Hotel Forty Five is on the corner of history and music. This hip historic boutique hotel by Tribute Portfolio is in the “Macon Skyscraper,” a 1941 Banker’s Health & Life Insurance Company. John and I recently visited on a weekend getaway to Macon that’s only about an hour and some change from Atlanta! The hotel is steps from restaurants and bars, the Macon Auditorium, the Tubman Museum, and natural attractions for hiking or riding! It is in the center of it all!
What is in a name? The Hotel Forty Five’s name is rich in Macon history! It gets its name from the 45 degree angle of the street formed by Cherry, First, and Cotton Street and was designed to transport cotton barges to and from the Ocmulgee River. Also, Macon is known for its rich musical past and the numerous 45 records produced there, so the name is a nod to this history. As we said, corner of history and music! Did you know Macon is the home of The Allman Brothers Band? If you walk around the corner from the hotel, you’ll find Grant’s Lounge, a staple jam bar where bands would jam night after night to get a record deal. And you can see it today and hear live music!!
Inside the hotel, the lobby winds up through the elevators with retro flooring and bank vibes, while the old directory is still visible from the elevator lobby! Downstairs is the beautiful restaurant Loom with a full bar and dining room, and they also have Reckon coffee bar with pastries and drinks for early risers. Upstairs on the 6th floor is Hightales Rooftop bars with sweeping historical and downtown views, live music, and full beautiful bar! A full review of the amenities is below!
Inside the room, touches of industrial lighting fixtures, a Macon street drawing morphed into a mural with a woman’s face, hints of leather, marble, and retro like the cutest 50s mini fridge and pink funky dresser desk, it is an eclectic mix of angles, textures, and vibes. They even have a schematic of the original building in the restroom. Beyond that, the large king bed was comfy, the beautifully light and bright bathroom stuns, and the historical views can’t be beaten!
As for the restaurant, Loom weaves a tapestry of southern dishes with elevated flavor and fresh ingredients into what the chef calls “Southern Revival!” Located in the Hotel Forty Five downstairs, Loom is bright, light, and fresh to match the freshness of their food, and has a large loom mural on the wall that draws the eye. As for our favorite dish, that is the King Salmon. The dish is a must in Macon! A well-seasoned, cooked perfectly salmon filet with an amazing tangy and sweet bourbon glaze that will make you want to lock the plate. It sits on top of creamy jasmine rice that mixes with the bourbon glaze harmoniously! Then paired with crunchy seasoned carrots!
For our appetizers we got Crispy Cauliflower, Bread Service, Burrata, and Fried Green Tomatoes. First, the Crispy Cauliflower is tender, yet crispy, earthy red pepper emulsion and earthy tart capers all drizzled in arugula oil. The next appetizer is Burrata. It is cool and creamy cheese paired with sweet apple gastric and nutty crushed pistachio. A flavor explosion of sweet, nutty, creamy! On the side we got the bread service, which is amazing corn bread. It is warm and buttery, sweet and savory. Finally, the fried green tomatoes are super crunchy outside and tangy, tender tomatoes, creamy and sharp pimento cheese then finished off with tangy tomato chutney to round out all the flavors.
We also got another entree with the King Salmon, the Smoked Pork Chop. It is tender, charred and well-seasoned topped with a sweet red relish on a bed of funky blue cheese grits and spicy collards. We got all of this with a bottle of champagne for national wine day.
After our dinner we went upstairs to the Hotel Forty Five, Hightales Rooftop Bar. They have hand crafted cocktails like the Got the Feelin’ James Brown, a super spicy yet fruity tequila concoction with spicy agave and raspberry! But the best part? THE best views of the historical and downtown portions of the city!
There’s no better place to find your serenity than Serenbe! Located just South of the airport and Atlanta, it is a beautiful destination full of the arts, food, farmland, outdoor activities, and where you’re welcome to relax and stroll the gardens or be as adventurous as you want. Start with a stay at the Inn at Serenbe where you can revel in relaxed luxury in an updated, historic farmhouse. Then, enjoy Saturday’s farmers market, take a hike to the waterfall, grab a bite at Halsa and the Farmhouse at Serenbe, roam the gardens, and dinner at The Hill at Serenbe. Now, that sounds like a perfect weekend.
Inn at Serenbe
The Inn at Serenbe is a historic family farm that has been transformed into a luxurious getaway that’s the perfect destination from Atlanta! We stayed in the main farmhouse that boasts a king-sized bed, bay window, and all the bells and whistles! The Inn at Serenbe has a country feel starting with the gardens, wrap around porch with rocking chairs, and even an adult pool! Exploring the grounds around the Inn, you’re greeted by a lake with canoeing, horses, an animal farm, and even a stone labyrinth. It’s amazing!
The Inn Rooms are spread out through the grounds of the property and throughout Serenbe, you can stay in the farmhouse like we did or in cabins, by the lake, or even in town! Our room was a very large, long bedroom with a comfy, large bed. Opposite the bed was a large bay window where we could sit and watch people roam the gardens right from our window. They had a large desk with two cookies and glass water bottles, as well as a very large walk-in closet with soft and fluffy robes. The bathroom was spacious and glistening white with two vanities, a walking shower/bathtub combo. Plus, the keys were so cute! A cow bell! The Inn also offers a big, beautiful country breakfast with AMAZING biscuits, French toast, eggs, bacon, oatmeal spread, and more. This out of the Farmhouse at Serenbe that offers a delicious lunch and dinner.
Inn at Serenbe Grounds
Around the Inn at Serenbe is a beautiful, sweeping landscape of lush rolling hills and farmland. One of our favorite spots to start with is the garden! Literally outside our window in our Inn room, the garden is where they grow the vegetables and other things for the restaurant, Farmhouse at Serenbe. Out back of the main farmhouse building at the Inn, is a large, HUGE, wrap around porch with rocking chairs, and several firepits for cool nights. Next to the firepit area is the adult-only pool, while the kids pool is right beside guest check in, but both are luxurious and large. They have a play area with a tree house, bocce, and giant chess for the kids.
Outside the immediate grounds is their petting zoo and animal farm! When you stay at the Inn, you can get free feed for the goats. You can take a walk around the farm pins and see pigs, donkeys, goats, cows, sheep, and more. Then, down the pathway are two destinations to explore, the pristine lake, stroll over it or go canoeing! Just beyond the lake is the bonfire area, artwork dotted throughout the woods and grounds, horses, and you should go see the stone labyrinth. A great experience for kids to find their way around the maze!
Farmhouse at Serenbe Restaurant
The restaurant that’s on the grounds of the Inn at Serenbe is a beautiful spot to enjoy lunch or dinner. Inside, they have a cozy blue room with a stone fireplace great for winter, next to it is the large, open-air sunroom that’s light and bright for enjoying lunch. They have a large bar with tons of cocktail options, as well as outdoor seating on the porch out back. They have a southern-inspired menu like pot roast or fried chicken that you need to check out.
We fell in love with the fall apart tender, meaty, well-seasoned, and rich pot roast smothered in a rich and hearty gravy atop some creamy, fantastic, mashed potatoes. On the side are amazing perfectly seasoned and tender okra and a delicious cold Brussel sprout salad with pickled red cabbage. Or if you love fried chicken, they are known for it! Available in the lunch menu, we know why! It is perfectly seasoned with spices, super crunchy yet tender inside. It comes with the same okra and brussels as the pot roast.
We started with the Farmhouse at Serenbe’s famous biscuits that are flaky and buttery, a slight crisp outside with tangy scallions mixed in. What a treat. And one of the best salads we’ve had all year is the Serenbe farms arugula and prosciutto salad. Starting with sweet blueberry peach dressing, earthy tangy goat cheese, meaty prosciutto and sweet candied pecans on a bed of fresh green, it’s a wonderful medley of flavors. Plus, you can’t beat the color!
As far as their cocktail program goes, it is a good one. Starting with the Fire & smoke cocktail that is tang, sweet strawberry and pineapple, smoky up from the mezcal, then kicks you with habanero on the back. It is very balanced and one tasty cocktail with a fun smoke show! Then, Aloe-U cocktail is minty, tangy, earthy cucumber and light, the aloe liquor adds a fun herbaceous-ness.
The Hill at Serenbe
In the main part of town, the Hill at Serenbe sits perched on a corner like a beacon! Entering the Hill at Serenbe, you’re greeted with a cozy, home-like ambiance to enjoy your wait, while the dining room next to the entrance is full of windows. We were treated to one of the best, most phenomenal meals we’ve had all year along with top notch service and stellar cocktails. The Hill prides themselves on bring fresh and local meats and produce from surrounding farms and that shows in their flavorful dishes!
Starting with one of the best steaks John or I have ever had, it starts with a juicy, thick cut piece of filet, perfectly cooked inside and a slight char out. Seasoned and doused in a creamy, sultry, herbaceous butter and a rich and deep house made port glaze on the side. It just melts in your mouth and runs a gamut of amazing flavors. Paired it with the Pineapple Bonfire, a slightly smoky mezcal cocktail balanced with spicy jalapeño for a little bit of a kick and tangy, sweet pineapple. The perfect pair!
For our starters, we opted for Bread Service, Chorizo and Elote Fritters, as well as Deviled Eggs. Starting with the Bread Service, the bread is fluffy, sweet, and light, slightly crisp outside. The compound butter served on the side is light and airy, sweet and a slight spice.
Next up the Deviled eggs are super sharp, rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor then topped with salty trout roe that gives it a pop and an herbaceous, tangy dill oil. These are some of the best Deviled Eggs we’ve ever had! Another must try is the Chorizo and Elote fritters. They are spicy, earthy, creamy inside and crunchy outside, while the jalapeño aioli gives it a tang.
The other entrée we thoroughly enjoyed is the Pan Seared Porkshire Pork chop. It is a bone-in chop that is filleted into a sweet and meaty, yet tender cut of meat. The Honey mustard jus brightened it up and gives it a tang, while underneath the creamed brussels and spinach is charred, earthy, and creamy. Wowzer. We paried this with the Selbourne Blossom cocktail. It is an herbaceous gin cocktail with cool and sweet muddled strawberry, earthy basil syrup, and bitter Aperol for balance.
A Carefully Curated Serenbe Itinerary You’ll Want To Use
Take a stroll around town, find relaxing and beautiful walkways, trails, and more.
Check out the Saturday local farmers market for local goods, food, and gifts.
Halsa: Have lunch or snacks at the delicious Halsa. Grab a creamy and earthy curry chicken salad sandwich with a side of sultry hummus. Enjoy a flaky croissant or sweets like a cinnamon roll. They have tuna poke bowls, build your own bowls, coffee, and wine.
Another option for lunch or dinner is Farmhouse at Serenbe.
Take a hike down to the tranquil waterfall and enjoy the sounds of flowing water.
Take in the sculptures and artwork that’s around every corner.
Check-in to Inn at Serenbe for the night and peruse the grounds. They have animals you can feed, a labyrinth, gardens, swings, horses, and even a lake.
Take a dip in the Inn at Serenbe pool.
Take a tour of their model homes to see what is inside some of the houses that line the streets of Serenbe.
Bamboo Juices: Cool off with refreshing and healthy cold press juices from Bamboo Juices! Our favorites are the earthy and spicy Turmeric & Beets and Dark Greens. They even have popsicles!
Check out all the little shops and boutiques around town! They have a wine store with tastings, as well as shops for clothing, home goods, and more.
Dinner: explore the extraordinary cuisine of The Hill at Serenbe’s phenomenal dinner menu.
Relax at the Inn at Serenbe’s firepit or bonfire area.
Finish the night with a cocktail at the Farmhouse and Inn and Serenbe’s bar!
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
The newest edition to Chef Pat Pascarella’s collection of sensational restaurants, Alici, whisks you away to the Amalfi Italian coast with pastel blue and yellow ornate floor tile, sprawling oyster bar, and stone worked wall. It all gives off a coastal, beachside vibe. This pairs well with the vibrant seafood dishes and sensational breezy cocktails that fills out the Alici menu. Everything from fresh raw crudos or sensational succos to easy drinking cocktails to crisp salads to mix and match fish and sauces and even a whole menu of fresh oysters. It’s just like spending a dinner on Italy’s coast. Let’s talk more about the menu.
Sipping our way around the cocktail menu, we found that we’re in love with it! One of the GM, Ashley’s favorite is a beautiful and bright The Spiteful Monk. It’s citrusy, bubbly, and a great balance of tart and tangy, not too sweet. It’s drinkable, breezy, and reminds you of a sunny beach day. But whatever you do, make sure to try the Midtown Daquiri, one of the best daiquiris we’ve ever had! It started sweet yet smooth, rich, creamy, then the booze hits you on the back! It is balanced out by the tiki bitters and a good sweetness. BLOWN AWAY.
To start, we opted for three very different seafood inspired dishes: the Polpo Socco, Grilled Baby Gem, and Tuna ‘Ndjua. the Polpo Socco is unforgettable with tender, charred, and smoky octopus, creamy, herbaceous caper-tarragon, earthy olives, and tangy red onions all on top of a savory, grilled pancake! On the flip side, the raw minced, savory Tuna ‘Ndjua, is a light, fresh fish dish! This is paired with delightful citrusy blood orange and an earthy, salted salad that adds extra flavor to the bite. Finally, we’re all in with warm, grilled salads right now and the Grilled Baby Gem didn’t disappoint. This is charred baby gem lettuce that’s smoky and earthy then topped with amazing, salty whole anchovies! Then, adding in bright lemon, a huge amount of cheese, and surrounded with a lemon aioli that add in a tang for a great bite.
For our main dishes, we had to at least try one of the house-made pasta dishes, so we got the Occhi with smoked fish. They also have a pick your fish and pick your sauce mix and match, so since we’d never had tilefish, we went for this fish with their bright salsa verde. The pasta was perfectly cooked ravioli style pasta stuffed with smoky fish and a mild cheese. Outside it is tender with a slight spice of jalapeno that juxtaposes with mild fish and pasta, bright crispy onions, and earthy olives. It’s doused in lemon sauce that’s rich with citrus notes, this goes well with the other flavors.
Now, on to our favorite dish of the meal, the tilefish! Hefty, mild, salty, crunchy skinned tilefish dressed up with a bright, earthy, herbaceous salsa verde that combines the richness of the fish with the tang of the herbs. We cannot get over the oil and herb sauce! Divine. To go with the fish, we tried their brand new cauliflower side. This is a good mix of tender yet crunchy that are both toasty and citrusy.
We need to go back to try more pastas, fish, and sauces!
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
A small, unassuming spot on Dresden Drive in Brookhaven, Ga, The Ashford, is a revamped, upscale dining gem without all the pretentiousness that brings something fresh to the area. We’re so glad to have this in our hood with a stellar list of delicious bites, upscale cocktails, and of course the best wine list. Like their fall menu features, the delicious pork chop and savory salmon, or menu staples like the salmon dip and salumi, and a sweet and tangy salad or spectacular 1920 daquiri and Fall Manhattan cocktails, no matter what you choose you’re in for a treat.
Starting with their great cocktail program that includes the 1902 Daquiri cockail is sassy sweet then tangy in the end. It is tiki heaven! The other one we tried was the Fall Manhattan cocktail. It is warm and sweet up front and then tangy and boozy on the back with an array of subtle fall spices. Either of these we’d get again.
On to the tasty sharable plates and starting with the Salad that is amazing with earthy greens. On top of that there are tart cranberries, tangy cheese, persimmon, crunchy, sweet candies pecans, and a fantastic cranberry vinaigrette. It is an all-around delicious bite. The next thing we got was Salumi. Always a good choice with a great variety of meats and accoutrement that includes a savory, sweet, and spicy jam that we would love to take home with us! The best appetizer we’ve had there is Salmon dip, and it is to die for! It’s lightly smoked salmon in a light creamy dill sauce with crunchy cabbage on the side. It’s light, creamy, crunchy, and the cracker brings it all together. This is a must try!
For our mains, we opted for a flaky, well, seasoned and perfectly cooked Salmon. Paired with hearty saffron, sticky, rice and a fall stew that’s packed with Brazilian spiced sweet potato, plantain, and yucca. It’s an amazing flavor journey. Then, we also enjoyed the savory, thick, tender pork chop. A fantastic smoked cherry chutney adorned the top to give it a sweetness, spicy, and smokiness. On the side the squash and potatoes are doused in the sauce. We loved all of it.
To top off our food journey, we opted for the Pistachio cake. The cake itself is warm and moist dotted with earthy pistachios (not crunchy) but just for flavor. The cream and powdered sugar adds creaminess but you almost don’t need it!! Delicious.
