SalMonela's Profile
Zucchini blossoms?
First recommendation is to grow your own. Even in a pot. From seed to blossom will only take a few (maybe 3 or 4) weeks and it's not too late.
Otherwise, if you ask the vendors at most farmers markets they will usually agree to bring some the following week if you'll commit to buying them. Most vendors are reluctant to take the trouble to offer them because they have to get up early in the morning to pick them before bringing to the market in order to offer them fresh - and they're usually getting up pretty early already on market day. Because the shelf life is so short, they're not worth the effort unless you have a guaranteed buyer.
Moving to Birmingham, AL and need lots of advice (long)
Chowhound alert! Recently opened (late June) Kool Korner sandwich shop on Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills makes THE ultimate Cuban sandwich. The proprieter, Mr. Rameriz closed his Atlanta shop (which was a local institution) and retired to B'ham. I know a few people who have made the drive from ATL just for one of his sandwiches since he came out of retirement.
Atlanta-- meet the parents.
Good suggestions. One strategy to minimize the crush at Baraonea is to get there at or just after 8pm (when most of the Fox events start - but before the neighborhood rush usually begins - though admitedly the Valentine Day thing may severly limit your options - or your menu choces. In fact a quick glance at opentable.com shows Ecco, LaTavola, Murphy's, and JCT allready booked between 7-10p.
Moving to Birmingham, AL and need lots of advice (long)
Not open yet, but reportedly coming soon to Vestevia Hills will be a new Cuban Sandwich shop, opened by Silvesonso Ramirez and his son. Mr. Ramirez owned Kool Korner Groceries in Atlanta and until closing it recently produced legendary Cuban Sandwiches (search on Chowhound and most any other Atlanta food blog). I don't know if the new place will bear the Kool Korners name or not, but it's worth keeping an eye out for. Many of us in Atlanta are eager to make the road trip for one of his Cubanos.
Floataway, _______, Watershed - fill in the blank?
Very close to your hotel is Dogwood. This place is also serving updated southern food and has been getting rave reviews. Prices are comparable too. http://www.dogwoodrestaurant.com/ . There is no reasonable way to get to Floataway without a car.
Although Dogwood is pretty close to your hotel, you will probably want to grab a taxi. There's a soup kitchen of sorts between your hotel and the restaurant that seems to cater to the dregs of the Atlanta homeless community. If you want to take MARTA, it would be two stops North of your hotel, exit at the North Avenue Station.
As to your Friday night question, a couple more midtown (there's really not much in the immediate downtown area) choices - all convenient to the North/South Marta line.
Ecco
Baraonda
South City Kitchen
Nan (Thai fine dining)
You can google any of them for menu/directions.
Atlanta--Near CNN (or not)
There are two new southern-esqe places on the ATL dining scene that are both creating quite a bit of buzz among the locals - though you'll need to drive or taxi to either. Think you can google them both for a look at the menu and directions.
Holeman & Finch is a "Gastro Pub" that's been getting some awesome reviews. Casual, lively and fun.
The 2nd is Home, which is staffed by current Top Chef contestant Richard Blais. The menu here looks a bit traditional, but Chef Blais will doubtless surprise you with his inventiveness.
Persian Pizza? [moved from San Francisco Bay Area, board
It was definitely a rice based crust. I think approach using Ta Dig is a good lead. Will experiment over the weekend and report back.
Persian Pizza? [moved from San Francisco Bay Area, board
Thanks for the tips. No, I contribute to the "South" board (live in Atlanta), but never posted to Boston.
Persian Pizza? [moved from San Francisco Bay Area, board
This is a long shot but does anybody remember a Persian cafe on Noriega at 19th Ave that among other things served a Persian Pizza? The owner (who regretably died of a heart attack in his restaurant one night) claimed he created the recpe himself because he inherited a pizza oven when he took over the lease for his restaurant. I'm looking for the recipe, or as much of a description as anybody might recall, to re-create the pizza.
Some of the key ingredients as I remember were a crust made out of rice, a topping with pomegranate seeds, saffron, lamb, and maybe mint?
Atlanta: Downtown restaurant w/private room?
Not sure about pricing, but you might also consider Room at Twelve (Centennial Park). Short walk to your hotel and able to accommodate your party with ease.
http://www.roomattwelve.com/roomhome.htm
Cheap Eats near ATL Airport?
Plenty of good suggestions above, so I'll confine my thoughts to just those places that you can walk to or take a short cab ride.
Irish Bred Pub - less than 1/4 mile from your hotel. Rather smokey, decent pub food. In the same development as Landmark Diner which is a (fair) local chain.
The Academy - A half mile or so from your hotel. I read mixed reviews about this restauirant but I've had nothing but good meals myself. Serving sort of updated southern food in a nice setting.
Thai Heaven - about a half mile from your hotel (N. Central Ave in "downtown" Hapeville, you'll need to ask directions). Surprisingly good Thai food coupled with agonizingly slow service.
Cafe on the Corner - S. Central Ave in downtown Hapeville. Lunch only. A bit pricey, but good sandwiches, salads, and a few hot entrees.
Taqueria Dos Hermanos - 890 E Cleveland Ave, East Point. Need to take a taxi or bum a ride - not a neighborhood to be walking around in. Mighty fine tacos - especially the chorzo. Even better if you're stopping on your way back to the hotel after a night of drinking.
Atlanta - southern food - accessible by MARTA
Your best bet is probably going to be Mary Macs Tearoom http://www.marymacs.com/. An Atlanta institution for over 60 years, it has gone through it’s ups and downs, but I understand that recently it’s been pretty good. Exit at the North Avenue MARTA station, walk one block north to Ponce de Leon Ave and then four short blocks East to the corner of Ponce de Leon and Myrtle Streets. This is traditional Southern cooking with lots of fried bits and gravy so check your diet at the door.
Lunch Near University of SF
Twilight Cafe for a great Middle-Eastern lunch just of the Western Edge of the Campus (McAllister Street, by the fitness center). One of the best falafels in town, if that's your sort of thing. Link to some reviews http://www.yelp.com/biz/iRittrE0Pld2u3Vq_lxC_Q
Need Cheap Family Eats in Atlanta
If you're going to Ikea around lunchtime (and aren't in the mood for their Sweedish Meatballs which are a good value in their own right) there is an Atlanta institution of sorts that's a short walk from Ikea that serves fantastic Cuban sandwiches for less than $5. It's called Kool Korner, and it's located on the corder of 14th and State streets. No credit cards, (no sign outside for that matter - just look for a beige clapboard "store" with a frosted glass door). Open only from 11a-3p Mon-Sat. Many a Georgia Tech student would have starved if it weren't for the awesome sandwiches from this treasure (I routinely make the drive from the airport into town just to pick up a sandwich or two). They offer one or two other kinds of sandwiches, but really it's the "Classico" that makes Kool Korner a legend. Nowhere to eat inside, but there's a picnic table on the side, and if that's full, then you can go behind into their parking lot and sit along the ledge or steps that lead to the street.
D&D Barbecue -- Southside Atlanta
Yum! After reading your post I stopped by on my way home from work to take D&D for a test drive. Mighty fine beef ribs too!
Six hours to kill near Atlanta airport
Very good diner food at Thumbs Up Cafe in East Point. 2 MARTA stops North of the airport, and a half a block walk (on White Way). Inexpensive, and I think a safer bet for the younger ones than some of the earlier suggestions just because of the menu variety.
Rathbun's vs. Wisteria vs. Watershed
Outside, Wisteria looks exactly like what it is - a locally owned/operated neighborhood bistro. Brick exterior with long windows looking into the dining room. The building probability dates back to the 30's, and is adjacent to a pretty good (albeit smoky) pub, and another restaurant. I will add if you've seen photos of the interior on the web that it's smaller than the pics would make it appear (at least the photos I've seen). Not sure how many tables, it's maybe 2/3 the size of the average restaurant that you'll find along Clement St in SF. My only complaint about the place is that with brick walls, the acoustics aren't ideal, it can get pretty loud when the place is full - which is often because the food really is quite good.
If going for a walk in the neighborhood after dinner, turn in the uphill direction to reach the core area of the Virginia Highlands district. It's about a quarter mile (safe) walk to reach an assortment of pubs, obligatory Starbucks, and a few boutiques further along the same road.
In or near Atlanta airport
The African food trucks aren't actually on restricted territory, but you really have to know your way around to find them - and they may not be willing to serve you once you do. (I suspect that this is due to health/business licensing issues - or lack thereof, so if you don't look like a taxi driver, they may think you're an undercover health department (IRS, INS, etc) agent. IF you want to give it a try, follow the signs to the West Economy parking lot (behind where all the courtesy shuttle busses pick up) - walk to the far end of that parking lot just to the left of where cars enter the lot and look for the taxi assembly area across the street. A short dash through traffic and you'll find four or five food trucks and one picnic table amidst hundreds and hundres of taxis. A full meal awaits for probably less than a five spot.
Atlanta-St. Patricks Day
Another option, though it will require a 10 minute drive is Limerick Junction Pub in Virginia Highlands neighborhood. They take over the parking lot behind the pub and set up a stage for mostly traditional Irish bands and pour Guinness, Harp, etc - no cover charge. Corned beef sandwiches available some years as I recall. Plenty of other restaurants and pubs within walking/crawling distance when you get weary of standing in the parking lot.
Time to Temp for Wolf Gas Oven/Broiler
My wife recently \ surprised me with a 36 inch Wolf gas oven/range. While I worship it (and her) daily, the oven/broiler seems to take an inordinate amount of time to come to temperature. As an example, tonight it took just under 20 minutes for the broiler to come to temperature. I’ve never had a 36 inch oven/broiler before, so maybe this is normal (let me stress, this is gas, not dual fuel). Can anyone provide me with guidance whether this is a “normal” time for this size oven? Thanks
Balsalmic vinegar
Probably not the thickness that he is looking for but Cooks Illustrated a bit ago rated various balsamic vinegars, including some pretty high end stuff and one of their top rated brands was the Whole Foods' 365 Organic (think it sells for around 7 bucks). I'm no vinegar groupie, but my Tuscan born and raised wife claims to be and she's pretty enthusiastic about it. Of course if this is going to stand a chance with your husband , best to introduce it to him from a hand crafted bottle in portions that imply that it's both scarce and costly.
Where in Atlanta should I plant myself?
Though I agree that Midtown is probably the best 'hood to stay, in the spirit of having choices, you might also consider staying at the Highland Inn Hotel in the Virginia Highlands neighborhood. The area is one of the most pedestrian friendly in Atlanta, with lots of pubs, shops, cafe's and restaurants that are more likely to be independantly operated.
http://www.thehighlandinn.com/
ATL: deli near piedmont park?
I believe that the place that you're thinking of was located on Monroe Drive at 10th/Virginia (can't recall the name). Sadly, it closed recently and is now a Mediterranean cafe.
Whole Foods, and the soon-to-open Trader Joe's are probably your best picnic grub options on the East side of the park. On the West side, I'd head a mile up 14th St to Kool Korner for the best Cuban sandwich this side of Pluto.
How long does a white truffle last?
From “The Joy of Truffles”, Benedikt Taschen Verlag GmbH – 1998:
Truffles are up to 73% water and ‘lose their savour’ i.e., shrink by about 5% of their bodyweight per day – a reason to slow down the loss by any means possible. Your wrap the truffle in kitchen paper, close it in an air-tight jar, and put it in the fridge. The paper should be changed at least once a day, so that the truffle stays dry and does not go moldy or bad.
An old but effective strategy is to dip the truffle in wax. In this way, neither moisture or aroma can escape. A method used in the 16th century to bring the white delicacies intact from Italy to the French court. Both white and black truffles can be kept from three days to a week, but they taste best completely fresh.
suggestions for cardamom?
When in Egypt a number of years ago, I was served coffee that was infused with cardamom (not sure if it was green or black). It added an amazing complexity to the coffee - though in all honesty I don't think I'd rush back, but that's just me.
How is Zabb-e-Lee in Atlanta lately?
I work at the airport and still go by Zabb-e-Lee for lunch - though honestly not as often as I used to. I've not had any experience as bad as reported above, but I'd say Zabb-e-Lee has lost some of it's sparkle. May just be that we're finally getting a few (very few) ethnic alternatives in this part of the city.
Alternate suggestion in the airport vicinity - Taqueria Dos Hermanos. I-85 North to Cleveland Avenue, turn left at the exit onto Cleveland avenue and the restaurant (which shares space with a Shell station) is about a half mile ahead on your left - across from Pleasers Adult Entertainment (hey, if you want ethnic, you sometimes gotta go to ethnic neighborhoods).
Once inside, Dos Hermanos is clean and bright, and the help are very friendly. The chorizo tacos are tops, and al pastor a close second. Don't bother with the sandwiches, they're not bad, but hardly worth the trip. I've not tried them but their tamales (a frequent special) are supposed to be pretty good too.
If you want to stay south of the airport, there's a new Indian restaurant (oddly also co-located with a gas station - Chevron this time) on Old National Highway and the corner of Godby Road. Same road as Zabb-e-Lee, but turn left when you get off the freeway instead of right. Godby Road is the first traffic light after you've crossed over the freeway. If you're an Indian food afficianado then you probably should pass on this place, but for Atlanta, it's as good as you'll probably find without a trip to the Northern suburbs.
Pinot Bistro in Cottonwood, AZ
I stumbled across Pinon Bistro earlier this year and must wholeheartedly say that this is a Chowhound kind of place. Small menu of a half dozen different entrees that according to the propriatress changes regularly based on what's fresh, and the chef's mood. Only open Thur - Sun and no credit cards. Don't be put off by the fact that from the street, this place looks like it might be the restaurant for the Super 8 motel that's right behind it. Definitely worth the detour if you're planning on stopping in Sedona. Small but nice wine selection too.
HELP!!!!! Surprise Birthday Party in Atlanta
In no particular order...
Manuel's Tavern has a side room that would easily accommodate your group, not the same vibe as Eclipse but an Atlanta institution and the food's not bad as pub food goes and relatively iinexpensive. Best of all I don't think that they charge any sort of rental or formal minimum.
Vickery's - multiple rooms that could be dedicated to a group.
Leopard Lounge - very hip/fun but possibly expensive. The basement bar would probably be perfect for a group your size.
Not sure if they offer food but The Compound is still one of the hottest clubs in town and they've all kinds of party space - probably for a fee.
M Bar in Castleberry Hill also has a private space, but I believe they also charge a rental fee, so unless you're a well orgainzed group this may not work for you.
Of course by December, you're going to be competing with office Christmas parties for space, so you may already be too late for some of these spots.
3.5-hr ATL Layover - Best Value MARTA-Accessible Dinner?
A note of caution regarding the taxi waiting area at the airport. A couple years ago after reading (probably on this bulletin board) about the food on offer there, I gathered a couple of colleagues and made a trip there for lunch.
Maybe there were just too many of us geeky looking white guys showing up all at once, but every one of the trucks that I approached (despite taxi drivers walking away with heaping plates of food) told me that they didn't serve food. We did attract a bit of attention from the collected taxi drivers who wanted to know why the heck we were there, who we were, had I ever been to Africa, did I work for the CIA, and an assortment of other questions. Eventually my answers must have been enough to convince them that I was harmless because one of the taxi drivers was kind enough to take me back to one of the trucks, introcuce me to the propriatess and secured a bowl of fufu for me to try.
Need dinner rec for Atlanta, near Sheraton on Courtland
Might be pushing the limit of your 3/4 mile distance, but it would be a nice walk through Centennial Olympic Park, Spoon http://www.spoonatlanta.com/ on Marietta serves up high quality Thai food in a nice setting and nice prices.
Also on Marietta, closer to CNN center is Endenu. http://www.endenu.com/ The food has been hit and miss the couple times I've been but it has a great eclectic vibe and great decor.
