Tag Archive for: dinner

ATLANTA’S ESTEEMED ATLAS RESTAURANT WELCOMES CHEF MICHAEL ELÉGBÈDÉ TO OFFER EXCLUSIVE FOUR-NIGHT CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/13/23

In the Next Installment of the Four Hands Collaborative Dinner Series,
Atlas Will Host the Nigerian-Born Chef from July 19 – 22
 

 Known for its elevated dining experiences, Atlas, located at the St. Regis in Atlanta, continues to lead the way in Atlanta’s culinary scene. In a continuation of its Four Hands Collaborative Dinner Series, Atlas Underground will host award-winning Chef Michael Elégbèdé for a four-night tasting menu experience from Wednesday, July 19 through Saturday, July 22.
 
“I am honored to have the opportunity to work alongside Chef Elégbèdé,” said Atlas & Garden Room Culinary Director Freddy Money. “I’m looking forward to learning, sharing, and collaborating together as we produce a stunning and tasteful dining experience for our guests.”
 
A Nigerian native and third-generation chef, Michael Elégbèdé has revolutionized traditional Nigerian gastronomy through his philosophy of celebrating his indigenous food, traditions, and ingredients. Chef Michael studied at the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone, and trained at two of the world’s leading restaurants – Eleven Madison Park and Nomad.
 
Since then, Elégbèdé has gone on to found Abòri, an organization aiming to facilitate the continual development of the Nigerian culinary space, and open ÌTÀN T.K, which offers an exciting tasting menu and wine pairings in his hometown of Lagos. ÌTÀN was listed as one of the best places to eat in the world by La Listé in 2022, and in the same year, Chef Michael received a World’s 50 Best Next Award. Chef Elégbèdé’s work in Nigerian gastronomy has also been recognized by the James Beard Foundation, Chefs’ Manifesto, Dangote, CNN, BBC, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations.
 
The Four Hands Dinner with Chef Michael Elégbèdé will take place in Atlas Underground, Atlas’s exclusive summer experience located in the Maisonette Room of the St. Regis Buckhead. At $220/person, guests can expect four nights of culinary artistry, featuring an exquisite tasting menu experience inspired by the traditional ingredients of Nigerian cuisine. Reservations are now open and can be made here with seating options open from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Guests may enter Atlas Underground through the Maisonette front entrance located to the right of the hotel valet as they arrive, or from the hotel lobby, by using the hallway to the right of the Salon.

ATLANTA’S CHEF INDIA TO HOST MULTI-COURSE POP-UP DINNER AT TWISTED SOUL COOKHOUSE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/21/21

– Local diners to enjoy pre-fix menu with Southern and Caribbean-themed dishes — 

 

On Tuesday, May 25, Atlantans can savor a carefully curated pre-fix menu inspired by southern cuisine and classics from Trinidad and Tobago. 

“The Mangrove Experience” will take place at Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours in West Midtown (1133 Huff Road). 

One of the city’s most notable chefs, Chef India, has grown a loyal following who regularly attend her pop-ups at popular establishments like Clermont Hotel as well as events for brands like Martell Cognac and Patron. 

 

The six-course, pop-up dinner will include:  

 

Bread & Sauces for the table

  • Pholourie Fritters, Cornbread, Pan-Fried Johnny Cakes

  • Honey Hot Sauce, Hot Pepper Sauce, Tamarind Sauce, Cucumber Chive Chutney

 

Pre-Fixe Dinner Menu

  1. Fried and Caramelized Trini-Chinese Style Chicken

  2. Smoked White Georgia Shrimp with Snow Crab, Cheesy Gouda Rice Grits, Confit Tomato Butter

  3. Guajillo Tamarind BBQ Beef Short Rib, Baked Mac N Cheese

  4. Snapper & Green Banana Run Down with Peppers, Dumplings, Curry Coconut Broth

  5. Spiced Rum Cake, Whipped Rum Cream, Torched Drunken Georgia Peaches

All dinner reservations require a $20 reservation deposit and will be $80 per person. Pescatarian and vegetarian dietary restrictions will be considered after the reservation deposit booking. Additionally, the pre-fix menu includes non-alcoholic beverages with cocktail pairing upgrades. 

This summer, Chef India will debut the first product from her Sauce Queen line, a Honey Hot Sauce. Guests at the event can revel in the sweet and spicy taste of Chef India’s debut sauce before it becomes available for purchase. 

For more information and reservations, visit https://saucequeen.com/themangroveexp/.

The Southern Gentleman

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/7/21

Holding every door for you. Greet you with a genuine smile. Dressed to impress. Asking politely to hold your hand. With all that southern authenticity and charm, you’ll get this vibe from The Southern Gentleman in Buckhead!  From southern-inspired fancy fried chicken, divine duck, spicy shishito peppers, some fantastic signature cocktails, creamy potato gnocchi and a fun dessert, expect to be charmed by this one. Let’s not waste another minute. Who’s hungry?

Starting with the sips, we sampled the Nick’s Garden and The Upside Down. The favorite of the two was the Nick’s Garden because it was a vegetable forward cocktail with a ton of tasty flavor. With the earthiness of beets combining with the lemon, earthy gin, blackberry for tartness and honey for sweetness, this cocktail created a balanced sip from start to finish. Plus, it’s gorgeous! The Upside Down pays homage to the classic pina colada or pineapple upside down cake, take your pick. With pineapple the star of this cocktail, it combines lemon rhubarb bitters for some earthiness and tart that pairs well with the rum and pineapple. This one drinks like a tiki pineapple drink with a nice froth that is reminiscent of the beach.

To begin our meal, we tried three small plates that included the Homemade Buttermilk Rolls, Potato Gnocchi, and Blistered Shishito Peppers. Something you must get for your table are the Homemade Buttermilk Rolls because they’re not just any ordinary roll! They add bacon fat to them on top of the tender and buttery rolls, so that the bacon flavor lingers on the back of the bite. They’re something that you have to try, buttery, warm, meaty. Then, the potato gnocchi, tastes spot on to a loaded baked potato! With creamy, sharp sauce that is so rich and deep it engulfs the tender potato pillows. It ends up being sharp, creamy, yet soft and fluffy. All-around yum. Our favorite bite had to be the Blistered Shishito Peppers. We’ve never been a big fan of these peppers because they’re either bland or just not cooked right, but this dish changed our minds. Actually, our minds were blown how much this dish brought a hint of spice, the savory of the Bahn Mi vinaigrette broth, and the meatiness of the ham. We couldn’t stop eating because it started with a pop of the pepper skin, a slight earthiness, followed by spiciness, then cooled and brightened by the flavorful broth and ham. Must try.

Of the main dishes, the Honey-Glazed Duck and Buttermilk Fried Chicken stood out as the most interesting. Duck is an acquired taste for some but it’s divine for others, and we love our duck. The Honey-Glazed Duck didn’t disappoint with tender and slightly sweet duck perfectly paired with lemony forward sauce that brightened the savory of the jus. On the side, the creamed turnips were creamy, earthy and they hide the best surprise, the most amazing duck sausage we’ve ever put in our mouths! It was salty, hearty, and whatever you do we recommend you mix it with the creamed turnips and sauce. Divine duck IS RIGHT. As for the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, this beauty was pretty to behold, but also was fantastic to eat. The crunchy shell is glazed with a hot honey, all while masking a tender piece of white meat inside. Crunchy, spicy, sweet, and tender. Then, creamy, and mellow leaks accompany the heartiness and spice of the meat. Complex and good.

Staying for dessert, we decided that Pumpkin Spiced Donuts sounded like the perfect way to end our meal. They house make these donuts, fry them up, and top them with tons of cinnamon. On the side, coffee ice cream goes well with the crunch and cinnamon flavor of the donuts and is reminiscent of coffee and donuts in the morning. What a great way to end this meal. I do declare if this wasn’t a fantastic, well-round food adventure.

Joy Cafe Atlanta

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/20/20

We heard a rumor that Joy Café in Midtown serves up the best brunch in the city, but what we know for absolute certainty is that they have a delectable dinner menu and specialty cocktails! The second you walk in; you’re greeted with a larger-than-life Christmas tree in the center of the dinning room. With babbles and ornaments, tons of colorful lights, packages, and a train running around the bottom, what stands out is the word Joy. Not only is Joy Café have it in it’s name, it’s a testament to the love and you know we’re going to say it, joy, that goes into every dish and cocktail that they make. Like the tree, larger-than-life flavors and textures are in every bite, like the best southern fried chicken we’ve found in Atlanta, the healthy salmon, savory pork belly ribs, “southerned-up” ahi tuna ceviche, amazing cocktails, and unforgettable homemade hot sauce. Who’s ready to eat?

During the holidays, Joy Café turns their bar into a holiday pop-up with fresh, unique cocktails that meld simple, yet diverse flavors. The three from the holiday cocktail menu included Cuddly as a Cactus, Stocking Stuffer, and The Milk and Cookies Santa Really Wants. Our favorite of the three was the Grinch-inspired Cuddly as a Cactus (charming as an eel, Mr. Grinch). You ending up singing that last bit, didn’t you? From the black coupe to the green hue, it packs a ton of flavors like chartreuse, citrus, but very little smoke of the mezcal. It comes off very balanced between the bold chartreuse flavors and the citrus.  On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Stocking Stuffer that’s coated in candy cane flecks and sugar, this one starts off sweet and milky of the egg then comes around and hits you with bold peppermint. It’s a Christmas treat to say the least. We can’t agree more with The Milk and Cookies Santa Really Wants. Boozy kahlua shot inside a fresh homemade cookie glass you can eat after? Yes, please. Plus, the cookie is so good you may want to get TWO, just for the cookie! Now, that’s definitely what Santa would approve.

Starting off with a couple of appetizers, we opted for the Pork Belly Ribs and the Ahi Tuna Ceviche. One of the favorite bites of the night, had to be the ceviche with creamy guacamole, perfectly tender and marinated in bloody mary mix tuna then topped with fried onions. We think it is genius that they added a hint of southern with the fried onions. They’re delightfully and really gives this dish a uniqueness! It comes off with all the flavors, creamy, meaty, crunchy, and tart. As for the Pork Belly Ribs, you’re in for a hearty, rich treat with so many bold and dynamic flavors. From the tender and perfectly cooked belly to the chunky and rich grits to a phenomenal hot sauce, you end up with a meaty, earthy, creamy, and spicy bite all in one. Speaking of the homemade hot sauce, you must try it. It has peppers in it, perfectly seasoned, creamy, and very spicy and puts those boring one-note hot sauces to shame. It’s on the pork belly and comes with the fried chicken, but we bet you could put it on just about anything.

Speaking of the fried chicken, we cannot stop thinking about this dish. It’s perfect. The crunchy, crispy, and oh, so naughty skin peels back to reveal a tender and juicy bird. The skin is so good with rich buttermilk, the right amount of spices, and that unforgettable crunch. But don’t forget to eat with the meat because it’s so tender it just falls right off the bone. This dish comes with not-your-mommas mac and cheese that’s so rich and cheesy. On the other side, we also opted for a healthier option, the Salmon. Just because we said it was healthier, we didn’t mean a lack of flavor. The succulent salmon is topped with a light creamy, lemony sauce atop a bead of mixed lentils, chick peas, celery, carrots, and more. The accoutrements are a lot like a cassoulet but just on the light side without too much fuss.  It’s nicely seasoned and the crunch goes so well with the tenderness of the salmon and the lightness of the sauce.

Save room for dessert, because here comes the Milk and Cookies Pie that we’ve heard they’re famous for! It looks more like a cake, but definitely eats like a pie. Light and airy filling paired with cookie crust, you can imagine you’re eating literal milk and cookies. Now that you’ve had a few things on the menu, what do you want to try? For us, next time, meatloaf! We also must get out and try this brunch too. We have to confirm that rumor.

LUAU DINNER AT 9 MILE STATION 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/21/20

9 Mile Station

Tuesday, September 29th at 7pm

Tickets here.

Kick off the Fall season with a luau on The Roof! Join us on Tuesday, September 29th at 7:00PM at 9 Mile Station for a Hawaiian dinner party complete with a pig roast and tropical drinks. Grab your tickets for all-you-can-eat dining and two drink tickets per person (tax and gratuity not included). This event is outdoors on our open spaces on the 9 Mile Station patio to give you that tropical feel and plenty of space to spread out. Tickets are $75 each.
Menu
– Whole Pig Roast
– Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
– Hawaiian Meatballs
Sides
– Apple Slaw
– Coconut Rice
– Spam Fried Rice
– Grilled Pineapple Skewers
– Fried Plantains
– Hawaiian Rolls
– Fruit Platter

ATLAS PRESENTS A RENOWN MICHELIN 3-STAR EXECUTIVE GUEST CHEF DINNER EVENT JAN 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/5/19

A Bespoke Culinary Experience Featuring the Artistry and Passion of Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet in Collaboration With the Chefs of Atlas
 
January 3rd – 5th and the 9th – 11th  
Known for its unparalleled experiences, Atlas, one of the Southeast’s premiere dining destinations located in the St. Regis Atlanta is starting off the new year with an exclusive Guest Chef Dinner Event. Renowned Michelin 3-Star Executive Chef Jean-Phillipe Blondet of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in London will join forces with the chefs of Atlas to create an unforgettable culinary journey offered over six evenings.
Epicures are invited to celebrate the new year during an exclusive evening boasting a dynamic culinary crossover on January 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th and 11th.  Guests will enjoy an innovative tasting menu, showcasing Chef Jean-Phillipe Blondet and the chefs of Atlas unique talents and passions.  A fine wine pairing enhancement, as well as the option to experience Chef Jean-Phillipe Blondet’s culinary genius will be available in a la carte format.
A unique and intimate experience that is not to be missed, this event will take place in the elegant Atlas dining room. Limited seating is available. To book your experience, visit atlasrestaurant.com or call (404) 600-6471.

ATL CHEF FOR RAICES DINNER 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/2/19

Gato

Monday, January 20th at 5:30 pm

Four Atlanta chefs – Nick Stinson of Gato, Maricela Vega of 8Arm and Chicomecoatl, Arnaldo Castillo of Minero and Ron Hsu of Lazy Betty – are teaming up to host a seven-course dinner at Gato to raise funds for RAICES, a nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families and refugees. Beverage pairings will be curated by Tim Faulkner of Octopus Bar. Tickets ($130 per person) are available here, and 100% of proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit.

Nikolai’s Roof Magnum Wine Dinner: Stellar Views, Delectable Food, Premium Wine

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/7/19

Way up close to the clouds, with stellar panoramic city views, Nikolai’s Roof a top the Hilton Atlanta is the perfect upscale destination of high-end food, cocktails and wine, as well as intimate events. We recently sat in the clouds and took in the city views during the Magnum Wine dinner with three courses of selectively precured wine and food pairings.

From the bubbles as you exit the elevator, to the small savory bites of the passed apps, you felt instantly welcomed to the party. Our favorite bite was the Smoked Salmon Tartare Taquito with a smoky, flaky bite of salmon nestled in corn tortilla, topped with caviar and arugula. It was stunningly platted, and a one-bite wonder of smoke, salt, and slightly sweet. Also, the Vanilla Bean Macaroon was delicious with foie gras mousse and black pepper that cut the sweet of the cookie with the savory of the mousse.

The heart of the dinner was two courses: one was duck and the other lamb perfectly paired with a high-end Magnum red wine. The first course, the Sous Vide Duck Magrete was paired with the Etude Heirloom Pinot Noir 2003. The duck was perfectly cooked at medium and there was a distinctly beautiful coffee demi-glaze that cut-through the savory, salt, and slight game of the duck. The best thing on the plate was the parsnip and Celeriac Mille Feuille, which I said was one of the best potatoes au gratin like side that was both simple, creamy, and rich. The Pinot Noir went perfectly with the duck and root vegetables!

The second course manicured by Chef Stephanie Alderete was the Charleston Lamb Chop. What a delectable good portion of lamb that was cooked medium and was mild, tender, and paired well with miso beet varieties. The beet and lamb earthiness paired well with both of the Cabernet Savignon’s that Magnum provided. These cabs were smooth and less oaky than a typical cab. Drinkable.

Our favorite wine came with the cheese plate at the end, Qupe Syrah 1999, which had enough spice to pair well with the hard cheese and mellowed out with the truffle honey! Have you ever had truffle honey? It’s both earthy and deep, but has the sweetness of honey. It was a delicious bite with the salt of the cheese.

All-in-all, we’re not huge red wine drinkers, but these red wines from Magnum really impressed us! Deep, high-end, quality wines that were easy to drink and paired well with all the food. Color us impressed. We will try more of their wines!

JOIN WHITE OAK KITCHEN & COCKTAILS AND THE SWISS CONSULATE FOR A WEEKEND OF SWISS WINE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/8/19

Celebrating Fête des Vignerons and Featuring a Wine Reception, Five-Course Pairing Dinner, Live Music, Artist Demonstrations and More

Thursday, July 25, 2019 and Saturday, July 27, 2019

Honoring Fête des Vignerons, a centuries-old Swiss wine celebration that occurs every 20 years, White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails and the Swiss Consulate have partnered to create an unforgettable wine-infused weekend this July.  While the rare event is happening this summer in the midst of Switzerland’s vineyards, Atlantans and visitors alike can get a taste of the experience at White Oak in the heart of Downtown Atlanta on Thursday, July 25th from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. during a special reception featuring passed appetizers and unlimited tastings of Swiss wines imported specifically for the occasion.  Wine lovers will also be treated to live music from Grammy-award winning, Swiss musician Linus Wyrsch and in-house Découpage demonstrations by Lucrezia Bieler, an artist trained in this delicate craft of cutting paper into intricate, lace-like patterns.

The festivities continue on Saturday, July 27th beginning at 6:30 p.m. when Chef Lukas Kaufmann of IGNIV at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz and Executive Chef Timothy Magee of White Oak take guests on a guided culinary journey during a five-course Swiss dinner with hand-selected wine pairings.  Tickets are available for the reception starting at $35 at https://www.freshtix.com/events/a-swiss-wine-reception and for the five -course pairing dinner at $150 at https://www.freshtix.com/events/a-5-course-swiss-dinner-with-wine-pairings. For more information, visit www.whiteoakkitchen.com