ATLANTA GUIDE FOR FOODIES

Last weekend Ernesto's primo Marcos came to Atlanta with his girlfriend Shanel for a little escape from San Diego.  (I know, Atlanta?  Really?) 

  I liked that they came to Atlanta with a list of places to check out, because frankly when I think of taking guests "sight seeing" in Atlanta, I am at a loss.  You know how it goes, you don't really explore the city where you live like you do when visiting another city. 

When we discovered that they are big time foodies too, their destination choice made sense.  Maybe it had a little something to do with us living here, but they often pick destinations based on what they have seen/read about the cities food scene.  If there is one thing Atlanta has, it is an abundance of great restaurants [and shopping, for that matter]. 

We indulged the whole weekend in both cultural and gastronomical activities.  What a great time!  Sometimes it takes visitors to make you explore in your back yard. 

I am happy to say after 10 years in Atlanta, I finally know what the Cyclorama is.   Located right next to the zoo in Grant Park, this historic site is not a biking route/facility as I had thought (ha!)  It's actually a museum that houses a cylindrical oil painting of the American Civil War Battle of Atlanta. Visitors view the enormous painting from their seats as the central cylinder rotates slowly affording a view of the entire painting while a narrator tells the story of the battle.  A great history lesson! The painting is said to be the largest oil painting in the world, and if unrolled would almost fill a football field.  It weighs around 9000 pounds!

Another site that I am embarrassed to not have visited before is the Martin Luther King Center.  There is really no excuse, I mean,  I live just two blocks from the house where he was born and 3 blocks from the center. 

Well, this was a weekend of firsts.  The MLK center was so interesting and gave an amazing recap of unjust times.  It was even a bit emotional.  It's hard to believe the civil rights movement was a relatively short time ago.

Usually when Ernesto and I have visitors we cook for them.  This time? Not even once.  I have never eaten out so often.....ever!  5 days in a row, some days 2 times a day.

Here is a great list o places to try if you are already in Atlanta or coming to visit:

The Vortex  (Little 5 Points) A unique burger joint with a crazy decor and a funny as hell list of "stuff you should know".  For example, the Vortex is an "idiot-free zone" at all times. So if you are acting like a great big jerk, we will be sure to let you know, right before we throw your ass out." (visitors choice, featured on this Man vs Food episode)

The Porter  (Little 5 Points) Pages and pages of beers from around the world. (our choice, a favorite spot close to our place)

Fontaine's Oyster House (Virginia Highlands) Just like the name says, this is the house of Oysters!  Delicious and always fresh.  Also serve up a great gumbo! (our choice, we love oysters!)

Paolo's Gelato (Virginia Highlands) Ooooh Paolo!  This place has been my favorite for years now.  Unique flavors are his specialty and I tried rose and avocado this time.  Both were great, but I stayed true to my favorite, pistachio.

Gladys Knights Chicken & Waffles  (Midtown) How have I missed this landmark southern food joint?  Clearly everyone else knows about it because at 10pm we still had to wait an hour for a table.  Outside. On the sidewalk.  The food was classic and the service proved that there really is such a thing as "southern hospitality".  While everyone else did order the chicken and waffles, I opted for a veggie plate with greens, black-eyed peas, grits and green beans. Yum! (Picked by our guests, featured on this episode of Man vs Food)

Big Pie in the Sky (Kennesaw)  I had never heard of this place, I had only even been to Kennesaw one time.  I missed that episode of Man vs Food, but Marcos and Chanel didn't.  When they saw the "carnivore pizza challenge"  they wanted to check out the 30" monster.  Have you ever seen a pizza this big?  At $35 it was a deal for the four of us, and it would have fed another 2-4 people too.  Cheap family night!

Tap  (Midtown)  Named for the restaurants extensive list of draft beers and barrel wine selections, Tap is a great place to grab a drink.  They also serve wonderful food, but after stuffing ourselves with that pizza, we didn't even consider it. 

Flip Burger Boutique  You may have heard of this gourmet burger place because the chef Richard Blais was on the the popular show Top Chef.  We each ordered a different burger and cut it in four so we could try each of them.  You cannot leave Flip without ordering one of the ridiculously delicious milkshakes.  My favorite is the Nutella-burnt marshmallow followed by the pistachio-white truffle, and the Krispy Kreme, all of which we ordered that night.  This is a very badly lit photo, but can you see there is a soft boiled egg on top of this steak tartare burger (yes, that is raw meat!)

Thank you Marcos and Shanel for showing us some new spots in Atlanta.  We had a great time! 
Do you watch Top Chef, Food Network, or Man vs. Food?   Have you ever gone to a restaurant because of a show you saw or an article you read about it?

Birthday Dinner at Holeman and Finch

You KNOW I have been busy this last week.  I haven't even had time to blog my birthday!!
What a nice birthday it was too!  Nothing too crazy, I mean, Im 37 now, ha!

I woke up Monday morning to freshly brewed coffee and my dear husband cooking breakfast.  This  tradition started several years ago and I love it.  Not only does he wake me with delicious smells, but with wonderful sounds.  He always plays "Las Mananitas" by Pedro Infante.  Pedro Infante is quite frankly one of the most romantic Mexican singers ever.  (You can hit play and listen to a sample of this song here) Without fail, when I hear this song, I start crying.  It is so sweet.   Ernesto's parents always played it on the morning of his birthday and now he does it for me.  (Incidentally, Ernesto's dad can also sing this song like a pro)

Unfortunately, Neto had to run off to work that morning which left me all alone.  Boo-hoo!  I did have some xmas work to complete, but then I was able to hit TjMaxx with my girlfriend Livini.  I wanted to get my black leather birthday boots!! (Also a reward for a great show at Chastain Park Arts Festival over the weekend)  They are pretty awesome, right?

Cynthia Rowley leather boots

Ernesto said he was taking me to a new [to us] restaurant for dinner, a surprise.  God, I love surprises!  With my new black lace dress (thanks Smita!) new birthday boots on, I was ready to go!  I even dried my hair with a hairdryer (1st time in a year I believe)!  It is always a special treat to go out to eat.  We don't eat out too much - and Im not complaining- but when we do, it needs to be somewhere good.   

Enter Holeman & Finch.

 

I had never even heard of this restaurant.   Situated in the lower level of a high rise on Peachtree St in between Midtown and Buckhead, this place is a hidden gem.   Yes, Atlanta is a big city and has a ton of unbelievable restaurants, but this one really felt more like New York.  Maybe it was due of the tiny quaint dining area,  Im not sure exactly, but it has that cool factor.  

It was Monday night and it was full of patrons.  Like i said before, it is a small place, but lots of people is always a good sign.  Plus, I enjoy the constant hum of a chattering crowd. When you walk in, you are facing a glass wall that offers a view into the kitchen where cured meats hang from the ceiling.  Since we didnt have a reservation we headed to the bar until a table became available.  Love it.  Its the experience, right?  We weren't in a rush and I like to have a drink and appetizer before hand.

How about some duck prosciutto, sorpressata and hungarian boar served with a bleu gouda cheese, persimmon spread and house made pickled onions?  

There are only about 12 dining tables and ours was no bigger 12x15 table.  This could explain the portion sizes.  Luckily they way we always eat at any good restaurant, is by ordering several things and sharing so we can taste more of the dishes.  We started off with the tuna tartare, something I must order if it is on a menu.  My favorite is from Serpas (and I had it the following night when Smita took me there for my birthday) but this tuna gave it a run for it's money.  Served with shoestring fries on top, it was scrumptious.

Something that Holeman & Finch is known for is "burger time" at 10pm every night. 
"Each night, 24 exquisite, double patty cheeseburgers are assembled on house-made buns and served alongside hand-cut fries and homemade ketchup, mustard and pickles—only 24.  Some nights they sell out in under a minute. "   This picture says it all.

(**All above photos from Home & Finch website)

After all those beautiful food pictures, I hate to post my own, but it has to be shown.  This is the most unusual dish we have ordered in a while.  On the menu it is called " schnitzeled lamb fries"  which could be a bit deceiving since what they really are serving is lamb testicles! 

The persimmon glaze was wonderful, but I must say I was not a fan of the gritty, game tast of the testicles.  Ernesto ate all of it and proceeded to tell the waiter "she likes my balls better" ...what???

When we got home, it was present time!!! 

I am in love with my long and fluffy Turkish bath robe!  Just what I wanted. 

I will get so much use out of this thing.  If I am home, I am wearing lounge clothes and this will be worn on top all winter.  It already has some snags in it from little Titi, but I don't mind.  Thanks mi Amor for a wonderful birthday!

ERNESTO vs FOOD

Have you guys ever seen the show on Travel Channel called Man vs Food?  The crazy host, Adam Richman visits different eateries around the country and takes food challenges.  For example this season he "conquers a massive grilled cheese sandwich in Cleveland, OH, a 7-lb. seafood feast in Long Island, NY, and race to finish 50 wings in 30 minutes in Boulder, CO."

Well, a couple weeks ago we saw an episode where he eats the "hottest curry in the country" at a restaurant in NYC called Brick Lane Curry House.  Immediately, Ernesto said "I have to try that!" We just happen to be visiting NY for our friends' wedding so we made it happen.

Just to give you a little background about the "hottest curry in the country"  take a look at the Man vs. Food video:

Neto ordered the Phall with lamb, and of course a Kingfisher beer to go with.  We also ordered the saag paneer and butter chicken.  (My college roomate Michelle was with us that night.  In fact we were able to hang out the whole day and catch up.  It was great seeing her.)  The dishes aren't huge, but there is a lot of sauce in it, and the challenge is to eat all of it!  He digs in straight away and doesn't really seem phased.  I mean, he does eat hot food everyday.

"It's hot as hell!"  he says, "but I was expecting it to be hotter."   At the half way point, he looks a little crazy.  He is glowing from a bit of sweat and his eyes are a little bugged out.

 He kept plugging away, and sure enough, he finishes.  The table of Brits next to us cheered him on!

He recieved the certificate of completion, and his prize, a free beer! 

 We emailed this last photo to be added to the restaurants "Phall of Fame."  You are my hero mi amorrrrrrrrrrrr!

ps.  After dinner he felt a little dizzy when we were walking around the city.  Also the effects of that hot as hell curry did not end that night.....as you can imagine.

Pizzeria Vesuvius!

A few months ago Ernesto subscribed to ScoutMob, a website that sends emails out with discount coupons to different stores, restaurants, stores and services in your area.  Last night we were debating what to make for dinner [at 930p] when Ernesto said he had a coupon for a new pizzeria.  $15 off your bill.

Located on Edgewood Avenue, Pizzeria Vesuvius  is not what you might expect.....or where you would expect.   A red arrow light points you to the door on a block where there is not much else going on.  Although it's close to our place, I would not walk down this street at night.  We arrived at about 9:45p and although there were only 4 other occupied tables,  I immediately loved the place.   (I have to admit, sometimes I judge a restaurant by how many people are eating in it, but this was an exception.)  This space is so cool!  Our waiter informed us that they have only been open 6 months and after a few write ups are finally starting to get the business they deserve.  The old brick walls, tall ceilings gave it a lofty feel, and dark wood tables warmed the space.  

The menu was mouth watering!  As soon as I saw they had an arugula salad I ordered it, but we had a hard time choosing just one pizza.   Luckily it was no problem to do half and half.  We chose the Mauna Loa (pinapple, apple-smoked bacon, smoked ham and fresh tomato sauce) and the San Marzano (a traditional margherita).  
They also had a nice list of beers on tap.  A Sierra Nevada for me and Sweetwater 420 for Ernesto passed the time until we were served.    When the pizza came out, our waiter apologized for the wait (which we hadn't even thought about).  We noticed it was not what we ordered, but dug in anyway.  It looked delicious...plus we aren't "sender-backers".   The Mazama (mushroom, feta, onion, spinach, roasted garlic and red chili) that was sent by mistake was delicious.  We were both into our second piece when the waiter brought us another [large] pizza with an apology for the mix up.

At the end of our dinner, the waiter placed our check on the table with no pizza charge!?  We couldn't believe it! Needless to say, we did not need to use our $15 off coupon as our bill was only $17!   We walked out with a satisfied stomach and the next days' breakfast and lunch, and plans to return!

This place is a repeater!

I am recommending you go to Vesuvious for the following reasons:
1.  The food was delicious and creative.
2.  The service is friendly and personal.
3.  The prices are reasonable.
3.  The space is beautiful. period.

Check it out!

A Taste of Santa Fe New Mexico

Every time I have visited NM I have those thoughts that inevitably cross my mind when I visit a cool place. I could live here. If you saw my Wednesday Weekly post, you know some of the things I love about NM. The list grew after visiting Santa Fe.

I had always heard Santa Fe is a lovely town. A shoppers dream. It is just 40 minutes north of Tim's house so we took a day trip with my sis-in-law Michelle on Wednesday. Btw, the speed limit is 75mph.

Michelle's friend works at a huge consignment store called Double Take (321 South Guadalupe Street) and said this can't be missed when visiting Santa Fe. The place is packed with vintage finds and ethnic pieces. It took all my strength to resist the fur coats.

There were cases of vintage jewelry, much of it costume and so sparkly

Even if you aren't into vintage, it is still worth a visit. There is something for everyone. You will find a huge selection of Native American jewelry

Plus the biggest selection of western wear I have ever seen

Full of textiles, colorful huilpiles, tunics or blouses worn by indigenous Mayan and Zapotec women in Mexico and the northern part of Central America

Handmade tiles from a local artist, Kathleen Koltes.

Michelle bought the tile she's holding and I ended up getting the blue bird tile show below (top right) as a gift from her. I love it! Thanks Michelle!

Woven rugs and wall hangings are scattered throughout the store. I love the designs and colors.

There is some great iron work. Michelle bought these goaty-goats for her front courtyard.

Ernesto and I found the perfect piece to come home with us to Atlanta. I can't wait to hang it above the couch. I am serious.

We wandered into Sanbusco Market Center (500 Montezuma Ave) just down the street. It houses 22+ stores, one of which is Chapare specializing in South American Imports. Nothing makes me want a house more than when I see great artwork that I don't have room for in our small apartment. These wall hangings are from Bolivia and I will have it eventually. The pieces are ceramic and hanging from a stick. This pic doesn't exactly capture the brilliance of the colors, but they fade from blue to turquoise to purple. Small $150, Large $499. Bigger is better in my opinion.

I love the pinks and oranges in these beautiful handwoven blankets. They will look great on my cream leather couch (that I don't have yet).

Without a doubt my favorite store in this complex was Dell Fox Jewelry. When entering the tiny shop, you really believe 'all that glitters is gold'. I immediately fell in love with several rings. All of the jewelry was 22k gold! Oh my heart be still! 14k gold holds nothing on the bright, rich color of 22k. The artist was in the shop and she is very pleasant and informative. She told us these rings were inspired by ancient Greek, Roman, Etruscan, and Byzantine designs. Many of these are replicas of Jewels at the Met in NY.

I picked out 4 favorites. I am seriously debating whether I want a diamond for my [replacement] wedding ring. I mean look at these beauties! My favorite is the one with a wide ornate band and pink tourmaline. Ps. 22k is not cheap! $3800 for that bad boy! There was a sale going on and is now only $2900, much less than a diamond.

While in the store, Dell Fox recommended a restaurant for lunch. Los Mayas (West Water Street & Guadalupe) is located in an adobe house dating back to 1929, and known for its authentic Mexican food and warm atmosphere. We were the only patrons in the place, which usually turns me off, but the menu was fabulous and in my opinion, recommendations from locals are always the way to go.

The city of Santa Fe enforces rules about the style of buildings so there is a cohesiveness throughout. I highly recommend you check out this unique, rustic town.

FLIP BURGER BOUTIQUE

E and I went out to dinner last night. It was our first official date since we started the Christmas lights last October. E choose Flip Burger Boutique. (1587 Howell Mill Rd Atlanta 30318) He said I would love it, and he was right. Flip was created by Top Chef contestant Richard Blais.

The minute I stepped into the dimly lit dining room with a hum of chatter and lounge music playing, I liked the place. The hostess said it would be a 45 minute -hour wait, and there were no sighs from us. Alone time to talk, no tv, no computer, no friends- date nights have to be planned ladies! We walked though the crowded bar, which is open to all the dining tables and ordered a couple beers. I loved the modern design and admired the flat screens over the bar that were encased by ornate lacquered white picture frames. (E said he could build that for our tv!)

We were seated at a table/bar facing the open kitchen and my mouth watered as I skimmed the menu. The catch line is "fine dining between two buns" and it really was.

I am horrible at deciding when everything looks delicious, so E chose the burgers and I chose the sides.

The final cut:

steak tartare

venison burger

moroccan cauliflower salad

blue cheese wedge salad

nutella and burnt marshmallow milkshake

The final verdict:

Original! Delicious! Two thumbs up! Go check it out!

An 8 year [non-celebratory] Anniversary

CINDY + ERNESTO = EIGHT YEARS! OMG!

Haha! I love Someecards - they had plenty of other appropriate cards for anniversaries. We have decided that we will only really "celebrate" the anniversaries divisible by 5. That means Ernesto has 2 years to plan the best surprise vacation for our tenth!

It was a special day without even planning. My parents have been into biking for a while now and have sought out different bike paths in Ohio and they wanted to take us.
We did have to drive about 40 minutes to reach the path, but it was well worth it. It runs from Lisbon Ohio (the 2nd oldest town in the state) to Lithonia (I have no trivia about this town)
The weather is beautiful here now and it is very green due to all the Spring rain. The path is paved and flat, so it's an easy ride. We rode 20 miles.
The trail was mostly in the shade and surrounded by fields. I love the tractor crossing sign.

My parents wanted to take us to a cool place to eat. I was immediately impressed by the Steel Trolley Diner (140 E. Lincoln Way, Lisbon, 330-424-3663) when we pulled up.
I was even more impressed when I saw that this little diner was featured on the Food Network and won the "Best Burger in the Country Award" at the National Hamburger Festival in 2006.

Of course I had to try a burger. The All-American Red White & Blue Burger was tasty. Cooked medium rare and piled with blue cheese. De-lish!Speaking of medium rare, I can eat red meat daily and not get sick of it. Ernesto and I went to a butcher shop by my parents and bought 2 huge porterhouse steaks and some filet mignon for dinner and fired up the grill. We threw zucchini and prosciutto wrapped asparagus on the grill too. Don't be jealous.