Spice Market

Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who has wowed culinary artisans the world over, brought to us in 2008 his Spice Market Atlanta. I won't try to impress you by spouting out facts, but let me just say that the opportunity to sample the art of a world renowned chef is one that should never be passed up.

My daughter and I had the opportunity to share in some delights at this beautiful restaurant. We were struck by the simple beauty of the modern dining room which contrasted with the huge array of thick-roped bells hanging from the high ceiling inside a wooden framework with an Asian flair. Our semi-circular booth was extremely comfortable, and afforded a wide-open view of Midtown Atlanta.

The wait staff was dressed in traditional Southeast Asian garb, and moved about quickly and quietly as they worked the room. The atmosphere and service was outstanding. Our server, Roy, never missed a need, was extremely knowledgeable as well as helpful.

Food, here at Spice Market, is served family style to encourage sharing. Each entree is sized for one, if that is all you intend to eat. I would encourage you to order a variety of entrees appropriate for your group size, so that you can each sample more than one delicacy.

Spice offers an extensive wine and cocktail list, along with an array of domestic and imported beers. there are also non-alcoholic cocktails for those who like the taste but not the effect. My daughter and I started things off with some housemade Jasmine Lemonade and Fresh Ginger Ale. The Jasmine Lemonade is indeed strong, but genuinely tasty. The Ginger Ale reminds you what it is made of, and is like no ginger ale that can be bought at a store. Also very enjoyable.

The appetizers we tried were the Vietnamese Spring Roll, Chicken Skewers with Lime Dipping Sauce, Black Pepper Shrimp with Sun Dried Pineapple, and Spiced Chicken Samosas with Cilantro Yogurt.

The safe American will go for the Chicken Skewers. Although they were good, I will tell you to come out of your shell and go for the Spring Roll. Don't go looking for cabbage inside this roll. You will find Lobster, shrimp and pork. Wrap that in a beautiful green leaf and dip it. Once you taste it, you will thank me. By the way, if you like the spicier things, go for the Samosas. I went from Spring Roll to Samosa until they were all gone.

The entrees we were served were the Chargrilled Chicken with Kumquat Lemongrass Dressing and the Cod with Malaysian Chili Sauce Thai Basil. On the side, fried rice with one egg, sunny side up.


My daughter would encourage you to try the chicken, as she liked the kumquats and the flavor that the dressing gave the chicken. Both of us, however loved the Cod, which happens to be the Chef's signature dish. The fish was delicious, and the spices added wonderful flavor without taking over.
Finally, desserts. Roy brought two for us to share. The first, Thai Jewels and Fruit with Crushed Coconut served over ice was deliciously cold with sweet, slightly chewy pieces of fruit adorning a bed of ice cold milky coconut meat. Obviously this one was good.

The second, we liked even better. Ovaltine Kulfi, Caramelized Banana, Spiced Milk Chocolate Sauce (decorated with housemade caramel popcorn). I won't even try to do this justice. It was absolutely delicious!


A final word. Thank you to Megan, who is as intelligent, charming and gracious as she is lovely. Bethany and I had a wonderful time.

Mexico Tipico II

Mexico Tipico II, located at 3160 Cobb Pkwy NW in Kennesaw, has been a family favorite since it opened. We had visited the parent location in downtown Acworth, and really enjoyed that as well.
The decor is simple, but colorful. There are two dining rooms and a patio, each decorated with the twisted wrought iron and colorful paintings that we have come to associate with Mexican restaurants.
There is a small bar, and a handful of televisions. The staff is polite and attentive, and provides very good service. Although almost 100% Hispanic, there is no language barrier here.
My favorite dish is the Pollo a la Parilla, which is a chicken breast covered with mushrooms and sauce, served with rice and mixed vegetables. pictured here is Combination #17, a beef burrito, an enchilada, rice and beans.

Most dinner entrees are under $10. A handful of lunches can be ordered at less than $5.

If you are in the mood for Mexican, I heartily recommend you visit these folks!

The Old Mill

Last Friday night, Phyllis and I had the pleasure of visiting The Old Mill in Acworth, Ga. The mill itself was built in 1870 by John Cowan, funded by his share of gold brought back from the Last Chance Gulch discovery in Montana. Over time, the mill went from producing "Lynette Flour" to textiles and tapestries. The mill ceased operation after a suspicious fire in 1992.

Now, this wonderfully restored building produces some of the finest Southern and comfort food around. The staff, under managing partner (and Acworth Mayor at the time of this post) Tommy Allegood, and well-known Chef Larry Epps, works like a machine with a heart as they quickly attend to the needs and desires of their visitors.

Upon entering the foyer, the first view after the hostess station is of the small bar. To the right is the main dining room, and straight ahead past the bar is the Savannah Dining room, complete with a baby grand piano. From the Savannah room there are two other doors, one to the kitchen and one to the main dining room.

The main dining room is a huge gutted out section of the old mill, with a high ceiling and plenty of windows. Off the back of the main dining room is the porch, with outdoor dining complete with a view of downtown Acworth and the occasional passing train.

From the kitchen, Chef Larry Epps manages a highly competent staff. He walks the dining rooms often, managing every step of every course for every diner. Jennifer Klock, our hostess, and Jennifer Thomas, the Assistant Manager ably and attentively keep things running as they should. Last, but not least, the wait staff (our servers were Darnell and Leah) are learned and attentive in their jobs.

We ordered a selection of appetizers that included grit Puffs, Fried Green Tomatoes and Old Mill Calamari. Phyllis ordered a Prime Top Sirloin, along with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans. I ordered the Bourbon NY Strip with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. For dessert, we were given a delicious chocolate mousse, as well as a slice of Darnell's wonderful chocolate cake (the chocolate cake had a pudding-like filling with a hint of coffee).

This was more than just a good meal at a nice place. The food was wonderful, the atmosphere happy, the surroundings intriguing, and the staff made us feel like family. Good job, Tommy. You have put together a team that "gets it". I anticipate many happy returns.

Readers can view the menu and website for The Old Mill simply by clicking on the title of this article.

The City Cellar & Loft

110 South Museum Street in Cartersville, Ga. never had it so good.

I had the pleasure of visiting The City Cellar & Loft last week. After sampling the food, I made them promise to always have a table ready for me.

The building once housed City Automotive, and then other establishments, giving way to M'Voorneen's Irish Pub, which in turn gave way to City Cellar & Loft. The outside is very "warehouse district". The door to the Cellar takes you down a short set of stairs to a below-ground dining room and bar.

That's where I met Beth, my hostess and server. Beth then showed me around the Cellar. The dark wood and the shadows lending to mystery, combined well with the high private booths that create an atmosphere of intimacy.

Beth then introduced me to Stasia Maddox (GM) and Bob Smith (Owner). Stasia showed me the Loft, which her crew was working feverishly to prepare for their first night. It was a wide open area with a long brick wall as a backdrop for the bar. There were plenty of tables, a band platform and a hardwood dance floor. There will be a lot of fun had in that room.


Back downstairs, it was time to try the goods. Chef Sean Pruitt did a fantastic job putting together some fine comfort food. From the Fried Green Tomatoes, to the moist and flavorful Pork Chops, Beef Tenderloin and Smashed New Potatoes, and finally the OMG Pie, a better meal would be tough to find.

When you visit, make Stasia tell you how she came up with the name for her buttermilk pie (OMG Pie). Her story will make you smile.


Take a look at their menu by clicking on the name of this article, or by visiting http://site.thecitycellar.com/Menu.html .

Creekside Deli

If you are on your way to Helen, or you are visiting Babyland to watch the birth of a new Cabbage Patch Kid, or for some other reason find yourself 75 miles northeast of Atlanta in Cleveland, Ga, plan to get a sandwich at the Creekside Deli.

Located at 16 Old Nacoochee Road, Cleveland, GA, this place makes heavenly sandwiches and sandwich combos at a price that competes with any fast food place you might be tempted to visit.

Last Sunday marked the second time my family made the right decision in Cleveland. The three of us made different choices (Tuna, Turkey, and Chicken Salad), and nobody walked away dissatisfied or wanting more.

Thanks, Creekside, for giving us a better along the road alternative!

Montecalvo's

Last week, I finally got a chance to try Montecalvo's in Kennesaw.

It is a small, family run restaurant in a strip mall on Hwy 41. I typically give one strike against strip mall eateries, but if you sit in the inner dining room, you can't tell that you aren't in a stand alone building.

The big draw here is the family attitude, complete with handed-down recipes. The lasagna and ziti were both good, and the service was good enough to make coming back a certainty.

Dennis Montecalvo and his family have done right by the phrase "Family Italian Restaurant".

Mellow Mushroom

Thursday last, I visited Mellow Mushroom near the Kennesaw State campus. It was an odd meal time (4:00 pm), so the place was relatively quiet.

To baby boomers, the name Mellow Mushroom would conjure up images of Cheech and Chong, or the Beatles' "Sgt Pepper's..." psychedelic record album cover. The interior of this particular MM does not betray that image. Mushroom sculptures of many colors protrude from the walls, and a giant mushroom marks the kitchen entry.

To the right of the giant mushroom is a bar about sixteen feet long. A handful of college-aged patrons adorned the stools. My server, Brad, invited me to sit wherever I liked.

From my table, I could see that there were a dozen or so tables inside, and an equal amount on the over-sized patio. Brad told me that the dining room and patio filled up quickly with college students on Thursday through Saturday evenings.

I ordered a pepperoni Calzone, which comes in two sizes. A large gets you twice what I have pictured here. The base price is $7.25, and you can add additional items at $.95 and up.

The Calzone was very good, and I liked the marinara sauce, even though I suspect it is mass-produced and shipped to them. As far as presentation, come on, it's a calzone. Just pick it up and eat it.

The staff and dining room were clean, as pizza joints go. While the colorful decor suggests "kid-friendly", in the late hours, no-one under 18 is admitted. They have free WiFi, decent food and good service. The perfect combination, minus a live band, for a college crowd.