Food Porn Friday: Put Some South in Your Mouth

Folks, I am coming to you live from Atlanta (Hot-lanta if you wanna talk like a Southerner), and it has been a remarkable time. I'm working out of headquarters this week, and I am just amazed at the sheet size of our complex. I have been getting lost a lot. But at least that Southern hospitality shines through, and people have helped me get where I've needed to go.

I have always had mixed feelings about Atlanta. After college, it seemed like one of the places where everyone moved. To me, it always seemed like a non-city when it came to culture and all one could really do there was shop. The traffic is overwhelming (even for someone who is used to Beltway and Paris traffic). And it is just so darn big! It is a sprawling American metropolis in every sense of the word.

One area where I was always skeptical was the food. To me, when you think about Atlanta, you don't think about a happening cuisine scene. This visit proved me *drastically* wrong. There are some exciting things going on here, and if you are ever in Atlanta, you should do your research on where to dine. There is a plethora of options.

In fact, let me help you with that.

Empire State South

My first stop was Empire State South. Executive Chef, Ryan Smith, had created a laid-back atmosphere that blossoms with exceptional Southern cuisine. It also has French undertones in the menu offerings. With menu selections like Prime Steak Tartare with preserved lemon-caper emulsion, crisp egg, and cheese puff or Fromage blanc-pecan ravioli with brown butter, squash, escarole, mushrooms and pecan crunch...how could you NOT be tempted to go and check it out?

Fromage blanc-pecan ravioli

We were not disappointed.


Did I mention the Lobster Cannelloni filled with marscapone, Meyer lemon, and fennel on top of a cauliflower purée and grapefruit confit? Well, that was their special appetizer for the evening. Pure. Delight.

Lobster cannelloni

Go to this restaurant hungry. Like, skipped meals hungry. Portions are reasonable, but everything looks delicious, so you'll want to try everything.

The next night was Abbatoir, a snout to tail restaurant in the happening Midtown area. I almost didn't go here, because with the French name, I thought it was a French restaurant. I didn't come all the way to Atlanta to eat overpriced French food! However, this glorious, regionally focused chophouse, served up some delicious meats. My one girlfriend ordered shrimp and grits, and when the steamy, creamy dish arrived, I had food envy. Simple, garlicky, and full of flavor, I wanted to eat her dish AND mine. I ordered the coulotte, which is a nice, tender cut off the side of the cow. It was served with crispy, near-perfect fries and a bordelaise sauce. The sauce, while delicious, was a borderline sweet BBQ sauce.

I couldn't resist the desserts. Fab had a gorgeous lemon tarte with thinly sliced pears, pomegranate seeds and caramelized apples on the side. My girlfriend had a mini tarte tatin with a ginger crust and thyme ice cream. And then there was my chocolate chess pie. With homemade peanut brittle. Oh yea. I am still dreaming about this pie.

Lemon Tarte, Abattoir

Tarte tatin, Abattoir

Chocolate Chess Pie...sooooo delish

The last spot I went that really struck me was Bocado. This gourmet sandwich place focuses on sustainability and organic food. But that by no means makes it a health food restaurant. Their burger is apparently to die for. I went with the fried chicken sandwich (I am in the South after all!) But it wasn't just a fried chicken sandwich. It was piled with napa cabbage slaw, a spicy Asian glaze, and marinated eggplant. It also came with garlic herb fries and a homemade fresh dill ranch sauce. Ah-mazing! I did the French thing and ate it with a knife and fork (don't judge me...it's a habit now). Unfortunately, no photos since this was a business lunch. But definitely consider this place for a casual but tasty lunch.

Atlanta in the end was exciting and impressive, and it definitely won me over. I think it won the hubby over too, and proved that we Americans have a good food culture outside of NYC and San Francisco. The city is coming into its own, and all while retaining its Southern charm.

Coulotte + pommes frites, Abattoir