Tag Archive for: restaurant

BRIDGE CREEK INN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/29/24

Nestled in Rabun county and surrounded by the majestic North Georgia mountains, Bridge Creek Inn is a brand new mainstay on Clayton’s Main Street! John and I took a weekend getaway for a leisurely weekend to Bridge Creek Inn. There we enjoyed the mountain views while exploring the wildlife, activities, and downtown shopping. Bridge Creek Inn is touted as Clayton’s Living Room, a community gathering spot. You can catch a game or enjoy a cocktail from the Vandiver, their on-site upscale tavern. And being in the middle of downtown, it’s THE place to stay and explore everything that downtown Clayton, GA has to offer.

The moment you walk into the lobby “living room,” the hotel greets you with natural wood beauty, soft wood furniture, darker wood ceiling, and plush and cozy seating areas that dot the lobby. It’s calming from the second you enter. Gather by the fire, grab a quick coffee or snack at their cafe, and people watch from their cozy lounge area. It’s the place to relax and unwind.

Rooms

Upstairs, our room was the spacious King Suite with 180 views of the mountains and downtown! Simple and clean, yet modern and new, it was a beautiful room. The bathroom was light and bright, large shower, and pristine vanity. Heading around the corner is a cozy seating area with leather chairs made for a fun reading nook. The bed area drew your eye with a dark blue accent wall, mountain decor, and a comfy, large, king bed. Plus, we could look at the Mountain View all day.

The Vandiver

As we mentioned, they have an upscale tavern restaurant on site, The Vandiver, a main street tavern. Only open for 5 days when we visited, the space has some serious casual steakhouse vibes. Think exposed wood beams and circular booths. We’re impressed with the delectable shared plates, sensational dishes, and elevated cocktails! Like the Venison Wellington that’s super tender and juicy deer, cooked perfectly without a hint of game. The meat is surrounded by a perfect pastry that’s crunchy on the outside, yet flaky and gloating in a moat of rich and deep jus around it.

They have a wide variety of delicious shared plates like the BBQ carrots and the Jalapeno Hush Puppies. Starting with the
BBQ carrots that are crunchy and sweet, tender carrots with a spicy jalapeño miso and creamy, tart yogurt. On the other hand, the Jalapeño hush puppies are crunchy and fluffy with a good spice on the end. It is paired with a divine honey sweet butter. On to the Roasted Tomato Salad with fresh and light, roasted tomatoes, tangy crispy shallot, earthy basil, and topped with cheese!

For dinner, we also got the stunning Pork chop. It is a tender and juicy, charred chop topped with a herbaceous and earthy chimichurri, creamy sweet potato puree, dotted with pinkie eyed peas and grilled peaches. On the side, we opted for the Bone Marrow Bread pudding, a savory bread pudding. It is super meaty and rich! Finally, paired it with the Vandiver Verde, a tangy and sweet cocktail with a good spicy back.

ADVENTURES IN ATLANTA AMID COVID-19: SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS WHILE STAYING SAFE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/15/20

Amid these times in our country, you and your family’s health is more important than anything else. With the continued cancellation of events and gatherings, what we’d really like is for you to support your local breweries and restaurants, while staying safe. How can you do that?

  • Purchase gift cards from your favorite spots online.
  • Buy local beer and wine at grocery stores.
  • As long as local restaurants are open: get take-out, curbside, or delivery.
  • Over tip in these lean times.

Once events come back and we get through this together, we will be back at it having more adventures in our beautiful city, recommending restaurants and events, but in the mean time, be nice to each other. It’s time to come together. Cheers!

BOCADO CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/13/19

BOCADO––THE ACCLAIMED LOCAL RESTAURANT IN ATLANTA’S WESTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD––CELEBRATES TENTH ANNIVERSARY WITH FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS & DEBUT OF NEW DESIGN

On October 22-24, the Restaurant Will Feature Anniversary Giveaways, Half-Priced Burger Stacks, Ten Percent Off Select Dishes, $10 Cocktails & More

Reimagined Interior Features Composed, Casual Design with Rich Color Palette, Intimate Seating & Revamped Bar Area

BOCADO, the acclaimed local restaurant on Atlanta’s Westside, announces the debut of its new design and a lineup of celebratory food and drink specials and giveaways in celebration of its tenth anniversary. From Tuesday, October 22 through Thursday, October 24, BOCADO will offer half-priced Double Stack Burgers during lunch and dinner, $10 dinner cocktails and ten percent off favorite dishes in which ten percent of proceeds will be donated to the Covenant House Georgia. Additionally, ten lucky customers at the restaurant will win $50 BOCADO gift cards each day during the three-day period.

A longtime neighborhood staple along West Midtown’s bustling Howell Mill Road, BOCADO has been transformed to feature a composed, casual design welcoming locals and visitors alike to gather and share a meal at one of Atlanta’s most beloved local dining destinations. Upon entering the newly redesigned 3,000-square-foot restaurant, guests are greeted with a rich color palette of deep blues and greens complemented with warm wood furnishings, plush upholstery and classic touches.

Blue velvet curtains draped from the ceiling divide the once open area into two intimate dining spaces. Here, guests can cozy up in the tall, button-tufted leather booths that carve out BOCADO’s side wall, or opt for a seat along the navy, velvet-backed benches that run parallel with accompanying wood tables and chairs at the center of the space. Everything within is illuminated by a series of elegant light fixtures that emit a soft, warm glow as the restaurant moves from lunch to dinner and late night service.

BOCADO’s expansive bar––celebrated for its inventive craft cocktails and wide selection of beer and wine––has also been reimagined. Tucked away at the restaurant’s back, the bar is outfitted with a row of mid-century leather stools, dark oak shelving and a wood-lined ceiling with recessed lighting, serving as a quiet corner escape for those looking to lounge and imbibe.

“It’s exciting to share BOCADO’s new look with Atlanta,” says owner Brian Lewis. “Over the past decade, we’ve been lucky to grow with the surrounding Westside neighborhood and be inspired––both on our menu and in the redesign––by the neighbors and friends we’ve met along the way. We’re honored to continue creating a welcoming space where our guests can enjoy a delicious meal together, and can’t wait to celebrate with the community.”

Housed in a former woodworking shop, BOCADO first opened on Atlanta’s Westside in 2009. In the decade since its installment, the restaurant has garnered local and national acclaim for its seasonally driven and locally sourced food menu highlighting small and shareable plates, sandwiches––like the famed Double Stack Burger––larger entrees and sides, as well as a drink program of creative craft cocktails, beer and wine.

Please visit bocadoatlanta.com and follow along at @BOCADOatl for the latest news (and giveaways).

Fudo: Spicy, Crunchy, Sweet

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

Nestled in a Chamblee live-work community off Peachtree, Fudo has an intimate atmosphere and friendly service. The most amazing thing about Fudo? The number 48. We sat down and counted the number of specialty sushi rolls you can choose from when dining at the restaurant, that number is 48. This is in addition to all the hand or traditional rolls, as well. They have so many combinations, it was so hard to decide on just a few to try. Our waitress helped us pick something that we’re calling: spicy-crunchy-sweet. One spicy, one crunchy, one sweet roll that would round out the meal. Diving in…

We sampled the brussel sprouts appetizer and it is one of the most unique around with a creamy garlic ponzu sauce that’s sweet and spicy along with the crispy, fried sprouts. It was just the right amount of crunch followed by sweetness and spicy. Uniquely delicious.

Of the three rolls we chose, our favorite roll is still the Hunger Games Roll. We had this at the grand opening and couldn’t pass up having it again. It’s the most flavorful roll we’ve found on the menu with a smoky, creamy aioli topped with spicy sriracha and jalapeno that lingers in the back of your throat. No wasabi needed. On top of that, the fish are cut just right and a crunchy asparagus to give it a slight crunch. All around a solid bite that we’re going to get again! Yum.

The other two rolls were delicious as well: Mono and My Idol. Immediately upon trying the mono two things stuck out: the crunch and the wasabi tobiko. The tempura crunch starts off the bite, smooth fish in the middle, then comes the spice of the wasabi tobiko. A great addition on the end to round out the flavor and goes perfectly with the pop of the eggs. My Idol was smoother, sweeter of all the rolls. Very rich and creamy, with the sweetness and crunch of the mango, then the richness of the sauce, as well as the pop of the red and white tobiko. What a great way to fill out a meal with everything from smoky spicy, to crunchy, to sweet and rich.

No matter what you pick, you’ll find something original and new at Fudo. The drinks are on point and have a ton of options for those who don’t prefer raw fish or sushi.  Since Fudo is in our hood, we’ll be heading back soon, shall we meet you there?

LIVINGSTON RESTUARANT AND BAR KENTUCKY DERBY VIEWING PARTY 2019

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/7/19

Livingston Restaurant + Bar

Saturday, May 4th 3 pm

Odds are in your favor for a festive afternoon on Saturday, May 4 when Livingston Restaurant + Bar in The Georgia Terrace Hotel goes the distance for its 4th annual Kentucky Derby Viewing Party. Along with watching the most exciting two minutes in sports, partygoers will sip on Derby-themed cocktails, enjoy passed appetizers, try their luck at raffles and contests, and rock to music from DJ Yvonne Monet.

Tickets are $25 per person and include one complimentary drink and a selection of appetizers. Purchase tickets online here before April 14 for two-for-one admission. Event proceeds benefit the Sotherly Foundation, the non-profit arm of Sotherly Hotels, dedicated to assisting America’s wounded veterans.

Race day brings a Triple Crown of specialty cocktails for $12 each.

Mint Julep – Four Roses bourbon, Angostura bitters, house mint syrup and mint sprig garnish
Caballito – Herradura Silver tequila, Cocchi Americano aperitivo, grapefruit, cucumber and lime
Run Pony, Run! – Chattanooga 1816 whiskey, Aperol, Jack Rudy bitters and lemon

It’s a Polenta Party!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/5/19

The White Bull

Decatur, GA

Last Saturday, we were invited to The White Bull to experience something we’d never even heard of, a Polenta Party. Polenta is what this southerner would equate to grits and can be dressed with similar ingredients, like cream or cheese to make it delicious. What is even more amazing is how it’s served, which is down the middle of a table, still steaming! The polenta itself was creamy, ooey-gooey, a bit savory, and delicious on it’s own. They don’t stop there, The White Bull takes whatever meat came in that day and put it right on top. Yes, right on top, down the middle of the table! We hit the meat jackpot today, because it was fresh, thigh meat chicken and a savory pulled pork ragu. First off, the pulled pork ragu was one of the best meat concoctions we’ve ever put in our mouths with very tender pork paired with a deep and savory ragu. It’s official, we heart ragu. Then, the chicken was the freshest we’ve ever had!

Beyond the delectable meat, they added several vegetables on top, and yes, right down the middle of the table! Today’s fresh veggies included broccoli, leaks, mushroom with peas, and asparagus. Let’s stop a minute here and let me discuss the broccoli with you. This isn’t your grandmother’s soggy broccoli, but a crisp, tender, olive oil drizzled star. It was like they either air or flash fried the florets, which was the right balance of crunch and savor. Also, the leaks were a perfect compliment to the polenta. It gave it a little bit of a bite, a brightness you wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. It could have been a very heavy meal, but the addition of the light broccoli, bright leaks, grilled asparagus, and 25 year old balsamic drizzle on top, created a good balance.

If you want a truly enjoyable experience with your family or friends, this is one for the books. Make sure you like your tablemates, as this is a shareable, tabletop, interactive, experience. Good thing we were with amazing company. You only need 6 people to join in on a Polenta Party at The White Bull. Mark our words, we’ll be back there!

ATLANTA GUYS DINNER GROUP SUPPORTS HOPE THRU SOAP WITH EVENT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/5/19

Monday, April 15th 7:30 pm

Einstein’s on Juniper

Join Atlanta Guys Dinner Group at Einstein’s on Monday, April 15th for their 2nd Open Invite supporting “Hope Thru Soap,” a mobile shower unit for our city’s homeless population. They get a fresh shower, shave/haircut, toiletries, food, clothes and clean underwear and socks. Reps will be on hand to collect cash donations, as well as razors, deodorant, travel-size sanitizer, shaving cream, new underwear, socks, t-shirt, and feminine hygiene products. EVERYONE is invited and is free/open to the public. RSVP here.

Atlanta Guys Dinner Group is run by Sean Palani of The White Bull. This group gathers once a month to socialize, break bread, and give back to the community. Each month, they select a new restaurant to meet at, as well as select a new or different local charity. Their goal is to support the amazing charities and organizations all over our city, while the sole pourpose of the group is to help others through monthly give-back initiatives. To date, they’ve supported over twenty charities that include donated shoes, clothes, blankets, toiletries, school supplies, toys, over two thousand pounds of food, and thousands in monetary donations.

RAY’S AT KILLER CREEK KICKS OFF ROSE FRI-YAYS MARCH 15TH

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/8/19

Popular Eatery Pairs with Renowned Producers to Give Guests a Weekend Pink-Me-Up

Some call it the “pretty in pink” movement, but the Ray’s at Killer Creek team believes sipping an aromatic glass or two of rosé is a lifestyle, one they’re eager to help guests embrace every Friday in spring, starting March 15. To ensure the sipping is sensational, they’ll be popping the cork on Whispering Angel and Fleur de Mer, two flavorful rosé wines. Whispering Angel, credited with starting the international rosé trend, also is the world’s most popular rosé. Representatives from Whispering Angel will be on hand Friday, March 15 to help guests get their pink on.

No tickets are needed to attend the 5-8 p.m. event to be held throughout spring on the Creek Terrace. Drink specials will range from $5 – $12. Executive chef Mike Fuller will be offering tasty bites that pair perfectly with the wines’ intensely fragrant notes. Both food and wine will be accompanied by live music that will help set just the right rhythm for the weekend ahead.