A Victory For Sandwiches In Inman Park [First Impressions]

Let’s assume for a second that you have yet to step foot inside of Victory Sandwich Bar, the 9-month old bouncing baby Inman Park sandwich shop.  If you find yourself in that unfortunate group of people, I have a suggestion: Lie and say you have.  That’s right.  I said it and I meant it. I’d …

Tartufo Pizzeria Review – Buckhead, Atlanta, GA [First Impressions]

Subtly tucked into a corner next to Buckhead’s year-old La Fourchette is Tartufo Pizzeria.  Since we first heard about Tartufo back in late May, the pizza parlor has grown from an abstract idea into a concrete and fully operational business. As the name suggests (tartufo means truffle in Italian), Tartufo is yet another addition to …

HD1 Brings Trendiness To The Hot Dog [First Impressions]

Most people who visit HD1, Atlanta’s newest hot dog concept, will not have any misgivings as to the type of things they will see, touch, and taste while inside.  Few, if any, will expect a classic American meal as by now, proprietor Barry Mills and celeb chef Richard Blais are well known for their culinary …

A Tale of Two Cheesesteaks

The Mad Italian vs. Slack’s Restaurant & Bar Nearly every longstanding dish from here to Ouagadougou is subjected to hotly contested disputes regarding everything from its traditionalism to its overall quality.  Be it American classics like burgers, Italian staples like Neapolitan pizza, or even steaming bowls of the Vietnamese comfort food phở, these are the …

Supermercado Chicago Taqueria Review – Doraville, GA [First Impressions]

Atlanta’s outskirts, particularly around Buford Highway, are covered by Mexican grocery markets that double as quick hit taquerias.  I’ve visited a number of them and little excites me as much as a walk through an instantaneous culture shock.  Supermercado Chicago, known to us gringos as Chicago Supermarket, is one such window into Mexican culture and …

No. 246 Restaurant Review – Decatur, GA [First Impressions]

“Luck is the residue of opportunity and design. – Branch Rickey” If it isn’t already, No. 246 (say it like it’s an area code) seems poised to be the next “it restaurant” in Atlanta and Decatur.  While co-owner and executive chef Drew Belline mans the kitchen and his partner Ford Fry does the business stuff, …

Cibo e Beve Restaurant Review – Sandy Springs, Atlanta, GA [First Impressions]

Hot on the heels of Double Zero, Cibo e Beve has landed in Sandy Springs.  Yet another take on Italian food, Cibo and D0 give Sandy Springs not one, but two Italian restaurants attempting to appeal to the more food conscious and palate sensitive diner. The restaurant is headed by executive chef Linda Harrell and …

Smashburger Restaurant Review – Buckhead, Atlanta, GA [First Impressions]

The burger’s answer to the Rice Krispie just landed in Atlanta.  While Snap, Crackle, and Pop serve as tripped out figments of my imagination, Buckhead’s Smashburger insists that we are all witness to smash, sizzle, and savor their flat-topped burger offerings. Already at two metro locations with a third one on the way (though still …

One Eared Stag Restaurant Review – Inman Park, Atlanta, GA [First Impressions]

When my buddy and I first stepped through the emblazed upon glass door at Inman Park’s One Eared Stag, I must say that it was not without both cat-like curiosity and tentative trepidation.  I try not to clutter my mind with lots of advanced research.  In this case, the most important odd and end is …

OMG Taco Restaurant Review – Little Five Points, Atlanta, GA [First Impressions]

As long as I’ve been around, Little Five Points has never really been known as a culinary destination.  This notwithstanding the good number of eateries sprinkled up and down Moreland Ave.  But before you stand up and scream foul, I’m not saying that there aren’t places with strong support from we who chow with fervor.  …