The Blissful Glutton

Man Doo: Duluth

2008-07-22T12:41:00.006-04:00

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Moon and I went to go grab some Korean fried chicken at Ma Lul Ha Lu only to find that there had been a change in ownership and concept although they are still serving the fried chicken I raved about after my first visit. The new owners have updated the space a tad and it felt a bit more posh. The chef came to our table after we asked the waitress about the change. He told us he used to make the Korean dumplings at The Buford Highway Farmers' market so we had to order some along with our fried chicken.

Kimchee dumplings pictured with the accompanying pickled daikon and kimchee cabbage: The dumplings had very delicate skins and the filling was tasty although we found the the ratio of egg to be a bit overwhelming. They are served with the chef's homemade soy sauce that was not as salty as other soy sauces and quite nice. The kimchee was very crunchy--not limp at all.

Close-up of the dumplings.

Fried chicken: Just as crunchy and delicious as the last owner's version. We were not too crazy about the sauced version and recommend you go with the plain chicken and grab some sauce on the side if you are craving that sweetness.

Verdict: Worth the visit. If you cannot decide on one type of fried chicken or dumplings, the restaurant is nice enough to offer mixed orders of each. The servers and chef/owner were very friendly and even showed the kid in our party how to stretch a dumpling wrapper. We'll be back.

RESTAURANT INFORMATION:

Address: 2550 Pleasant Hill Rd.

Phone: 770-476-8599

A quick look at Pura Vida's brunch

2008-07-21T09:45:00.004-04:00

We went to check out the brunch at Pura Vida last weekend and were pleased overall. The menu has lots of interesting dishes--the eggs were our favorite out of everything we ordered. Despite a few seasoning glitches, we found it to be one of the most interesting brunches around town and the prices were not that bad for what you get. Service was great as usual. I will definitely be back.

RESTAURANT INFORMATION: 656 N. Highland Ave., 404-870-9797. Website.

In the news...

2008-07-21T09:13:00.002-04:00

Time Out New York--a wonderful resource for all New York happenings--is reporting that "Non–Top Chef Richard Blais says he is planning a New York location of his burger shop, Flip, where he’ll serve a Krispy Kreme milk shake."

Do you have an iPhone? Check this web app.

2008-07-20T10:32:00.010-04:00

If you have a serious case of Apple technolust (like yours truly), you've probably been playing around with the new web app store that came with the most recent software upgrade all weekend. If you haven't explored it yet, you should. There are some nifty (and free) applications like an iPhone version of Pandora and this Urbanspoon application that uses GPS to determine your location and suggest restaurants. There are still some bugs to work out, as Frank Bruni noted in his article for The New York Times, but it is still a great concept. Check out this demo:

Buford Highway saves the day again

2008-07-18T20:04:00.013-04:00

It has been one busy work week. I have visited 12 restaurants so far and have a lot more to go for some upcoming deadlines. So, you can understand me when I tell you I absolutely did not want to go out to eat or cook something involved tonight. However, I still had to get dinner on the table and there was only one solution to my predicament: Chicago Supermarket on Buford Highway. Sometimes I feel like most people are intimidated by Mexican grocery stores as I briefly mentioned in my Chicago Supermarket piece for Creative Loafing. There is absolutely no reason to be. You can get away with a lot of pointing and many of the staff speak English. The wonderful thing about such markets is they have plenty of items you can take to go and quickly assemble for your family in a matter of minutes with some light cooking and chopping. Tonight, I chose the carnitas. You can pick and choose which pieces you want from the meat counter. There are ribs, fat and large chunks of meat. I usually get a little of each, shred it a bit and then slowly heat in an iron skillet covered with foil so they don't dry out. I don't normally serve a side dish because the tacos are very filling. But some roasted/grilled baby onions (already prepped and packaged) from the produce section make a light addition to the meal. Just toss them with olive oil, salt and slowly roast at 350 or until they are soft in the middle and slightly charred. Serve with a squirt of lime and crunchy salt. To the left of the meat counter is a small fridge with 3-4 prepared salsas. I always go for the salsa made with avocado. It has some nice heat and I prefer green salsa with pork. I also grab a few limes, onions and cilantro which I chop up when the onions and pork are cooking. I also like to use a little avocado (pictured above) for a little more texture and creaminess. The last step before composing the tacos is heating the tortillas. If you have a gas stove, I recommend heating them on the fire until they have some black spots. You can also steam them in the microwave for about 30 seconds (just until they are warm and pliable) after wrapping them in a clean dish towel. The tortilla is the most important ingredient since a shoddy version will ruin a great taco. I normally use El Milagro all natural tortillas. They have the best flavor and hold up well. You can find them at most stores. The only remaining steps are to assemble your taco, crack open a beer and wolf it down. No utensils required but licking your fingers is encouraged.

Reader mail: A report on Phnom Penh

2008-07-18T10:06:00.012-04:00

BG Reader, Nicci Robertson (whose fresh mangosteen find you may remember from May) has sent in the following report on Phnom Penh (4059 Lawrenceville Hwy., Tucker, 770 493-3598):

After reading a review about Phnom Penh in Atlanta Cuisine, we met a couple of friends who live in Tucker for dinner this evening. We were in Cambodia a few years back and were looking forward to trying some authentic Cambodian fare. It was really wonderful and we have made plans to return again next week. The drive is somewhat of a big deal for us since we live in Brookhaven, just minutes to the plethora restaurants on Buford Hwy and Buckhead. I have to say that it is really worth it because I have not seen many of the menu items anywhere else in Atlanta and the food is very good. It's small and has very simple décor...somewhat of a hole in the wall. Friendly family owned place with pleasant service, unlike the bizarre comments mentioned in the review. We ordered the green papaya salad, mango salad, shrimp spring rolls (I know these 3 are found in other Thai and Vietnamese restaurants, but these salads are very different here and have a more pungent flavor...ingredients include shrimp paste and dried whole tiny shrimp), fried whole quail with black pepper dipping sauce, grilled beef sticks with rice, richly flavored Red Coconut Curry sauce with tilapia and onions and a crepe/omelette stuffed with ground chicken and bean sprouts accompanied by lettuce and basil for wrapping. There were two fish sauces for dipping, one with lime, sugar and garlic and the other was the same with addition of roasted peanuts. I was not crazy about the salads since I am not a big fan of shrimp paste, but everyone else liked them. Next week we'll order some different items. I highly recommend that you check out this restaurant when you get a chance. It is open 11am-10pm Mon-Sat.

Have any of you been to Sushi House Hayakawa?

2008-07-17T16:58:00.011-04:00

I have heard many good things from reliable sources but have not had a lick of time to get up there. Would love to hear any reports back. If you have no idea what place I am talking about, it is a new sushi spot on Buford Highway. Check out this article by John Kessler. Taka, TOMO, MF Sushi Bar (the original) and maybe another stellar sushi bar? Man, our ethnic scene just gets better and better.

In the news...

2008-07-16T23:00:00.005-04:00

Current reviews and news by local critics

Christiane Lauterbach reviews Spice Market (one star), Straits (two stars) in the new issue of Knife & Fork and reports on a recent trip to Spain. Lauterbach also mentions that Porter—a new gastropub by two former Seeger’s employees—is in the works and that chef Nick Rutherford has left Decatur’s Chocolate Bar to open his own spot. Besha Rodell reviews Home (three stars) in this week's Creative Loafing. Bob Townsend reviews Cameli's Gourmet Pizza Joint.

Rumor has it

During a recent visit to Holeman and Finch, I spotted chef Dale Talde (of Top Chef fame) hanging with Tom Catherall. There has been some buzz that the Buddakan sous-chef might be relocating to Atlanta. Five Forks, chef Linton Hopkins and Co., have another spot in the works.

Say farewell to two Atlanta chefs

Woodfire Grill is for sale and chef Michael Tuohy is moving back to California. Chef Nicolas Bour is moving to Washington, DC and has accepted the executive chef position at the Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, DC. Best of luck to both chefs.

Coming soon...

A new Thumb's Up Diner on Marietta Street. Chef Tom Colicchio's CRAFT in the Mansion at Peachtree this Fall.

Have a tip or newsworthy bit? Email me at: theblissfulglutton@gmail.com.

Check out my latest in this week's Creative Loafing...

2008-07-16T11:50:00.007-04:00

Cheap Eats: Cypress Street Pint and Plate

Trendy gastro pubs serving glorified (and glorious) bar food alongside quality libations continue to spring up all over Atlanta. However fun these high-profile spots are, sometimes you just want to hit a cozy neighborhood pub in your worn-out Chucks. Click here to read the rest...

Mouthful: BLTs

How can you not love a good BLT? For bacon lovers, it's the ultimate vessel for the crispy king of swine. While the sandwich is relatively uncomplicated, ingredients, balance and execution determine its success or failure. These places do the classic proud. Click here to read the rest...

Liquid Diet: The rooftop at Maxim Prime Atlanta

THE SCENE: Located on the rooftop of the Glenn Hotel, the bar boasts a picturesque 360° view of the Atlanta skyline. Swank modern sectionals underneath massive umbrellas and high bar tables adjoin the glass-lined perimeter of the roof (photo courtesy of Maxim Prime). Click here to read the rest...

Sweet Pockets Cupcakes: Old Fourth Ward

2008-07-16T10:18:00.007-04:00

The Strawberry wawa and Orange dream My cupcake addiction knows no bounds. While Little Cake Bakery remains my favorite because of its range of flavors and quality ingredients, these little beauties are a nice option when I just don't feel like driving to Buckhead. Moist cake, the right amount of frosting and cutesy "cupcake flags" if you are gifting or serving at a party. INFORMATION: Address: 660 Irwin Street, 30312 (inside the Irwin Street Market) Phone: 404-584-2826 Website

Scoping out the new Savor Specialty Foods location

2008-07-13T10:56:00.002-04:00

Snapped this photo of the new Savor location (in the Peachtree Battle shopping center) on my way to the farmers' market yesterday. Looks like the updates are coming along quite smoothly. I hope the move and extra parking gets them more traffic because January and Ren are the kind of shopkeeps I like to support. They also make one wicked sandwich--the jambon, butter, gruyere and cornichon is my current favorite. I will keep you guys posted when the new store is up and running.

Food find: Just Veggin' sandwich at Lottafrutta

2008-07-13T09:27:00.007-04:00

This is not my first post on the Just Veggin' sammie at Lottafrutta, but I finally remembered to take a photo the last time I went. Why do I love this sandwich so much? The slightly sweet bread, creamy havarti, sprouts, cucumber, tomato and avocado wake me up when I am feeling weighed down by a week of too much greasy food and meat. It also comes with a small container of the chulpe (toasted corn). I like to get it with an order of the Limonatta, a big cup of fruits and veggies with lime juice and guajillo chile powder. The sandwich never lasts me past Dekalb Avenue because I gobble it up so quickly. Love it.

Sneak peek at H & F Bread Co.

2008-07-12T17:29:00.013-04:00

Greg Best helping out at the stand early this morning.

Even though H & F Bread Co. has not opened its doors, I am already crazy about the bread thanks to the bread assortment at Holeman & Finch Public House and the H&F stand at the Peachtree Road Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings. Everything I have tried has been stellar. I was at Holeman on Thursday night (getting the burger, of course) and asked the barkeeps when they were going to be open. Mr. Best said Wednesday if all goes well with the city. Lets hope so. I am dying to see the store and grab more of their yummy baked goods.

My haul: flat bread, baby challah (hidden), croissants, wheat loaf and Jerusalem bagels. Yes, I do have a bit of a bread fetish.

New green market opening this weekend in the Old Fourth Ward

2008-07-09T14:40:00.002-04:00

Studioplex will begin hosting a weekly green market starting Saturday, July 12 from 8 a.m. – noon (rain or shine). The Studioplex Green market will be held every Saturday through the fall, and will be set up across from the main entrance to Studioplex on Irwin Street near the corner of Auburn Avenue (at the water tower triangle) in the Old Fourth Ward. A portion of the profits from the market will benefit City Church-Eastside (www.citychurcheastside.org), led by Pastor Scott Armstrong, which regularly meets in the community room at Studioplex. In addition, vegetables not sold during market hours will be donated to Project Open Hand, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization (www.projectopenhand.org).“This green market will be especially convenient for the residents of Studioplex and our neighbors in the Historic Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park and the surrounding communities,” said Dillon Baynes, principal of Studioplex LLC and one of the three partners in the in-town development. “It may even save some shopping trips!” Tomatoes, cucumbers, corn and squash will be some of the initial produce available and will be “competitively priced,” according to Baynes. “In following the farm-to-table concept, our goal is to efficiently bring an abundance of fresh produce from farmers in Habersham and Rabun counties in North Georgia to the heart of Atlanta. We are all eager to do our part to promote sustainability,” said Baynes.Danneman’s Coffee in the Old Fourth Ward will have their coffee available for purchase at the Studioplex Green market.
About Studioplex: Studioplex, located at 659 Auburn Avenue in Atlanta’s historic old Fourth Ward, features 130 live/work lofts as well as 9,100 sq. ft. retail space in the Pavilion at Studioplex. Sales Center hours: Monday - Friday: 10-6; Saturday: 10-5; Sunday: 12-5. Email: info@studioplexlofts.com. Studioplex is developed by three partners: The Historic District Development Corporation (HDDC); Columbia Residential and Orinda Corporation.

Check out my latest in this week's Creative Loafing...

2008-07-09T14:00:00.005-04:00

Cheap eats: Milk & Honey
Many intown diners were crestfallen when Butch Raphael abruptly closed his much-loved Westside "global" grub spot, Pangaea. A short time later, a new "breakfast lounge," called Milk & Honey (1082 Huff Road, 404-492-8527), went into the industrial space. Click here to read the rest...

Mouthful: Scrumptious salads
"Seinfeld" fanatics remember the episode where Elaine was borderline obsessed with getting her "big salad." Fellow salad lovers certainly empathized. Sometimes we just need a little green in our life and a big salad can work wonders. Here are some of our favorites around town. Click here to read the rest...

Liquid diet: Tastings
THE CONCEPT: Tastings is a franchise that offers more than 100 wines. Buy a bottle from the retail wall or sample using a charge card at the self-service electronic wine kiosks (who needs a sommelier when you have a wine-bot?). Click here to read the rest...

Toro! Toro!

2008-07-08T14:39:00.004-04:00

Just got this in my inbox from Cuerno. Sounds like fun and the prices don't look that bad either:

Celebrate The Running Of The Bulls this week at Cuerno!
July 7-14, 2008
$5 glasses of Sangria / $20 pitchers
All tapas $4, including special tapas typical of the San Fermin Festival
Cuerno is located at 905 Juniper Street
Valet parking one block North at Juniper & Peachtree Place

Nibbles: Dan-Dan noodles @ Cafe 101

2008-07-08T10:34:00.010-04:00

RESTAURANT REVIEW: I was dragging my feet the morning after the Fourth and I needed something comforting and spicy to wake my body up. So, I went to Cafe 101 for a bowl of their Dan-Dan noodles. I have been loving these noodles ever since Moonie brought them over one night (the man knows Chinese noodles are the way to my heart). The noodles are thick and chewy doused in a vinegary, spicy sauce with loads of garlic and ginger (?). I also like the vegetable they put in the dish although I cannot place it for the life of me! They are even better the next day. I need to get over here more. RESTAURANT INFORMATION: Address: 5412 Buford Hwy., 30340 Phone:770-458-8883 Website

The Social House: Westside

2008-07-08T10:07:00.005-04:00

RESTAURANT REVIEW: What a quaint little breakfast spot. I have been a few times now and had relatively good experiences overall. Service is always extremely friendly and the food has been good across the board. My only gripe has been the juice, which I was told was freshly squeezed even though it was definitely not. My favorite dishes have been the pancakes and the simply poached eggs (pictured below) with bacon, chunky grits and a buttery biscuit. The patio construction seems to be coming along at a very slow pace, but will hopefully be completed by the fall. A nice addition to the Westside. RESTAURANT INFORMATION: Address:1663 Howell Mill Road, 30318 Phone:(404) 350-1938 Website

Check out my latest in this week's Creative Loafing

2008-07-02T13:12:00.003-04:00

Southern Sweets

Refined and elaborate desserts are all well and good, but sometimes you want something that tastes homemade — without actually having to bake anything. At these times, we turn to Nancy Cole's Southern Sweets Bakery (186 Rio Circle, Decatur, 404-373-8752, www.southernsweets.com) where the motto is "Perfect Ingredients, Simple Preparation." Click here to read the rest...

Chocolate makers

We all have a chocoholic or two in our life. When buying confections for such fiends, the mass-produced varieties will not do. Give these local chocolatiers a try instead. Click here to read the rest...

Feel like dinner and a movie?

2008-06-30T20:53:00.009-04:00

Buckhead Backlot is now the AMC Fork & Screen Buckhead. The new concept will serve a variety of cocktails and a full menu of pub/bar standards (pizzas, burgers, salads, etc.) and traditional theater concessions. The grand opening is the weekend of July 11th with activities and goodies for the first customers through the doors. I haven't been to the Backlot since college but might pay the revamped digs a visit because it sounds like a fun change of pace from a regular old theater. Click the thumbnails below to view the new menu.

One banging beer

2008-06-30T11:38:00.008-04:00

I am really enjoying these Hitachino Nest beers from Japan's Kiuchi Brewery. I have been lucky to find them at Nakato (only on certain occasions), Midway Pub, Door 44 and Cakes & Ale. The Red Rice Ale is my favorite—probably because of the sake-like notes and I am a big fan of the sake. Check them out and let me know what you think.

Speaking of Cakes & Ale...

2008-06-30T11:09:00.008-04:00

My oldest (and dearest) friend was in town for a girls' weekend which meant I had to take her to all my current favorite spots in Atlanta. So, we hit Cakes & Ale for a quick meal with Moonie. The place was packed as it has been every time I have stopped by. Moon got the chilled cucumber soup and steak while I had the beet salad and the crispy, roasted chicken over cabbage. My friend, B, was suffering from meat-fatigue from our two burger extravaganza the night before so she got two salads. We all ordered beers from their solid list which went well with our meal--especially the arancini which has to be one of my favorite fried foods in the city right now. We ended the meal with a french press and the phatty cakes which are as good as reported before heading out for a night of utter debauchery. Turns out that sommelier extraordinaire, Greg Koetting, will be starting work here this week so we can look forward to a fabulous wine list (not that there is anything wrong with it now) to go along with the restaurant's simple and soulful food. Click here for my full review from my previous visit.

Cakes & Ale Beer Dinner with Huyghe Brewery on July 7th

2008-06-30T08:56:00.003-04:00

Cakes & Ale will hold its first beer tasting dinner on Monday, July 7th at 7:00pm. Huyghe Brewery, who makes the delicious Delirium Tremens beer, will showcase five of their beers for pairing with a five-course dinner prepared by Cakes & Ale. The cost is $48/person. Seating is limited for this event, so contact us soon to reserve at table. The Huyghe-Melle brewery is a family-owned, independent Belgian brewery and is the only active brewery situated close to the city of Ghent. The brewery has been in existence since 1654. Huyghe brews Delirium Tremens which was voted "Best Beer in the World" by specialists in 1997.

Dear Rathbun Steak burger,

2008-06-29T12:07:00.010-04:00

I am sorry to do this via the web but I have to tell you that I think our relationship has reached an impasse. When we first met, I fell head over heels with your freshly ground goodness but the last time I saw you I found your bun stale and your patty dry (this wasn't the first time). You just don't satisfy me anymore. I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you I have met another at Holeman & Finch Public House.

I am pretty sure it is everything I have been looking for in a burger. It is simple, small (size is not everything) and it never fails to please me. We had some good times but it is just time for me to move on. I hope you understand.

All my best,

Jennifer

Happiness is...

2008-06-29T10:08:00.004-04:00

A freshly fried peach pie

from the

because sometimes you just have to revisit the places of eating past and they also make one wickedly good hangover cure.