Thursday, December 22, 2011

Review Spoon Eastside 3/30

Spoon Eastside
749 Moreland Ave. C-105
AtlantaGA 30316


Great Thai Lunch! I had the Pad See Ewe....well Pad Z U the way they spell it.  

The Atmosphere
Its a trendy little spot. Kinda sticks out in the eclectic land of the eastsiders, it seems as tho it would fit in midtown. The decor is all wooden and such with clean lines kinda a cross between Scandinavian and Japanese....maybe that is Thai design...idk I never studied that!

The Location
This little plaza is like an oasis amongst the residential land.  There are several cute boutiques and such in the plaza...its like a little taste of midtown tucked away on the eastside.

The Food
There is a simple menu...popular noodle and rice favs. For the not so average Thai diner you have the opption of Thai Hot you can request....so you get that kind of mind searing heat that burns so good! Its not the best Thai in the city, but it will do in a pinch. My guest had the Massuman Curry with Chicken. 

My Experience
We did a quick Monday Lunch. I was excited because I'd heard people rave about spoon. When we got there, I learned that people I know were raving about the one downtown. I figured I wouldn't hold any bias...maybe it would be just as spectacular. It was good, not toungasmic but tasty. I won't twist my face if someone says that we are going there for dinner. So I liked it. service was attentive...then again there were only two other tables seated..so it was like it should be. 

The Verdict
Its kinda regular....not mind blowing.....Its good. Go, eat....

Monday, December 19, 2011

Chicken and Dumpling...the easy way!

So it has gotten a little cold out and you need a stick to your bones kinda low cost meal to do. So many have ordered this dish this month...I thought I would post a quicky style recipe, this is not my exact....but its pretty darn close. I do this when I'm tired!

What you will need
Your FAV Rotisserie chicken (KFC Grilled 8pc will do too!)
2 boxes of  Chicken Broth (not stock)
1 onion, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 bag baby carrots the peeled kind that are ready to eat
1 bag of celery
1 container of frozen dumplings. (you will find them in the bread section of your grocers freezer)
Salt, Pepper, Poultry Seasoning

1. wash the celery chop off the very tip on either end. Then slice down the middle.
2. Fill large pot with broth, add carrots, onion and celery bring to a boil. Season to taste.
3. Once boiling, separate and break-up dumplings into at least 1 inch pieces. (set timer to 30 min)
4. add to the boiling stock stirring frequently to avoid sticking (the broth should thicken slightly)
5. Once it comes to a boil, reduce heat and cover.
6. Debone the chicken. I uses my hands with some gloves on, so that I can really get all the meat outa there and nothing gets stuck under my nails. (this should be done in this order. the dumplings have to cook)
7. after 30 min have passed add the chicken to the dumpling mixure....let simmer for 15 more min.

Get a bowl and eat up. It will be very hot so keep that in mind if you are serving children. These dumplings really hold heat.
During thanksgiving I visited:
Cafe Du Monde
800 Decatur St
New OrleansLA 70116
(504) 525-4544

So ever since I told people I was comming to New Orleans, everyone was raving about the beignets  so I went. 

Let just say beignets togo are not the business.....sit down. Have one, and a coffee.

Just sitting in this place gives me the feeling of a french market....wait on it, bing! You will be hard pressed to find a seat during peak times but if you are able to get here say on a wed round mid-morning, on a non holiday week, not during any sporting event....then sit back and enjoy. I take that back several groups were leaving when we got there on a busy night so we were able to grab a seat for 3. Don't wear black when eating these pillow like crispy yum, yums. Infact don't wear anything you don't want powdered sugar on. 

The servers a quick, and they bring you water even if you didn't want any....cuz if you didn't order a drink you are gonna want some water with these hush puppies. I generally make my own beignets, I consider my self a bit of Princess Tianna. IMHO, these were just as good :) 

Final Though: If in the French Quarter and you have never been...Go, stand in line or find a seat. Sit back and enjoy....don't forget to tip your server.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

This past month I went to 
Carver's Grocery
1118 W Marietta St NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 794-4410


Here is my Review


Good ole home cookin! This unique spot is a hard catch. Because of my schedule I rarely make the time reference, however one day at lunch I was driving by and realized it was 2:45. I made an illegal uturn and parked right alongside this little country store looking spot. I was a bit nervous, but previous yelp reviewers helped settle me. One step through the door and your are transported to some small town otp like all of Atlanta usta be. 

The Atmosphere
The tables are close, and you eating with people you don't know like they are your family. All your necessary condiments are right there in front of you.Just walk on in or stand in line...when you get to the counter order with a smile. This was once a grocery store so the look is quite nostalgic like you should be able to get a bag of boiled peanuts and a nehi in a bottle. It feels and smells such that your tummy knows this is gonna be good and worth it....I hope there is a cot somewhere close. 

The Area
This part of town is rather sparsely populated residentially. Its more of an industrial area. If there is a parking lot I wasn't looking...I tell ya I was trying to beat the clock. Parking is available on the side streets just don't block anyone's driveway. 

The Food
Yum, yum, yum! Allow me this caveat..its not the best soul food you have ever eaten but is is DAMN good!....Its home cooking, brisket, meatloaf, fried chicken, you know the old southern fare. Sides are the same green beans, collards, mac and cheese ect. Yes Virginia there is cornbread, and its good!

My Experience
Driving down Marietta street I saw the blue awning 11-3 I glanced at my dash and after nearly wrecking my car, ducking and dodging semis and breaking all manner of traffic laws I walked in at 2:45 thinking we are gonna have to make this quick. They were nice enough to allow my guest and I to eat in. We didn't have to get a take out, for that you get a star...cause it smelled so good I would have eaten it in the car. Everyone raves about the Fried Chicken...hell this is Atlanta, GA you can get Fried yard bird on every corner.  They had a mythical substance on their menu...the perfect comfort food....so I had to get it. Meatloaf with mash potatoes and gravy, all that was missing was green peas and it would have felt like home. I must say albeit a little pricey it was some pretty darn good meatloaf. My guest had the brisket...which he said was pretty good! So after we ate...we walked over to the queen of this kingdom of comfort food and paid...it was a little strange tho...she sits a desk with one of those cigarette sales thingy that you find in the corner store, up above her head. I told her how awesome it felt to be in the place and that I would return with others. Now just to make it between 11am - 3pm. I think I can. 

The Verdict
Go. Order anything. This spot is A.Mac Certified YUMMY. You are gonna spend between $11  to  $12 per person so be prepared.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Vegetarian Mexican Minus the beans...WHAAAA?

HAPPY NEW YEAR.....yeah I know it's March, but believe it or not I've been busy. Nah. So I've got lots to share. Fortunately for you I don't feel like typing it all now so you will get it later. Today I wanted to share with you an awesome, delish meal for me veg heads out there.

Sweet Potato Burritos. The whole thing may cost about $8.50 for 4... Aye,Aye....Ah haaa....Ole?

So here is what you need:
8c Cooked Sweet Potatoes -  $2.00 (I suggest you bake them)
12 (10") Flour Tortillas - $2.00
8oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese- $2.50
8oz Sour Cream - $1.00

This is so easy and so quick.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Take the mashed sweet potatoes and fill the middle of the tortilla with the mash
Roll and fold like a burrito
Spray your baking pan with Pam
Place the rolls in the pan with the flap side down.
Sprinkle Cheese on top
Place in the oven allow to bake for 12min.
Serve warm with a dollop of cold sour cream.

I know this sounds funny but boy was it yummy. Give it a try.