Buvezdevin's Profile
How useful is Chowhound?
Agreeing with others comments that certain CHers comments carry more weight, particularly if I've noticed their prior posts indicating similar tastes/preferences to mine.
I have also found that CH has been incredibly useful when planning personal or business travel to other cities/countries. I've enjoyed the ability to search and review multiple threads, representing posts over a range of time, because when a restaurant/dish/wine was getting favorable comment from various posters at different points in time it was more likely to make my list of "must try."
$100 Gift Certificate Tip Included?
As discounts are referred to in a few messages below, I just wanted to mention that a restaurant group (not chain) which we frequent offers cards (much like debit cards) which purchasers may maintain/recharge OR give as gift cards. It's the restaurant group's practice to always "up" the amount paid to be credited on card by 10% to 20% (holiday promos up the %). The policy is that the cards may not be used for tips and only for food/drinks, presumably because the group does not intend to "subsidize" patrons tipping (paying to server $1 tip on card, for which patron paid $0.80), and lose cash, but does want to encourage return patrons who then effectively get discounted purchases, and encourage the giving of gift cards (purchased at effective discount) to bring in new customers.
Weekday brunch near Perimeter Mall?
I'm looking for recommendations for restaurants near Perimeter Mall, broadly speaking, which serve brunch during the week. Trying to get together with girlfriends who live in disparate parts of Atlanta, and have conflicting schedules which limits lunch possibilities. Thank you!
HELP me Grill the perfect Eggplant Slices
There is a great site that I just found after this string inspired me to do some searching for more eggplant info, it contains ONLY eggplant recipes, and the one for Argentine style grilled eggplant is one I will be trying soon! Pancake, you might also consider slicing eggplant to several thicknesses, and grilling for different lengths of time during a single grilliing session to determine the thickness/doneness which appeals most to you. I like grilled eggplant slices that are tender inside, but not done to limpness, so slice thinner and grill for a short period on each side (as described in first post), but when I'm baking eggplant slices, I prefer a thicker slice, don't use olive oil before cooking, and cook longer in a low oven for "pillowy" slices. As raw eggplant will soak up olive oil, I apply lightly before grilling, but have found that applying some olive oil before grilling really improves the moisture retention and tenderness. Here is link to the aubergine recipe site: http://www.aubergines.org/recipes.php?eggplant=12
HELP me Grill the perfect Eggplant Slices
Often, when grilling an entree, I love do a quick, easy eggplant grill for a side. My preference is to use a larger eggplant, sliced across into approx 1/3 inch slices, brushed or lightly sprayed with olive oil and salted on both sides. Generally, since I use a gas grill with four gas bars, regardless of what else is being grilled, I grill the eggplant over direct medium flame for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This provides nice grill marks, and a tender center without drying out or leaving a completely limp slice of eggplant. I serve them without dressing. While this works well, and I enjoy it often, I'd appreciate any tips you may garner on variations!
What, if anything, do you buy at Whole Foods?
After trying lots of different coffee beans, from various sources commercial and local, the Whole Foods brand Pleasant Morning Buzz is my regular buy. At 24 ounces for 9.99, it's a great deal as well as a good coffee. I also like the 365 house brand for several, not all products, Whole Wheat Couscous is good. My local WF, and I believe most/all have been doing more with weekly "specials" to keep folks from viewing the store solely as "luxury" shopping (it is in some ways, but I've found many items priced lower than local supermarkets), so I'd recommend that you walk the store when time permits, and look for specials, I just stocked up on a great deal on Cento crushed tomatoes which weren't on my shopping list but were a great deal and will be used in next months.
Recommendations for Atlanta Birthday dinner
Thank you all for recos, Restaurant Eugene is one I've been meaning to try, as is Antica Pasta. The others we've tried, and generally enjoyed, and we especially enjoy Sunday nights at Woodfire Grill when some great wines are half price.
Katj: Have you had the veal chop or bistecca fiorentina at Antica Pasta? I'm so glad you suggested that, we've been meaning to try it since we recently fell in love with Tuscany, yet it keeps slipping my mind when we're actually planning dinner out. Thank you all!
Recommendations for Atlanta Birthday dinner
My SO is having a birthday iin a week, and we were discussing this evening where to plan a dinner out for four to celebrate. His first thought was Rathbun's, where we recently celebrated his son's graduation from college. Further discussion revealed potential interest in other restaurants, and as I've avidly read recommendations on this board (incredibly helpful in planning for some superlative dining in Tuscany), this seems an ideal opportunity to ask this forum for suggestions. While we love, and enjoy a number of restaurants in the Atlanta area where we live (ITP near Emory), new insights will be most welcome. His first interests, for purposes of a birthday celebration, are that he would enjoy any of the following as entrees (in no particular order): 1. Kansas city strip; 2. lamb shank; 3. veal chop. While his dining preferences for this meal are meat-centric, creative appetizers and sides dishes are key as well, hence his first thought of Rathbun's. We've already ruled out (for this meal, though will continue to enjoy for other nights) Bacchanalia, Bones, Chops Capital Grill, dining room at Buckhead Ritz.
