ATL BITE LIFE: Foodie News x Restaurant Reviews x Hip-Hop Attitude

Well Or Rare??: Black People vs Raw Meat

2013-03-11T13:40:00.000-04:00

Allow me to prefix today's post by saying that I've always considered myself to be somewhat of a social philosopher. I'd like to think that I'm a man of the world so to speak. I'm intrigued by social norms and abnormalities. I'm curious about cultural and religious differences. And, I'm absolutely fascinated by the contrasting thought processes of men versus women. But, this one trivial thing has always privately tickled me.

This weekend, while partaking in the Buckhead Restaurant Week festivities, I found myself sitting in the Palm Restaurant over by Lenox Mall. As is often the case in some of the more pricier restaurants in town, me and my companion found ourselves to be in the minority in terms of race (and age - we were definitely some of the youngest patrons too). While considering my order, I noticed that most of the tables around me were either ordering the steak or already had their sizzling piece of meat sitting on the table. So, when in Rome . . . I ordered the steak too . . . medium well.

Now, ordering a medium well steak wasn't out of the norm for me. That's my usual temperature selection. Actually, when I was younger, I used to order it well done. Damn near burnt. But, I remember a few years ago hearing someone say that having your steak prepared well done pretty much cooks all of the flavor out. So, I took it down a peg. But, as I've always noticed (and joked about amongst my friends), my more fairer-skinned co-diners, almost to a man (or woman), were opting for the rare or medium rare temps on this evening. WHY??

The obvious answer is simply individual preference. But, is it really that simple?? I mean, there's a chance that maybe me and my social circle are not the best test sample. However, we can't ALL be tripping, can we?? I don't think so. Based on the results of the super scientific surveys that I've conducted on my personal Twitter and Facebook pages, African-Americans don't seem to be too fond of bloody meat on their plates. What's the reason though??

Is it the blood?? Is there some kind of internal physiological difference in our taste palates?? Is it possible that we just don't know how to properly enjoy a good steak??

What do you think?? Leave your comments below.

Til we eat again.

Buckhead Restaurant Week 2013 (March 9-17)

2013-03-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

Buckhead Restaurant Week is here once again and it's time to eat!!! Starting tomorrow, and running thru next Sunday, some of the posh district's best dining options will be on display at a fairly deep discount. Absolutely perfect for all us budget ballers (notice that we included ourselves).

As with all Restaurant Weeks, each participating restaurant is offering a Prix Fixe menu (most of them are 3-courses: appetizer/salad, entree, and dessert) for either $25 or $35 per person. And this year, they're actually offering a $15 per person option. When's the last time YOU got a meal in Buckhead for that price?? Even if you aren't familiar with all of the restaurants involved, you know that you won't be able to get that price any other time in this area outside of this week.

They have plenty of participating restaurants this year. Many of them were featured last year but there are a few notable additions. In particular, Del Frisco Grille and Basil's. I will definitely be checking BOTH of those spots out. However, I am a little disappointed that one of my favorite restaurants, Shula's 347, isn't on this year's list. I love that place! But, you know what?? These Restaurant Weeks should be used to try something new. Not to patronize your usual digs at a cheaper rate.

Check out the full list of participating restaurants below with a few of our recommendations denoted in bold (*).

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

10 Degrees South
Aja*
Anis Bistro
Astor Court
Aria
Atlanta Fish Market
Basil's
Bistro Niko
Bricktops*
Buckhead Bottle Bar*
Buckhead Diner
Coast
Cook Hall
Dantannas*
Davios
Del Frisco's Grille*
Divan
Eclipse di Luna
F + B
Flip Burger Boutique*
Imperial Fez
Kyma
Modern
Mosaic*
Nava
Ocean Prime*
Palm Restaurant
Portofino
Pricci
Prime
Ruth's Chris
Seasons 52*
Seven Lamps
Southern Art*
Tantra*
Ted Montana's Grill
The Big Ketch
The Capital Grille
Watershed
Yebo

If you'd like to see each restaurant's RW menu, click on the Buckhead Restaurant Week logo above. Also, don't forget to LIKE Buckhead Restaurant Week on Facebook.

Til we eat again!

2NITE: Wet Willies 3rd Year Anniversary

2013-03-07T12:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight, we drink! The crew over at Wet Willies ATL is celebrating 3 years in the game here in the city with a slightly over the top soiree hosted by Takeo Spikes of the NFL's San Diego Chargers and the franchise's owner, former NFL player Carlos Emmons. This is where you need to be!

Follow Wet Willie's ATL on Twitter or LIKE Wet Willie's ATL on Facebook.

See you tonight.

Guess Who's Bizack!

2013-03-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

We know, we know. You don't even have to say it. We been slippin. In fact, slippin would imply that we was trying and doing a half ass job. Nah. We wasn't even doing that. We were out to lunch. Out to lunch for damn near 6 months. Smh. That's bad business.

We had our reasons. The main one - MONEY. You see, ATL Bite Life is a labor of love. This thing was started because we knew there was no one out here doing what we were doing. Who else has the interest in food AND the connections to the biggest and hottest Hip-Hop and R&B stars on the planet like us?? Not a nan nother (Mike Epps voice)! But, alas, this doesn't pay the bills . . . YET. I mean, sure, we've made a few bucks, gotten a few free meals, even had some really big meetings with some really important people. However, I still have to get in the trenches from time to time and get to the paper.

Somewhere along my paper route, I lost my way. ATL Bite Life became a job instead of a passion. It became harder and harder to wake up and post something. Kinda like that girlfriend you used to be so in love with. After a year or so, a few arguments, a little less sex and romance, those feelings turn to "ehh". That was me.

The new year brought some new energy though. No one on the web tried to duplicate our model (not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing). And, I saw a few promos for Atlanta Eats that kinda pissed me off. It's basically our show minus the cool factor. Go figure!

Either way, we're back for the crown this time. No layoffs, no mercy! New posts, new celebs, and even a few curve balls. Should be one hell of a ride. Enjoy!

*cues Young Jeezy - "Welcome Back"*

ATL BITE LIFE Cash Mob #2 at Stir It Up (July 17th)

2012-07-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

Join ATL Bite Life TOMORROW, July 17th from 6pm til 10pm for our second CASH MOB at our favorite Caribbean spot, Stir it Up (1083 Euclid Ave in Little 5 Points). This time, we're doing it for a good cause. A portion of the sales from this night will be donated to Athletes For Haiti and The Anacaona Foundation. Yes, they're STILL rebuilding Haiti.

Now, if you missed our previous event, you're probably wondering, "what is a "cash mob"?? Well, it's kinda like the more popular term "flash mob" except there's no dancing involved (*wipes forehead*). A cash mob is a group of people who assemble at a local business and all purchase items from that business. The purpose of these mobs is to support the local businesses and the overall community. In this case, I'm asking all my ATLiens to take a couple hours before you head over to Onyx, Pearl Lounge, or whatever you do on Tuesday night and come eat some jerk chicken and some rice & peas with the rest of the cool kids of the A. Let these kids have the night life. The grown and sexy rule the Bite Life!

So, I hope you save some room in your stomach tomorrow. That brown stew snapper isn't for the light snacker. I'm expecting to see ALL of you this time out. Tell a friend to tell a friend. The cool table keeps getting bigger and we're willing to pull up as many seats as needed.

For more information on Stir It Up, follow them on Twitter - @StirItUpATL - or LIKE Stir It Up on Facebook.

Also, if you missed the Episode 3 of ATL Bite Life where we stopped by Stir It Up with Def Jam R&B crooner Verse Simmonds, check it out below.

Happy Eating!

ATL BITE LIFE Welcomes Chicago's Harold's Chicken to Atlanta With Cash Mob TONIGHT!!!

2012-07-03T09:30:00.001-04:00

Join ATL Bite Life TONIGHT (Tuesday, July 3rd) from 8pm til midnight for our first ever CASH MOB at the brand new Harold's Chicken & Ice Bar at 349 Edgewood Ave in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood or, as we like to call it, The 4 (S/O to Slick Pulla). For those of you who don't know, Harold's is pretty much an institution in its' home base of Chicago, IL. Their whole wings (not wingettes like we normally do down here) coupled with their signature mild sauce is a hometown trademark that I know my Chi-Towners who now reside here in the A have truly been missing. So, it's only right that Hip Hop's Go To Restaurant Guide welcomes them to the city in proper ATL fashion.

Now, what is a "cash mob"?? It's kinda like the more popular term "flash mob" except there's no dancing involved (*wipes forehead*). A cash mob is a group of people who assemble at a local business and all purchase items from that business. The purpose of these mobs is to support the local businesses and the overall community. In this case, I'm asking all my ATLiens to take a couple hours off from bottle poppin' and section buying at the club to come go to town on some chicken wings and have a cocktail or two. There's no work tomorrow because of the holiday so we going in!

I'm expecting to see ALL of you tonight. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

For more information on Harold's Chicken & Ice Bar, follow them on Twitter - @ATLHaroldsChick - or LIKE Harold's Chicken & Ice Bar on Facebook.

Happy Eating!

CWPR Restaurant Week (June 23 - 30)

2012-06-25T10:30:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend, a new Restaurant Week began in the Metro Atlanta area. The CWPR Restaurant Week, presented by Caren West PR, kicked off its' inaugural celebration with 13 of Atlanta's best in town. Stretching from Buckhead (Genki Noodles, Tongue & Groove), to Midtown (Park Tavern, Cucina Asellina), to the Virginia-Highlands (Diesel, D.B.A. Barbecue), they're setting out Prix-Fixe meals from $15-35/person for lunch and dinner.

While the combination of restaurants from all over the city is a stark contrast to the usually neighborhood-centered format, I think this could be a pretty successful seven day vent. I mean, at the end of the day, it's all about the food. And, personally, I don't care WHERE it takes place as long as it's good. With places like the ones I mentioned earlier along with STK, The Albert, and P'Cheen involved, good is definitely not gonna be an issue.

For more information, LIKE CWPR Restaurant Week on Facebook or follow them on Twitter - @CWPR_RestoWeek.

Let us know if you make it out to any of the participating restaurants.

Happy Eating!

Crystal Nicole | Edible Musical Arrangements

2012-06-22T11:30:00.000-04:00

Being a foodie sure has its' advantages. Recently, I got a chance to sit down with some of the most beautiful ladies in the city and make them talk about something that I like - FOOD. This go round, I had the opportunity to chat up the beautiful, Grammy Award winning songwriter, Crystal Nicole (some of you may know her as Cristyle) about our favorite tasty tidbits from around the city. No doubt, she writes the songs that the whole world sings (Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body", Monica's "Love All Over Me" just to name a few). But, is this Eastside-Atlanta native really living the Bite Life?? Let's see.

ABL: You've written so many incredible songs for so many huge artists. Do you think you could write a jingle for your favorite restaurant here in Atlanta?? If yes, give us a sample of the lyrics.
CN: (Laughs) I'd LOVE to write a jingle!!! I can't give you a sample though cuz I may need to use it. But, I will say, I'd have to write the jingle while eating at the restaurant just so I could get some true inspiration (Laughs).

ABL: You wrote Mary J Blige's "25/8". Is there one food that you could eat 25/8??
CN: Probably the baked turkey legs from Justins (which unfortunately just closed). I loved the baked turkey wings because well, #1, I don't eat any other type of meat besides turkey and fish, so I don't have many options at restaurants. #2, they are amazing!!! The sauce and everything is on point!

ABL: If a guy wanted to make you feel like the "Only Girl In The World" (the Rihanna record you wrote which earned you that Grammy), what restaurant in Atlanta would he take you to??
CN: The Melting Pot! That's my favorite!!! The Melting Pot is great because you get to cook your own food. You can be creative with your food and get exactly what you want. Its a lot of fun and I think I have my plate down to a science when I go with friends and family.

ABL: Do you ever eat while you're in the studio working??
CN: I only eat after I feel like I'm doing something hot. It's like a little punishment I put myself on. No Heat No Eat! (Laughs)

ABL: I was told that you recently decided to hit the gym and get in better shape. When it came to your diet, what was the hardest thing to stay away from??
CN: Sweets!!! Banana pudding, pecan pie, and ice cream. Oh yeah, and BREAD. Bread is the devil I tell ya (Laughs)!

ABL: If you were gonna write a song with a sexy food title, what would it be called??
CN: "Legs And Thighs" (Laughs)

To find out when the next hit is on the way or to see who she'll be working with next, make sure you follow Crystal Nicole on Twitter - @1crystalnicole.

I think I'm gonna head on over to The Melting Pot.

Happy Eating!

That Sounds Delicious | 7 Hip-Hop and R&B Songs With Tasty Titles

2012-06-22T09:27:00.000-04:00

From day one, it has always been the goal of ATL Bite Life to successfully mesh the worlds of urban music and food. I mean, come on. Music and food go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, on this fairly warm summer day in Atlanta, I just felt like sharing some of my favorite food-themed songs that keep me humming and hungry. See if you know any of them.

Anthony Hamilton- Cornbread, Fish . Collard Greens

Nas - Fried Chicken (Feat Busta Rhymes)

Goodie Mob - Soul Food

Powered by mp3skull.com

Wu-Tang Clan - Ice Cream

Kelis - Milkshake

Happy Eating!

Where To Eat For Father's Day 2012

2012-06-15T14:45:00.000-04:00

Ok, we get it. Mothers are the ish!!! After years of watching athletes, actors, and musicians go out of their way to thank Mom for everything under the sun, we're not even mad anymore that Dad is, by default, an after thought. I mean, think about it. Has anyone ever introduced you to their Dad and Mom?? Nope! It's usually Mom and Dad. I don't even think I've seen a Fathers Day commercial on TV this year. Smh. In the famous words of Chris Rock, all Dads get is "the big piece of chicken".

So, in honor of "the big piece of chicken", ATL Bite Life wants to steer you in the direction of a good meal for Dad. The least you could do is feed the man after you give him that homemade card and that ugly tie.

Fancy Dad:
Ocean Prime - If your Dad is one of those who appreciate the finer things in life, steak and seafood might be the way to go. Ocean Prime is one of the newest additions to Buckhead and their menu is full of the best cuts and portions whether you love the surf or the turf. We have it on good authority from our boy Jeezy that this is place to be. Now that Justins is closed, I'm sure you'll be able to spot some of ATL's hip hop royalty in here. Depending on how old Fancy Dad is, this could be a good thing or a deterrent.

Family Dad:
Capers - This is ATL Bite Life's absolute FAVORITE restaurant in the city. Great food, great presentation, and a great atmosphere. Its' fancy decor still has a very comfortable, home-like feel. If you want to get Dad out of the house but don't wanna take him to the old faithfuls like Red Lobster or O' Charleys, this is the place to go. Their Sunday brunch is INCREDIBLE and their Hawaiian ribeye steak is better than the one at Houstons. I PROMISE that the whole family will enjoy it, especially Dad.

Hungry Dad:
Ray's On The River, at Killer Creek, and In The City -Nothing beats a buffet on Father's Day. The Ray's group of restaurants is offering their Sunday All You Can Eat smorgasbord to the Dads of ATL. It's All You Can Eat!!! Need we say more.

Sports Dad:
Stats - Yeah, it's Father's Day but there's still an NBA Finals game on this Sunday. To many men, this fact will trump anything holiday-related. If your dad happens to be a basketball fanatic, go grab him a jersey from the nearest Finish Line or Champs and then go plop down in a booth really close to a TV at Stats. Get him a beer and some of their barbecue pork ribs. This should guarantee your slot at the top of his Favorite Child list.

Dad With Kids On A Budget:
Shula's 347 Grill - If you happen to be counting pennies at the moment but you wanna get Dad something good, Shula's is offering to comp Dad's meal (lunch or dinner) if you buy something too. There must be at least 2 people in your party and the entree of equal or lesser value will be free. This place is located at the bottom of the Marriott Hotel in Buckhead across from Lenox and it has lots of TVs. Sports Dad might be happy here too.

Please make your reservations TODAY!!! I swear. If I get one call from a Dad that had to go to IHOP or Waffle House because you waited until Sunday after church to pick up the phone, I'm gonna come to your house and say really ugly things REALLY LOUDLY!!!

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!

By the way, I hate that picture of myself up top. If I'm not mistaken, I was sick that day. But, my daughters look beautiful in it so I did it for them.

Til we eat again.

Review: SOUTHERN ART & BOURBON BAR | The Soul of Buckhead

2012-06-13T11:30:00.000-04:00

Name: Southern Art & Bourbon Bar

Cuisine: Soul Food ($$$)

Neighborhood: Buckhead

Address: 3315 Peachtree Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30326

Phone: 404.946.9070

Website: http://www.southernart.com/

Menu: http://www.southernart.com/southern_art_dinner_menu2.html

As part of ATL Bite Life's Soul Food Month, I've been on a quest to discover some of the hidden soul food gems in the city. Funny thing about looking for "hidden" restaurants though. They're never actually hidden. You just don't know about them. Case and point, Southern Art & Bourbon Bar.

Interestingly enough, I'd been meaning to stop by this place for quite some time. I've actually mentioned Southern Art on this site a couple times. Once during Hotel Restaurant Week (it's attached to the Intercontinental Hotel) and once again back in February while it was one of the featured restaurants during Buckhead Restaurant Week. It was really just a matter of time before we stopped in. But then the perfect storm happened. Soul Food Month met a 50% off deal from Scoutmob. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!! And chicken is exactly what I had.

Southern Art's main dining room

Let's take it from the top. After parking in the main hotel deck and walking thru the gorgeous hotel lobby, I found my way over to the main entrance of the restaurant. Situated approximately 10 feet from a seemingly out of place ham counter (yes, a deli counter with pig carcasses hanging from the ceiling) was a pleasant hostess waiting to seat me. She pulled the curtain back to reveal a sprawling dining room and then guided me to my seat.

These paintings were hanging from the ceiling of the restaurant

The first thing that caught my eye was the kinda anitquey yet contemporary vibe of the restaurant. It was an understated fancy if that makes any sense. It wasn't overly impressed but it had an expensive "feel" that made me take notice. Also, there were these huge, colorful paintings hanging from the ceiling. There was one beautiful portrait of the Fox Theater that really caught my eye (see above).

Cheddar biscuits with pickled vegetables

But, I didn't come to see no art. I came to eat. Much to my surprise, my table was greeted with some hot cheddar biscuits. My first thought - this is very Red Lobster-ish. Lol. However, the pickled vegetables in a jar that came with the biscuits fancied it right up. Have you ever had cauliflower and carrots preserved in a jar of vinegar?? Yeah, me either. It tasted exactly like you'd think. Pass. But, those biscuits were INCREDIBLE!!!

Buttermilk Fried Chicken over mashed potatoes - $22

Then came the main entrees. First up - the Buttermilk Fried Chicken (half a chicken - a thigh, breast, and a wing). It was served over mashed potatoes with green beans and a few other veggies mixed in. Delicious!!! Very well seasoned, very juicy, very sizable portion. My African-American side came out as I attempted to ask my server for a breast and two wings like I was at Popeyes but I dialed it back to in accordance with where I was. Lol. This was extremely tasty though. I even had some left over for the next day. Super win!!!

Cornmeal Dusted Catfish - $21

Entree #2 - the Cornmeal Dusted Catfish. Let me admit, first, I'm not a huge catfish eater. I like it but it's rarely my first choice on a given day. I got it purely to keep within our Soul Food theme. But, I will say this - the Catfish was really good!!! It was draped over a very similar mix of potatoes and veggies and topped with bacon. Not bad at all. I guess my only negative would be that it was only ONE piece of fish. It wasn't filling to me but maybe, perhaps for a female, it would hit the spot. I did like it though.

Overall, I really enjoyed Southern Art and I think you will too. The food was good, the portions were decent, and the ambiance was perfect for date night. The only downside that I see, in particular for my urban audience, is the price and the portions. We all know that we could go get chicken and fish and vegetables from any soul food spot in the hood for $7 or $8. And, while Southern Art does not promote itself as a "soul food" restaurant, the touting of its' southern cuisine makes the comparisons a little easier to make.

Either way, I say grab your girl and head on over and check it out. If it's good enough for Oprah, it's probably good enough for you.

Til we eat again!

Grade: B

What's Great: Ambiance, Service

What Ain't: Price

Ideal For: Date Night, Formal Meetings

Gizelle XXX: Porn Stars Gotta Eat Too

2012-06-12T10:55:00.000-04:00

What do you do when you run a food site and you happen to have a friend that, in the course of a year, has become a nationally recognized AND award winning porn star?? You call her up and ask her questions about food and hope that the answers get sexual. Lol. About a week ago, I reached out to my homegirl Gizelle XXX and she did not disappoint. Check out my Q&A with the new queen of T&A.

Disclaimer: This interview has been edited in an attempt to not scare away our current readership.

ABL: Would you rather have great food or great sex??

Gizelle: I want BOTH! Great food followed by great sex. Is that too much to ask?

ABL: What would you consider to be the sexiest restaurant in Atlanta?? Why??
Gizelle: I think that Aja is a very sexy restaurant. I've been there on a few dates. The lighting and atmosphere easily set the mood for a night of passion. And, the food is AMAZING!

ABL: A lot of restaurants in the A have desserts or drinks called "Orgasms", "Better Than Sex Martini/Chocolate", etc. Is there really a food or drink out there that's really just as good or better than sex??

Gizelle: (Laughs) That's a hard question because I LOVE sex and I LOVE food! I definitely think that the Southern Fried Chicken from Cheetah (Alluvia) is better than sex!!!

ABL: What is your favorite food to order when you go out?? What restaurant in Atlanta serves that the best??

Gizelle: I'm greedy so I have a few favorites! I love Fried Lobster and Prime has the BEST Fried Lobster in the city. I'm also a big fan of crab cakes and stuffed chicken. When I got a taste for that, I head over to Ruth's Chris.

ABL: Is there anything that you WON'T eat??

Gizelle: Yes! There's actually a long list of things. I won't eat Ketchup, Onions, Oxtails, Lamb, Bleu Cheese, Pies, Sweet Potatoes, Squash, Shrimp Cocktail. The list goes on and on.

ABL: THOSE things bother you?? You realize you're a porn star, right??

Gizelle: (Laughs)

ABL: What's the worst thing you've ever put in your mouth at a restaurant??

Gizelle: The Corned Beef Hash from Paula Deen's restaurant. That was disgusting!!! Yuck!

ABL: REALLY?? Again, you do realize you're a porn star, right??

Gizelle: (Laughs)

ABL: Do you eat hot dogs?? If so, does size matter??

Gizelle: Yes! I love thick, juicy hot dogs. Size doesn't matter. I've had some average size hot dogs that were better than a foot long! (Laughs)

ABL: The saying goes "you are what you eat". What are YOU??

Gizelle: . . . . . I'll see ya later, Nick. (Laughs)

For the full, unedited interview, hit Gizelle on Twitter - @GizelleXXX.

www.XXXGizelle.com coming soon!!!

Happy Eating!

Justin's Closes; What Will You Remember??

2012-06-11T10:00:00.000-04:00

Today's gloomy weather seems quite appropriate for this morning's sad news. Another celebrity-owned restaurant in Atlanta bites the dust. Right in the middle of ATL Bite Life's Soul Food Month, popular Buckhead eatery Justin's has decided to close its' doors permanently. It was pretty obvious to anyone who was ever halfway a regular here that the clientele had began to wane over the years. However, it seemed, at least to me, that Justin's would always find a way to be one of the few urban mainstays within the upscale Buckhead district.

Honestly, I hate to see it go. Justin's is one of the last remnants of an era where Atlanta truly earned its' "Black Hollywood" moniker. Yes, many folks will only remember hit or miss soul food dishes and the infamous stories of Bobby Brown's nephew being stabbed by Baby Bleu back in '05 or when Tony Austin got shot in the parking lot during BET Weekend in 2010. But, to only tell that side does Justin's AND Atlanta a disservice.

I remember when Sunday brunch at Justin's was poppin! I remember doing some of the best networking of my life at Justin's on Mondays. I remember not recognizing Kim Porter (Diddy's baby mama) and carrying on a long conversation with her at one of the 3BG parties. I remember Core DJ Weekend in 2009 when Diddy's Bad Boy label came down and bought food and drinks for all the DJs while Akon, Cassie, and Red Cafe hit the stage and my man DJ Quote rocked it. I remember a couple of Young Jeezy's private birthday parties. I mean, I really had some good times at this place!!! I guess I'll have to drown my sorrow in a bottle of Ciroc.

So, today, spare me your stories of how your mac & cheese came out cold or how your service was slow. What was your BEST memory of Justin's?? I'd love to hear it. Leave your comments below or hit us on Facebook and tell us what you'll always remember about this place.

You can also bid your farewell to Justin's either on Twitter - @justinsatl - or on the Justin's Facebook page.

Til we eat again!

June is Soul Food Month

2012-05-31T12:15:00.000-04:00

Celebrate good times, come on (Kool & The Gang voice)!!! June is Soul Food Month and ATL Bite Life is gonna be going hard in the paint for the next 30 days. If you're worried about your beach body or you're a calorie counter, this might not be for you. The South is pretty well known for our down home cooking and the ATL is home to some of the best southern kitchens around.

So, here's the play. We're gonna be snapping pics and reviewing as many soul food spots as our stomachs can handle and we need your help finding out where to go. Sure, we know all of the usual suspects - Busy Bee, Chanterelles, Gladys Knight's, etc. But, I'm sure there's a spot in your hood that YOU think is crushing all of those. Tell us about it. There's a couple spots on the Eastside (Decatur where it's greater) that I KNOW ya'll don't know about that have some GREAT food!!! I'm definitely gonna put ya'll on.

Leave your comments below or hit us on our Twitter page or on our Facebook page.

I just checked Scoutmob and it looks like Southern Art is 50% off. I'm 100% certain that I'll be checking them out this month.

Let's eat!!!

You Gotta Try: YumDiggity

2012-05-29T09:30:00.000-04:00

If you’re a food truck fanatic like me, you’re already familiar with the Yumbii food truck. But, its seems like not enough of our Lifers are aware of their brick and mortar version over at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market near Auburn and Edgewood. Well, FYI, Yumbii has branched off and come up with YumDiggity, a not so average hot dog spot that's always there where you left it.

Now I’m sure you guys are wondering, what can be done to a hot dog to make it “not so average’’. Well, for starters, how about their Currywurst - an all beef dog atop of crispy fries with homemade curry ketchup sauce?? Or, what about the SoulDiggity - a hot dog topped with mac & cheese and collard greens (2 of my favorite things in life)??

If you’re a Plain Jane/Joe and the SoulDiggity or Currywurst is too much too fast, they also have all the familiar hot dog toppings like sautéed onions, peppers, homemade coleslaw, and chili. But, take my word for it, this is definitely worth a stop by the Curb. The gourmet-ness of YumDiggity is eerily reminiscent of HD1, which we didn't like, but the execution is everything we could ask for.

If you're downtown and you're in need of a quick bite to eat for lunch, we def recommend you pop in over here. For more info on YumDiggity, their menu, or hours of operation check out their Facebook page.

As always, until next time… Happy Eating!!!

You Gotta Try: POPCORN HAVEN

2012-05-25T09:30:00.000-04:00

Sitting outside Atlanta in 5 very suburban locations (Buford, Calhoun, Cartersville, Kennesaw, and Lawrenceville) are the sophisticatedly simple creations of twins Deon and DeRon Ragland. Their company, Popcorn Haven, small gourmet shops offering over 250 flavors of popcorn, has taken off since their first location opened in 2009 and they aren't looking backwards.

Deon and DeRon Ragland, owners of Popcorn Haven

Recently, I stopped by the Barrett Pkwy location in Kennesaw to see (and sample) what this thing was all about. My opinion - very interesting. I fancy myself as some what of a popcorn lover. At least I thought I was. Walking into the store can be slightly overwhelming at first. Close your eyes and think of one of those candy or chocolate stores you'd see in the mall. Now, replace all of that stuff with popcorn. Kinda cool but kinda weird, right?? There were literally barrels on top of barrels of popcorn.

Hundreds of flavors of popcorn

Well, the weirdness doesn't stop there. Once you start looking at the flavors, you will do one of two things. You'll either be instantly intrigued or instantly repulsed. I never even knew you could infuse these flavors into popcorn. Just look at the pics below.

Hot Wings, Chili, and Italian Sausage flavors of popcorn

How do you feel about Hot Wing flavored popcorn?? Not weird enough. What about Chili?? Italian Sausage anyone?? They've got Taco flavored popcorn. I'm sure you'll like that. Lol. Oh, and for you fruit lovers, they've got mango, sour apple, blueberry, grape, and pretty much every other flavor you could think of. I saw Cheesesteak, Strawberry Cheesecake, and even Loaded Baked Potato. Just amazing and ackward at the same damn time (Future voice).

Taco and Mango flavors of popcorn

The cool thing about Popcorn Haven is that they let you sample the popcorn while you're in the store. It was my understanding that they had a 5 flavor limit on sampling but you know ATL Bite Life got the juice so we went slightly over that number (closer to 20). What I realized is that many of the flavors really aren't that bad. The thing is, I don't think you could eat a big bag of any of it. Those flavors are just too much.

Loaded Baked Potato and Steak flavored popcorn

I definitely recommend that ALL of our Lifers stop by one of their locations and check their popcorn out though. The experience alone is worth the trip. At the very least you'll have a cool story to tell once you leave.

For more information on Popcorn Haven, visit their website - www.popcornhaven.com. You can also click here to Like them on Facebook.

Happy Eating!

What Chilli Wants To Eat in Atlanta

2012-05-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

I'm gonna let our female readers in on a little guy secret. Every man I know that grew up in the mid to late 90's, like myself, went thru phases where he was madly in love with all 3 members of multi-platinum super group TLC. When a guy was into partying and having a good time, Left Eye (R.I.P.) was the obvious choice for a companion. When money was tight and he was looking for that cool, ride or die chick to hold him down, T-Boz was the prototype for that. But, when all was right with the world and he wanted that gorgeous, Perfect 10 wifey, all signs pointed towards Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas - the "Sexy" in the Crazy, Sexy, Cool trio.

Well, I recently had the opportunity to awaken some of those old puppy love feelings and talk to the beautiful Miss Chilli. She's really bout that Bite Life for real!!! Almost, TOO bout it. Right when I was gonna look deep into her eyes and confess my 15 year infatuation with her, she mentioned that she liked WAFFLE HOUSE. Smh. Nobody's perfect, I guess.

Check out our brief Q&A to find out what else she's digging about the ATL dining scene.

ABL: When it comes to dining out in ATL, can you tell us exactly what it is that Chilli wants??

Chilli: I always want a healthy choice so I look for organic selections.

ABL: Most men would probably assume that you are more accustomed to the finer things in life. Especially when it comes to eating out. But, what "regular" restaurant do you find yourself eating at more often than not??

Chilli: I do like the finer things. Don't assume wrong, assume right (laughs). But, I like Waffle House. I always get the steamed hash browns, grilled chicken breasts with scrambled egg whites, and pickles on top. And there you have nice clean high protein meal from Waffle House.

ABL: During our inaugural season of taping for The ATL Bite Life Show, we wanted to interview you at one of your favorite restaurants. You chose Cottage, an Ethiopian restaurant which closed recently. Why did you like it so much??

Chilli: The food was just amazing. Seasoned well. No pork. It was delicious, I haven't had any Ethiopian food since the place closed. Why did you all have to remind me? :(

ABL: So, since Cottage is closed, what's gonna be your new favorite spot now??

Chilli: That's a good question. I can go with my old faithful R. Thomas. They never let me down. They have the best organic free range grilled chicken wings!!!

ABL: How many Chilli / "chili" jokes have you had to endure over the years?? How many were actually funny??

Chilli: There have definitely been alot and most of them are not funny. They tend to be very cornball-ish (laughs)

Review: WOODY'S FAMOUS PHILADELPHIA CHEESESTEAKS | We're Pheelin' It

2012-05-23T11:00:00.000-04:00

Name: Woody's Famous Philadelphia Cheesesteaks

Cuisine: Sandwiches

Neighborhood: Midtown

Address: 981 Monroe Dr. NE Atlanta, GA 30308

Phone: 404.876.1939

Website: http://woodyscheesesteaks.com

Menu: N/A

After months of hearing about this place, riding by it, and then finally seeing it pop up on Scoutmob, I decided to pop into Woody's Famous Philadelphia Cheesesteaks yesterday and check it out. SOOOOOOO glad I did. The service was fast and courteous and that sandwich was was one of the best I'd ever had!!!

Woody's in-store menu

Places like these are what prompted us to create ATL Bite Life. Small mom & pop shops nestled in cool metro neighborhoods serving incredible food. Woody's has quite a few things working in its' favor. First, it sits right on a busy Monroe Dr in between 9th and 10th St in full view of traffic. Piedmont Park is a hop, skip, and a jump away as well as Midtown Art Cinema and Grady High School. The other plus is that it stays open til midnight Sunday thru Thursday. Then, on the weekend, the place is open until 4am. All my Bite Lifers who are part of #TeamNoSleep or who just want to avoid Krystals or Waffle House after the club, THIS is the place to go!!!

Inside of Woody's

The inside of Woody's is fairly small. It almost puts in the mind of Ann's Snack Bar in terms of size. But, have no fear. There's a little more elbow room than Ann's with what I remember to be around 8 old-school vinyl booths. There's also a decent sized covered patio that allows for more seating. The biggest plus is that there's no old lady fussing at you to step outside or to get off the phone. Even with a reasonable line of people inside, the 3-person staff was cool, helpful, patient, and fast. I may have waited about 7 minutes for my food to come out piping hot.

Woody's patio

But, it's not the size of the building or the patio or even the service that's gonna bring me back to Woody's. I'm coming back for the cheesesteaks!!! Now, I usually get my cheesesteaks from Publix. I think I've been very clear on my stance that Publix has the best sandwiches around. However, I know that many people have pointed out that the bread there can be harder than you'd normally prefer. THIS is what makes Woody's version my new hands down favorite.

Woody's classic Philly cheesesteak - $6.45

The bread for their cheesesteak is soft and fluffy like it was prepared in the finest bakery. But, it didn't crumble or fall apart under the weight of the meat and toppings of the sandwich. And, believe me, I tested it. I asked that my sandwich be dressed down with EVERYTHING minus lettuce and tomato. I had mushrooms, banana peppers, jalapeno peppers, light mayo, and it already came with a filling amount of meat and cheese. INCREDIBLE!!! It was so good without being ridiculously greasy as you know cheesesteaks tend to be.

Honestly, the only downside that I could find with Woody's is that busy location. The traffic getting over to Woody's, especially on a weekend, could potentially make you say "F it" and just grab something else perhaps on Ponce. And, as with anything in the downtown/midtown area, the parking situation isn't great. On my count, I only saw 8 spaces and 2 of those were marked for handicapped persons.

Either way, if you're willing to brave Atlanta's stop and go and then potentially park down the street, the Philly cheesesteak at Woody's is WELL WORTH IT!!! Add some chips and a drink to it and then couple it with your Scoutmob discount and you'll REALLY feel like you got over. I know I'll be back and I'm hoping I run into some of our Lifers too.

Til we eat again!

Grade: A-

What's Great: Food,

What Ain't: Parking, Traffic in Area

Ideal For: Lunch, Late Night Dining

A Taste of the Highlands Starts TOMORROW (May 19)

2012-05-18T09:30:00.000-04:00

Attention, Lifers!!! The 10th Annual Taste of the Highlands goes down TOMORROW at John Howell Park Park (at the corner of Virginia and Barnett St) and YOU need to be there!!! From 2-5pm (another short "taste" like the one in Alpharetta), thousands of local foodies will descend upon one of the most popular dining districts in the city to experience the best this neighborhood has to offer.

If you don't have your tickets yet, you might wanna hurry up and scoop them ASAP. Word is, they're expecting to sell out on this event. And, with the 30+ restaurants that they have involved, I'm surprised it isn't sold out already. There are two participating restaurants in particular that I've been wanting to try - DBA Barbecue and Ecco. I'm thinking I may get my tix just to check these spots out. The full list of restaurants can be found here.

If you decide to check this event out, let us know. Leave comments and reviews of it below. We'd love to see pictures too.

Til we eat again, enjoy your weekend!

Creative Loafing Drink Week Starts TODAY (May 17-23)

2012-05-17T09:30:00.000-04:00

As my favorite time of year approaches, only one thing comes to mind . . . COCKTAILS!!! I mean, you have to admit, there's really no better way to celebrate the start of summer than with a little blissful inebriation. In honor of that, our amigos over at Creative Loafing are kicking off their 3rd Annual Drink Week TODAY and continuing it through next Wednesday (May 23).

For you newbies out there, I'll explain how it all goes down. Roving drinkers visit spots like Diesel Filling Station, Fernbank, and Harbour Bar & Fish House for good times and great drink specials. For some of you, this might sound like a normal Saturday night. Lol. But, for the rest of us, this is an opportunity to experience a fair amount of new concoctions at a discounted price.

Oh, and I would be completely remiss if I didn't tell you guys about the built in "hydrate and rest your liver'' day on 5/22. This means that your cocktail of choice should be WATER!!! Definitely a thoughtful touch from the organizers and sponsors.

I'm about 99% sure you guys will run into either me, Mach, or Nick (if not all of us) during Drink Week reppin' ATL Bite Life with drinks in hand. If YOU decide to get your drink on at some point during the 7-day celebration, let us know. Leave a comment below or tweet us.

For the complete Drink Week itinerary, click here.

Have fun, be safe, and enjoy!

Til next time . . . Happy Sipping! (Drink responsibly)

Jeezy Likes to Drink, Jeezy Likes to Eat

2012-05-16T12:00:00.000-04:00

So, not only has the Snowman taken my full beard and mustache look, now he reveals that he too is a foodie. Dammit!!! Can I have my swag back?? Lol. Just kidding.

During a rather random conversation last week at one of his recording sessions, multi-platinum hip-hop artist Young Jeezy told me that he has ALWAYS been into food and that he takes great pride in being up on the new hot spots in the city. He wouldn't reveal his absolute favorite restaurant for fear that I would tell the world and ruin his epicurean hideaway. However, he made it clear that he's not hard to find in the streets or the tweets when it comes to eating out. Jeezy is constantly being spotted out and twitpic'd around ATL with a full plate in front of him. But, where is the best place to run into Mr. 17.5??

ATL Bite Life has compiled a list of the Top 5 places that you're most likely to catch a glimpse of the thug motivator stuffing his face.

1. Spondivits (1219 Virgina Ave)
This shouldn't be much of a surprise to any true ATLien. Jeezy's almost a regular here. Since he's decided to rid his diet of red meat, he's taken to seafood as his favorite alternative. Crab legs - loves them!!! Oysters - you bet! Catfish and shrimp - not so much!

2. Justin's (2200 Peachtree Rd NW)
This is another non shocker. The southern style entrees, laid back ambiance, and endless supply of Ciroc (can't forget that) are like magnets to a hip hop superstar. Justin's seems to be more of a dinner meeting place for Jizzle though. That private dining area makes for the ideal place to hold court.

3. Chanterelle's (646 Evans St SW)

Soul food with a french fusion has never really been my cup of tea but Jeezy has long had a fondness for the West End eatery. Remember the classic line from "Trap or Die" - "Tryin me ni**a, that's your first mistake / Eat yo lil' ass up like a Chanterelle's plate". Admittedly, he hasn't been able to get by like he used to back in the day. But, we're sure that baked chicken calls his name from time to time.

4. do at The View (955 W. Marietta St)

According to owner Christian Ruffin, Jeezy has stopped by do at The View quite a few times since it's opening a little under a year ago. One special day last summer, the restaurant was opened up exclusively just for Jeezy to dine with hip hop mogul Jay-Z and Mayor Kasim Reed. The casual fly-ness of this place, which was recently voted as Atlanta's Hottest Restaurant, is a definite draw. I mean, where else in the city can you order your food on an iPad?? And, the food ain't bad either.

5. Uncle Julio's (1860 Peachtree Rd NW)

When Jeezy suggested that we meet on the patio of this Buckhead eyesore one Sunday afternoon, I must admit, I was more than surprised. But, when I tried the food, it made sense. Quality quesadillas and stiff margaritas are the main attraction here. And, the view from that patio, which sits right on Peachtree, isn't too shabby.

TM103: Hustlerz Ambition is in stores now!!!

Happy Eating!

Review: RED PEPPER TAQUERIA | Lots of Taq, Okay Walk

2012-05-15T09:30:00.000-04:00

Name: Red Pepper Taqueria

Cuisine: Mexican

Neighborhood: Emory

Address: 2149 Briarcliff Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329

Phone: 404.325.8151

Website: http://eatredpepper.com/

Menu: http://eatredpepper.com/fromthekitchen.htm

At Nick Love's insistence, I popped into Red Pepper Taqueria to grab a quick bite for lunch and see what this place was all about. I’ll go ahead and tell you guys now. This place is definitely more than just a taco spot. Upon walking in, I could instantly tell that a lot of thought and preparation went into this concept. From the colorful mural on the wall, to the numerous flat screen televisions throughout the building, to the Luchador (Mexican wrestler for the Spanish-impaired) head sitting the bar, to the tables equipped with their own draft beer system, this place just screams FIESTA!!!

Draft beer system at table

The brain power wasn't totally drained on the decor. There was also plenty of food and tequila. Red Pepper's menu consists of local, organic, all natural food. Everything is ordered and prepared fresh everyday. So fresh in fact that they don't even have freezers in the building. That's always a good sign. But, was the food good??

Well, it depends on who you ask. Or maybe just what you order. I took a few guests with me and the food seemed to be received with mixed results.

Jalapeno queso dip + chips

Once everyone devoured the jalapeno queso dip (everyone agreed that this was good), we placed our orders. I had the Fajita Skillet Trio with chicken, steak, & shrimp; all of which were cooked perfectly and seasoned very well. One friend ordered the Nachos Ole’ with shrimp which she definitely enjoyed. The organic-ness of the meal could definitely be detected. Yet, it was appreciated.

The Fajita Skillet Trio w/ chicken, steak, and shrimp

Nachos Ole' w/ shrimp

Everyone else ordered some variations of the tacos and quesadillas which seemed to fall flat with the group. According to them, it wasn't that anything was particularly bad but they'd definitely had better at places like Taqueria del Sol or Cinco. Oddly enough, the black beans got rave reviews.

The "El Duo" w/ Chicken + Fish tacos

Fajita quesadilla

The drinks also received kudos. Red Pepper offers over 100 different tequilas and 98% of the margaritas are handcrafted. It really doesn’t get much better than that!!! I ordered The Skinny, one of their most popular margaritas, made with fresh lime juice, Agave nectar, & Herradura Blanco. It was strong but refreshing so it worked perfectly for me. My friend had the frozen mango margarita and she liked it. It had to be sent back once because it tasted like straight mango syrup at the bottom of the glass. But, the second time was the charm.

Frozen mango margarita

TEQUILA!!!

Overall though, I definitely think Red Pepper Taqueria is worth checking out. There were a few hiccups in the road but the food and drinks are pretty good and the atmosphere is amazing. I’m sure you guys will love it. The only true downside is the traffic that can sporadically pop up in that area. Being located at a busy intersection and near a college (Emory) comes with several advantages and disadvantages. But, hey, what can you do??

Happy Eating!!

Grade: B-

What's Great: Decor, Tequila Options

What Ain't: Location (crazy traffic in the area)

Ideal For: Lunch, Dinner, or Watching A Game

The Top 5 Restaurant Patios in Atlanta

2012-05-14T09:30:00.000-04:00

It's summer time!!! Summer, summer, summer time (DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince voice). It's the time of year where you and your folks walk into a restaurant, look the hostess right in the eye, and say, "can we sit OUTSIDE?/". I mean, straight up, if you're sitting inside between April and June in Atlanta, you're losing on so many levels.

A couple of weeks ago, I told the good people over at Rolling Out Magazine what the best restaurant patios in Atlanta were. Now, I'm sharing it with you here on my site. Check out my selections (in no particular order and see if you agree.

1. Strip - 245 18th St NW #5100
On a Saturday afternoon, Strip's patio seems like the epicenter of Atlantic Station. Overlooking the community's "central park", there's no telling what you'll see during your meal. I've seen movies, flea markets, kids playing hopscotch, and the occasional relationship breakup.

2. Front Page News - 351 Moreland Ave, NE
FPN is one of the few restaurants in the city with a FULL patio. It has a full bar along with two, four, and eight-party tables. Secondly, the scenery is beautiful. The shrubbery and vines combined with that central fountain make for a very pleasant dining experience.

Lunch at Front Page News in L5P

3. Twist - 3500 Peachtree St NE
Twist is all about the people watching. It's located right at the main entrance of Phipps Plaza where the valet is set up. From your seat, you can see everyone pull up and the high end luxury vehicle that brought them.

4. Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft - 1745 Peachtree St NE
Tuk Tuk's patio sits 3 stories high right on Peachtree St where downtown and Buckhead meet. On a clear night, you can see the downtown skyline perfectly from your table. Their Lychee mojito is the perfect compliment to a summer sunset.

Overlooking Peachtree St from the patio at Tuk Tuk Tahi Food Loft

5. Stats - 300 Marietta St NW
A full bar, 2 huge plasma screens, fire pits, and a retractable awning make Stats easily one of the best patios in the city. And, how could you go wrong with views of the Westin Peachtree Plaza and sections of Centennial Park.

Honorable Mention - Cinco Mexican Cantian (Akers Mill Rd), The Renaissance Hotel (formerly the Palomar on W. Peachtree)

ATL Bite Life is Really Out There

2012-05-11T09:30:00.000-04:00

I don't wanna brag or anything but it seems like ATL Bite Life is kind of a big deal these days. The media was very kind to us this week. We saw articles in Rolling Out Magazine and Scoutmob pop up early this week and now THIS.

The lovely Lilly Lampe and I stopped by Grindhouse Burgers over on Piedmont a few weeks back and she interviewed me for her podcast radio show - Out There Atlanta. The food was really good over there and my answers to her questions weren't too bad either (humble much??). It's still a little weird to be the one people are talking to. I'm so used to being behind the scenes. It's definitely weird to hear my voice on tape too. But, I guess the word has to get out some way, right??

Click here to check out the full audio of the interview. You can also download it on iTunes by searching "Out There Atlanta". And, don't forget to stop by Grindhouse when you get a moment. That Cowboy Style burger is the bizness!!!

Til we eat again!

Taste of Alpharetta Is TODAY!!!

2012-05-10T11:45:00.000-04:00

Ok, Lifers. Just minutes ago, we found out about the 22nd Annual Taste of Alpharetta which begins AND ends TODAY. S/O to our boy Kurt!!! We wish we could've given you a little more advanced notice but I guess we weren't really in the loop on this one. Sorry. It happens from time to time though. Bare with us.

I do find it a little odd though that an area like Alpharetta, which most Atlantans would consider to be one of the more affluent areas of the city, is doing a Taste event on a THURSDAY for just 5 hours (5pm-10pm). They might wanna rename this thing Tidbit of Alpharetta. By the time anyone could make it up US 400 in that dreaded mid-week rush hour traffic, you'll only have about 30 minutes to cram whatever you happen to be near in your mouth. Maybe I'm trippin' though.

If you do decide to head that way, let us know. It's going down in downtown Alpharetta and they have over 60 participating restaurants and vendors. Click here to view the full list. There are way more chain restaurants participating than we'd personally care to see BUT good, inexpensive food is never bad at any time.

Happy Eating!