Celebrate 9 & Dine

Nine years ago our daughter, Rachel, married this handsome gentleman, Troy.  For their anniversary we took them to Woodfire Grill in Atlanta.  They had seen the owner/chef on an episode of "Georgia Traveler" on public television and asked if we had ever tried his food.  You've probably seen Kevin Gillespie on television as well; he was a finalist on Top Chef - Season 6.  So I made a reservation using Open Table with our special requests and we set off to Celebrate 9 & Dine!

Upon arriving , we were seated in a private alcove just two steps above the main dining room.  At each of our places was a custom made menu entitled "Happy 9th Anniversary" and all but 2 of the selections on this menu were Gluten Free!  Seven years ago, Rachel was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and since then we are delighted to find dining establishments that offer delicious GF items on their menu. On this night, it seemed Chef Kevin specially planned and prepared these culinary works of art just for our party!

Our evening started off with drinks and a delectable amuse-bouche of macerated strawberries.  (Sorry, there is no photo because it was only one bite on a lovely white porcelain spoon and by the time I got the camera everyone had swallowed it!)  The ladies had cocktails and the men had beer.

The menu at Woodfire Grill offers three courses Ala carte and two Chef's Tasting menus.  One 5-course (which can be vegetarian or pescatarian on request) and one 7-course Grand Tasting menu.  As in all of the fine dining establishments we have experienced, the tasting menus require full participation from the table.  Fortunately, the "Bride & Groom" wanted to choose from the custom made anniversary menu so, we got to see and taste all 11 dishes on our menu. Now our first course -

Rachel chose the Sweet Corn Soup (left) with peekytoe crab, toasted coconut, calabrese chile and cilantro.  Troy had the Local Baby Lettuces (center) with pickled cucumber, lady peas, cornbread croutons and sugar snaps topped with buttermilk dressing and local early cheddar.  While the parents of the bride had the Fried Green Tomato (right) with poached blue foot shrimp and avocado served on bacon-hot sauce aioli and micro celery.  I ask you - have you ever seen a prettier Fried Green Tomato? I didn't think so...

For our second course, I chose the Crispy Pork Terrine (left) with chili and lime pickle, mint chutney and pickled watermelon salad.  The "Groom" had the Pan-Roasted Carolina Trout (center) with brown butter, mustard greens and cranberry and snap pea succotash.  And Guy chose the chef's signature dish, Wood Grilled Pork Belly (right) with bacon spices, brussel sprout coleslaw, carrots and scallion.  All of these plates were beautifully constructed and marvelous, but Rachel's plate of Caramelized Mushroom Risotto with sherry vinegar, wild mushrooms, Parmesan cheese and chives was by far the most delectable.  (But it was not photogenic at all.)  If you saw the photo you would not want to eat it and you DO want to eat this!

For the third course, the "Groom" had Wood-Grilled Berkshire Pork Loin

with porcini braised potatoes, local watercress and charred onion salad.

The " Bride" chose the Pan-Seared Wild Alaskan Halibut

with lady peas, dill butter, potato emulsion and local chicory.

I enjoyed the Wood-Grilled Hudson Valley Duck Breast

with roasted hakurei turnips, puree of roasted beets, white beech mushrooms and pickled onion.

(It was divine!)

And the "Father of the Bride" chose the Chile Rubbed Natural Angus Beef Striploin

with cumin-orange vinaigrette, wood oven snow peas, radishes and brussel sprouts.

Earlier I spoke of the Executive Chef that intrigued us enough to travel to Cheshire Bridge Road just to eat at his restaurant...now let me tell you another reason, Brittany Emerson, pastry chef!  She was responsible for the indulgent sweets pictured above.  On the far left is Chocolate Cream Pie, which Guy declared the best he had ever tasted.  Chocolate Cinnamon Custard with Coffee Caramel, Cinnamon Meringue and Pistachio Brittle - seriously!  Next, Key Lime Pie - Frozen Lime Mousse with Toasted Ginger Meringue, Rose-Raspberry Anglaise on top of a Gingersnap Cookie - Troy said it was unlike any Key Lime Pie he'd ever had.  Third - yes that's BACON on top of my dessert - Banana Pain Perdu with Vanilla Ice Cream, Salted Caramel, Banana Cream Anglaise and Candied Bacon.  And finally a Mixed Berry Bavarian Cream prepared especially for Rachel, since all the other desserts on the menu contained flour.  And when you have dessert here be sure to have the coffee prepared in a French Press.  It was a dessert by itself - not that I just had the delicious coffee!

 

We thoroughly celebrated Rachel & Troy's 9th Anniversary!  And Rachel even joined in the tradition of securing the chef's autograph on her custom made menu (she got the pastry chef's, too) and I snapped this photo of Kevin Gillespie surveying his dining room from his open grill kitchen.  So, the verdict is...

5 slaps of table = EXTRAORDINARY!

YES...YES...YES...YES...YES!

Some of you may be wondering why only 5 slaps of table after reading this glowing review.  Let me explain...Woodfire Grill is in a most undesirable section of Atlanta (in our opinion) and while the service was friendly and accommodating it was not the type of service (formal) you receive in a restaurant with similar prices.  Woodfire Grill is definitely a Special Occasion place for us.  (I wish the couple with the noisy 2 year old just outside our alcove understood that - apparently they have more money than sense!)  Yes, I am holding the restaurant responsible for that intrusion on our dinner - we've dined in many places where children under 12 are not allowed in the dining room - honestly, that's what babysitters are for!  At any rate, we strongly recommend this restaurant for your next celebration.

http://www.woodfiregrill.com/

 

Details for you:

Woodfire Grill

1782 Cheshire Bridge Road

Atlanta, GA 30324

404-347-9055

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday - Thursday:
5:30pm to 10:00pm

Friday - Saturday:
5:30pm to 11:00pm

Reservations

The Grateful Fed

http://www.rosebudatlanta.com/

Named in homage to Jerry Garcia's favorite guitar, Rosebud is our favorite restaurant to introduce our friends to on special occasions!  When we take folks out for a unique dining experience we like to take them somewhere they've never been and it has to be delicious.  After all, we have a reputation for knowing how to pick 'em!  And although we might be celebrating an anniversary or a birthday this is not a "special occasion only" restaurant.  In fact, it is a great neighborhood eatery (if you live in the neighborhood of Morningside) and if you don't...it is well worth the trip!  The service is always relaxed and friendly but not overly so. 

Chef Ron Eyester is the owner and his gregarious personality is reflected in his cozy restaurant.  The dining room is warm and inviting while the bar offers suitable seating for parties of 1 to 12.  There are even small private spaces to host an event if you so desire.  But the "event" we love the most at Rosebud is Monday Night Brunch.  Because there is nothing like breakfast for supper.  It is a known fact that pancakes taste better after dark!  We have taken 3 of our favorite couples to Monday Night Brunch at Rosebud to celebrate a happy occasion in their lives...

 When you visit Rosebud, you will be a "Fed Head" like all of us!

Now, we have also enjoyed lunch and dinner at this marvelous restaurant but our favorite by far is the brunch menu.  If you are not a fan of breakfast foods (what?) Rosebud also offers their regular dinner menu as well.  I believe the following photos might convince you...

Warm Mushroom and Country Ham Bruschetta

Peekytoe Crab Cake Benedict

Fried Chicken & Waffles 

All Monday night brunch features on this menu with a sense of humor!

(I think my photos are getting better...thanks, SARA!) 

When you go you must ask your server about...

The Big A#$ Biscuit!

(each Monday night this huge biscuit is stuffed with the freshest local ingredients the Chef can get)

Fried Green Tomato, Bacon & Egg Big A#$ Biscuit

Diners with us have also enjoyed the Bacon Cheeseburger Frittata (oh my!) and The Ultimate Pancake (really a pancake pannini filled with smoked bacon, sausage & scrambled egg - yes, indeed) and Joey Buttafuoco's Omelette (local Italian sausage, fried mozzarella, banana peppers & smoked tomato sauce - Manga!) 

And I love to have a Mexican Coke to accompany my meal...Coca Cola sweetened with cane syrup, instead of corn syrup.  This is the Coke from my youth!

Rosebud offers a selection of "grown-up sodas" as well as a varied choice of bottled beers.  And they have a reputation for their delicious Bloody Mary.  In fact, you can buy their housemade Bloody Mary Mix when you visit.  The bar staff here loves to use local ingredients in creative ways; such as housemade infuses (strawberry vodka), fresh pressed juices (carrot, lemon, cucumber) and surprising ingredients (maple syrup).  You will also find a small, somewhat obscure list of wines available by the glass or bottle.  We always find something new to try at a very affordable price.

 

Guy loves the Kobe Burger here, although he calls it the "Gus Burger"?  Evidently while Guy was attending the University of Virginia the most wonderful thing to eat in Charlottesville was a big, juicy burger with a fried egg on top.  Lately, we have noticed many restaurants offering their own version of a "Gus Burger" (of course you can have it without the egg - but why?)

Except for Saturday, each night of the week has a "Special."  I've already shared Monday Night Brunch in this post but you might prefer these:

•  Tuesday night:  Chopped Summer Salad (I'm sure Autumn will bring a new special)
•  Wednesday night:  Chinese Fried Chicken & Rice (Guy enjoyed this one)

• Thursday night:  Spaghetti & Lobster Meatballs
• Friday night:  Peekytoe Crab Cakes
• Sunday night:  Local Pasta & Sunday Gravy and Bottomless Chianti

As for lunch, this is a great place to meet our friends that live on the south side of the city.  (Thanks, Cindy D!)  Rosebud's lunch menu includes $14 Blue Plates that mimic the nightly specials listed above, with the addition of an Oyster Po'Boy on Mondays.  Sorry, I don't have photographs of the 2 other "favorites" on the menu; you will just have to take my word for it...or Scott's, that the Mussels (with Champagne-Orange butter and fresh herbs) & Housemade Fries are delectable and the Buttermilk Fried Springer Mountain Chicken is delicious as well.

Am I forgetting something?  Oh, yeah...dessert!  I think it's worth the 35 minute drive to Rosebud just for the Chocolate Pudding...seriously!  Fortunately there are lots of other wonderful things to eat and drink here so I don't have to make the trip just for pudding, but I would!

Scrumptious housemade chocolate custard topped with butter brickle and a dusting of powdered sugar!  And if you are one of those rare people who does not care for chocolate (again I say...what?) there are plenty of other simply delicious desserts like Cream Cheese Pound Cake, Drunken Cherry Bread Pudding or Mexican Coca Cola Cake!  There is even an exclusive ice cream flavor made for Rosebud by High Road Craft Ice Cream in Roswell:  Chocolate-Peanut Butter & Pretzel...I would not make this up!

Of course, you will NOT be surprised that Rosebud rates:

4 slaps of table = Very Enjoyable!

You will want multiple visits!

Details for you:

Rosebud

 1397 N. Highland Avenue Atlanta, GA 30306
404.347.9747

Dinner is served from:

5:30pm to 10pm
Monday – Thursday

5:30pm to 11pm
Friday & Saturday

5:30pm to 9:30pm
on Sunday

Brunch is served from:

10am to 3pm
on Saturday

10am to 4pm
on Sunday

5:30pm to 10pm
on Monday

Reservations

So Let it be Written...So Let it be Done

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Ten_Commandments

In Cecil B. DeMille's 1956 movie, "The Ten Commandments," the Pharoah (Seti I) casts Moses out of the royal family and Egypt with this quote:

"Let the name of Moses be stricken from every book and tablet.  Stricken from every pylon and obelisk of Egypt.  Let the name of Moses be unheard and unspoken, erased from the memory of man, for all time.  So let it be written, so let it be done."

For years, we have used our own version of this quote when we encounter a bad dining experience.  It goes something like this:

"Let the name of (insert restaurant) be stricken from every obelisk and dining list in our civiLIZation.  Let the name of (insert restaurant) be unheard and unspoken, erased from any credit card statements and our memories, for all time.  So let it be written, so let it be done."

Since 2008, we have dined here on several occasions (when Guy just had to have pizza) but our most recent visits have proven to be, at best...disappointing and at most...DISGUSTING. 

First and foremost - the place was dirty.  The health code score was not posted.  And several tables were not bussed for what appeared to be hours.  This is a huge red flag for me. 

We each had salads and shared a pizza.  Two of the female servers were wearing flip-flops!   I think there is actually a law about open-toed shoes in a restaurant kitchen - or there should be!  And if you are going to wear them... PLEASE get a pedicure !

But the final straw occurred as we waited for our check to be cashed out.  We watched an employee come in the back door from his break, flip his cigarette in the trash can and immediately walk into the kitchen and prepare pizza dough...without gloves!  As our grandson would say,

"That is YUCK!"

This restaurant doesn't even rate:

 1 slap of  table = Faking it! 
 Absolutely no desire to return.

(Your hand would get dirty anyway!  So NO slaps for you!)

Let the name of Diesel Pizza be stricken from every obelisk and dining list in our civiLIZation.  Let the name of Diesel Pizza be unheard and unspoken, erased from all credit card statements and our memories, for all time.  So let it be written, so let it be done.


As you can see, we are in need of a new restaurant to satisfy our pizza cravings.  Any recommendations?  Post a comment below, with your suggestions.


**One more note about the movie.  Back in 1956 while marketing this movie, Cecil B. DeMille donated hundreds of marble tablets with the 10 Commandments inscribed on them to municipal buildings throughout the country.  Imagine, all that uproar over the years has been about a promotional movie poster!**

Lunch in our Village

http://ficklepicklecafe.com/

In our village of Roswell, there is a wonderful cafe in a Victorian cottage built in the late 1800's.  (Now this a good use for a historical building!)  The Fickle Pickle offers old-fashioned Southern dishes with a modern twist.  And you can enjoy all of these comfort foods in a down home atmosphere...(really, it was someone's home long ago).



You need to know that this is an extremely popular place for the "ladies who lunch" and unless you go early (11 am) or late (2 pm) you will wait in line for the counter service here.  (Not to mention a parking place.  Park at Founder's Hall and use an orange flag to cross the street...just like Ketchum, Idaho!)  With that being said, the staff here handles a lunch rush effectively and cheerfully; besides it is definitely worth the wait.  The menu pictured above is available all hours of the cafe.  As for dinner, Fickle Pickle adds on gourmet burgers and mac-n-cheese bowls.  (See below)  Notice on the menu board the ratings for the burgers.  They use napkins; I use slaps of the table!

And did I mention the homemade desserts?

Guy is torn between the Frosted Oatmeal cookie and the Red Velvet cupcake...while the Chocolate Ginger cookie (made with fresh ginger) is my favorite.  But before dessert, you have to eat a good lunch!  (At least, that's the rule for our grandsons.)

And believe me, this is a very good lunch.  I enjoyed a Brie BLT - brie cheese, bacon, arugula, tomato jam, onion, arugula & basil mayo on grilled sourdough bread.  Yes, indeed...with a Caesar salad on the side.  Guy had the special sandwich of the month, a Philly Cheesesteak...which besides the thinly sliced beef included grilled peppers and onions with mayo and provolone cheese on a Hoagie roll.  Of course, I had Sweet Peach Tea with my lunch.  The signature dish at Fickle Pickle is Fried Cajun Pickles.  You will not be able to eat just one...(if you like pickles, that is) and they are served with Creole Remoulade Sauce for dipping.  (SLAP THE TABLE GOOD!)

We sat inside one of Fickle Pickle's cozy dining rooms.  Most patrons prefer the charming patio (we're in Atlanta, after all) but we honestly don't get the fascination with outdoor dining.  All the artwork in the cafe is on loan from local artists and for sale.

A note to parents: Fickle Pickle has a nice menu for the "Little Gherkins."  (The owner, Andy Badgett and his wife have 5 kids!)  And the kids eat dinner for free on Tuesday nights.

And The Barn at Fickle Pickle is available for special events.  We hosted our Leap Year Anniversary Party here.  The staff was incredible and turned the place into a "Sweet 16 Diner" for our themed party.

Fickle Pickle makes our list of Best Bunch for Lunch and receives:

4 slaps of table = Very Enjoyable!

You will want multiple visits!

When you go, be sure to sign up for the Loyal Pickle Club Card and tell them you read all about it on:

http://compleat.blogspot.com/

Details for you:

The Fickle Pickle

1085 Canton Street

Roswell, GA  30075

770.650.9838

Monday  11am - 3pm

Tuesday - Saturday  11am - 9pm

Closed on Sundays

4th & Swift for their 5th

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.

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.

                                                                                 

"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. 

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.

 

Wood Grilled Grass Fed Bistro Steak

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!)

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...

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

The only drawback to our evening was the service.  Our waiter was an "over-server" and his efforts were annoying.  I am not amused when a server touches me...after all we've only just met!  On a related note, it must have been a very busy night in the kitchen.  On all of our previous visits Chef Jay Swift has visited our table; but not this one.  (I am always impressed when a chef takes the time to greet their guests.) 

So you will not be surprised to know that ...

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

Reservations