Tag Archive for: food review

Chido & Padre

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/31/21

The multi-colored, vibrant tile juxtaposes to the white, teal, warm wood, and greenery of the updated Chido & Padre double decker patio. This spot has been a staple in the Buckhead community for a while and with a new menu and top to bottom stunning renovation, this spot is simply gorgeous. Whether you want to lounge on the plush couches, swing in one of the swings, or sit at a shady booth, you’ll feel like you’re in Mexico City enjoying a vacation! While you are there, we would recommend sipping on the earthy El Bad Bunny or sparkly Lambrusco Sangria, and tasting the refreshing Seasonal Crudo, Smoked Octopus Tostada, street corn, rich Pollo Con Mole or Carnitas, and dynamite Duck Sope. Let’s take a tour, shall we?

Every good tasting is paired with a good cocktail, wine or beer. We got several cocktail pairings and these were our favorite two! The Lambrusco Sangria was one of the most refreshing wine-forward drinks we’ve had in a while with a tangy, tart and sweet mixed together with a bold grapefruit on the back of the sip. Another great cocktail is the El Bad Bunny, which is a balance between smoky mezcal and smooth and sweet carrot. This one paired perfectly with the carrot dish! I’ll take another. Which sounds good to you?

We’re in love with Chido and Padres new menu! It’s authentic, unique and almost every dish we had top notch! Starting with some traditional items and sharable plates like the Street Corn and Queso Fundito. The Street Corn is some of the best in the city with a crunchy, warm, spicy, complex flavor. Plus, the seasoning and avocado really elevate the bite. In love.  Or if you’re in the mood for cheese or queso dip, look no further than the Queso Fundito, which is a great mix of creamy and sharp cheese with an array of toppings all paired with crunchy chips. Perfect for a cheese pull! 

As far as the sharable plates go, we had some great options that were unique takes on traditional dishes, like the Seasonal Crudo starts with a mild seasonal fish (Hamachi this time) paired with creamy avocado and tart pickled strawberry. The sauce makes this dish a combination of salty, fresh, crisp, and tart. Plus, when you order this ask for an off-menu cocktail. It mixes tequila with as much if the sauce you can get in the glass for an amazingly unique concoction! Our server came up with it and it’s so good. On the other hand, the Carnitas are a rich and tender pork shoulder that melts in your mouth! The sweet smoked meat is surrounded by a sweet avocado tomatillo and creamy and sharp sour cream. The entire dish is a good balance between meat and sauce. Roll it up into a tortilla. OMG.

Traditional not your thing and you want to spice it up? Don’t worry they have a laundry list of menu items just for that, the Smoked Octopus Tostada, is one of them. It is one of the favorite bites of the entire meal with its complexity. We were floored by the smoky, tender, and rich octopus dish with creamy avocado, crunchy tostada, while a good kick in the end. Add a little spicy arugula, mint and voila, you have one amazing bite, so get all the ingredients together! Plus, who doesn’t love a duck dish? The Duck Sope is a fun take on a classic meat with a generous amount of pulled duck that packs a punch, corn mesa cakes, and white peas. We recommend you eat all together for a spicy, rich, meaty bite. We cannot get over the mix of flavors and textures this dish puts on the plate.

If you’re looking for vegetarian, we’d recommend the Heirloom Carrots! They are perfectly cooked carrots that each had a different dynamic flavor profile paired with a cashew tahini that comes off like peanut butter! This is a wonderful mix between nutty, creamy, and earthy. One of the most unique dishes we’ve ever had!! Dynamite!  

Saving the best overall dish for last, we seriously cant’t get over the Pollo Con Mole which was our favorite bite! Succulent chicken that’s perfectly seasoned and slathered in a rich mole. Below the chicken is some of the best root vegetable hash ever filled with bacon and onions that’s earthy and tangy. The entire dish is sweet and smoky, tender and juicy, creamy, earthy, and slightly peanuty. Plus, the mole really ties all of it together, sauce, chicken, and hash.  We’re going back to get this one again!

Feeling stuffed, we couldn’t fathom trying desserts. But it was worth the pain to try this duo of desserts. GET THE CHESS PIE! It is warm caramel flavor followed by chocolate and the crunch of the crust. Then, the ice cream is icing in the cake. Divine. The donuts are also good and sweet potato based for more flavor. They are warm and salty balance! Elevate the flavor when you dip it in the chocolate sauce or take a sip of the Bailey’s Shot that accompanies it. Pro tip: we added the shot to the chocolate and that was a great way to enjoy both at the same time!

 

Are you ready to visit Chido & Padre? What sounds good to you?

 

Tucker Brewing Company

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

As you walk into the sprawling beer garden, the light wind blows through the boxes of flowers and greenery that dot the grounds. All around large umbrellas shade the large and long picnic tables where customers sip on flight of beer and a large pretzel hangs in the middle. One of Tucker Brewing’s biggest draws is its beautiful beer garden where you can watch live music on the large stage or just hang out with your friends. Beyond the beer garden, German-inspired eats like crunchy crispy sauerkraut bites, giant hot pretzel, gooey baked goat cheese and jam, fantastic dopple angus cheeseburger, and a classic, crunchy Pork Schnitzel, as well as perfectly paired lagers, pilsners, and more. Let’s check that out.

Starting out as a brewery, Tucker has a ton of tasty beer options, so we began with a flight to taste several of them! We got the TKR Pilsner, Georgia Red Lager, The Irishman, and the Roaring Twenties Radler. Always a favorite, the Radler was the favorite with its refreshing lemon forward and tart taste that mellows on the back. Of the others, the TKR Pilsner is a good balance of hops and crispness. The Georgia Red is heartily malted up front with a slightly hop on the back of the taste for balance. Finally, The Irishman is a good dry stout with a toasty, smokiness in the same breath. All of them are super drinkable and good! Beyond the flight, we also tried The Export, a stronger Pilsner with the same elements as the TKR Pilsner, but with a little deeper color and flavor, as well as Tucker Lager, which was John’s favorite that was light and drinkable.

Tucker’s German-inspired beer pairs so perfectly with their bites. We opted for the Crispy Sauerkraut Bites, Giant Hot Pretzel Pretzel, and the Baked Goat Cheese and Jam. Starting with John’s favorite, the Giant Hot Pretzel. Perfectly presented hanging with a cauldron of tart and creamy beer cheese on the side, this one is unbelievably soft with a buttery and salty crust. Dip away in the mentioned beer cheese that adds creaminess and sharpness to the soft bread. Salty, buttery, sharp makes a great pretzel that is one of the customer favorites.

Speaking of cheese, we cannot speak highly enough about the Baked Goat Cheese and Jam. It is warm and gooey stuffed with tart and tangy strawberry rhubarb jam that is paired with earthy, rich, and creamy goat cheese. Being tart, sweet, rich, tangy, and creamy, pile it up on the bread around it for best bite.  With how good that appetizer was, Liz’s favorite was still the Crispy Sauerkraut Bites. Noticeably crunchy outside gives way to a rich creaminess that explodes in your mouth with the tart and crunch of sauerkraut and saltiness and heartiness of the ham. It’s a smorgasbord of flavors that are made even better when you dip it in the tangy, horseradish-forward sauce! Get your own set, you won’t want to share.

Staying in the German-themed food vein, we had to try the Pork Schnitzel. This fun take on a classic is crunchy with a myriad of seasoning and flavor on the outside, while tender and juicy inside. It is atop an authentic German potato salad that’s full of tender red potatoes and tender cooked cabbage. This German treat is earthy, crunchy, and hearty just perfection! Then, came that cheeseburger. Floored. That’s the word I used to describe what I thought of the Dopple Angus Cheeseburger. Recommended by our wonderful server, she was spot on in recommending this thing of beauty. It’s smoky and meaty and a total hot mess, JUST like we like it. It’s one-part gooey egg and bright, tangy sauce that just may run down your arm with a smothering of cheese, perfectly seasoned and juicy burger, then on the other hand oh-so crunchy with pickles and bacon. How can you say no to that? The French fries that accompany it are hearty and salty. This burger is just perfect, it doesn’t need any condiments or anything else!

Stuffed and happy is how we left Tucker Brewing. The atmosphere was just so great, and it’s been rewarded a they’re #4 in USA Today’s Top Beer Gardens, so go for a beer, a bite, and to watch live music!

Apron and Ladle

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/3/21

Nestled in a spot in Sandy Springs near the hustle and bustle of Roswell Road, Apron and Ladle is a brunch gem! From the Spicy Fried Chicken Benedict to the flavorful Avocado, Bacon and Fried Green Tomato Biscuit to the sweet Biscuit French Toast and even the Thick Chicken and Waffles, they have a stout brunch line-up. Let’s brunch.

Starting with the biscuits, they’re made from scratch daily and it shows. Deliciously flaky, fluffy, buttery, and with a light crunch on the outside and soft on the inside, you could eat one plain! But Apron and Ladle take this basic biscuit and spice it up with several ways to enjoy it in tandem with unique and fun flavors! One of our favorites is the Avocado, Bacon, Fried Green Tomato Biscuit. It has that flaky, fluffy, crumbly and buttery biscuit to start! They nailed this combo as it’s THE flavor combo with creamy avocado, crunchy and tart tomato, and savory, salty bacon. The gamut of flavors will welcome you to Flavortown.

Moving on to the Fried Chicken Benedict, which is a large portion of spicy chicken that’s tender inside and crunchy outside. It is surrounded by a poached egg, bacon, hollandaise all atop a fluffy, crunchy biscuit. All the ingredients mix together for a savory, salty, creamy, spicy, crunch bite! On the flip side of spicy is sweet and if you get anything, the Biscuit French Toast is a must try. It was brought as a surprise by our server, and we cannot thank her enough! It starts out sweet with heavy cinnamon notes, then bright and tangy fruit on top of the ooey, gooey goodness. It is the hands down favorite by John and I both.

Switching gears, Apron and Ladle have much more than biscuit centric dishes like sandwiches, egg dishes, and salads, but they also have a stellar Chicken and Waffles. These are thick, sweet yet crunchy waffles with a warm and sweet syrup! It is paired with tender and crunchy dark meat chicken that goes so well with the sweetness of the waffle. Yum.

Now that we’ve shared our experience. We’d like to know what you would try at Apron and Ladle?

Yebo Beach Haus: Island Oasis in Buckhead

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/25/21

 

The lavish patio is dotted with black, white and hints of color, while large lush palms overhang to create an island oasis you don’t have to travel to the beach to experience. This is Yebo Beach Haus! In the middle of the courtyard, a trickling water feature lulls you into the beauty of the space and invites you to stay for just one more cocktail. What ultimately matches the patio so well is Yebo’s tropical, South African, and beachy cuisine. Entrees and shareable plates like a whole branzino, tuna tataki, chicken paillard, ostrich sliders, seafood risotto, and tasty cocktails round out the amazing Yebo menu. Let’s take a tour.

 

While relaxing next to the sound of trickling water, we sipped on the BB Cooler and the Rosemary Vesper Martini. One of the most refreshing cocktails was the BB Cooler that is a bright patio drink with hints of fruit, tartness throughout the sip. It’s easily drinkable for an afternoon with the girlfriends, on the other hand is the boozy Rosemary Vesper Martini!  This one would be one Bond would approve of with boozy and earthy notes up front while the cool and crispness of the lemon comes through on the end. Pinkies up!

 

Yebo also prides itself on a myriad of sharable plates you can dip and snack on prior to your entrée. We delved into the Yebo Popcorn, Tuna Tataki, and Ostrich Sliders. We haven’t seen ostrich on a menu in forever, so we had to try it. The meat was perfectly cooked and seasoned and then paired with spicy arugula, cool, creamy mayo and a tomato dollop for a balancing tang. The entire thing came off mellow with no gaminess and was like a burger slider with just a lighter, leaner meat.

 

The favorite bite of the three was the Tuna Tataki. It was a delicate, light mild tuna with a crusty, well-seasoned edge all enveloped in creamy avocado and jalapeno for spice. Then, pour on the amount of savory and rich ponzu that you like, and you get even more flavor. The entire thing is on rice paper, so if you’re feeling rebellious, you could wrap the whole thing in it and eat it rolled up. Finally, if you’re looking for a nice, light snack, to enjoy while sipping a cocktail, the Yebo Popcorn is right up your alley. With the one-two punch of peri-peri seasoning and Parmesan, it’s a good all-around flavor and a great shareable treat.

 

Fish is the quintessential go-to entrée when you’re near the beach, right? Enter the Whole Branzino that is flaky, mild and tender, yet the skin is crispy and crunchy.  Plus, the addition of the jalapeño cilantro sauce that starts spicy and ends tangy, a good addition to the fish while the earthy asparagus and bright lemon drizzle is just icing on the cake for this dish. One of the best dishes of the entire experience. Hold on to that, because even though this was amazing, the Chicken Paillard was the overall favorite bite!  The meat is tender and juicy while bursting with a gamut of flavors and ending with a bold spiciness. The arugula, sauce, and accompanying vegetables are the perfect pair to add earthiness and a hint brightness. The best bite is to get all the elements together for a spicy, savory, earthy, tangy bite that doesn’t stop. We could have this every day.

 

When you go to the beach, what’s your go-to food?

Bonsai Pensacola Beach

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/6/21

Bonsai Pensacola Beach

Luxurious delicacies from the sea are on beautiful display at Bonsai Pensacola Beach! Located in the Hilton Pensacola Beach, we were treated to their amazing Omakase experience with wine and sake pairings. This waiter guided 6-course experience was top notch and you could go at your own pace. The best part is the food is just as delicious as it is looks! Get ready for the Omakase Experience.

Kicking-off our Omakase Experience was with course 1, the A5 Wagyu Striploin paired with a Cabernet Sauvignon. This was the best piece of meat I (Liz) have ever had with an almost buttery like feel on the tongue that literally melts in your mouth. It is the right amount of meat and fat then the addition of the salt from the Himalayan salt block underneath adds an element of saltiness that elevates the flavor. Would NOT change one thing about this bite.

Moving on to course 2, the Nama paired with Asahi Shuzo Kubota Sparkling Dew. This was my (Liz’s) personal favorite sake with the perfect body and finish for a fish pairing. Plus, course 3 was the Nigiri and Sashimi paired with, Kikusui Shuzo Perfect Snow, an unfiltered sake. All being the same mix of fish, one being without rice and the other with, the fish they provided was all very VERY fresh and tender. We got a sampling including Steelhead trout, tuna, salmon, and Hamachi to name a few. Of the fish a few highlights included the salmon that was actually creamy, while the Hamachi is lighter and paired with the caviar added the right amount of salt. The favorite was the Steelhouse trout, it literally melted in your mouth and had an amazing flavor. Once you pair all of them with a little bit of real wasabi root and rice, you’ve got an amazing bite.

On to Course 4 that was the Pork Ramen perfectly paired with Chardonnay. A ramen lover, this one didn’t disappoint with a flavorful pork broth and tender pork belly. The noodles had the right tenderness, while the tang of the green onion and savory of the egg comes in at the end for a great bite.

One of the best courses was course 5 with the Hickory Smoked Tuna and Florida Citrus roll paired with Kikusui Shuzo Chrysanthemum Water. This was the best experience of the entire dinner as they smoke the salmon and bring it in a dome of hickory smoke. Once at the table, they open the dome and the smoke billows out, while leaving a slight smokiness on the tuna itself. As for taste of the roll, the tuna is light and pairs well with the creamy avocado and savory rice, then on the back you get the smoked flavor. Divine. The Florida Citrus roll is also very light but has tons of fresh fish flavors mixed with lemon. Lemon is really the best pairing with fish!

To end the night, course 6 is the Anmitzu dessert with Optimia Port Wine. The Anmitzu is a hodgepodge of ingredients like ice cream, passion fruit, matcha, gelatin, and other fruits. Each element brings a different flavor and all together is an amazing bite. Paired with the port wine, that is brown sugar forward, yet boozy, you’re in for a treat.

Beyond the meal, some of the authentic touches make this meal one-of-a-kind. One of these is the wasabi. They literally grind the wasabi root at your table and it’s so mild and doesn’t give you that nose feeling that typical wasabi would give you. Did you know that what you get at most restaurants is horseradish? Another of these was the soy sauce in both whiskey barrel aged and mushroom. They were less salty and more earthy than a typical soy sauce. Preferred the whiskey barrel aged as it was even more savory and a little bit boozy on the end. I’d take that home with me and use it on everything. The final touch was the white glove, server guided experience that gave the whole night an intimate feeling.

If you’re on the beach in Pensacola, we’d highly recommend getting to Bonsai for the Omakase Experience. What course speaks to you?

The Woodall

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/12/21

Over on the west side of town, there is a new restaurant, The Woodall, with a beautiful long bar adjacent to a stunning mural of a bird’s talons holding a sword. People are dotted at the bar sipping on cocktails and chatting with the bar staff. Just around from there is a pristine patio with couples, families, and friends enjoying meals in the early evening. From the center cut filet, to the spectacular salmon special, delectable small plates, sippable cocktails, and sensational desserts, everything is pitch perfect here.

We had a little bit of everything on the menu during our visit to The Woodall. Starting with the Hemingway Handshake cocktail, it starts out sweet and runs the spectrum of crispy, earthy, citrusy, and floral on the back of the palate. This one was a balanced and wonderfully unique cocktail! Of the cocktail plates we could not get enough of the Taste of the Day, a steak concoction that was meaty, spicy, tangy, and creamy. This tender and juicy steak, delicate horseradish puree sauce, and spicy, tangy, harissa are all a testament to the complex flavors that you’ll get at The Woodall. We can’t wait to see what they have for the Taste of the Day next time!

There are so many sharable options to choose from at The Woodall. We sampled the Smoked Salmon Dip, Pigs in the Blanket, and Poke Crudo were all delicious! The Smoked Salmon Dip was the favorite of these and we could eat this all day! It is slightly fishy and tangy with tasty, crispy capers to add crunch and a little bit of earthiness. That pairs so well with the overall creaminess and buttery bread. Love. John’s favorite cocktail plate was the Pigs in the Blanket! These tiny link sausages are so rich and meaty on their own then enveloped in a wonderfully crispy puff pastry. The crunchy and meaty bite is elevated by the wonderful mustard dip! If you love poke, make sure to get the Poke Crudo. It is light and fresh with hints of spice from the jalapeno, savory of the soy and tuna, and avocado creaminess. The fantastic soy sauce forward sauce pairs so well with everything on the plate. Yum.

If they did not skimp on the flavor of the starters, you’ll be treated when you try the entrees! We got the Center Cut Filet, Special of the Night (Salmon), Pappardelle pasta, and brussel sprouts. Beginning with the Pappardelle, this dish mixed thick and tender noodles, rustic mushrooms, bright tomatoes, and mellow zucchini all in a light, creamy sauce. A great combination of flavors can be paired with a protein like the Sea Scallops! Our side item, the brussel sprouts, didn’t disappoint with a sweet and savory one-two punch of flavor. These went well with the main entrees like the Center Cut Filet! Speaking of the Center Cut Filet, this savory, well-cooked steak is perfection with a light salt and pepper seasoning to let the meat’s flavor shine through. The delectable sauce is deep and savory adding an element of richness to the meat and the steak’s accoutrements. It is paired with creamy, dreamy, mashed potatoes, a dotting of tangy cooked tomatoes, and earthy spinach. What a creamy, savory, tangy, and earthy bite! Our tip is to enjoy all the flavors together in one bite! Topping our delight with the steak, was the Special of the Night, the Salmon. Literally uttering OMG, this salmon is flaky and tender with the right amount of heft yet melts in your mouth. Accompanied by a mustardy and bright citrus drizzle, plus a crunchy slaw, that’s pitch perfect with the flavors of the salmon. If this is the special of the night when you go, it’s a must try.

Our tip at The Woodall, no matter how full you are, is to stay for dessert. The Bailey’s Cake is literally the icing on the cake to a wonderful meal! Sweet and moist cake up front with a slight crisp on the edges, and finishing with a boozy Bailey’s kick, this cake is light, creamy, and tangy. Whatever you do let the cake soak in the sauce for a few minutes for even better flavor, if there is such a thing. Divine.

What do you want to try from The Woodall?

The Farmhouse at Serenbe

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/18/21

In between the rolling farmlands and the thick forest of South Atlanta sits a small town composed of small business, restaurants, and beautiful houses line the streets. One side, the farm is full of goats and horses, and on the other there is a cozy Inn where you can stay for the night. Serenbe, has come into its own as a day trip destination boasting everything from shopping to dining to the arts and everything in between. Recently, we took a short daytrip down there to explore the community, take in the grounds of the farm and Inn at Serenbe, then enjoy dinner at the The Farmhouse at Serenbe. This day had the perfect weather to sit on the sunporch at The Farmhouse at Serenbe and enjoy a cool Everlasting Lemonade and a stellar Herb Encrusted Lamb Rack. We can’t get over the delicious fare here with everything from carpaccio, foie gras, pork chops, lamb, and lemon cake. Plus, they grow a lot of their veggies in a garden on the grounds and locally source everything else. The Farmhouse is one of those spots you’ll remember forever.

Sitting on the sun porch and gazing out at the lush green lawn and beautiful sunshine, we sipped on the Berry Bramble, which was blackberry forward cocktail with the right balance of sweet from the fruit and spice from the ginger. This one is definitely refreshing! Our favorite cocktail of the day was the Everlasting Lemonade. This patio sitting sipper mixes lemonade and tart strawberries together into a slightly sweet and tart drink. Reminiscent of long summer days in the south, we’d recommend this one to anyone.

Starting with a pair of appetizers, we sampled the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Terrine. The Wagyu Beef Carpaccio starts out with rich, tender beef brightened up with a fantastic, creamy truffle cream, earthy and crunchy capers, plus some deep truffle oil. As you roll around all the ingredients together on your fork, you get a good mix of meaty, creamy, earthy, and a little bit of crunch from the lettuce grown right on the grounds. On the other hand, the Hudson Valley Fois Gras Terrine combines meaty foie gras, tangy and bright dried fruit compote, and an amazing wine-tasting Riesling jelly. What’s amazing out this bite is that it tastes like a gourmet peanut butter and jelly! We’d recommend piling all the ingredients on the toast for the best bite!

For our entrees, we were treated to the divine Double-cut Pork Chop and an amazing Herb Encrusted Lamb Rack. The Double-cut Pork Chop is simply perfection of a pork chop being juicy, thick, and well-seasoned. The meat is so good, that the accoutrements are just icing of the cake. They’re just as special with sweet, creamy, and chunky grits mixing with the tangy and rustic collards and the apple adds a well-rounded brightness to the overall rich dish. When we say divine, we mean heavenly for sure! Needless to say, with how good the pork chop is, we were floored by Liz’s favorite, the Herb Encrusted Lamb Rack. Starting with the tender and succulent lamb perfectly cooked and adorned with mustard and herbs for a tangy, crunchy, and earthy bite. We cannot begin to describe the explosion of flavors this lamb brings. On top of that, the rutabaga puree beneath is sweet and creamy, the root vegetables are earthy, all mixing with the hearty lamb sauce and jus create an unimaginable bite. This dish will always be one of the best we’ve ever had, well, ever.

Being so full, we did save a little room for the Lemon Cake & Blueberry Compote. We love our lemon desserts and cakes. The cake itself was moist, yet dense that went so well with the thick, light icing, and the blueberries around it. The light and not over-sweet bite we needed to end our experience at The Farmhouse at Serenbe.

As the sun set over the rolling farmland, it splashed purples, blues, and pinks into the sky. If you ever need a little day trip or getaway just outside of Atlanta, this is your spot! Can’t wait to get back and try even more of their restaurants and spend a night in the Inn! If you could go to Serenbe would you?

 

 

 

 

 

Two Urban Licks: Brunch Edition

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/14/21

Right off the beltline in between Inman Park and Ponce City Market, Two Urban Licks is perched on a small hill with an inviting patio, amazing outdoor space, and even warmer interior. Just imagine the warm sun above and the clatter of patio diners enjoying a meal near you, then the smell of fresh food wafting from the kitchen where a wood burning oven’s fire glows ever so slightly. It’s also the perfect place to sit and watch people walk, run, or scoot on the beltline while sipping on a mimosa and feasting on everything from salmon chips to confit turkey wings, as well as brunch items like amazing brisket and eggs, a phenomenal biscuits and gravy, and flaky catfish and grits. Bring your brunch bae along for a sensational brunch adventure.

Being a destination patio on the beltline, we started out with Cool It Ginger cocktail that was served frozen with a perfect mix of pineapple and ginger for a savory, spicy balance, then finishing with booze on the back of the throat. This is an amazing patio sipper that will get you through the summer. On the other hand, we’re suckers for a good old fashioned and opted for the Up In Smoke! With a ton of citrus up front and the booze on the back of the palate, this one is a solid smoky old fashioned cocktail. Your father would approve. If cocktails aren’t your thing, they have a fantastic assortment of Mimosa flavors from traditional orange to blood orange to grapefruit. You can’t go wrong on a beautiful Sunday sitting on the patio with one of these babies.

Before we arrived, rumor had it that Two Urban Licks does some fantastic Salmon Chips. Rumor confirmed! We got the Salmon Chips and they’re so beautifully presented, almost too pretty to eat. From the crunch of the seasoned hearty potato chip to the flaky and cool salmon, the spice of the chipotle cream to the earthiness of the capers and onions, that’s one completely satisfying bite. It really has the gamut of flavors, meaty, crispy, tangy, earthy. More please. To go with our Salmon Chips, we got the spectacular Confit Turkey Wings. The second you bite into one of these you know it’s going to be special with the tender, smoky, and crunchy turkey! Then, amazing flavor explodes from the lemon pepper rub as it mixes with the creamy blue cheese sauce. This ends up being lemony, creamy, savory, and crunchy all in one bite. I didn’t share.

Moving onto the brunch dishes, we got three very different bites, but we’d highly recommend each! Starting with the Catfish and Grits, the catfish itself was perfection with the three ways it should always be served, crispy, flaky, and tender. The fish was perched on top of a concoction of creamy grits and creole seasoning that was reminiscent of N’awlins. Our pro tip is to use the lemon squeeze they give you because it elevates the flavor of the entire dish! Going from creole to barbeque with the Brisket and Eggs. This was John’s favorite bite with the rich, deep, juicy, brisket seasoned with a plethora of flavors. It is paired with a savory jus and a couple of savory runny eggs that when mixed with the brisket balanced some of the richness with some brightness and savory. Finally, my favorite dish was the Biscuits and Gravy. Imagine a large, flaky, crumbly, and buttery biscuit piled high with crispy and crunch chicken that’s tender and juicy inside. You got that picture, now introduce some eggs and top it with creamy, savory, and rich sausage gravy with hearty chunks of sausage. This is what dreams are made of with all the complexity of all the ingredients coming together. Our tip is to make sure to get every ingredient in one bite including the well-seasoned and crispy potatoes on the side. Drool.

Whatever you do, PLEASE stay for dessert because they have this Peanut Butter Pie that literally have people falling all over it to try. It’s creamy, peanut butter forward, but ends smooth on the palate. The best part is they top it with jam so you have a peanut butter and jelly vibe and these charred marshmallows that add to the sweetness! It’s so good you will want to put this on your must try list. If you don’t get ANYTHING ELSE at Two. Get this.

Next time you’re on the beltline stop by for a cool cocktail and Peanut Butter Pie at Two Urban Licks and get in a reservation for brunch. You won’t regret one bite of it.

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/9/21

Not too far from Alpharetta, there is a sleep town square in the city of Milton. Nestled in a beautiful house with an expansive, inviting porch, the bright spot downtown has to be Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails. We sampled a bit of everything from the happy hour plump filet mignon, amazing deviled farm eggs, crispy fried green tomatoes, spicy Nashville hot chicken tamales, rich blackened salmon, sweet carrot cake and a few dynamic cocktails. Get ready for a food adventure.

As we sat leisurely on the patio, we sipped on several of their fun cocktails, like the Poncho Appleseed, Applewood Smoked Old Fashioned, and Smoked Cherry Gin Ricky. They were all balanced and good. The Poncho Appleseed is one part apple and cinnamon and one part margarita. This feels like fall with cinnamon on the rim and apple forward on the front with hints of citrus and a tequila finish. As for the Applewood Smoked Old Fashioned, we enjoyed the boozy goodness with orange notes up front and smoky on the back of the palate. It’s a solid by the fire sipper. Then, the Smoked Cherry Gin Ricky was oh, so sweet and sassy. The cherry flavor up front is sweet, tart and pairs well with the floral gin that hits you on the back.

The reason we ventured to Milton’s is to try their happy hour steak special and this one didn’t disappoint! Just imagine a plump and juicy cut of beef that is so succulent you won’t want to share. We swear it must also be marinated in red wine because it has so much rich and deep flavor, but we were told just salt and pepper, now that’s a good piece of meat! John decided it was his and kept quipping that he loved it and couldn’t get over the flavor. Plus, they have an array of great sauces for any palate! For us, we’d recommend the truffle butter. It’s earthy and creamy and adds that “je ne sais quoi” factor to the steak. We also enjoyed the bearnaise, creamy, and the red wine sauce, which was savory. Pro tip: mix the red wine and truffle butter. That’s pretty tasty.

On top of that, we sampled our way around the appetizers as well. We got everything from the Deviled Farm Eggs to the Fried Green Tomatoes to the Nashville Hot Chicken Tamales. Starting with the Deviled Farm Eggs, these babies some of the best in the city with a creamy, savory, tangy mustard filling that worked so well together. Then, topped it with meaty bacon, crunchy and tart red onions, and slathered in truffle oil and an aioli. This dish comes together into an explosion of different flavors. Must try. Also, rich and decadent are the Fried Green Tomatoes. They’re crispy on the outside with gooey goat cheese and tangy tomatoes inside. Adorned with pepper coulis and truffle oil, you get the gamut of flavors from spicy to savory to sweet to creamy to earthy. Can we have more? Finally, the most unique and fun dish of the appetizers was the Nashville Hot Chicken Tamales. Stoked to try these, they stuffed shells with crispy and spicy hot chicken, hominy grains and crisp pickle pieces. They paired it with extra pickles and a Pimento Cheese spread on the side for you to add the amount you like to the filling. You could literally eat the Pimento Cheese spread with a spoon, it’s that good. Pro tip: mix in a ton of the cheese spread and pickles to taste for the best bite. In love.

Of the main dishes, they suggested the Blackened Salmon and a slew of sides. First off, the Blacked Salmon was perfectly seasoned and blackened piece of tender and juicy fish. This spicy and peppery salmon was on top of an amazing bed of creamy pimento cheese grits, earthy wilted spinach, and an amazing lemony sauce. All of these flavors paired so well together from the creamy of the grits to the earthiness of the spinach to the heft and spice of the fish, to the lemon in the sauce. On the side we got baby iceberg wedges, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and creamed spinach. One of our favorites was the creamy and earthy cauliflower that soaked in all that truffle oil and garlic and topped with sharp Parmesan for an outstanding toasty bite. We also enjoyed the brussel sprouts that had pieces of sweet, cooked apple to go with the earthy sprouts and hearty and crisp bacon. Spot on. The most unique side was the creamed spinach with a runny egg on top! A moat of creamy and earthy spinach ramped up with the savor and heartiness of a runny egg! It was deep, rich, and tangy. The favorite though, had to be the baby Iceberg wedges! Smaller than a large wedge, these came with pickled onion for tang, everything bagel seasoning for that extra flavor, and some of the best avocado buttermilk ranch dressing that ever went in our mouths. Let us tell you that everything bagel seasoning really makes it well, everything. Prepare to drool.

For the dessert, they brought us the Carrot Cake because it is one of their staple items. Now THIS is carrot cake! Milton’s mixes carrots and cake together that’s crispy on the edges , fluffy cake with a light crunch in the middle, then topped with a crazy good cream cheese frosting, candied orange peel, and nuts. It’s so much flavor and worth every bite. Funny story, my mom gave me carrot cake for my first birthday, I’m not sure I’ve had it since until now. I was missing out.

Stuffed to the brim, we bid farewell to Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails up in Milton. What would you want to try?

Corner Cafe and Buckhead Bread Company

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/27/21

As we drove down Piedmont into the heart of Buckhead, it had been a few years since we visited Corner Café and Buckhead Bread Company. The hustling breakfast and brunch spot has no lack of flavor and every dish they have is out-of-this world good!  They have dishes like these ‘Bananas Fosters’ Pancakes or Chicken and Waffles that will fill your syrup craving. Or if you’re into those not so sweet items, they have some of the best benedicts in Atlanta, starting with this Smoked Salmon Benny. Warning, this will make you hungry.

Upon arrival, we quickly got the Prosecco Sunrise that’s a twist on a traditional mimosa with your typical prosecco, orange juice, but they also add grenadine. We love the refreshing and balanced flavor, as well as how pretty the sip is! Speaking of sweet, Corner Café has a sassy Banana Fosters Pancake plate that are fluffy cakes topped with a delicate whipped cream, caramelized bananas, and macadamias. We loved the mix of earthy and hefty bananas served warm and sweet mixed with the delicate pancakes and perfectly sweet syrup. Make sure to slather as much syrup on it and let it soak into the cakes, dessert for breakfast or brunch is the way to go!

John turned to me and said he really enjoyed the Chicken and Waffles. Crispy chicken with gooey cheddar cheese on top, they started out crunchy and sharp and then the waffle hits the palate for a little bit of sweet, as well as the bacon for a meatiness. The best part was the spicy chili syrup that gave the whole dish a ZING. Pro tip: dip all the bacon in the spicy syrup and you’ve got candied bacon!! These have to be one of the best chicken and waffles in the city.

Whatever you do, make sure you get the Smoked Salmon Benedict! Now, THIS is how you benny. Boasting smoked salmon atop a potato cake and smothered in egg and sauce, it almost like a lox bagel and Benedict combined into one dish! With the salty and savory salmon pairing with the savory egg, brightness of the hollandaise, and the creaminess of the potato it was one tasty number. I decided these are my absolute favorite benedict in Atlanta. These are a must try when you go to Corner Café.

As the brunch rush began to slow and we chatted with the staff, we just love how warm and inviting Corner Café is from the staff to the management and how they made our experience worth every calorie. We can’t say enough good things about this spot.