I ordered wrong.

JenBen and I met at 5N for lunch and were seated almost immediately.  We had made a reservation, but the space seemed large enough to accommodate lunchtime drop-ins.  We inspected 5N’s menu, closely investigating the burger and sushi offerings, and we both ended up ordering the 5 Napkin Veggie Burger w/ Sweet Potato Fries.  5N’s VB comes with housemade 5N sauce, b&b pickles, lettuce, and a tomato on a multi-grain roll.

I will very honestly report that the veggie burger was not great.  It tasted and strongly smelled of beets and almost the entire burger fell apart as soon as I took a bite into it.  I was unsuccessful in trying to mash together the red veggie crumbles all over my plate, so I stabbed at the burger with my fork.  I did not enjoy it.  And, I’m pretty sure I used 40 napkins (not 5) since the burger disintegrated and there was food all over the table.

I did, however, really like the sweet potato fries!  They were the best of both fry-loving worlds: crispy AND soft at the same time.  Frankly, they were delicious enough to redeem the meal a bit.

While I was certainly underwhelmed by my first experience, I decided to give 5N one more chance.  I felt silly judging a restaurant specializing in meat burgers on their veggie burger alone.  So, Rosh and I lunched at 5N on Friday and decided to tackle its specialties.

It was a gorgeous day and we asked to sit on 5N’s patio.  Although I did not find the patio chairs to be particularly comfortable, I personally preferred sitting outside to dining inside of the restaurant.  10th and Piedmont is an excellent place to people watch and catch some rays. 

Rosh and I started off sharing the Southwestern Sushi Roll: spicy yellowtail, cilantro, chayote, scallion, soy wrapper, jalapeno + tobiko.  It was incredibly fresh and very, very tasty – perfect for sitting on a patio on a pretty day!  We were really pleased.

For our entree, we split the massive Burger for 2: 1 pound of custom ground beef, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, b&b pickles, and 5N sauce. 

Here it is in all its meaty glory:

I’m proud to report that we finished the entire burger!  Hooray for us!  Finishing the enormous burger led us into a fairly deep conversation about food displacement along the lines of “say – hypothetically, of course – that I just ate 1/2 a pound of beef…does that mean that I weigh 1/2 a pound more?”  Yikes…

We found room for 5N’s Sweet Potato Fries (which Rosh also loved) and a Tomato, Avocado, Cotija Salad. 

I am so happy that I went back to 5N to try their meat burger and sushi – what they are really all about!  I was surprisingly impressed with both.  Although, I do have to admit that I only used 3 napkins this time.

I will reiterate again that I’m over the fancy-pants burger craze, BUT I urge you to try 5 Napkin.  (Yes, I did that in the same sentence).  If you try 5N, make sure that you order the sushi and/or meat burgers – NOT the veggie.  And, let me know if you do, in fact, use 5 napkins.  I’m pretty literal over here, folks… 

xx, L

5 Napkin Burger
990 Piedmont Ave. NE
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.685.0777
www.5napkinburger.com/midtown-atlanta/

We loved.  Look how pretty, too:

floataway cafe's strawberry pimm's cup

It would take some work, but this is a drink that would be a hit at a dinner party.  Definitely a crowd pleaser. 

Impress Your Friends w/ a Strawberry Pimm’s Cup:
Two ounces of Pimm’s
Two large strawberries (use a third if strawberries are not enormo)
Five mint leaves

Muddle all of that together and either strain (if you don’t like chunk) or pour directly into the glass (if you are chunk-friendly).

Top it off with homemade lemonade soda.  For every ounce of lemon juice add 3/4 an ounce of sweetener.  To the lemon concoction, add an equal amount of soda water on top.  Pour into muddled ingredients.

Drink + enjoy! 

You guys.  It is a.m.a.z.i.n.g.  No lie.

And, so was the rest of our meal.  All was splendid!  Here’s what we ate:

First
Atlantic Blue Fin Tuna Crudo, Blood Orange, Chili (my fav.)
Crispy Young Squid, Sweet Onions, Asparagus, Lemon
Wood Grilled Chicken Livers, Red Onion Jam, Sourdough (decided I don’t care for chix livers…to put it nicely)

Second
Wood Grilled Hanger Steak, Pommes Frites (x2)
Wood Grilled Georgia Quail, Caramelized Sweet Onions, Shallot Mostardo, Champagne Gastrique
Margherita Pizza with Chorizo + Farm Egg

Dolci
Toffee Cake w/ Vanilla Gelato (SUPER delish!)

Truly a delightful meal.  Recommend Floataway from top to bottom!

xx, L

Floataway Cafe
1123 Zonolite Road NE
Atlanta, GA  30306
404.892.1414
www.starprovisions.com

The lovely Ms. Roshal (pictured above), who with her boyfriend are important components of Eat Squad, grew up in Jamaica.  Her boyfriend, Z, frequently raves about Roshal’s talent for cooking authentic Caribbean food.  We knew that if we were ever lucky enough for her to host a dinner party for us to try out her cuisine, we were in for a treat.  So we started hinting – and she caught on. 

On Sunday evening, Roshal cooked us an amazing, traditional Jamacian/ Trinidadian meal that Slick + I have been incessantly talking about since. 

Please witness our feast:

Curried goat + potatoes with Jamaican/ Trinidadian curry.

Roti: Traditional bread to accompany curried goat. (Similar to naan.)

Pelau: Trinidadian rice dish cooked in coconut milk with chicken, beef + PIG TAIL!  (Which Slick + Mr. Barocas loved.)

Jamaican sauce made with scotch bonnet pepper, onions + vinegar to go over Fish Escovitch.

Fish Escovitch.

A gorgeous salad with strawberries + yellow peppers.

Malibu coconut rum + pineapple cocktails to accompany the flavorful meal.  (We all kiddingly mocked this drink as the “college girl’s drink of choice,” but had NO problem finishing a large pitcher…)

Everything was SO unbelievably fantastic!

Although Roshal does not have plans to open a Jamaican restaurant in Atlanta, I think the lesson here is that sometimes the most delicious + exciting food could be right under your nose.  Sure, heading over to Buford Highway to try cuisine from around the world might be the easy way to do it – but it won’t necessarily be the best you can get.

When you have the opportunity to taste Caribbean dishes at a traditional restaurant, I strongly recommend you try the dishes pictured + described above.  (Although, go easy on anything made with scotch bonnet pepper – yowza!  I learned the hard way…)

xx, L

kaleidoscope bistro + pub - brookhaven

Here’s the Q+DD on Kaleidoscope:  Recently opened by a few former Buckhead Diner folks, including executive chef Joey Riley, the idea behind the name is that every time you look into a kaleidoscope you see something colorful and different.  That concept is applied to their own menu.  They call their cuisine “global comfort food,” as both the food + drinks are ever changing.  The restaurant features seasonal items and daily specials.

kaleidoscope interior

Upon arrival, we sat down at a large, wooden community table + had no trouble selecting a few delicious (and gorgeous, I might add) appetizers to start us off:

Ahi Tuna Tartare: avocado, tomato, coriander, feta, yuzu.

Thai Style Beef Jerky: bird’s eye chilis, lime, roasted rice.  (My fav!)

Springer Mountain Chicken Wings: kaleidoscope sauce, bleu cheese.

For entrees, we took the owner’s expert recommendations:

Slick selected the Mahi Tostado: green chili grits, guajillo charred tomato sauce, tomato/ feta and avocado salad.

Z got the Sage Roasted Pork Porterhouse: brussels, fingerlings, mustard, pancetta.

Rosh opted for Azalea’s Famous Whole Sizzling Catfish: chinese black bean sauce, pickled ginger, lime.  She won the prize for the most creatively plated dish!

The rest of us went with the Award Winning Kaleidoscope Burger: pimento cheese, slaw, green tomato chow chow, bread and butter pickles.  How could we not?  This burg was awarded the Judges’ Choice for “Best (Meat) Burger” in July’s Battle of the Burgers in the Virginia Highlands!  It was SO great + well-complimented by the tasty Pub Fries cooked in duck fat.  (Don’t judge…)

So, next time you’re in the mood for comfort food + boutique wines or fine craft beers from around the world, give Kaleidoscope a try.  Not only is the food stellar + the staff friendly, but it’s also a pretty solid hangout.  Get there early, though, it was packed on a Sunday night + they don’t accept reservations.  I’ll certainly be back!

I’ve gotta say – Brookhaven is kinda bumpin’… 

xx, L

Kaleidoscope Bistro + Pub
Village Place – Brookhaven
1410 Dresden Drive, Ste. 100
Atlanta, GA  30319
404.555.1212
www.k-pub.com

Becoming the Caseys, Rosh + Z and Slick + I decided to use the Scoutmob for Fritti in Inman Park on Sunday night.  And, we were so glad we did.

I hadn’t been to Fritti in almost exactly a year (went for a holiday party last Dec.), and it was really bumping.  I was impressed.  Thanks to Scoutmob, they were on an hour wait when we arrived.  Lucky for us, though, S. Casey thought ahead + made a reservation, so we were seated right away on their heated patio! 

sam's supa-smart.

I was s.t.a.r.v.i.n.g, so I tried to encourage the group to make decisions pretty quickly so we could get some food on the table.  Everyone ordered drinks + we requested a few appetizers to share:

Bruschetta: Slow roasted + marinated tomato, fior di latte mozzarella, basil.
Bresaola di Tonno: Cured sashimi grade tuna, arugula, radish, lemon.
Antipasto Misto: Assorted Italian meats + cheeses, olives, marinated mushrooms.
(We also wanted the Calamari Fritti, but they were out…) 

There wasn’t any time to take pictures b/c my ravenous mood quickly spread + as soon as our appetizers were delivered, we demolished them.  Shortly thereafter, our pizzas arrived:

Salame Piccante: Spicy salame + black olives.

Crudo e Rucola: San Daniele prosciutto + arugula.  (My fav.)

Pancetta e Cipolla: Caramelized onion, pancetta + hot pepper.

Toscana: Bufala, peppered salame, cherry tomatoes + rosemary.

Four hearty pizzas may seem ambitious for six people, but don’t you worry – we ate every last bite.  A little over half of our dinner companions had not been to Fritti before, and they walked away very satisfied.  The Scoutmob discount was significant, too, and just another nice touch to an already enjoyable meal.  Fritti might not be a restaurant that I frequent more than once a year, but it sure hits the spot.  (And, I’d never turn my nose up at pizza…)  I definitely recommend using the Scoutmob for it – and bringing along a posse to help you devour their delicious pizzas.  Or not. 

Fritti’s Menu Here:  http://www.urestaurants.net/_uploads/Fritti_dinner_menu.pdf

And, don’t forget to make a reservation!!

Unrelated:  I’m headed to Dallas for the rest of the week to celebrate the holidays Texas-style.

And so, I want to wish you all a very Merry Chrismukkah (if you’re down w/ the hybrid holiday thing like my family) or whatever it is you’re celebrating!  Have the happiest of holidays! 

(Just some Yids celebrating X-mas…)

family secret santa

xx, L

Fritti
309 N. Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA  30307
404.880.9559
www.urestaurants.net

Here’s the Q+DD on Exhale:

In the heart of trendy and eclectic Midtown Atlanta, you will find respite in an urban oasis. Located on the “Midtown Mile” on the seventh floor of the Loews Atlanta Hotel, this 22,500 square foot spa features 15 therapy rooms; two generous Core Fusion and yoga studios; a chic nail bar and pedicure alcove overlooking Peachtree Street; a mind + body gym offering cardiovascular equipment and a full line of strength equipment by Lifefitness, treadmills, elliptical cross trainers, stationary bikes, Star Trac, Kinesis; a co-ed hammam; and a well-being boutique featuring yoga wear, skin care products, and giftables.  Exhale’s transformational offerings include body therapies, facials, acupuncture and healing modalities, Core Fusion, Core Cycling class with Core Fusion principles, and yoga classes.

Exhale is located in a number of major cities, but is new to Atlanta.  My Dallas girlfriends swear by Exhale’s signature Core Fusion classes, which combine the disciplines of core conditioning, pilates, the Lotte Berk Method, interval cardio training + yoga to produce long, lean muscles + an athletic body.  I’d heard about how fantastic the Core Fusion + yoga classes are at Exhale, but wasn’t sure how I could try them out unless I had time during a trip home to Dallas.  What a great gift to Atlanta to have Exhale finally here!

As I kept hearing more + more about Core Fusion, it really sounded like something I’d enjoy.  Heidi Klum + Cameron Diaz are members of Exhale in New York and L.A. + frequent Core Fusion classes.  Their incredibly-toned bodies are pretty hard to ignore…

So, I got in touch with Anne-Marie Berte, Manager of Guest Experience @ Exhale, and she signed me up for a Core Fusion Open class.  I talked Rosh into joining me.

Below are a few pictures of Exhale Atlanta.

And, these are good examples of what our class was like…

Look easy?  Think again…

Within the first THREE minutes of the class, I was dripping with sweat + looked over at Roshal with crazy eyes not sure about what I’d gotten us into…  I knew the class was going to be intense, but I had no idea what I was in for!  Unlike my experiences in yoga + pilates classes, I was really getting a work out in the Core Fusion class – a cardio workout, too.  From the minute the class started it was very fast paced.  The instructor was really good – stern, but also very nice.  And, she didn’t make you feel discouraged at all when she was walking around readjusting our positioning while we were doing certain movements.

Best of all, I felt like we were focused throughout the entire hour on the areas I always want to work the most – thighs, glutes, tricepts, etc.  I was shaking by the end of the class, but I felt amazing.  Afterwards, Anne-Marie gave us a tour of the rest of the gym, which sealed the deal for me.  The workout equipment – really everything – was top of the line + incredible.  This is hands down the nicest gym I’ve ever worked out in.

Over the next two days, my body felt like jelly.  It made me feel a little better, though, to find out that the Open class we attended was not the “beginner” class.  I probably needed the Basic class first, but I did enjoy the challenge + getting thrown right into Core Fusion.

There’s a variety of Core Fusion classes available at Exhale:  Basic, Open, Advanced, Core Fusion Cardio, Core Fusion Exhale, Core Fusion Sport, Core Fusion Thighs + Gluteals, Core Fusion Yoga + Core Cycling.  For more information on the classes click HERE.

So, I joined.  (Rosh did, too!)  I felt so great after the class + was really excited to find a workout option that combined so many of my favorites (yoga + pilates + core conditioning).  It’s going to be a long road for me – I was admittedly pretty pathetic in the Open class - but I welcome the challenge, and I can’t think of a better investment than my health + joining a gym I am motivated to go to multiple times a week.

It’s always more fun to workout when you have buddies joining you!  So, if any of this sounds good to you – contact Anne-Marie Berte (e-mail below) for information regarding a complimentary class, a $40 week of transformation + Exhale’s holiday specials.  And, don’t forget that Exhale is a spa, too! 

xx, L

Exhale Atlanta
Anne-Marie Berte, Manager of Guest Experience: amberte@exhalespa.com
1065 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.720.5000
http://www.exhalespa.com/Locations/GAtlanta/Default.aspx

… and through middle/ high school + college – all while never living within the same city.  Recently, I was the maid of honor in her incredible wedding in Montreal.

Although she lives across the U.S. (in sunny Calif.), we have remained very close throughout the years + we make trips to see each other fairly frequently.  Over the past weekend, Mrs. Wolkove came to Atlanta for a visit.  As I mentioned yesterday, I really wanted to show her a good time.  She’d been once before, and we hit up most of the Poncey Highlands (The Local, MJQ, El Bar, Clermont Lounge + The Majestic Diner), the old Coca-Cola Museum, the Georgia Aquarium, Piedmont Park, Underground Atlanta + a few Buckhead restaurants + Midtown bars - but that was years ago, and “my” Atlanta has changed quite a bit.  So, I jam-packed our weekend with farmer’s markets, funky Atlanta eats, shopping + some exciting outdoor activities. 

Our weekend itinerary is below.  Feel free to snatch some of these ideas + consult our Atlanta Bucket List page if you are planning for out-of-towners!

DAY 1
 
Mrs. Wolkove Arrived!

Cocktails + Late Night Burgers @ Holeman + Finch  (Buckhead)

DAY 2
 
Shopping @ Phipps Plaza - Using the Camp Twin Lakes Partner’s Card!  (Buckhead)
Purchases @ Tory Burch  (TY Partner’s Card!)

Lunch @ Urban Pl8  (West Midtown)

Walk Around Star Provisions + The Local Farmstand  (West Midtown)
Purchases @ B Braithwaite  (TY Partner’s Card!)

Visit to the Atlanta Humane Society  (West Midtown)
I have nothing to say for myself.  I drag everyone there…
 
Dali Exhibit @ HIGH Museum of Art   (Midtown)

 
Dinner + Drinks @ The Sound Table  (Edgewood)

DAY 3
 
Piedmont Park’s Green Market  (Midtown)

Brunch + Bocce Ball @ Empire State South  (Midtown)

Shopping in the Highlands – Using the Camp Twin Lakes Partner’s Card!
Purchases @ DabberDoo + Festivity  (TY Partner’s Card!)

Yogurt @ Yoforia  (Highlands)
 
Dinner @ Serpas True Food (Inman Park)

House Party….including a magician!  Yeah, you read that right!  

DAY 4
 
Brunch @ Belly General Store  (Highlands)

 
Stone Mountain “Hike Up” 1.3 Mile Trail  (Stone Mountain, GA)
Mrs. Wolkove spotted Kandi from The Real Housewives of Atlanta!

DeKalb Farmer’s Market  (Decatur)

Snacks @ Farm Burger  (Decatur)
 
Patio dinner @ Pancho’s Mexican  (Buford Highway)
FYI:  My #1 choice, Taqueria del Sol, is closed on Sundays…
 
Movie @ Midtown Art Cinema  
 
DAY 5

Brunch @ Swan Coach House (Buckhead)

Vintage Store Shopping  (Little Five Points)

Additional Shopping in Buckhead Station 

Yogurt @ Yogurberry in the Terminus Bldg.  (Buckhead)

Mrs. Wolkove Departed… 

Success!!  It was such a fun, extended weekend, and Mrs. Wolkove had a b.l.a.s.t!  She was really impressed with what our city has to offer.  So, when your friends are in town for a visit, don’t be afraid to over-plan a bit.  There’s so much to see + do in the “capital of South.”  Take advantage of it!

(Your friends can rest when they go home…)

xx, L

Slick + I invited a few friends to join us for our feast.  (Flash forward…)  Everyone – every single person – was head over heels for the restaurant by the time the bill arrived!  Phrases like “best new restaurant in Atlanta, “most delicious meal I’ve had in years,” and “I can die happily now” were casually thrown around our table.  Frankly, I couldn’t agree more.  Serpas IS fantastic, and has solidly secured a spot in my prestigious Top Five Favorite Atlanta Restaurants List. 

LK + I have been to Serpas for brunch before, and she blogged about how much we loved it, but dinner - OH dinner – blew. us. away.

The Q+DD on Serpas:  The restaurant is named for the owner and chef, Scott Serpas, who trained under Kevin Rathbun in Dallas + Atlanta, was in cahoots with the Concentrics people as the executive chef at TWO Urban Licks, and also served as the executive chef at Sia’s in Alpharetta + sister restaurant Mitra before opening his own digs last January.  The space itself is VERY cool.  It’s located at the Pavillion at Studioplex (Irwin and Auburn Ave.) and used to be an old cotton storage facility built in the 1900s.

Not only do Atlantans love Serpas, but also it was recently named one of the 10 “Best Restaurants in America” by GQ Magazine. 

Here’s a peek inside:

Serpas

Without further adieu, here’s what we ate…

Beginning

Tuna Tartar: chili sesame dressing, green apple, house chips

Flash Fried Oysters: pickled chiles, mirliton

BBQ Pork Flatbread: pork shoulder + belly, creole cole slaw, coriander flatbread

Shaved Calamari: chili syrup

(By this point, we were discussing how our entrees could possibly be more delicious than our starters…  Everything was absolutely fantastic + incredibly flavorful.)

Slick @ Serpas

Middle

Duck Breast: glazed baby sweet potatoes, toasted pecans, yellow filet beans

Open-faced Ravioli: layered w/ braised short rib, local arugula, red wine jus

Jumbo Sea Scallops: lady peas, panang curry

Trout (Crab & Mushroom Stuffed): lemon thyme butter, new potatoes, asparagus, mushrooms

Veggie Pot Pie: grilled root veggies + asparagus + squash, baby sunflower sprouts, arugula tossed in arugula pesto, sunflower seeds, shaved apple salad

Braised Short Rib: cream cheese herb whipped potatoes, breakfast radishes, tempura onion ring

Blackened Salmon Tacos: crispy wonton shell, pickled radishes, arugula, tomatillo mayo

Finale

Brown Sugar Cake: poached pears, cinnamon ice cream

Fried Apple Pie: vanilla ice cream

We were stuffed, but still had enough energy for a quick “hello” w/ the brains behind the extreme excellence that is Serpas: chef + owner, Scott Serpas.

The Man.

And a few pictures, of course…

Not a bad lookin’ group, eh? 

Ugh, we had such a great meal – and we are all STILL talking about it!

If you haven’t been already, run – don’t walk - to Serpas ASAP!  You are seriously missing out.  Also, don’t forget that it’s open for brunch every Sunday!  See you there super soon!  Enjoy, foodies… 

P.S.  Be sure to say “hello” to Bartender Matt!

xx, L

Serpas True Food
659 Auburn Ave. NE #501
Atlanta, GA  30312
404.688.0040
www.serpasrestaurant.com

We hadn’t been to ONE. Midtown Kitchen in a v. long time, so we decided to meet for dinner to use our coupon + see if ONE. still had some swagger in its step. 

Of all of the Concentrics Group’s restaurants, ONE. has always been my favorite.  I love the atmosphere + bar area, and although there is no novelty to the standby – the food is consistently good.

If you’ve been living under a culinary rock and haven’t been to ONE. yet, here’s a peek inside: 

While I don’t find the restaurant’s menu to be terribly creative or super exciting, it’s consistently delicious – a place you could count on to not disappoint on a second date with that special someone or when your parents (who like to think they are hip) are in town.  Without a doubt, my favorite item on the menu is the calamari appetizer.  I tend to prefer tuna tartar/ carpaccio or charchuterie as appetizers when they are available at other restaurants, but I’d never consider ordering anything other than the calamari at ONE.

(The photograph doesn’t do it justice.)  It comes out plated nicely and is absolutely delicious!  I love that the calamari is in a stick form (obviously I don’t have a culinary dictionary handy) and not in predictable little circles.  The sweet + sour sauce is a perfect compliment to the fried goodness!

My entree was kinda boring and not at all photogenic, but Roshal’s came loaded with some of the best french fries I’ve ever had!  She had some sort of steak, which totally lost my interest, but those FRIES!  Oh, those fries!

(After dinner, we saw The Town at Midtown Art Cinema.  I have a really hard time taking Ben Affleck seriously, but he was awesome in this movie!)

Don’t forget about ONE. – particularly if you have the Scoutmob coupon for it.  It’s a good idea to have some solid standbys, like ONE., in your back pocket.  You never know when your parents might pop in…

PLUS:  And this is big – the bartenders know how to make an Aviation! 

xx, L

ONE. Midtown Kitchen
559 Dutch Valley Rd NE
Atlanta, GA  30324
404.892.4111
http://www.onemidtownkitchen.com/index-home.htm

behold its greatness

profile shot

Impressed?  My colleagues were…  None of them even came close.

I couldn’t eat until about 2:30 p.m. today because I was so incredibly stuffed, but it was worth each. and. every. delicious bite.  It was my second time having it, and now I am even more convinced that it really is the very best burger in Atlanta.  You can quote me…and The Blissful Glutton.

xx, L

Bocado
887 Howell Mill Road
Atlanta, GA  30318
404.704.5850
www.bocadoatlanta.com