Out and about

I spent nearly a decade living in the middle of Michigan.  For most of that time, I longed for the dining joys of the south, particularly Atlanta that I had left behind.  So when the opportunity presented itself to return, I nabbed it like a starving woman.  As we prepared to make the move, I built a list of must-eats in my browser bookmarks titled “ATL Dining Tour” because I knew I’d come across places I wanted to try and if I didn’t save them, I’d forget them for who knows how long.

For those of you that don’t know, the ATL (calling it ‘Hotlanta’ is extremely passe for your personal edification) is a Nirvana of amazing dining.  Marquis chefs such as Tom Colicchio and Wolfgang Puck have opened restaurants here, but do not be fooled; they are not the best.  I now present to you a few of my own top must-dine restaurants of the ATL.

1) The Vortex Bar & Grill.  This racy institution was #1 on the list because among other things, it is one of the few eateries in ATL that allows smoking inside (did I mention Man Unit is a devout smoker?).  It is a place with humor and low patience for fools, as evidenced by their decree that they are an “Idiot-Free Zone”, to wit: “So if you’re acting like a great big jerk, we’ll be sure to let you know, right before we throw you out.”  Hot servers festooned with piercings and tattoos will freely mock you if ask a dumb question that could easily have been answered had you just perused the menu for a hot second (that caters to my pet peeve and makes my heart leap with joy.  I will happily join in with the mocking.).  You may think this is a novelty place, but be not fooled: they are a top-notch grill that can turn a burger out.  My favorites: The Vortex Cheeseburger, their tater tots and the Kennebunkport Lobster Melt.  Man Unit has ordered the Coronary Bypass Burger and can attest to the fact that his arteries slam shut at the mere mention of it.

2) Nino’s Cucina Italiano.   This is old school Italian done to perfection.  A continuous loop of artists like Frank, Tony and Caruso plays softly in the background.  Upon arrival, someone from the family greets you in heavily Italian-accented English at the podium in the bar and whisks you either to the softly lit dining room or the covered patio out front-al fresco.  A team of waiters swoops immediately down with water, crisp yet soft bread and complimentary bruschetta that all but melts in your mouth. You spy the old-fashioned dessert cart waiting along a front wall reminding you gently of the homemade wonders that await you.  You might toss the menu to the side when the main waiter tells you about the specials of the day, but don’t drop it until you’ve ordered the Fresh Melon with Prosciutto di Parma.  No matter what time of year it is, the melon is always sweet, juicy and meaty-firm.  Order whatever you like, nothing is bad.  And have a carafe of the house Chianti while you’re at it.

3) Rare: Soul Tapas Restaurant.  Yes, you read that right.  Soul food tapas.  A better idea could not have been conceived in my opinion. The website gives you a glimpse of the experience (make sure your sound is on), which is very nu-soul, if you will.  The first time Man Unit and I went, they sent us up at a chaise lounge type area with a long low table and the food just kept coming.  I had my first Pomgnac here and still drool at the thought (on the cocktails menu, go ahead and look it up, I’ll wait.).  Favorites: the Trio of Deviled Eggs, Lobster Macaroni & Cheese and you must have the peach cobbler for dessert.  We begged to compliment the chef and it turns out that he’s a shy thing who would much rather be buried in the kitchen than facing the masses.  Too cute.

4) Bones.  Two words will tell you everything you need to know about Bones: Rat Pack.  As soon as you step through the door you are transported to a world where you are the star no matter who you are.  Make your way through the oak and brass bar and up the steps to the maitre d’ station and you are greeted by a man in perfect suit as if you come there every night.  You’re quickly whisked away to a linen-topped table and from then on attended to studiously by a career waiter in a white jacket with his name embroidered on the pocket (he probably makes more than you do in a year).  Go with the theme and order a classic cocktail like a Greyhound or  Tom Collins.  Look to your left: ah, the Superior Court judge and his wife.  To your right: a lawyer from a white shoe firm and his family.  And you are all being treated the same.  Start with the salmon, then a bowl of the bisque or the Bones Salad.  Then the strip, the filet or the lamb chops. Favorite side:  grit fritters. Sounds pedestrian, but it’s like biting into a warm crispy ball of a creamy cheese like ricotta.  If you can manage dessert, the Mountain High Pie is a wedge of insanity.

5) Agave. This is a new favorite, as I just went there for the first time this weekend.  Raucous little place over on the south side with an amazing array of tequilas.  Describe what flavors you like in your cocktail and the bartender or well-schooled server will deliver perfection.  Our delightful server recommended the Stuffed Mountain Trout to me and I was not disappointed.  We had the flan for dessert; creamy and sweet.  He even threw in a bowl of the homemade cinnamon whipped cream, oh, so decadent. 

I’ll stop there.  I’m starving.

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