Friday, March 26, 2010

Schroeder's New Deli


On a short lunch break, what is quicker and more satisfying than a good deli? For a little more than the price of a fast food meal, I got some very good food at Schroeder's New Deli on Martha Berry Highway in Armuchee (Rome), Ga. By the way, if you don't say it "ArMURchee" be prepared to be corrected. It seems the founding fathers left out the r when they named the town after the local native american tribe.


This is the second of three Schroeder's, the first being on Broad in Rome and the third in Cartersville. The restaurant is a local favorite, with a beach-like feel, and food that befits both the theme and the geographic area. Music from the 60's plays overhead, and portraits of The Beatles, Joplin, The Who and Hendrix among others hang on the walls.

Before I start on the food, I must say that the staff seems to really enjoy their work. To me, that is the mark of good management and a cornerstone of good service. Keep 'em happy, Schroeder's!


According to the staff, three food items hold the throne at Schroeder's. Fried Mushrooms, Fried Pickles and the Roast Beef Relief sandwich. I am not a huge fan of mushrooms, but I did enjoy the fried pickle spears and the Roast Beef Relief. The Ham Roll was also good. I am told they have decent pizza, but I didn't try it.


I will, though. Because I will be back.

Schroeder's New Deli on Urbanspoon

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Maum

When I first stepped into Maum, it was because I had seen others with their computers working away. It was close to where I was working, and might prove to be a good spot to catch up on my writing. I soon realized that this place would not just be a place to buy something small so that I didn't feel bad about using their WiFi.

The first thing I saw was a huge case of cakes and pastries. A cake of every flavor filled the case in a way that would make a child dream of birthdays to come...


The dessert trays were enticing enough that I could only hope that my meal would not be sufficient to satisfy my hunger.

The smell of fresh breads lightly permeated the room. There was a bread for every occasion.

The lunch menu was dotted with soups, salads and sandwiches. Coffees, teas and gourmet bottled drinks, as well as the old stand-by Coke were available. The sandwich prices looked to be high at six or seven dollars apiece, but I ordered anyway. Chicken Salad. It came with chips and a side of sliced tomatoes and pickles.


I made my way to my table and waited for just a moment. Then I saw the sandwich that I ordered, and the price was suddenly reasonable.

Three slices of bread, separated by Chicken salad that has to be tasted to be appreciated! The blend of chicken with raisins, mayo, nuts and lettuce transformed this ordinary light lunch into a delicious meal that I could not finish. Not in the thirty minutes I had to spare, anyway.

So with one more longing look at the dessert case, I made a promise to myself that I would return...

Bakery Cafe Maum on Urbanspoon

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Welcome Felicia Atwell


Felicia Atwell is a local photographer, student and friend. We welcome her exquisite taste in restaurants, tea and coffee shops, events and people to our table, as will you when you read her entries and view her photos.

Felicia will be posting with us here, at Urban Spoon, Where the Locals Eat and as a contributing staff member to North Georgia Leisure magazine.

She can be reached at email@atwellphotography.com as well as felicia.atwell@ngleisure.com.

View her fine photography at atwellphotography.com

tahCha Teahouse


By Felicia Atwell

tahCha Tea House on Chamblee Tucker Road in Atlanta, GA is worth sharing. OPen only since June of 2009, tahCha was a great find. I stumbled upon it one day in between my classes at Mercer. Owner Tahirih (Tah for short) calls it her baby. I have personally become a regular at this quaint local establishment, which is a tea-based answer to your ordinary cafes and coffee shops. On a late afternoon, this is a wonderful, mellow setting to enjoy a hot tea from a wide array of choices.


Not a tea connoisseur? Trust the tea experts who are equuipped with the tea knowledge to help you. There are approximately fifty tea leaf varieties to choose from, and a grand amount of combinations that make very exotic and satisfying teas, whether you prefer hot or cold. The menu at tahCha also includes additional beverage options, such as herbal lemonade and French Press Coffee, as well as a delicious menu of Panini, wraps, quiche, soups, salads, and sweet eats. Cupcakes, cakes, and bubble tea drinks are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Prices range from $3 - $11 including food and drinks. It's a great price point for anyone to enjoy.


If you're just in the mood for browsing or finding a gift to give, tahCha also has a gift section that includes unique mugs, soaps, jewelry and magnets, most of which are hand-crafted - and don't forget loose tea.

The layout of the Tea House offers many seating options. You can meet with friends at a large table in a quiet corner, relax in one of the plush sofas or chairs, chit chat with the tea experts while sitting at the bar, enjoy the global experience with Middle Eastern style low-seating, or just have a traditional sit down at one of the tables. tahCha's capacity is 100 people, making it well-equipped for events and parties.


On today's visit, it is recommended that I try the Tuscan Turkey Panini to accompany my "tahCha-Cha" tea. When I ask for the right tea... for me... today, the sixth day in which I've had no voice, I was offered to try this chamomile, peppermint and lemongrass tea, served with honey and slices of lemon to soothe and calm me. Thanks goes to the ever-helpful and delightful Trang, for this suggestion. Perfect!! Served by the pot, I sipped on my cup gripped in both hands while it was still hot, knowing the end of the glass wasn't the end of my cozy and comforting tea experience.


The Panini came out, beautifully plated on a rectangular platter with a colorful and fresh fruit salad on a bed of mixed greens. The fruit was nicely chilled and very sweet. Delicious!

The aura of the tea house was also lovely with global music overhead, and photographs adorning the interior. It is understandable why this is a meeting place for friends, tea lovers, college students and almost anyone who wants to relax, perhaps read a book or use tahCha's free Wi-Fi. tahCha is very comfortable, and the pace is slow and easy. I don't mind sharing my before-class hideout. I genuinely invite you to make this communiTEA your own cherished Tea House.

Contact -
Tahirih Merkel
3352-c Chamblee-Tucker Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30341
770.454.8103

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Saturday 10am - 11pm
Sunday 11am - 6pm

tahCHa Tea House on Urbanspoon