I have had SO many foodie items I have been wanting to share with anyone who will listen to me that I've finally tried to sit down and gather my thoughts. I've been to several new places around Atlanta and beyond and I must share -- the good, the bad, the mediocre; etc. The only thing I know to do here is to dive in and get right to it.
apologies as I am unable to locate source for this photo. it is not mine.
What I Loved: This place is just amazingly beautiful inside. Great Buckhead location and incredible ambiance. I've been for lunch twice.
What I Didn't Love: My first trip I had an appetizer come out that was cold in the middle. Don't get me wrong they were great about it -- brought us a new one ASAP and even comped it (not that we asked them to) from the check. Still -- I just feel like this is something that should happen at TGI Fridays, not a Ford Fry establishment. The second time I went on a Tuesday afternoon around 11:30 and was told that since I didn't have a reservation I had to wait for a table. I went with M to wait at the bar -- and pretty much saw a million empty tables and lounging wait staff. By the time they decided to come give us a table we had already had an appetizer and just decided to stay at the bar since we were already settled in.
The Food: I hate that I had so many service issues because I feel like their pastas and desserts were very, very good. But again -- due to service I have not been back and probably won't go back for a while.
Savannah, GA
On our way to St. Simons Island we managed a pit stop in Tybee Island and went into Savannah to make a special trip to Hugh Acheson's newest digs.
What I Loved: the people I was with, our very nice server who triumphed in a seemingly chaotic Saturday night rush, wine knowledge and lists, lots to choose from on the menu, beautiful dining space and open kitchen.
What I Didn't Love: There didn't seem to be a lot of parking (although we found a space easily).
The Food: I'd definitely be willing to return to this place but we definitely had a few food low points here. But also some high points and great service. We tried a fish dish, a pizza, lots of small plates, some entrees, and dessert. The bread plate and beef carpaccio were very good. Pizza was just ok. M had the roasted & confit pork -- very, very good. I will say my meal ended on a bad note with the peach tart I ordered for dessert. I hate to be so super harsh but it was truly so dry it may as well have come from a vending machine. A friend ordered the cannoli which was incredible. So get that instead.
A notable mention for our trip --
Tybee Island Breakfast Club which recently got a small mention in the Garden & Gun food issue was a fun treat before we headed out of town and continued to St. Simons. Go early so you won't have to wait as long! It's not fancy but it's good and has super large portions if you are starving.
source: tripadvisor.com
What I Loved: Echo is located at The King and Prince resort in St. Simons and it has a special place in my heart because The Housewife got married in St. Simons and her reception was at the resort. This is a new place to me -- I'm not quite sure when they opened but I can't wait to go back. Service -- fantastic. Ocean front views if you want them. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, & cocktails. I loved the food.
What I Didn't Love: Hey look -- it turns out I don't look for things to complain about. I loved everything about this place.
The Food: It was all SO SO good. And I truly don't think that it was due to the fact that I was starving from an intense and long beach day. Please try this place if you are in the area!
source: guyfieri.com
I know it's sacrilegious to be from the South and say that I don't necessarily live and die by good BBQ -- but this place may have changed my mind. We were on such a good kick of hitting some restaurants we wanted to try out that we squeezed this one in on the way out of town. I do not regret this stop at all.
What I Loved: Simple, good service, quaint atmosphere, ate it all outside in the August heat next to their smoker. I had a classic pulled pork on a bun with slaw on top and a side of hush puppies. The hush puppies shattered my soul (in a good way) and I forced the entire sandwich into my body even though I was incredibly full after eating only half. It was that good.
What I Didn't Love: The only thing that makes me sad is that this place isn't close to my house!
The Food: They had a really extensive menu and served items other than BBQ. Per Garden and Gun rumor is sometimes they have Sunday Brunch items -- like cornbread waffles. Someone mail one of those to me as soon as possible. In true fat-kid fashion we couldn't just leave without taking one of their pimiento cheese sandwiches with us. I popped it in the oven the next night and we split it for dinner -- it was incredible!
I seriously may never be able to eat BBQ anywhere else again. I just don't think it will compare.
I'll try to get my other places up in another post. This one got away from me with length! One small mention should go out to supporting local coffee in St. Simons at
Wake Up Coffee. Super cute, wonderful scones, and delicious iced coffee!
Also -- where are you eating right now? Seriously. I want to know.
~the engaged gal~
