The EARL

Www.badearl.com/
488 Flat Shoals Ave
East Atlanta, GA 30316

East Atlanta Restaurant and Lounge is certainly a unique experience.  We went one night to check out an intimate show by a band I used to listen to some years back, The Ataris.  Although, there weren't many in the crowd, it was still very enjoyable.  A few years ago I wouldn't have ventured to East Atlanta (not the safest part of town), but it's recent revival has made it an eclectic hot spot.

We arrived a couple hours prior the show to have some dinner and cheap PBR tall boys.  I scarfed down the Blue Bacon Burger that was very juicy and flavorful and was also able to sample the Guacamole Burger and the Patty Melt both great and paired beautifully with shoe string french fries, tater tots, and....more PBR.

If you are looking for something different from the norm, meander to East Atlanta and visit The Earl.  Pick an evening where there's a band or improv comedy show and broaden your horizons while delighting with the food and atmosphere, be sure to bring your tattooed friends to fit in.

El Taco

http://www.eltaco-atlanta.com/
1186 N. Highland Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

A group of us came to this casual Mexican joint in the Virginia Highlands for a birthday celebration in November.  With large murals and lively colors filling the walls, El Taco is known for a good time, the salsa bar, and of course...the taco wheel.  Be sure to keep the token given to you upon entering for a chance to win food or drinks throughout the night from the hourly spin, which we won free guacamole.

I have been a couple of times and only tried the fried chicken, steak, and chorizo tacos.  As I stated in an earlier post, I'm not a big fan of corn tortillas and El Taco advises which ones are flour and corn, so it's easier to make my decision.  The chorizo taco is one that I will not order again, but the steak and fried chicken tacos are both superb and refreshing.  I have also heard wonders about the fried fish tacos.  While you are waiting for your tacos, make a pit stop by the salsa bar and try the many different prepared varieties.

El Taco is a great atmosphere for a group looking for enjoyment.  The surroundings are fun, wheel spinning is exhilarating, and the food well priced to save you money for the drinks.  Sangria, margaritas, and frozen mojitos can be seen at most tables, but only the daring (like myself) try the Michelada Cubana...look it up on the website!

Cork and Cleaver Restaurant

http://www.thewaynesvilleinn.com/dining/cork-cleaver/
176 Country Club Drive
Waynesville, NC 28786

During the changing of the seasons, Katy and I planned a trip to the Great Smokey Mountains in North Carolina.  We found a fantastic deal at the Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa located thirty minutes outside Asheville to stay for the weekend.  With plans of hiking and visiting the Biltmore House, discovering the number one restaurant in Waynesville was an added bonus.  While the town is 'quaint', the scenic views are stunning.

Located at the Inn's main facility, we walked from our suite and were seated promptly.  After scanning the menu we decided to order the steak and lobster, both very flavorful.  Accompanying the meal was an average Caesar salad, crisp asparagus, and cheesy potatoes gratin wrapped up with tiramisu .  Although the meal was very satisfying, it can't help but pale in comparison to the steakhouses of a larger city.

If you're planning a trip to the Smokies, the comfortable Waynesville Inn is convenient to hiking trails and is centrally located between attractions such as Harrah's Cherokee Casino and the Biltmore.  But, if you are visiting for a first class dining experience...steer towards Asheville.

Bocado

www.bocadoatlanta.com
887 Howell Mill Rd
Atlanta, Ga 30318

Katy and I went on a weeknight date to Bocado after hearing numerous rave reviews.  Stationed in the industrial West Side of Atlanta, Bocado's simple sophisticated atmosphere parallels the refined menu.  The menu is comprised of a handful of both Small Plates and Plates that stand out and grasped my attention over the current "Best Burger" in Atlanta.

The pan roasted chicken breast, local grits, and collards with white wine-tabasco sauce was the dish I knew I had to order.  The contemporary spin on this classic southern dish was distinctively impressive.  Katy chose an ahi tuna sandwich dressed with avocado that was light yet satisfying.  We also recommend the prosciutto country bread to start, which can be escorted down with a choice from their sizable wine list.

Good for dates, dinner with friends, or drinks at the bar, this is quickly becoming a popular dining spot and one of my favorites.  Yes, I have been here two times and still have not tried the famous burger which can only mean one thing...third time's a charm!

The Broken Egg

http://www.thebrokenegg.com/restaurant.htm
140 Avenida Messina
Siesta Key, Fl 34242

Wrapping up our trip to Siesta Key, the one place I told Katy we had to eat at was The Broken Egg.  This is a must visit for breakfast every time I'm in town.  Located in the village on Siesta Key, this small cafe is only open for breakfast and lunch and is a favorite of the locals.  Because it is small you may have to park a ways and walk, and possibly wait for a table, but don't worry...it's normally a short delay and coffee is available.

The menu consists of traditional breakfast favorites: eggs Benedict, pancakes, and omelettes.  I have had these and all are good, but my favorite that I've consumed numerous times is the Sheepherder.  This 'eggceptional' dish consists of two poached eggs on a bed of crispy hash browns smothered with two cheeses served in a gravy boat.  With this you also receive a side of toast and a fresh fruit cup.  Katy had the Deep Dish Quiche du Jour that happened to be a tasty light and fluffy meal filled with ham, cheese, and broccoli.

When you visit Siesta Key, make sure you stroll down to the village, not only for the nightlife, but also in the morning for a taste of the best breakfast around.

Columbia Restaurant

http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/sarasota.asp
411 St. Armand's Circle
Sarasota, Fl 34236

Back in October, Katy and I decided to take a long weekend vacation down to Siesta Key, Florida, where we have a condo at Sarasota Surf and Racquet Club.  If you have never been to Siesta Key, go, visit....it's the best beach anywhere!  After an entire day of sleeping, burning, and drinking on the beach I had planned to take her to St. Armand's Circle for some fun shopping and good dining.  The whole island is one roundabout containing over 100 stores and restaurants that hook tourists from all over.

The Columbia's atmosphere caters to those of a large group or a family dinner as well as the couple out for a romantic date.  Cuban cuisine is the specialty here and many of the pork dishes are...good.  In my opinion, there are three reasons to come here, the 1905 salad which can fill the whole table, the authentic black bean soup served over white rice, and of course, the tableside concocted pitcher of mojitos, each glass with your own piece of sugarcane to stir.

I urge everyone to come visit Sarasota, Florida, and between the endless hours at the unparalleled beaches and gazing at the water colored sunset skies, try to make some time to visit St. Armand's Circle for shopping and tasty Cuban cuisine at The Columbia.

The Vortex Bar and Grill

http://www.thevortexbarandgrill.com/
438 Moreland Ave
Atlanta, GA 30307

Don't let the Vortex's gothic look and biker bar reputation deter you from walking through the skull and having a memorable meal.  Creative Loafing voted The Vortex Best Burger in Atlanta fourteen years in a row.  If you have to wait to be seated, don't worry, find a seat at the huge bar and gaze upon the strange paraphernalia, particularly the famed skeleton riding a motorcycle.

Obviously known for their burgers, their starters are remarkable as well, try the fried dill spears.  It can be tough to decide what burger you want given the sixteen tasty options.  I had the Spanish Fly, a spicy chili cheese burger which was good, but I'll try a different one next go around.  Katy's Tasmanian Devil Burger with an assortment of seasonings, spicy pepper jack, and pineapple relish was sweet and savory.  A star on the menu is the Elvis Burger which contains peanut butter, bacon, and fried bananas and those who have an appetite for destruction can try to survive the Super-Stack Heart Attack burger.

Before you go, there are a few rules to bear in mind.  This is an 18 and over bar, smoking is allowed, and if you're sensitive, the people and/or decor will offend.  Whether or not these are the best burgers in Atlanta, the Vortex is an experience to be had by all.

Fellini's Pizza

http://www.fellinisatlanta.com/fellinis.html
Multiple Atlanta Locations

Throw away your Domino's and Pizza Hut coupons, after inhaling some of this pizza the rest are tasteless.  This is not a restaurant much like the others I have been writing about, there are seven different Atlanta Fellini's locations and they all serve my favorite pizza in town.  Although you can call ahead for pick up, I endorse dining in, especially on the large patios if the weather permits.  Walk in, find the pizza you desire, or create your own from the limitless toppings, order at the cashier and find a seat, they'll come find you when it's time to eat.

Although, I have been to Fellini's numerous times, probably enough to try everything on the menu, I always order the same treat when dining with friends...a pitcher of local brew Sweetwater 420 and the Fellini's Special: Pepperoni, mushrooms, Italian sausage, onions, meatballs, green peppers, black olives, green olives, and yes, extra cheese.  Why change something when it is so perfect?  Yes, this is more expensive and takes a bit longer than the 'Hot-N-Ready' pizzas for $5, but trust me, it's worth it!

Flip Burger Boutique

http://www.flipburgerboutique.com/
1587 Howell Mill Road Northwest
Atlanta, GA 30318

On my ongoing quest to visit as many "Chef-testant's" restaurants as possible, I had to check out the new Flip Burger boutique to see what Richard Blais' inventive techniques had to offer.  Upon entering this modern diner, you may wait to be seated among the city's young professionals.  When contemplating the menu, you will find yourself broadening your perception of what a burger really is.


If you've made up your mind to have a more conventional burger, let me suggest the Farmer which encompasses humble toppings served in a sophisticated manner.  For you daredevils, try one of the Flip Burgers.  I've had the Venison, Gyro, and Chorizo burgers, each pleasing in their own right.  From one who typically turns away from desserts, I urge you to save room for at least one signature milkshake.  The burnt marshmallow and nutella milkshake is a chocolate-lover's dream.  Who said doughnuts were only for breakfast?  Not Blais...he puts more than one doughnut in every Krispy Kreme Doughnut milkshake.  Although I've not yet tried it, the Foie Gras milkshake can't help but appeal to the adventurous eater.  I'll have to revisit soon and update!

Baraonda Caffe Italiano

http://baraondaatlanta.com/

710 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30308

I surprised Katy for her birthday with an evening at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.  Located only a block away from the Fox, Baraonda caters to show-goers who are looking for a good meal but still want to make it for curtain call.  The menu offers an array of classical Italian dishes from antipasti and insalate starters to main courses such as veal scaloppine, but what caught our eye was the variety of pizza choices.

While getting excited for the upcoming show, we munched on marvelous arugula, pancetta, and caramelized shallot salads with a lemon dressing, a refreshing start to the night.  Meanwhile, as our pizza was delivered, the mozzarella, red peppers, olives, goat cheese and basil aromas from the Ciociare turned heads throughout.  Because both of us love red peppers and olives the decision for this pizza was a cinch, the true test was how to chow it down without turning your favorite Fox Attire into a new Jackson Pollock of fresh tomato sauce.

Even if you aren't going to see The Sound of Music at the Fox, this place is wonderful to sit out on the patio, have a glass of wine, slice of pizza, and people watch on Peachtree Street.  If it weren't for the flashing marquee of the theatre, the experience might even resemble Italy.