Newest Pop-Up at The Blind Pig Parlour Bar Boasts Nostalgic Delights with Small Plates, Crafty Cocktails, and More
Atlantans are cordially invited to experience a summer-long “Beach Ball” at The Blind Flamingo, the latest pop-up experience from The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, beginning Friday, June 28. Inspired by the Apple TV series “Palm Royale,” The Blind Flamingo is a vibrant, retro paradise featuring nostalgic summer vibes. Guests will indulge in various small plates, desserts, and dazzling cocktails.
The Blind Flamingo boasts an enticing menu perfect for nibbling and sharing. Savory small plates include
slow-roasted pork belly with sweet-and-spicy glaze and pickled red onions
lobster ceviche with citrus-cured lobster, tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro
heirloom tomato caprese with Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails Garden tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, and balsamic drizzle
strawberry shortcake and key lime dip served with graham crackers, animal crackers, and pineapple
The Blind Flamingo’s drink menu is as stunning as it is delicious. Guests will enjoy refreshing concoctions such as:
the show’s signature grasshopper (hold the insulin)
pink señoritas
Palm Beach punch
coconut rum mojito
The Blind Flamingo will be open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
The Blind Flamingo is located at 128 East Andrews Dr., NE, in Atlanta. For more information and reservations, visit theblindpigparlourbar.com.
Varuni Napoli is gearing up for the spring season! Dig in to the delicious details below:
National Pi Day: In celebration of the superior circle-shaped food (and the mathematical number 3.14), Varuni will be offering $3.14 Peronis all day long with the purchase of an artisan pizza. Available at both locations on Thursday, March 14. Additionally, patrons near and far can stock up on Varuni’s crowd favorites from Thursday, March 14 through Sunday, March 17 during Goldbelly’s Annual Pi Day 20% off sale.
Patio Opening: As the weather warms up, Varuni’s Midtown patio is ready to welcome patrons back for a unique alfresco dining experience. No reservation needed, up the stairs and around the corner visitors can soak up the sun on the intimate and secluded patio surrounding a beautifully, rustic old tree and ivy-covered wall. It’s a little hidden oasis in the bustling city! Walking the BeltLine? Enjoy Varuni Napoli on Krog Street Market’s covered patio.
To-Go Cocktails: Take picnics, game day tailgates and park hangs to the next level with Varuni’s portable, pouched cocktails! Available in three of the pizzeria’s crowd-favorite libations including the Fresca Verde, Negroni, and Julia, 6-pack or 12-packs are available for pickup at Midtown with 24-hour notice. 404-709-2690 to order.
Neapolitan-Style Brunch: Skip out on pancakes + waffles at the next brunch outing, and opt for a delicious Neapolitan-style breakfast pie instead. Varuni offers three brunch pizzas including:
Fichissima: Features housemade fig jam, arugula, Prosciutto di Parma DOP, fresh mozzarella + Pecorino Romano
Colazione Americana: Offers all the traditional American breakfast favorites including sausage, egg, and cheese…with an Italian spin that includes pancetta and black truffle-infused olive oil
Occhio Di Blue: Topped with the perfect blend of San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, truffle potatoes, marinated beef + more, with a fried egg front and center
Weekly Pizza Specials: Varuni’smainstay menu is delicious all on its own, but have you heard they also offer unique specials every week to give guests something new to look forward to? From pizzas topped with zucchini and Italian pancetta, to pies that feature a roasted red pepper sauce and fresh basil pesto, Varuni’s weekly specials are full of flavors that Atlantans won’t find anywhere else! Follow Varuni on Instagram,Facebook, and Twitter to see the weekly specials that are announced every Monday.
Weekly Wine Specials: It’s wine o’clock somewhere, and at Varuni, it’s on Tuesdays and Wednesdays! Head over to the Midtown location where the pizzeria offers weekly wine specials. With the purchase of an artisan pie, every Tuesday they offer half-priced bottles of Montepulciano and every Wednesday they offer half-priced bottles of Pinot Grigio. Dine-in offer only.
Krog Market Exclusives: You may have your “regular” order at Varuni, but did you know there are some exclusive offerings at the pizzeria’s Krog location? Next time at Krog try:
Nonna Mia Pizza: Fresh buffalo mozzarella, San Marzano ragu, Nonna’s homemade meatballs, Pecorino Romano + basil
Krog Fired Calzone: Fried pizza stuffed with fresh mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, basil + two toppings of choice
Easter: Level up your Easter dessert game with Varuni’s DIY cannoli kits! Perfect for family fun, each kit includes cannoli shells, the signature ricotta filling, and a variety of toppings like Nutella, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and pistachios. 404-709-2690 to order, 24-hour notice required. Midtown exclusive.
In-House Horoscope Readings, Giveaways and Tasty Treats Will Accompany Launch of 12 Zodiac-Inspired Cocktails
It is written in the stars: Your 3rd Spot is the place to be Wednesday, Oct. 4 7:30pm. Atlanta’s best social dining experience—and one of the nation’s top bars—has launched a new menu of 12 zodiac-inspired cocktails aligned to the tastes of each sign. To celebrate, it will host a party with zodiac-themed giveaways and treats. Guests can make connections with compatible signs over arcade, board and yard games and get a tailored horoscope reading from an in-house astrologist.
Some highlights of the cocktail menu include:
ATLemon Drop: If your birthday falls on the day of the party, you might want to order the Libra-inspired ATLemon Drop, a refreshing and balanced blend of Reposado tequila, limoncello and lemon juice.
Greenhouse Mule: Inspired by the outgoing Scorpio, the intense flavors of ginger beer and candied ginger are paired with elderflower liqueur and fresh lime juice.
Dr’ink: The duality of the Gemini personality is the concept of this black-and-white cocktail made with rum, mezcal and cinnamon-charcoal agave and served with a Y3S-themed temporary tattoo.
Centenni’Ol Fashioned: An opinionated Aquarius will gravitate to this Georgia-inspired twist on the old fashioned made with house-infused peach bourbon, aromatic bitters and orange zest.
ecause Your 3rd Spot is a social experience, four shareable drinks have been developed to encompass the four elements of the zodiac signs: earth, fire, water and air. These drinks are presented creatively and camera-ready for a memorable TikTok or Instagram post. Some highlights include:
Love Bird Cage (Air): Love is in the air with hibiscus-infused tequila, passion fruit liqueur, lime juice, cranberry juice and soda water served in beautiful “love bird” glasses that are brought to the guest in a birdcage.
Cocktail Tr33 (Earth): For the guest who wants to try everything, the Cocktail Tr33 features a sampling of five best-selling cocktails: the Westside margarita, Peachtree tea, ATLemon Drop, mai tai and sangria.
The full cocktail menu can be found here along with a link to each sign’s corresponding daily horoscope. For more information, please visit your3rdspot.com.
Jungle-Meets-Beach at Buckhead Speakeasy with Tropical Décor, Refreshing Drinks, and Island Bites
The Blind Pig Parlour Bar amps up the summer vibes with the return of its Playa Pig pop-up designed to whisk guests away to an alluring tropical island state of mind. The Playa Pig will serve up tropical chic, jungle disco vibes inspired by Tulum, Mexico, along with tempting drinks and a menu of Yucatan-themed bites.
The Buckhead speakeasy is revamping its Victorian décor to entice those longing to get away to a wild, wanderlust escape. Guests can look forward to creative, refreshing cocktails served with treats and sweets inspired by the unmistakable flavors of the tropics.
Food items will include:
Fresh pineapple seasoned with Tajin, pickled jalapeños, and lime
Pork pastor empanadas with spicy jalapeño and pineapple crema
Crispy shrimp and poblano fritters with chipotle aioli
Crab tostadas crab tossed with heirloom tomatoes, jalapeños, cabbage, roasted red peppers, avocado, and lemon cilantro aioli, served on crispy tostadas
Churro bites served with dark chocolate and vanilla bean dipping sauce
Ginger Watermelon Margarita with el Jimador blanco, watermelon juice, lemon juice, ginger syrup
Coco Loco Los Sundays coconut tequila, Martini & Rossi Fiero, tangerine infused cream
Spicy Paloma Spritz el Jimador blanco, grapefruit juice, ancho reyes, hell fire bitters, fresno pepper agave, sparkling rosé
Cool as a Cuke cucumber vodka, fresno agave syrup, lime juice, bubbles
Twilight in Tulum with Old Forester bourbon, sorel, pineapple-dandelion syrup, lemon juice, egg white, citrus-chamomile bitters
Playa Punch with Pimm’s, Velvet Falerum, PAMA, bénédictine, pineapple juice, fever tree ginger beer
Sublime Sunset shot with mango infused vodka, smoked paprika-brown sugar syrup, lemon juice
Sunburn shot with Banhez mezcal, Chareau aloe liqueur, dandelion-pineapple syrup, lime juice, dark rum floater
The Playa Pig will be open Tuesday-Saturday beginning Friday, June 9 from 5 p.m. until late. Reservations are strongly recommended through OpenTable. Walk-ins are available at the bar on a first-come, first-served basis. The Playa Pig may be reserved for small parties and special events any day of the week.
The Playa Pig is located at 128 East Andrews Dr., NE in Atlanta. For more information, visit theblindpigparlourbar.com.
Nestled in a secret garden off College Ave, Wahoo! Grill has been serving Decatur for 18 years and we know why they love it. The moment you walk in the door you’re greeted with an indoor-outdoor vibe, in the main dining space, while outside a large patio that feels secluded. On the menu, a wide variety of options abound from Wahoo fish to lamb to southern staples, as well as a great cocktail menu and desserts. Let’s explore.
Starting with their signature Grilled Wahoo Sofrito that’s tender yet meaty and topped with a tomato forward Spanish sofrito sauce, earthy, crunchy asparagus, and an earthy, seasoned savory risotto underneath. OR go for their new menu item, the grilled half rack of lamb, our favorite bite of the day! Succulent and tender, well-seasoned lamb, the rhubarb sauce underneath is sweet and juxtaposed the savory meat. Then, paired with a sharp and herbaceous potatoes au gratin and earthy asparagus!
Plus, Wahoo! Grill’s cocktail program is “perfection” with this Pina en la pina is a fresh and tangy pina colada style drink with a great tang, cream, and dash of nutmeg. And for the finale, make sure to sample the bread pudding; it’s grandmother’s recipe! It is warm and rich, stuffed with raisins topped with a creamy bourbon glaze. OMG!
Other menu highlights include the Pimento cheese Fritters! They are sinful crispy bites stuffed with pimento cheese inside then a sharp and a sweet spicy tomato sauce underneath! Also, their solid fried green tomatoes that are crispy, perfectly breaded outside, slightly crisp yet tender tomato inside, then a balsamic drizzle for brightness and cool goat cheese to round out the bite. They typically come with shrimp, but we got without.
Fried chicken, a staple of Wahoo! Grill’s menu, is plump and tender, and has a great crunch outside. Paired with collard greens that are rich, spicy and savory, as well as crunchy warm fries. Finish it off with, A crime of passion, an herbaceous and floral gin cocktail mixed with juicy passion fruit and lime, then a rose petal rim to dress it up!
Wahoo SafritoPatioFried ChickenInsideFried Green TomatoesPimento Cheese FrittersPina en la PinaA Crime of PassionRack of LambBread Pudding
The moment you step in the delightful Pan-Latin restaurant Bazati on the Atlanta Beltline you’re immersed in vintage French decor, marble, luxurious lighting, and a beautiful bar area with leather seats and lounge area! Upstairs is Estrello Rooftop with more pastel, light Latin vibes, vibrant patio, and mezcal behind the bar. This one-two punch of Latin dining is exquisite! Everything is elevated from their sensational cocktails like the floral Houdini, decadent decaf Tequila me Softy espresso martini, and the all-new tangy Wren’s Nest. Then, phenomenal small plates from their loaded charcuterie board, creamy polenta, or their bright Strawberry Maple salad. Their entrees are sure to wow with their earthy Double Stuffed Ravioli, flavorful Brazilian Picanha, and our favorite, the juicy Pork Osso Bucco. Let’s take a trip.
We will kick it off with the trio of cocktails we tried: Houdini, Tequila me Softly, and Wren’s Nest. The Houdini will disappear before your eyes as it is herbaceous, floral up front and balanced with bright and tangy on the back. So good! If you’re looking for a new cocktail to try, go for the Wren’s Nest that will be on their spring menu. It is boozy bourbon that starts warm and ends tangy and bright, slightly sweet watermelon shrub and a hint of ginger. It’s complete. The favorite cocktail of the night was the DECAF Tequila me Softly espresso martini. Decadent and dark chocolate, bitter and creamy, this is sure to please all those coffee lovers out there. You couldn’t tell it was decaf at all and no jitters! We will be back for more!
On to the small plates that John and I shared from the charcuterie board, crispy polenta, and Strawberry Maple Salad. Starting with the loaded Charcuterie board that is stuffed with three meats with different flavor profiles, an array of cheese from soft to hard, salty, crispy almonds, sweet honeycomb, mixed berries, and crackers. After that we got the Crispy Polenta, which is our favorite of the small plates with a gamut of flavors from creamy to buttery to tangy to earthy and bright. The polenta bed itself is creamy and buttery with a crispy top, then it is topped with creamy and sharp cheese. A dollop of olive tempade gives it a slight earthiness to finish out the bite. Love. For our salad, we got the Strawberry Maple, which starts earthy and crunchy with the lettuce, and then is sweet from the maple, tangy from the strawberry. It is finished off with crunchy almonds and sharp blue cheese.
In between the small plates and our entrees, we were treated to the seriously divine Double Stuffed Ravioli. Holy Truffle! Tender Handmade in-house ravioli stuffed with earthy mushroom and enveloped in a sea of creamy, truffle-forward sauce that will definitely WOW you. This is a must try dish bursting with flavor!
Of the entrees, we got the phenomenal Pork Osso Bucco that is meat heaven with tender, fall off the bone pork, perfectly seasoned and surrounded by a moat of rich, savory jus and stuffed with eggplant, celery, and other root vegetables. It was the favorite dish of the day! John got the Brazilian Picanha that is flavorful and well-seasoned meat topped with a bright chimichurri, bright onions, and paired with crunchy fries. On the side we got two very good sides, one being the baby carrots and the other seasonal fiddle heads. The baby carrots are super sweet and candied and laid on a bed of creamy and sharp Greek yogurt. It is sweet and creamy and sharp, a winning combo. Then, fiddle heads are something neither of us had ever had before. They’re naturally foraged tops of ferns that have not blossomed yet. They taste a lot like asparagus but have a flowery, fluttery texture up front with a good crunch on the end. They’re amazing! These are cooked with butter and oil and really taste fresh and light!
Finally, we got a pair of delicious desserts, the Tres Leches cake and the Tiramisu. The Tres Leches is super moist and mellow with a delightful light frosting, topped with fruit. The tiramisu is seriously rich and creamy, dark chocolate notes, boozy, drenched lady fingers with so much flavor. We’d recommend you stay for dessert.
Lush greens spread out in every direction from the elevated patio with golfers spread out over the serene landscape. Inside the circular bar jets out into the dining area that is dotted by tables and a handful of patrons enjoying glasses of wine and small plates. Open to the public, Boone’s on Bobby Jones Golf course in Buckhead is nestled in the clubhouse next to the pro shop, so from the front you’ll never know your walking into an elevated culinary and cocktail experience. There is nothing ordinary about Boone’s from the delicious starters like the Spanish octopus to the house pimento cheese fritters to the shishito peppers, as well as dynamic, bold plates like their herb crusted rack of lamb or roasted pork tenderloin, all washed down by a wonderful cocktail menu stuffed with goodies like the Plant One on me, the Spicy Gentleman or the Bobby Jones. Who’s excited to explore?
We started out the night with a trio of cocktails, the first being The Spicy Gentleman cocktail that’s a take on an old fashioned. It starts with a kick from the spicy jalapeno and then sweet and balanced from the grenadine and Grand Marnier. With our main meal, we decided to try the Bobby Jones Cocktail since Boone’s is on the Bobby Jones Golf Course. It really is unique with a ton of peach flavor, and not being a huge peach cocktail fan, I was skeptical. But, with notes of cinnamon, and the bourbon, lemon, and peach combination was a stunner. It is sippable and balanced!
We loved both, but our favorite of the night is Plant One on Me. This cocktail is unforgettable with herbaceous and sweet notes with bright and tangy citrus that culminate in a balance that’s further elevated by the mint oil floater! A beer drinker? They have a Boone’s Lager, that’ll keep you cool and refreshed! It’s tasty.
The cocktails wowed us and so did the shared plates we got! One of the best of the night is the house pimento cheese fritters. The bite starts out super crispy and the pimento cheese inside gushes out sharp, tangy, and warm. Then, underneath the sweet and spicy sauce is delectable on its own but when paired with the fritters, it is a match made in heaven. Or on the golf course! Beyond this, we got the Spanish Octopus, Shishito Peppers, and Fried Brussel Sprouts. Starting with the Octopus, this one is charred yet tender and cut into pieces and paired with earthy fava beans and savory, meaty ham chunks. The right amount of seasoning and pistachio crumble seriously elevates the dish and all the flavors work so well together. Yum.
One of the surprises of the night turned out to be the earthy Shishito peppers. They’re soft, charred and sweet with savory Asian inspired sauce and topped with peanuts. Let’s not forget to mention that the sauce and flavors are bold and really pair well with the earthiness (and spicy if you find it) of the peppers. You can’t go wrong with Brussel sprouts that are tender and well cooked, charred, and then tangy yet creamy with apples and a savory sauce. Then, they topped it with blue cheese for tang that finishes out the bite.
Now, moving on to the main event with two beautiful dishes, the herb crusted rack of lamb and roasted pork tenderloin. The roasted pork tenderloin is tender, yet juicy with an earthy rub. On the side, it is paired with an earthy acorn squash that is sweet, buttery, earthy with a hint of cinnamon, plus a creamy celery puree to round out the dynamic balance of flavors. The most stunning dish of the night had to be the sexy herb crusted rack of lamb. It’s just as tasty! It is succulent and tender with a copious amount of seasoning and smothered in tangy and bright chimichurri, the right flavor profile with the meat. Underneath pink lady peas and a creamy onion purée smack you with a creamy earthy southern twist, while the sweet potatoes dial up some sweetness to juxtapose all the other flavors.
What an amazing meal!
Roasted Pork TenderloinPlant One One MeFried Brussel SproutBobby Jones CocktailHerb Crusted Rack of LambHouse Pimento Cheese FrittersThe Spicy GentlemanShishito PeppersSpanish Octopus
Just outside Atlanta, on the corner of the new Town at Trilith is a swanky recently opened Italian Steakhouse, Enzo Italian! Inside, a circular bar is all decked out in blue, with ornate floor tile, velvet blue seating and bar stools, all juxtaposing the blue square accent wall. The dining space is also dotted with blue velvet booths, warm wood tables, and circular lighting, all flowing into the open-air kitchen. Beyond the beautiful décor, the food and cocktails are worth the short drive with the perfect selection of premium steaks with sauces and toppings, eye-popping seafood dishes, luscious meats, tasty pastas, tantalizing starters, salads, and top-notch cocktails. Enzo Italian Steakhouse is a must try! Let’s see why.
Upon arriving, we quickly opted for the Tacco A Spillo cocktail. It is refreshing, tangy, and sweet that morphs in a mellow cucumber and spice flavor on the back. While sipping we received our Goat Cheese and Crispy Olives. The Goat Cheese are balls of warm, tangy, sharp goat cheese wrapped up in a crispy dough and fried, then drenched in sweet, gooey honey, and then spicy of the black pepper. Yum. Not being a huge olive fan, these are THE way to enjoy olives if you don’t like them plain. Earthy and bitter olives surrounded by a crunchy outside that is stuffed with savory veal that mellows the olives and leaves an array of fun flavors that mix well.
Turning to appetizers, two stuck out to us, the Hamachi Crudo and the Wood Fired Caesar. Still thinking about the Caesar with its warm, charred romaine put on the grill then topped with earthy, crispy capers, creamy, house-made dressing, and sharp cheese all culminate in one epic salad. We want to have this again, right now. On the other side of the rich Caesar, is the fresh Hamachi Crudo. The fish is tender and savory paired with tangy grapefruit, creamy avocado, cool cucumber water, and earthy oil create a refreshing bite. There are so many flavors in this one.
Before moving on to pastas and main dishes, we took a break to enjoy the amazing Amaro Old Fashioned. Sweet and brown-sugar amaro paired with boozy bourbon is the best combination. That we enjoyed with a dynamic Dry-Aged Delmonaco Steak with sauteed mushroom and confit garlic horseradish, as well as succulent Rack of Lamb. Starting with our favorite dish at Enzo, it’s the Rack of Lamb. If you looked up “succulent” in the dictionary this dish would come up. It’s that’s good. Tender, savory meat with tons of flavor and spices perfectly placed on top of earthy eggplant and root vegetables that are both tangy and bright to juxtapose the meat.
Also, not to be missed is the Dry-Aged Delmonaco Steak cooked medium, well-seasoned, juicy, and tender meat. You can choose from several delicious toppings and sauces and we went for the sautéed mushroom and confit garlic horseradish. The sautéed mushrooms were earthy and rich, tender and gave the meat an elevated flavor. Then, when you add the horseradish, it peppers in a spicy, garlicky, creamy dreamy tang that melds well with both the meat and the mushrooms. WOW!
Now, let’s talk about Chef Amontobbio’s most show shopping dish, the Linguine & Lobster. Whole lobster stuffed with tender linguine and topped with lobster, bisque, roasted tomatoes and chives! It is too beautiful to describe! On the other hand, we got the Pappardelle Genovese that is rich and meaty short rib up front with divine cocoa infused pasta that’s more earthy and bitter, topped with a delightful creaminess from the cheese dollop.
Pro tip: Stay. For. Dessert. We fell in love with the Lemon & Olive Oil Cake! This moist cake starts creamy with hints of lemon and goes bold with nutty pistachio and an amazing pistachio spread that adds so much depth to the overall flavor. Divine. The manager paired two limoncello aperitif drinks with it, and it really brings out the lemon of the dessert. If you love sweet and lemon, you’d love this after dinner drink.
Amaro Old FashionedTacco A Spillo Bar areaPappardelle GenoveseDry-Aged Delmonaco SteakLemon and Olive Oil CakeGoat Cheese and Crispy OlivesWood Grilled CaesarRack of LambCharcuterie Plate
Dirt was everywhere, a frame of a bar extended down the far wall, a bunch of lumber was piled in the middle of the space, the ceiling wasn’t painted, and the heat inside was sweltering. This was our first look at Your 3rd spot over the summer before their big Fall grand opening where the difference was day and night between then and now. Now, a large wood door opens into a sprawling game-scape where you’re greeted with a corn hole lawn and right behind it is a sweeping bar and above a terrace with a DJ space, curling court, and a great place to people watch. On top of all of this is a whole bowling alley, VIP areas, a gaming area for games like Skee-Ball and arcade games, large outdoor patio with lawn games, and EVEN a darts area. It’s a game lovers paradise. But just when you thought Your 3rd Spot was all about the gaming experience, they WOW with fantastic food and spectacular cocktail menu to elevate the overall experience! Y3S!
Nothing helps our Skee-Ball game like a few cocktails. Your 3rd Spot has a terrific selection of cocktails like the tiki-inspired Jungle Smoke, smoky Lord Byron Blackberry Smoked Old Fashioned, and the bright Mai Tai. Cool it all down with the Jungle Smoke cocktail that is sweet and tangy from the pineapple, then a slight smoke flavor from the mezcal, and floral notes from the Demerara syrup. Pro tip: make sure to stir up the drink! If you love it fruity, you’ll love the Mai tai, served in an epic tiki glass. This DRAFT cocktail is one part passion fruit, orange, and sweet, and then one part boozy. Sippable and fun. But if you’re looking for something a little boozier, you’re in for a treat from the Lord Byron Blackberry Smoked Old Fashioned. It’s boozy with hints of berry and cinnamon up front with a slight smoke on the end. Plus, can’t decide on what you want? You can get all the draft cocktails in a flight! It comes out in a tower of glass and greenery. It’s pretty epic.
After a vigorous motorcycle drive around the streets of Miami, a round of delectable shared plates hit the spot. Starting with two of our favorites, the first being the Slow Smoked Short Ribs are tender and meaty with a delicate smoke on the end. Then top with tangy, crispy onions and a tangy and sweet BBQ sauce that rounds out the savory meat. OR you can just dive into the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice plate. The savory of the tuna, spiciness of the jalapeño, the richness of the soy that balances the slight smoked and rounded out with creamy mayo. It’s a well-rounded bite!
Moving on to the M3eatballs (yes, with a 3), they were a tender mix of pork, veal, and beef paired with a tangy marinara and a creamy, dreamy, polenta underneath. A wonderful piece of charred, buttery, crispy homemade focaccia is on the side. One of the most unique bites is the amazing Potato Torpedoes that are a bed of crispy skin potatoes wedges. On top is the creamy and rich devilled egg mousse and salty caviar/fish roe! It’s salty, crispy, crunchy, rich, creamy, and then there is that inevitable pop of the roe.
The next shared plate was another winner, the Wagyu Beef Tartare! The beef tartare itself is tender and savory meat mixed with creamy mayo, a hint of tangy onion, and then surrounded by crunchy, tart pickled carrots. On top mustard seeds are the perfect crunchy and flavorful addition to the bite. Don’t forget to dip away with the spicy, puffed sushi rice for the best bite.
For our final bite of our epic food journey was the Seared Peking Duck Breast. It is tender and flavorful duck with a sweet and savory sherry gastrique, tangy blood orange, crunchy nuts, all a top creamy leeks. It has so many great flavors so make sure to get everything in one big bite.
After our meal, we enjoyed unlimited games where I dominated Skee-Ball with a score of 300(!) on one round and John found his favorite driving game and drove around multiple cities on a motorcycle.
Inside the new Aria development in Sandy Springs, Yalda is a top notch Middle Eastern spot with a spacious dining room, open kitchen, sprawling bar, and expansive patio to welcome you! Beyond the décor, on the menu, everything from spectacular hummus and Labneh with amazing toppings, delicious dips, fresh salads, gorgeous grilled meats, sensational small plates, decadent desserts, as well as cool cocktails. This is not one to miss.
When we arrived, the bar manager put together an amazing coursed meal for us and we had a little bit of everything on the menu and it’s pretty epic. Let’s start with their cocktail menu. They have a great wine and beer list, but the cocktail we got was a treat. The Hafez’s Last Word is a mix of a tangy, tiki-inspired mai tai with a creamy, NY sour. It does start out sour with a red wine topper, but ends up sweet from the mai tai. It’s both beach and city! Yes, please.
Our first course started with the spreads like the Za’atar Labneh, Hummus, and Mirza Ghasemi. Starting with the Hummus that is earthy and creamy on it’s own and you can flavor it up with either pickled mushroom mixed with carrot or lamb shawarma. We opted to top it with the pickled mushroom that added a tang and crunch that comes through on the end. We’ve not experienced this combo of flavors before, but glad we have now! It is all together earthy with white truffle, well seasoned, tangy, crunchy.
Our favorite, surprisingly was the Za’atar Labneh, but this time with lamb shawarma. The lamb is tender and well seasoned a top a sour yet creamy labneh yogurt. We’ve tried this before at various restaurants and it was lack-luster. Yalda does a good job with a delicious mix of creamy, savory, and seasoning. We’re all-in. Finally, the Mirza Ghasemi is not to be missed either with smoky, smashed earthy eggplant mixed with tangy tomato, flavorful spices, and earthy garlic. You can eat it alone or as a dip with the pita bread they bring for snack!
The second course they put together for us was Mezze with the Roasted Haloumi Cheese, wings, and Zeytoun Parvardeh (olives). Starting with the meaty, smoked wings, they’re perfectly charred and tender inside. A great wing paired with a creamy, spicy harissa that goes so well with the char of the wings. Something we didn’t expect to like was the Zeytoun Parvardeh. Not being big on green olives, this dish also boasts ground walnuts and pomegranate seeds. That takes the olives bitterness and tang down a notch with the earthy of the walnut and fruitiness and burst of tang from the pomegranate. Wow!
Our favorite of the mezze was the Roast Haloumi Cheese. Spongy, springy cheese with a sharp rich flavor then perfectly charred and roasted outside that changes the texture. It comes atop the pickled mushrooms to give it tangy, earthy, crunchy flavor in addition of the delightful roasted cheese.
The third course was the healthiest of the night with the salads! Don’t miss out on these, there is a lot of delicious options on this menu, but save room for a salad, you’ll be happy you did! First, a staple on any middle eastern menu is the Mediterranean Salad. Mixed green that starts crunchy and a good helping of earthy feta, as well as a fantastic wine vinaigrette. Another staple, the Shirazi Salad is the freshest and healthiest, but doesn’t skimp on flavor. Crisp and clean cucumbers paired with tomatoes, tangy onion, and earthy parsley then doused in a bright lemon dressing.
Our favorite of the salads was the Beet salad. Think a bed of spring mix surrounded by sweet pickled beets, crunchy and nutty walnuts, tangy onion, a sprinkling of cheese, all slathered in a tangy bright and sweet pomegranate dressing. It’s actually sweet and rich, a must try.
The final course we got was an epic grilled meat duo of Salmon Kabobs and Lamb Chops paired with crispy, Tahdig rice. The rice itself is cooked on the grill to add a crunchiness and you can chose between Lentil and Raisin or Fava Bean and Dill. Between the two the fava is more earthy with a flavorful dill mixture, while the Lentil and Raisin is sweeter with raisings and crispy, crunchy onions, with was our favorite.
As far as the Salmon Kabobs, they’re tender and flaky fish with a ton of flavorful seasonings and charred crispy skin for that added je ne said quoi. If you get one meat, it would be the Lamb Chops. Succulent, meaty, large chops that are fall apart tender, perfectly seasoned, and a good lemon flavor on the back end. That pairs so well with the sweetness of the Lentil and Raisin rice. Along with your meat, they have a large list of sauces to try. We imagine any of the creamy offerings would be delicious with the lamb.
We passed on dessert because we were so full. This meal was very well put together and Yalda is well run for it being so new, we went in the second week. We were astounded by how well it was run.
Salads: Shirazi, Beet, MediterraneanDecorRoasted Haloumi CheeseMirza GhasemiWings and OlivesHafez’s Last WordLamb Chops and Salmon KabobsLabneh with lamb
