it has a deceptively small appearance. It is intimate, yet roomy as it stretches out for the length of the building. The room has a very sleek design and modern appearance. There is a VIP room above the sushi bar for a private group setting.

At our table, the white tablecloth and the natural textures of the dinnerware enhanced our experience.

As for the food, Suprina will forgive me as I quote her when I describe some of the dishes we sampled, in no particular order:

Yellow tail

Fresh yellow tail with a zest of lemon, cilantro, jalapeno pepper and grated wasabi.....Hamachi had a luxuriously unctuous feel in the mouth. It practically melted before you could chew.

Seared Tuna

S
eared tuna served with ponzu, scallions, pan fried garlic and hot sauce.& Maguro ( Tuna) on green shiso leaf- extremely fresh and the pairing was excellent.


Grinding the Wasabi Root

Our server is specially prepared the fresh wasabi root by grinding it on shark skin. Fresh wasabi is less pungent, and suits the subtleties of the fresh seafood we enjoyed.


Shrimp Tempura Roll

The shrimp tempura roll with fresh avocado was delicious! I had no idea I was actually going to like sushi!


Nigiri Maguro, Hamachi, Sake and Toro

The next plate had four different fish - Nigiri
Maguro (Tuna), Hamachi (Yellow Tail), Sake (Salmon) and Toro (Fatty Tuna). Although the fish was superb it was the rice that was the show stopper.....yes the rice it was perfectly sweet and the temp was th
e perfect offset to the fish to bring out the best texture! Very impressive.


Chilean Sea Bass

The Chilean sea bass was cooked on a Japanese Robata grill called a Binchotan it is fueled with special oak wood charcoal, that is also imported directly from Japan. The grill temperature reaches 900 degrees and flames are fanned by hand to achieve perfection! A sensory privilege that should not be missed! It was indeed the masterpiece of our meal!

I cannot take credit for this review. Suprina wrote every plate description so that I would remember. I learned quite a bit that day, and hope for another opportunity to learn from her.


I would like also to thank Chef Ito. True to his word, his sashimi was delicious! I intend to return...

MF Buckhead on Urbanspoon

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Marietta Fish Market

Marietta Fish Market has brought Gus Tselios and his family of restaurants full circle. With this addition in December 2008, Mr. Tselios has satisfied our need for Southern home cooking, pasta, a good steak, and now a wide variety of fish.

The menu at MFM is large enough that finding a dish to fit one's taste is relatively easy. For an appetizer, I personally recommend the fried seafood combo. It is the largest appetizer plate, so make sure you have help.


Trio Salad

For a salad, a trio salad of Seafood, Village Greek and Shrimp Salad will satisfy most tastes at the table. I particularly enjoyed the seafood salad.

Seashell Combo

I am not an oyster fan, but the seashell combo is attractive. Pictured above is the seashell combo with octopus and crabcakes, Oysters Bienville and Oysters Rockefeller and seared veggies. The crabcakes here are very tasty. They are large, but not firm - an eat with a fork item. The octopus has a tough texture, and a mild taste.
Santorini Shrimp and Mahi Mahi

The Santorini Shrimp and Mahi Mahi are two of my favorite foods at MFM. The tomato based sauce adds a wonderful flavor to this delicious blend of tastes. Combine this with rice and the dish is complete.

Blackened Grouper Tacos

A new addition to the menu, the Blackened Grouper Tacos are wonderful! Thick and meaty with a tasty sauce and salsa, along with wild rice. This will be a fan favorite in no time.

Fried Catfish

We come to the favorites of the night. The catfish was outstanding and plentiful, and the perch was absolutely delicious. We were in the mood for fried, and these dishes served with fried shrimp and hush puppy fingers were just the thing to send us home happy.

Fried Perch Plate

The place is usually packed, but the wait is short. The entree prices range from thirteen to twenty dollars. Parking is plentiful. Enjoy!

Marietta Fish Market on Urbanspoon

Friday, September 4, 2009

Buckhead Pizza Co


So, it was Thursday night, and Richard Tang was hosting an event at Buckhead Pizza Co. I wanted to go and meet him, and to hopefully network a little bit. I got there late, so I sat off to the side.


The decor was typically Buckhead, very modern, high ceiling, narrow and sleek. The restaurant had one of those sliding glass patio bars behind the indoor bar, for those who smoke or just prefer to be outside.


Chef Sean Kelly watched over the operation as his staff hustled to satisfy the needs of the event-goers and other diners.

I took a peek at the menu. It was impressively full of specialty sandwiches and pies, with the usual obligatory Italian food offerings, and a few locally unique dishes. Given the hour, I ordered pizza.

I judge a pizza three ways. How good is the crust? Is the sauce watery or thick? Are the ingredients bountiful and fresh?

In most cases, I would order something highly traditional, like a combination of meats with a veggie or two, and steer clear of the modern inventions, like BBQ or Margharita. That night, it was late, so nothing too heavy. A personal pepperoni and green olive.


The pie I received had a deceptive crust. It was thin in the body and thick on the edges. This was one of the best doughs I have tasted in a while. The texture of the outer crust was like a really dense Krispy Kreme doughnut. A standard, run of the mill pie with a thick crust would be too chewy and more work than enjoyment. Not true here. I was truly impressed.

The sauce was very good, and not dominant. The cheese was the same. Very tasty, but not overwhelming. The ingredients were plentiful. There wasn't that pool of brownish grease you usually end up with when you order pepperoni, and the olives were crisp and salty, just like I like them.

As for value, this is above the norm, especially for that neighborhood. The personal pie I received was a good bit larger than the usual personal pie. I was satisfied in both content and volume. Look at the menu here. If you take a cheese pizza, and add the ingredients you like, you will come out cheaper than any of the big three.

The service was good, and the atmosphere was comfortable. This place will definitely get a return visit from me.

Pertinent visit info: Off Peachtree even though the address is Peachtree. The parking is free if it takes you less than an hour (get your ticket validated by the restaurant) and you park yourself. There is a free valet service, with suggested tipping.

Buckhead Pizza Co. on Urbanspoon