Archive for March, 2008|Monthly archive page

Panahar Bangladeshi Cuisine

Panahar

Mixed Race Couples Avoid!

First, let me start off by saying the food was really good (even though they screwed up my order). Beyond that, based on the way my boyfriend and I were treated, I would NEVER go back. It seems that Indians or any people from India, Bangladesh, etc seem to not like it when “their” people date outside their race. It was obvious to me (I’m Indian and my boyfriend is white) that this was a problem for the staff and owner at Panahar.

Upon entering, we were told to “have a seat” and wait although there were plenty of tables available. We promptly ordered, yet it was 20 minutes before we got our appetizer and over an hour before we got our dinner. The couple that came in after us (both white) got their dinner before us.

Not once did we get an apology for the long delay. We watched as the owner made his way around to every table to ask how their meal was, could he get them anything else, or could he make a recommendation. The only thing he said to us was “excuse me” when he cleared our plates.

I could easily have dismissed this as they were having an off night but when we observed how every other group around us were treated and the fact that those that came in before and after us were treated to friendly and prompt service, I cannot come to any other conclusion than we were DISCRIMINATED against. To top it all off, when we were leaving and passed the hostess she didn’t even acknowledge us (although we walked right past her) not even a nod! All other diners, upon leaving, at least got the obligatory “thank you”

We’ve been to many Indian restaurants around the Atlanta area and have experienced discrimination, however, the reviews for Panahar were so great and touted the friendly service, I wanted to believe that they would be different. So much so, I was willing to drive all the way from Kennesaw (30+ miles) to try them out. Alas, they are just like all the rest 😦

My advice to these Indian proprietors: Get over yourself or continue to lose customers!

3375 Buford Hwy NE Ste 1060
Atlanta, GA 30329
Phone: (404) 633-6655

http://www.panahar.com

Papis Cuban

Cuban in Kennesaw

I give them 4 stars for their effort.

Although this place has been open for about a month (maybe longer??) they still seem to be in ‘training’ mode. The waitstaff, however friendly they are, are still learning the ropes it seems. Service can be kind of slow. I observed one couple after being seated for a while with no service just got up and leave.

I went there on a saturday late afternoon. It wasn’t crowded when I arrived but as I was leaving the place had really begun to fill up. The food was pretty good – I had a cuban sandwich with black beans and rice. It was ok – but I would skip the black beans and rice next time and just opt for the sandwich.

The best part of the meal was our coffee and dessert: flan and tres leches cake, not to mention the cafe con leche (coffee).

Prices are defintely reasonable. We had entrees, dessert and coffee for under $30. I will definitely give them a try again once they’ve had a chance to work out all the kinks 😉

Papi’s Cuban

745 Chastain RD

Kennesaw, GA 30156

(678) 797-0502

Homepage

P’Cheen

P’cheen (it’s Gaelic for moonshine)

Is this place a pub? Is it an upscale restaurant? Is it a cool lounge? It’s like all 3 rolled into one. Just go – you’ll see.

It is also kinda hard to find if you aren’t familiar with the area. Just keep driving down Highland, you’ll find it eventually.

Beyond that everything is great – The staff is super friendly and helpful, the food is such a great mix (not your average pub fare), and the decor has kind of a rustic / trendy feel (again, not found in your average pub).

Beyond our appetizer (calamari with jalapeno dipping sauce) we didn’t order anything of the regular menu. The specials looked to yummy to pass up. We both had the parsnip soup with clover and honey (delicious). My boyfriend had the curry trio and I had the chipotle roasted half chicken. Everything was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of spices.

Can’t wait to go back and try the burger. They seem to give even the everyday things that something something that makes them stand out.

701-5 Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 529-8800

http://www.pcheen.com

Kyma Greek Restaurant

Great Greek Grub

Ok. Maybe ‘grub’ really isn’t the right word for this place. It’s a little more high end that that. Part of the buckhead life restaurant group, Kyma, is a trendy yet elegant place to dine.

Kyma is a truly beautiful restaurant. And the service at this place was exceptional. Our server was particulary helpful in answering all of our questions and very knowledgeable about the entire menu. He was especially helpful in recommending a wine that paired well with both meat and seafood.

I had the lamb (marinated for 24 hours and oh so tender!) and my boyfriend had the Snapper. Both were fantastic. Oh, almost forgot, I read many reviews that said to try the Octopus. To me it tasted like chicken – no joke. So I would skip that and opt for the stuffed grape leaves perhaps. However, the eggplant dip we also got as an appetizer was fabulous!

All in all a very memorable experience and worth the price!

Kyma Greek Restaurant
3085 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 262-0702

http://www.buckheadrestaurants.com/kyma.html

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An Atlanta Veteran

As someone who’s lived in the ATL since 1985, I remember the uproar created when they wanted to tear down the big chicken, the blizzard of ’93 (in March!), and the thrill of the Olympics coming to my city.

I loved growing up here and still think Atlanta is a great place to call home. So, I’m trying to put together my thoughts and ideas on great places to check out when visiting or if you are a resident places you need to check out.

I can promise you I’m doing this simply for the enjoyment. The restaurants and businesses that I write about have not given me any incentive whatsoever for my comments.

Keep checking back as I am posting new blogs regularly.

Cheers!
An Atlanta Girl