Five years ago our son, Andrew married this lovely lady, Shelley. To honor their anniversary we took them to dinner at one of our Top 5 - Atlanta Dining Destinations...4th & Swift.
As you will notice in this photo, the dining room of the restaurant has an urban industrial look. Interestingly, this building was once the mechanical room for Southern Dairies. 4th & Swift is certainly a "higher purpose" for this place with humble beginnings. (And now do you get the music?) It's also quite a drive from our home (my husband likes to say he's "Driving Miss Lizzy")...and trust me, it is definitely worth the trip!The restaurant is located in the Old Fourth Ward which was created in the 1870's under the old city ward system. Although city government moved from wards to districts in the 1950's, for residents the neighborhood name remains a source of pride. The Old Fourth Ward is famous as the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King as well as the location of Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Sweet Auburn District.
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| http://www.4thandswift.com/ |
We started our evening with delicious cocktails, wine, beer and the most wonderful yeast rolls. 4th & Swift has a reputation for their excellent selection of seasonal specialty cocktails. I admit that I haven't enjoyed every one I've tried here but on this particular evening my drink was amazing. (So, I had 2!) Pictured above left in the flute glass, this drink was called "Nervous Bride." A delightful concoction of Vodka, Cocchi Americano, Raspberry Syrup, Kumquat Tincture and Prosecco. Guy really enjoyed a craft beer called Stone Indian Pale Ale ("huge Hop aroma and flavor with a long, crisp finish - 6.9% alcohol") while Andrew ordered his usual (Maker's and Coke). In her life before full-time motherhood, Shelley worked in the wine industry, so she enjoyed a Mauritson 2009 Red Zinfandel, from Clay & Carrie Mauritson's winery...a vintner she actually knows.
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| "Three Little Piggies" |
This is the signature dish from chef/owner Jay Swift and my dinner for the evening. I mean, what could be better? Pork, prepared 3 ways (pork belly, sausage and tenderloin) served on a bed of creamy grits with pickled grapes, baby spinach and chicharron "popcorn."
(I intend to try something new each time we dine here...maybe next time.)
This is an extraordinary plate of culinary delight!
The offerings from the kitchen change daily, weekly and seasonally based on the quality and availability of ingredients and seasonal tastes. Highlighting the current menu are favorites such as: "Kippered" Wild Salmon, Tybee Island Shrimp Ceviche, Pan Roasted "Poulet Rouge," and "Three Little Piggies." Their website states that each day the menu is set at 4:00 pm and invites you to call after that for the evening's menu.
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| Wood Grilled Harris Ranch NY Strip I admit my "low light" photography needs some work; but I believe you can see enough in these photos to know we all had a marvelous meal without a single culinary misstep. 4th & Swift offers two menus at dinner: a Market Menu and a Seasonal Menu. Guy's NY Strip was from the Market Menu. He declared it "perfectly prepared." And it must have been delicious because my husband ate the turnip greens and grilled ramps! And all of this was resting on a bed of Sea Island Red Peas with Harissa. |
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| Wood Grilled Grass Fed Bistro Steak |
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| Bramlett Farms Rainbow Trout |
The "Bride & Groom" ordered from the Seasonal Menu partaking in the Rainbow Trout and Bistro Steak. Shelley's trout was served with herbed gnocchi, fava beans, pea tendrils, garlic chips and a warm vinaigrette of fines herbs. I think this was the most EYE-pleasing plate at the table. Andrew's steak was leaning on a Valdeon blue cheese-potato "truffade" topped with butter poached baby carrots and a balsamic jus. (SLAP THE TABLE GOOD!)
The restaurant offers Small Plates and Large Plates on both of their menus. On this particular evening we skipped the small plates in order to indulge in the incredible desserts here. But on other visits we have enjoyed delectable soups (Chilled English Pea) and Heirloom Tomato Salads...(grown right on the patio!)
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| Dessert Selections |
Would you believe these dishes are so delicious their "aura" blurred the photos? It's possible! Just wait until you try them before you judge my photos. On the left, Guy had the "Chocolate Nest" (Valrhona 64% Chocolate-Pistachio Ganache, Mango Sorbet and Chocolate Crumble.) Center is Shelley's "Hot Date" (warm English Sticky Toffee Pudding with Sweetened Mango Cream) and on the right, Andrew had "Sugar Daddy" (Valrhona Caramelia Cream Cake, Hobbs Bacon with Founder's IPA Ice Cream.)
And I saved the best for last...
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| Duck 'N Donuts |
La Belle Farms Foie Gras Ice Cream, Roasted Strawberries, Vanilla Creme Fraiche with Donuts
You know the saying "Don't knock it until you've tried it"
I think it comes from Foie Gras Ice Cream!
(Honestly, it tastes like the richest, creamiest vanilla ice cream...EVER!)
Our compliments for these innovative and delectable desserts to:
Pastry Chef Chrysta Umberger
So you will not be surprised to know that ...
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| http://www.4thandswift.com/index.htm |
4th & Swift rates:
4 slaps of table = Very Enjoyable!
You will want multiple visits.
(Awkward service will cost you!)
Details for you:
4th & Swift
621 North Avenue NE
Building B
Atlanta, GA 30308
678.904.0160
Sunday Brunch 11:00 AM until 2:30 PM
Sunday Dinner 5:30 PM until 9:00 PM
Monday – Thursday 5:30 PM until 10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday 5:30 PM until 11:00 PM
Sunday Dinner 5:30 PM until 9:00 PM
Monday – Thursday 5:30 PM until 10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday 5:30 PM until 11:00 PM
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