Food and travel have a funny effect on a man's soul. It was a trip (and maybe an amazing cookie) to New York over a year ago that solidified my decision that it was time to step down as CEO and pass on the reigns to someone else. It was time to chase a new adventure! Andrea (my wife) and I turned a work trip to NYC into a family extravaganza that ended up taking me on my first trip to the Hamptons. While the city lights of New York City and the poshness of the Hamptons can capture your … [Read more...]
Backyard Ribs
Ribs on a cool September night. … [Read more...]
Rico’s World Kitchen: Metro Atlanta’s Best Kept Secret
For the past two years, Rico’s World Kitchen in downtown historic Buford, GA has been my best-kept secret. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t keep it hidden for too long. Chef and owner, Rico Cunnington, has been turning heads and turned this once four table restaurant into a shining light in the Buford and Metro Atlanta communities. Urbanspoon currently ranks Rico’s the number 11th best restaurant in all of Atlanta. That is no fluke. Rico’s World Kitchen rocks so hard I sometimes dream about … [Read more...]
Sandwich Heaven in a Sandy Springs Cafe
One of God's greatest gifts to mankind was the sandwich. I believe that He had me in mind when He blessed someone with the idea. When I stumble onto a sandwich place that I have never been to before, I tend to be a little over zealous about making my way over to try it. A few months ago, I was on the hunt for a sandwich place/bakery/deli (anything that puts meat and cheese between two slices of bread.) I ended up finding a bakery tucked away in a Sandy Springs shopping center named … [Read more...]
BrickTop’s in Buckhead: As American as Deviled Eggs
Despite having lived in Atlanta for a little over two years, there's one thing that I've constantly felt I've been missing; a real "taste" of Atlanta. The majority of my dining adventures consist of cooking at home, visiting the same favorite few places, some chains (shame on me) and from time to time a ritzy "splurge" in honor of a special event or celebration. One of those special events took place this past week and I was able to sink my teeth into something new, delicious, and all around … [Read more...]
Midtown Market Is a Sweet Mid-Day Treat
Picture this: It's your first week at a new job in a new part of town that you are by no means familiar with. You're eager to get your bearings so one fine, sunny Thursday afternoon during your lunch hour you wonder down the street to see if anything strikes your fancy. Suddenly you see a crowd of people milling around a patio peppered with small stands like you'd see at an art fair. Your curiosity takes you closer and soon you realize that you've just stumbled upon a mecca of fine eats, sweet … [Read more...]
Café Agora’s Authentic Medieterranean in the Heart of the South
Now I’m morally conflicted about whether or not I should even write this entry. It’s not that the material is controversial or that I’m being paid under the table for it, but when you find a neighbor gem of a restaurant, I am conflicted about telling everyone I know about how good it is with keeping it to myself. Café Agora is the kind of small hole in the wall authentic Turkish café that is beginning to get tougher and tougher to find with all the new trendy Atlanta dining. I guess I have … [Read more...]
South City Kitchen Midtown Brings Out Your Southern Drawl
Anyone who grows up in Northern Virginia, like I did, will argue that it should be a separate state from Virginia. Most of us claim that we are Northerners when we venture down to the South, regardless of where the Mason-Dixon line lies. Sweet tea and Chick-fil-a didn't even reach our area until just a few years ago. Ever since I have moved south, I have started embracing the hospitable culture, especially the food. The South City Kitchen Midtown has once and for all convinced me to embrace the … [Read more...]
The Brickery Bar & Grill | Burgers, Beer, & Much More!
So you just threw dinner into the oven, got distracted with other household chores and before you know it something smells like burnt lasagna. It is burnt lasagna, and by the time you smelled the burning and realized it, it was too late. Frustrated, you take the charred dinner out of the oven while trying not to curse at your pet, because your significant other is on the phone talking about how hungry they are. Your dinner night in has now turned into going out, and while you love Taco Mac … [Read more...]
{three} sheets to Sandy Springs
The great thing about living in Atlanta is that there are a bunch of cities combined into one. Whether you are in Midtown, Decatur, Buckhead, or College Park, you can find some great local places to go eat. Some of us don’t live inside the Perimeter, but we still reap the benefits of living in the greater Metro-Atlanta area. There are still many great restaurants right outside the city that give off the feel of a great night out. My most recent find was {three} sheets in Sandy … [Read more...]