A Foodie’s Guide to Atlanta

The Spotted Dog is a cool place to stop for a drink if you are in the area. But I wouldn’t drive down to North Ave just to go here. I’ve driven by the Spotted Dog on the way to other functions and it seems to be more of an after work crowd than a late night crowd.

They did a great job restoring this old firehouse. It really is beautiful inside. And when the weather allows for it, definitely sit outside.

The Spotted Dog has many great beers on their list. And the Dog has this beer there that comes with a slice of orange, or is it lemon? Can’t remember which, but it is kind of sweet tasting - I get it every time I go there. It’s great.

30 North Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 347-7337

Mosaic Restaurant, situated just off the main drag of Buckhead, is one of those charming old homes that has been converted to a restaurant. Mosaic makes great use of the space inside and although it was pretty, we opted for their patio seating.

Mosaic definitely has a later crowd. We had reservations for 7:30 and on a pleasant June evening we were the only ones seated outside. By the time we were leaving there wasn’t one open table outside.

The service was exceptional at Mosaic and very attentive but not overly intrusive. The food, on the other hand, was average. Maybe if it was priced a little lower I would have enjoyed it more. But at nearly $30 an entree, the bar was set a little higher.

We started off with the Mosaic salad. I am always a sucker for artichokes and hearts of palm. The salad was a generous portion (of lettuce) and big enough for me to split with my other 2 dining companions. However, I spent more time looking for the almost non-existent artichokes and hearts of palm then I did enjoying my salad.

Next were the entrees: Lobster Ravioli, Coriander Crusted Ahi Tuna, and Pork loin with sausage and chick peas. The tuna and pork loin were ok, but there wasn’t anything spectacular about either one and the tuna definitely was not worth of the $27 price tag. I didn’t try the 28 dollar lobster ravioli but I’m guessing it was on par with the tuna and pork loin.

One great thing about Mosaic (besides the service and atmosphere): There is plenty of free parking available.

3097 Maple Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 846-5722
website

Don’t read this review…..

……….if you are expecting a review of a typical Mexican restaurant

……….if you are looking for an inexpensive meal

……….if you are looking for a casual eatery or a family style restaurant

Lime is none of these things. What it is is an upscale restaurant that has spared no expense when it comes to design and decor. It is evident in the colorful furnishings and the lime them throughout the entire restaurant. They have giant limes throughout the restaurant, limes are printed on the napkins in restrooms, even the dishes are lime-shaped.

What it is is a great place to go after work on nice day and sit outside and sip mojitos, cosmos or margaritas with friends. I went there on a recent Wednesday after work to meet a friend for drinks and dinner. They have drink specials of cosmopolitans for $6. As we are both Sex and the City fans we couldn’t pass this up. And I’m so happy I didn’t. They were outstanding! I had a buzz going on 3/4 of the way through my first drink. Any restaurant that isn’t stingy with the liquor gets big points in my book.

As far as the food, we both had to try the mini gordas which is like a huge dumpling if you can imagine it stuffed with shredded beef, potatoes, tomatillo sauce, and some amazing spices. Definitely the best thing we tried. As this was quite filling on its own, we each opted to try some tacos: mole, shrimp, chorizo, and chicken.

Had I known how small these would be I think I would have just gotten a salad or another mini gordas order. For the price $3-$5, I expected more. My shrimp taco had 1 shrimp in it and was $4.50. Not to mention the sauce just about set my mouth on fire. I would go back but probably just for drinks or if I had a gift certificate (click banner below).

Service was great. Very attentive but not overly annoying. Just the way I like it.

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Great new venue in Cobb County!

I just attended Glenn Beck’s kickoff tour at the Cobb Energy Center. It is wonderful that there is another venue rather than being limited to the Galleria or having to drive down to the Fox. Although it may not be as big as the Fox, the Cobb Energy Center is a nice modern building that has great views no matter where you are seated.

The Cobb Energy Center is located just off I75 at Cumberland Blvd close to where I75 meets I285. Parking isn’t a problem as there are 1,000 onsite spaces available. And its not a ripoff either at 5 bucks.

If you are looking for somewhere to grab a drink or a cocktail before or after performance, head to nearby Vinings. Dining options include Garrison’s, The Orient, La Paz, among others. For drinks, there’s the Vinings Inn, Meehan’s or the Grape.

2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway Atlanta, GA 30339

770-916-2800

http://www.cobbenergycentre.com

I drove past this place several times before getting the opportunity to sample their food. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to try it out. Their food and presentation were both fabulous.

Glen and I had tickets to an event at the new Cobb Energy Center later that evening and both of us were craving some Thai food. So, we decided to stop by the Red Elephant. It was early on a Saturday evening, about 6 pm, so it was no surprise the place wasn’t completely packed

I can’t remember what this place was before the Red Elephant, but the owners have done a great job of putting some nice touches into it that make it seem more authentic. And, although the space isn’t huge, they have done a good job to make the most of it without going overboard.

Not only is the food prepared excellently, the presentation itself is terrific. We started off with some fried dumplings. I think it was like pork sausage in a fried dumpling with a sweet and sour sauce. All the flavors complimented each other well. It was presented on a tray with 3 separate sections - each with its own dumpling.

For our entrees, I had the spicy lamb basil and Glen had chicken with mushrooms and pineapple. Both were equally tasty. I can’t believe how affordable the lamb was - $15 for 2 good size chops. I’m looking forward to going back to try the Panang curry.

If you go, be aware that they do not serve alcohol here.

The only downside: The nonstop ABBA soundtrack

3000 Wind Hill Road Southeast
Marietta, GA 30067

770-980-1890

Great Neighborhood Bar.

This place has been open for a couple months and seems to draw a great crowd with its decent pub fare,  charming outdoor patio and friendly staff.

I have to admit, I was skeptical about this place. I figured that being near KSU it would draw the same crowd as Bailey’s (immature college kids, loud music, slow service). However, I pleasantly surprised at the crowd - a mix of young and older.

If you’re in the area I definitely recommend you check this place out. I think you’ll be as happy as I was that you did.

Attended the 19th annual Greek Festival yesterday in Marietta. I had no idea this Greek Festival was going on until Saturday and literally stumbled upon it. I’ve been to the Greek festival in Decatur and I have to say this one was so much better. The entertainment, and cultural information that was avaiable was superior to that of the Decatur festival.

There is a tour of the beautiful church that gives details of the meaning of the artifacts and provides a history of the church and how it differs from a traditional western church. In addition, there is a small amphitheatre on site which provides great seating and viewing for the traditional greek dances. You can catch one every couple hours.

The food was pretty good. I had lamb which was ok but the pork kabobs were a better choice. I think the dessert was the best part however, They are all kinds of tasty treats including baklava sundaes - yummy! I’ll definitely be heading back here next year.

Taste of Alpharetta is Thursday, May 15th 2008. The fun begins at 5:00. The event will be at Willis Park - 1825 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA

Although it is unusual to have a ‘taste of’ festival on a Thursday it helps out the restaurants because they are obviously busier on the weekends than on a weekday. The good thing is it will probably be a lot less crowded than if it was on a Saturday.

They’ll be music from 5 pm to 830 pm. And there’s plenty for the kids to do. They’ll be rides, face painting, dancing, etc.

Admission is stated as “free” and although it is free to get in you must pay for the tastes with tickets. Average ‘taste’ is between $ 0.50 and $3.00 or 1 to 6 tickets. You can buy tickets on site and pay with a credit card.

Pros: Convenient location, large space, lots of beers on draft
Cons: Average food, Mediocre Service

Went on a Monday night with some friends who go there religiously for the all you can eat crab legs. It’s a good deal for $20. I don’t like to work for my food, so I opted for the shrimp and crab quesadilla. It was either going to be that or the cajun burger. I wish I went for the burger. It was a lot of not so good food.

Besides burgers and wings (they are known for their boneless wings they call Zingers) they do have some pasta dishes, steaks, a good seafood offering (including fish tacos) and even pork osso bucco.

The crowd was decent for a Monday night. I can see this place being really crowded on the weekend. It’s just off the interstate very close to the mall.

Service was decent but our waitress could have been a bit more on the ball with checking back with us especially for drink orders. Speaking of beer, the best thing about this place is they have really good beers on draft. I’m talking Stella, Boddington’s, Sweetwater 420, Sierra Nevada, etc, etc.

10750 Davis Dr
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(67 277-2581