Smallcakes

Cupcakes galore at Smallcakes.

I was provided with the above sample of cupcakes from Smallcakes: A Cupcakery, which has a new outpost in Buckhead. The first Smallcakes is located in Overland Park, Kansas and now freestanding franchises as well as franchise co-brands with Freshberry Yogurt are located in Kansas, Oklahoma, California, Florida and North Carolina in addition to Georgia. Smallcakes bakes around 20 flavors of cupcakes, some of which are available every day, others just on some days. I like that they have a rotating menu and some creative flavors like pumpkin and cherry limeade. At $3 each, however, they are not cheap.

Smallcakes' claim to fame is that it's co-founder, Jeff Martin, was on Food Network's "Cupcake Wars" and as a result, the cupcakes became a hit with the ladies on "The View". The cupcakes were also served at the 2011 MTV Music Awards. With these anecdotes in mind I was really excited to get home and try the beautiful looking cupcakes. I even invited my cousins over to share the wealth. Unfortunately the taste really disappointed all of us. The cake was tasteless and the icing - piled on with a vengeance - was way too sweet and also not that tasty. As you can tell, I was really disappointed by these cupcakes - and surprised that they could make it to franchise status. I'm not sure why they are so popular - from my perspective it can only be because they have managed to get hype from various stars. Unfortunately hype does not always equal taste. The yelp page for the Overland Park store shows that several others agree with my opinion.

Readers - have you tried Smallcakes? What do you think? What is your favorite cupcake place in Atlanta?

The available selection changes daily, with some of the more popular cupcakes available every day.

Chef G's Burger Bar at Park 75

House Grind with Sweet Potato Fries.

I was recently invited to sample Chef G's (Gerstenecker's) Burger Bar in the kitchen of the Park 75 restaurant, located inside Atlanta's Four Season's Hotel in midtown. The Burger Bar is open each Wednesday and includes 2 seatings with 8 people each. Reservations are accepted. The neatest part of the experience for me was getting inside the kitchen of such a high class restaurant and watching the many chefs prepare not just our burgers and accompaniments, but also the rest of the food served out in the dining room.

Luckily, I was able to share both the Buford Highway Duck Burger and the House Grind Burger, which gave me a good sampling of the burger menu that week. My favorite was the House Grind, topped with Pimena cheese, fried green tomato and chow-chow. I also tried all of the side dishes - the sweet potato fries and the poutine definitely won out for me. I also loved the housemade pickles, served in a jar at the high-top steel table. This is a unique Atlanta experience and I recommend it for a fun lunch. The milkshakes (available in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and red velvet) added a nice nostalgic touch and I loved going up to the roof to see the herbs and the honeybees after the meal.

The experience starts here.

They even have ice made from tea so as not to dilute your ice tea with water - neat idea.

Buford Highway Duck Burger with Onion Rings - my selection.

The burger options change frequently, with four options available any given week.

One strawberry and five red velvet milkshakes.

House grind with loaded tots.

On the roof Chef G grows herbs used to enhance the restaurant's dishes.

He also raises honeybees and makes candies from the delicious honey.

Chicken and the Egg Revisited

House made Pimento Cheese and Buttermilk Fried Oysters with Creole Tartar Sauce - a wonderful start to the meal. We were even able to pack up the leftover cheese to take home!

We recently went for a second visit to Chicken and the Egg in Marietta after being invited back to try the entire menu. Our dinner at the Friends & Family night was superb so we expected nothing less. I am pleased to say that this newcomer delivered once again. We were seated in a comfortable booth in the center of the far wall - a great place for people watching and seeing the workings of the entire restaurant. It was a Friday night and it was busy - I suggest reservations for sure on weekends. Again, service was stellar and we were lucky enough to get to talk with Chef Marc Taft and his lovely wife, Elizabeth, who are the co-owners as well as manager Tom Foust. It is evident that all three really care about the dining experience of each visitor and that means a lot. If you haven't been yet - go soon. I hear there is a new fall menu now. I can't wait to try the new fall menu as well as brunch one of these weekends!

Specialty drinks by mixologist Brandon King include creative cocktails and tasty non-alcoholic "mocktails" which are just my speed! Left, the Strawberry Pie non-alcoholic and right, Calvin's Grilled Peach Manhattan, which includes infused bacon!

The restaurant has moved from the mini-corn muffins to the above spoon rolls, which are equally wonderful if not better with the molasses butter.



Special of the day: Hanger steak with black garlic puree and potatoes. I adore black garlic and have used it in cooking at home after my mother included it as one of my Hanukkah presents. I found it really neat that Chef included this ingredient in such a traditional dish. The meat was also very tender and the potatoes were great for soaking up the sauce.



Seared Sea Scallops with Pimento Cheese grits, charred onion, baby arugula and chili oil. I really enjoyed this dish, especially more of that wonderful Pimento Cheese. The one issue was that the arugula was overly salted. With the other great flavors in this dish, the greens could really go without any salt at all.



Praline Bread Pudding with caramel ice cream and Rhubarb Streusel Tart with brown sugar-sour cream ice cream. I think we got the last rhubarb of the summer season! The bread pudding really hit the spot - delicious!

Pig Pickin'

The pig pit.

Friends of ours actually roasted a whole pig in their backyard in late August. The process took more than a day and the result was juicy, delicious pulled pork. We enjoyed a fun afternoon with great food and friends. More photos below.

Aquavino at Georgia Aquarium - Thursday October 13

Georgia Aquarium will be holding its 6th Annual Aqua Vino this Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011. Enjoy and sample more than 200 fine wines from around the globe, gourmet fare from Atlanta's premier restaurants, a live, silent and wine auction and live music. All proceeds from Aqua Vino support the Aquarium's Veterinary Services through the Correll Center for Aquatic Animal Health. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

For a limited time discount tickets ($150) are available here.

Check back after the event for full coverage by Amy on Food.

Vinings Jubilee Tower Stage + The Grape

A comedy show at Vinings Jubilee's Tower Stage.

In honor of Vinings Jubilee's 25th Anniversary, a new stage has been erected to host entertainment events. The Tower Stage will host community and family events. I was invited to watch an improv show by Relapse Comedy Theater while sampling drinks and nibbles from The Grape.

Vinings Jubilee opened in 1986 and contains fine boutiques, restaurants and specialty shops. Read more about all that Vinings Jubilee has to offer on their website.

Tasty salmon tartar crackers at The Grape.

Super Pan Latino Sandwich Shop

Outdoor sign signals this is the place!



Medio Dia: a unique Cuban sandwich including roasted pork skin on a pineapple roll.

Because of its very limited hours, it took me a very long time to finally try Chef Hector Santiago's Super Pan Latino Sandwich Shop. The lunch-only restaurant is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, serving from a tiny entryway on the side of the building where the same chef's acclaimed restaurant, Pura Vida is located. You go upstairs to order and pay, then sit at tables back downstairs where staff brings your food. I tried a lamb pastellito to begin - the pastellito selections changes frequently, the medio dia sandwich and the hibiscus-basil agua fresca to drink. My friend tried the pork belly buns and I was lucky enough to try a bite of those as well. Overall I was a bit disappointed. After hearing so much hype I expected something really extraordinary. I liked everything I tried but nothing really called to me. The high prices coupled with the lack of any "wow" factor make it doubtful I will return, but I am glad that I tried it.

Pork Belly Buns - full of soft, fatty goodness.



Menu on the wall.

Thundercake

Thundercake - the book and the finished product.

One of my stepdaughter's summer reading books was "Thunder Cake" by Patricia Polacco. The book describes with wonderful illustrations a grandmother baking a special cake during a loud thunderstorm in order to keep her granddaughter from being frightened. The recipe in the back of the book (also found here) was easy to follow and a fun project for us to complete together after reading the book. The secret ingredient (tomatoes) really gives the cake moisture and balance - overall a great chocolate cake recipe. We topped it off with a homemade chocolate butter frosting - yum!

Rise-n-Dine

Vegetarian roll-up sandwich with side salad. The roti bread used for the roll-up was delicious and flaky.

I recently met a friend for lunch at Rise-n-Dine at Emory Village. On weekends when I drive past this place it is always packed with a crowed waiting to get in. Even for this weekday lunch we waited about 10 minutes. Now I know why so many people are waiting. The food is simply good, with some innovative twists to keep it interesting. Breakfast is served all day and there is a short lunch menu as well. Everything we tried really hit the spot, especially the light, warm roti used to roll up a vegetarian sandwich and the delicious apple butter made in house and served with the restaurant's toast and biscuits. I look forward to visiting again soon to try the tasty looking pancakes and French toast as well as some of the other sandwiches.

Smoked salmon scramble with toast and homemade jam and apple butter. The apple butter is worth buying in bulk!

Upcoming Chili Cook-Off in Castleberry Hill

THE 10th Annual Castleberry Hill CHILI COOK-OFF is Saturday, October 22, 2011

Proceeds Benefit the Castleberry Hill Fire Department and the Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Association

Atlanta, Georgia (October 5, 2011) – The 10th Annual Castleberry Hill Chili Cook-Off is taking place on Saturday, October 22 at the Elliott Street Deli and Pub. Not only will there be terrific chili to sample; there will also be a hot dog eating contest and live music. The winner walks away with a badass trophy and of course chili bragging rights. This year’s judges will include firemen from the neighborhood’s Fire Department as well as Atlanta Restaurant Blog’s Malika Harricharan, author of the new book, Food Lovers’ Atlanta. As in previous years, proceeds will benefit the Castleberry Hill Fire Department the Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Beautification projects. Entry is free. Tastes are $5 each. For more information, visit http://castleberryhill.org/ch_calendar/chili-cookoff/

When: Saturday, October 22, 2011
2 p.m. to 5:00 p.m

Where: Elliott Street Deli and Pub
51 Elliott St Atlanta, GA 30313 www.elliottstreet.com

Cost: Free Entrance. Tastes and beer samples are $5 each.

Benefiting: Proceeds Benefit the Castleberry Hill Fire Department and the Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Association

Website: http://castleberryhill.org/ch_calendar/chili-cookoff/

Parking: Plenty of Free Parking in the lots at and around Elliott Street Deli and Pub.

Schedule

2 p.m. Event Begins

3 p.m. Judging Begins

4 p.m. Hot Dog Eating Contest

4:30 p.m. 2011 Chili Awards

Sponsors: Elliott Street Deli and Pub, Boar’s Head Tweet it: 10^th Annual Castleberry Hill Chili Cook off, 10/22, beer, live music and more: http://castleberryhill.org/ch_calendar/chili-cookoff More Info: http://bit.ly/p00Ubm

Canton House

Salt & Pepper Squid.

When we found our usual dim sum place closed for renovations, we took out of town guests to Canton House instead and were delightfully surprised at the variety and quality of the weekend dim sum. We tasted lots of dumplings and buns as well as excellent duck (not pictured). The salt & pepper squid, my stepdaughter's absolute favorite, was a huge hit even with our niece who had never tried squid before. On another note, my local cousin told me she returned here for dinner and was not very impressed. She advises sticking to the dim sum, which we will most definitely continue to do.

Chinese broccoli and clams.



Various dim sum desserts - the egg custard tarts are always a favorite of mine but here they also have custard filled buns - a favorite with the kids!



Signage on Buford Highway.

Salmon Under Fur Coat

Over the summer a friend of ours from Russia brought the above dish as a contribution to our BBQ. Traditionally, it's "Selyodka Pod Shuboy" or "herring under fur coat". However, in this case our friend thought the American palate would be better pleased by "smoked salmon under fur coat". It was delicious, with carrots, potatoes, beets and mayo making this a superb summer salad. Try this recipe to make it yourself.

Making Sushi at Home

Salmon/avocado and tuna/cucumber rolls + inari tofu pockets stuffed with rice.

I recently made some pretty decent sushi. The best place to buy ingredients as well as fresh fish appropriate for sushi making is at the Buford Highway Farmer's Market where you can get a large portion of sushi-ready raw fish at a low price. However, this time fish from the sushi bar at Whole Foods had to do. Delicious and not as hard to make as I thought!

Chef Amy.



Close up of the sushi - also made some spicy sauce with mayo and Sriracha - yum!

Alfredo's - An Atlanta Classic

Calamari.

Somehow I lived in Atlanta for more than four years before I dined at Alfredo's Italian Restaurant. I drive past it all the time and heard that it exemplified "old-school Italian" cooking so I'm not sure why I waited so long! One reason might be that the parking lot is always full and a reservation is a must on the weekend. Luckily when we had a friend visiting from out of town we reserved a table and had a lovely meal. It really is old-style Italian (and old-style Atlanta, having operated for more than 35 years), with wonderful, attentive service by men who appear to have been in the business for years and a head waiter/maitre'd who reminds me of some of the characters in stereotypical mafia films.

The signature sign on Cheshire Bridge Road.



Mussels appetizer.

For the amount of food you receive, the value is outstanding. Although I did not photograph the buttery garlic bread or the pickled vegetables that are brought out to every table, they were both delicious, the veggies very nostalgic and the bread great for sopping up all the delicious sauces presented throughout the meal - I think we ate four baskets! The above-pictured mussels are listed in the "Zuppe" section and do contain a delicious white wine/garlic broth that can be eaten as soup after consuming the delicious mollusks.

For entrees the three of us split two: the linguine pescattore and the veal three ways. Both were outstanding. More yummy sauce to eat with garlic bread!



Padrino (Godfather): veal three ways with spinach.