gwilson

There was mention of this when Mario Batali did his Q&A also. I've been drinking, so I'm too lazy to look up the link. Sorry. And they better fix the 'floor guy'. He didn't know squat. -Greg

I will most likely be in. It depends on the financial aspects on my end as the date gets closer. Just keep us posted, Varmint. -Greg

This happened to an old manager of mine a few years back. He was in a bar with some friends and ordered drinks from the bartender. This was a 'young crowd' bar, and one of their specialties was a fishbowl. If you don't know, the drink is an actual fishbowl, filled with ice and your choice of a drink. The special that night was something like $15 - which amounted to about 3 regular highballs. My old manager jokingly asked the bartender (who was evidently new to the job), how much a fishbowl would be with Macallan's. She shrugged and said, "Same price, I guess." He immediately said, "Sold!". I don't remember exactly how many he had that night, but I'm sure it was more than one. -Greg

It's not the Wilcox place, therese, although I really want to go there. His take on Southern cuisine sounds very good (even though I still haven't been to his namesake here in Atlanta). And he has a restaurant in Sandestin also? I didn't know about that. And I don't think it's the Woodlands place either, as I remember it being a stand-alone restaurant. Nothing attached to it in anyway. But like I said, I'm trying to remember something I read in passing a few years back. The article was probably really about a hot dog stand in Outer Mongolia. lol -Greg

If memory serves correct (which, unlike that TV guy, mine probably doesn't), I read a while back (within past five years, probalby less) about a restaurant in South Carolina that was very upscale - practically fine dining. But it was almost in the middle of nowhere. It was on a somewhat major highway, but it wasn't close to any big cities. And yet somehow, they had a steady business, even had a few Hollywood type semi-regulars. Does this sound at all familiar to anybody? -Greg P.S. And don't worry, I'm still working on my little 'project', Melissa.

Well, I went to Vickery's the other night, and I liked it. Even though I didn't have a cocktail. I asked the bartender (Chrissy?) if she knew how to make an Americano - no. Then I asked if they carried Hendrick's (which makes a fabulous martini) - no. So I had a glass of wine. Which was probably good, because I had been drinking wine earlier anyway. This was Wednesday night, and it seemed a bit slow. But I liked the atmosphere. I'll probably go back at some point. -Greg

After reading this thread earlier in the day, I decided to go by and eat for old times' sake. I actually worked at a local Schlotzsky's (on Jimmy Carter in Norcross) for about three years. Because of our location we were packed for lunch Monday through Friday (lots of office parks around), but fairly slow for dinner. And my supper tonight was good, but I have noticed they've made a few changes. I had two sandwiches - one was the Original, and it tasted like it always did. The other was a Beef & Cheddar, which they actually don't have anymore. I kind of had to make my own. They now have an Angus Beef sandwich which comes with Romaine lettuce instead of Iceburg (but the Original had Iceburg - not sure why the two different types). But regardless the sandwiches were good. And they have new Cracked Pepper potato chips that were really good (I love black pepper anyway). And as far as the bankruptcy, it's a little bit of a surprise but not much. Almost all of the stores - if not every single one - are franchises. And maybe this is true for that type of set up, or with fast food in general, but there was no corporate prescence. Usually I would be all for that, but there was literally none. Not once did I ever see someone from upper management, a district officer, or anyone like that. And the company went from a loss of $199,000 to a loss of $11.7 million in one year?!?! Something's not right with that. Oh, almost forgot. As far as competition, I'm not sure how much that had to do with it. (With that big swing in losses.) I know Quizno's has made a huge marketing leap lately. But I refuse to go to one of their stores, because of those @$ monkey things. Yes, I hate them that much. And I did eat there once years ago. It was actually while I was working at Schlotzsky's, and one opened up half a block away (and we didn't notice any less business once the newness wore off). The sandwich was okay, but I don't like bread toasted a lot. And Quizno's toasts the heck out of their buns. I don't like real crunchy bread. And since Subway has been around for so long, I don't think their prescene would affect Schlotzsky's that much. Unless it's that Jared guy. lol -Greg

Just curious - does anyone know how Diamond Oaks wines are now? (For those who don't know, the winery used to be Mondavi's La Famiglia.) -Greg

Ah, that was my misunderstanding. I thought it was blais-atl.com, not blais-atlanta.com. And I do find it somewhat odd that they are using the old website to promote the new restaurant, especially since it has Chef Blais' name in it. Although I use the word promote loosely. There's no information what-so-ever about the restaurant. I heard that Chef Klaskala is doing the menu at Che - is that true? I still haven't been by Bazaar since Chef Blais took over. I need to go there and to Che. I hate being unemployed. -Greg

I was out in California for two weeks last October. While I had quite a few good meals, there are two that really really stick out in my mind (in LA). First for Italian, go to S&A Trattoria (the name's something like that). It's in Venice just half a block from the beach. They have huge portions for dirt cheap prices, and it is fabulous! There is a similiarly named restaurant on the same street (S&A Bistro or something). It's the same company/family I believe, but don't go there. Go to the one close to the beach. You will not be disappointed. Secondly, go to AOC. That was probably the finest meal I've ever had. Suzanne Goin is a goddess, and I want to marry her. After I ate the roasted cheek dish, I told the bartender (I was sitting at the bar), that I wanted to propose to the chef. She said that she would tell her, but I haven't heard back from her for some reason. I just can't understand why though. But seriously, it's incredible food. Whether Suzanne will return my calls or not. lol -Greg

I was referring to the 'old website/Che' part that GordonCooks said in the first post. I assumed he was talking about the old website for his We're Cookin' restaurant, which isn't active anymore. So that's why I'm confused. -Greg

I would suggest Citizen Cake. I was out there last October, and ended up having four desserts when I stopped there. I'm not sure on prices for whole cakes and stuff, but I imagine that it's worth it. They do incredible stuff. -Greg

<Quote: Everything Singapore said.> OMG! I'm so hungry now! Fortunately I have an impromptu anitpasti platter to be scarffed. (Sopprsata, proscuitto, chevre, pickles of some kind, heirloom tomatoes, and what ever else I can find.) Singapore, thanks a lot for the tip. I have errands to run tomorrow, so I think I'm going to go by there then. I've always wanted to go there, but my knowledge of Asian cuisine is practically nil. And I don't speak a word of any of their languages. But I guess this is a good opportunity to dive in. Therese, it's hard for me to describe because I've really just seen the items in movies and things like that - never in person. The most recent example - and it's not a very good one - is in Spirited Away. About a quarter/third of the way through the movie, the little girl/main character is sitting on a patio and another girl brings her something to eat. The girl says, "I brought you a dumpling." But it's a translation, so it could really be a bun or something else. I actually started this 'quest' a long time ago, but gave up for lack of resources. The scene in Spirited Away (which is an incredible movie anyway - if you haven't seen it, rent and/or buy it) reignited the 'dumpling desire' as I have coined it. I'll keep you guys posted on my search. -Greg

What was his old website? I thought it was blais-atl.com. -Greg

I haven't been to Halo, but I've heard that it's nice. I'll have to check them out - maybe the anniversary party. I've been in Atlanta for 11 years now, and I still haven't been to Bone's or Vickery's. I'm more apt to go to Vickery's though for cocktails though. Bone's more for a meal. But I should try to get to both at some point. Thanks for the suggetions. Oh, and I know this will sound odd, but the best Long Island Iced Tea that I have had in a very long time (maybe ever) was at Dave & Buster's in Gwinnett (where I live). I was in the mood for a cocktail recently, and was in that area. I was really just killing time - had nothing to do that night, so I thought I would have a couple of drinks and shoot the bad guys. lol I wasn't sure what I wanted and the bartender suggested a TNT (premium LIT & you get to keep the glass) - I knew it was a spiel thing, but I ordered one anyway. And it was one of the few LITs that have actually tasted like iced tea - it was truly amazing. I ended up drinking three and felt quite good afterwards. :) -Greg

If you're around Santa Rosa, then there is a small steakhouse type restaurant that is really nice and not very expensive. I can't think of the name, but it's right off the highway in 'downtown'. (I'll have to get my notes out - I was in California for two weeks last October.) There's also a very very nice wine shop there called the Bottle Barn. Very informative staff, and since I live in the <insert numerous curse words> Bible Belt, I had to get them to ship the wine I bought back. They'll ship wine you buy elsewhere as long as you match the number of bottles with wine bought from them. Also, if you're willing to travel, I would suggest going to San Francisco. If I remember correctly it's only 2-3 hours. There is one seafood restaurant that all the locals go to. It's not right on Fisherman's Wharf (the tourist trap), but a couple of blocks away. And there's also Citizen Cake. In my opinion, that is worth the drive there alone. They now have a full lunch/dinner menu, but I didn't try anything. I went after eating a small supper somewhere (don't even remember where now), and had four desserts there. It really is awesome. -Greg

Although I'm mainly a wine person, there are times when I'm in the mood for a nice well-made cocktail. (And I do like beer, too, but that's another thread.) So where do you go for drinks? The one place I can somewhat recommend is Horizon in Morningside on Highland. A while back I had a great martini made with Hendricks (which may be why it was so good). Just a whiff of the vermouth and none of those little ice crystals that I find annoying. Haven't had anything else there, haven't been back since, and don't know if the staff has changed at all. But I would go back for another martini at least. (And they have free tapas during happy hour on Wednesdays.) -Greg

First, thanks for the input from everyone. I do have an excuse for not replying sooner - I'm unemployed and broke. lol But this afternoon I did go to Australian Bakery Cafe. I had an English pork pie, which was seasoned wonderfully. It smelled heavenly, and tasted quite good also. Alas, that was all I had. Their credit card machine was down, and since I only had $5 cash on me, I could only afford the one pie. It wasn't quite the savory/tart pastry that I'm searching for, but it's worth going back for. Also, I haven't been able to get out to try any of the gyoza that people suggested, but will soon - promise. Even though I don't think that's what I'm looking for. Are gyoza like pot stickers? Not that I have anything against pot stickers, but I'm looking for something larger. What I've seen is more like baseball sized - even softball. And I imagine that you eat that one item as the whole meal. Regardless, I appreciate the suggestions, and I'll keep you updated in my search. -Greg

I ate there last year when I was in town for the WUSA's All-Star game. I don't remember exactly what I had, except that they had some charcuterie - which I was empressed with. This was when proscuitto and all of that was the big craze here in Atlanta. I was surprised that a place in Raleigh would have it. I can't remember what else I had, but I did enjoy the wine. And their list is excellent. Although the service at the bar was a bit slow (kind of snobish). But I'm sure that's different now. I went to NC State for 3 years (a while back), and Raleigh had nothing like this back then. Now it's really come along. The downtown area is really coming into its own. There's another fairly good wine bar/restaurant and a tapas bar in the warehouse section, just a few blocks from Enoteca Vin. And The Flying Saucer has a very impressive selection of draft beers ($2 pint nights on Mondays also.) DonRocks, if you like the straight-forward and simple type of dishes, you should check out Woodfire Grill if you're ever in Atlanta. Chef Tuohy does some really nice stuff. -Greg

I want to try a Japanese dumpling. I don't mean the type you'd get in soup or with noodles. (I don't think.) I mean the big ones that you'd usually eat by itself. I've never had one, but I've seen them eaten in movies, etc. So I have no idea what the name of them would be or anything like that. I also want to find a (French) bakery that sells good savory pastries. Like a mushroom tart or an olive/onion mixture in puff pastry. I realize that most Amercians want something sweet for breakfast, which is why there are so many Danishes, muffins, etc. But I want something a little different - or a lot different. Anybody have any suggestions? Thanks for the help. -Greg

First of all, thank you to everyone for the information. It's helped a lot. When I was at the aforementioned restaurant, I was almost positive that Primitivo was indeed a grape not a region. But since I hadn't really researched it at the time, I didn't say anything. (And I did like the wine that was poured. Nice bouquet.) I also have a reason for not replying to all of you for a while. This past week, I have searched all of Atlanta for a Dover Canyon wine. To no avail. Mr./Mrs./Ms. DoverCanyon, are you guys in Atlanta right now? Sherlock's said that they could order something for me. But as I only want a bottle or two - for monetary reasons - I don't want them to have to order a whole case or more just so I get to taste it. No chance of a free sample from the winery is there? lol - just kidding Thanks again for all the info. -Greg

Maeve, when exactly are you going to be in Atlanta? Has it already happened? -Greg

My parents and I went to California somewhere around 1982. Being around 10 years old, I don't remember a lot of details from the trip. But we were driving around the country somewhere, maybe towards Vaccaville. We stopped at a small food/wine shop where we had a chocolate cheese. It wasn't a spread, like cream cheese, but it was very creamy - maybe the consistency of a firm mozzarella. Anyway, I was wondering if you've ever heard of anything like this - I've been trying to track it down for my parents ever since. Also, just in case you haven't heard of them, there is a nice little dairy down in Thomasville, Georgia called Sweet Grass. They make some pretty good stuff, and their cheeses have been featured in some of the better Atlanta restaurants. If you're curioius, go to www.sweetgrassdairy.com. Thank you for your participation in the Q&A and all the great information you've given us. -Greg

I love to play 'tour guide' so here's a few more suggestions. Although, you really really can't go wrong with Watershed. Scott's awesome, and so is his cookbook. Some other suggestions: http://www.agnesandmuriels.com - good food, bad parking http://www.gladysandron.com - chicken & waffles, because I assume there aren't many restaurants of that type in Canada http://www.paschalsrestaurant.com - a little history with your lunch http://www.marymacs.com - an Atlanta institution Out of these, Agnes & Muriel's would be my personal first choice. Gladys & Ron's is good, but somewhat of a one-note experience. And overall, I would still choose Watershed if you're wanting something Southern that fits in your six hour timeframe. My one 'upscale' option in case you have last minute changes would be Bacchanalia. <http://www.starprovisions.com> Incredible food. And you'd get to (window) shop at Star Provisions while you're there. At least visit the website to see their menu. Oh, and if you do end up in Decatur, there's a couple of places to hang out. Sage Tavern has a pretty nice wine selection, though I haven't been that impressed with the food. (And for other locals, an awesome jazz band, Earmail Trio, plays every other Wednesday night.) The Brick Store Pub is basically an English pub. And on July 1st a new beer law went into effect here that allows beers up to 14% alcohol - used to be 6%. Brick Store has some really awesome beers now - well even better than before. And the DeKalb Farmer's Market is great. A pretty good wine selection and great prices on just about everything. Oh!! Try to save a little room for a pastry from their bakery. They're dirt cheap, but they taste great. I really recommend going here - pastries or not. Hmmm. Sorry that all my suggestions are food - I guess that's just how my stomach, er mind, works. Hope you have a good time while you're in town. -Greg

Zinfandel is my favorite grape by far. And I read a while back that DNA tests had proven that Primitivo was the same grape (or Zin's father, can't remember). Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I ordered a glass of Primitivo in a local restaurant, and the bartender let me look at the bottle as I was drinking it. It didn't list Primitivo as a grape, but it did list five others. So I'm confused. Thanks for the help. -Greg