tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28256097276007141402012-02-10T12:19:54.971-05:00Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.comBlogger751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-3772847715373516812012-01-22T19:05:00.003-05:002012-01-22T19:40:56.626-05:00

We discovered Wurstkuche in Los Angeles through a great Huffington Post article showcasing Zagat's best single item focused menus in America.  It is important to note that I found the article through a friend, Neel Sengupta, partner in Crepe Revolution here in Smyrna/ Vinings. They made this short list for their tasty crepes. If you haven't tried their great specialties or one of their wine or

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-81072138346181411932012-01-21T17:51:00.003-05:002012-01-22T19:42:24.625-05:00

Just after Christmas, we drove home 4 hours from Asheville, NC and rushed to pack for our 7 am flight to Los Angeles all to be ready to experience a sneak peek of The Lawrence.  Now in a soft opening phase and hosting seated dinners to build the buzz, over the holidays Scoutmob and The Lawrence hosted a series of four dinners to expose Atlanta to their concept.  The Lawrence is housed at 905

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-57555546463828974502012-01-02T23:07:00.001-05:002012-01-02T23:09:14.768-05:00

I had been dying to try the White Duck Taco Shop in Asheville, NC for months.  Over the holidays I was finally able to try out several of their tasty tacos. Located in the River Arts District, White Duck is a great launching spot for a day of browsing the amazing art galleries and artist studios that line the streets in this part of town. Here you will find anything from hand blown glass to

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-52663023397369392362012-01-02T22:40:00.002-05:002012-01-02T22:40:19.945-05:00

Happy New Year. Here's to a 2012 filled with fun and great food. I am happy to be back in town and looking forward to sharing my holiday travel eats with you.

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-26735820635833273532011-11-23T15:29:00.002-05:002012-01-22T19:38:40.719-05:00

We are on our own for the first time this year and rather than taking on the religion that is my mother's traditional Thanksgiving, we are doing things our own way. We considered several options and given our love of food, and abundant stash of Chateauneuf du Pape from out trip last year decided on a menu with a heavy French influence. Recipes and preparation images coming soon! As we cook: Foie

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-63275112213463608502011-11-23T15:08:00.004-05:002012-01-23T10:00:21.999-05:00

This is an update to a previous post from last year. I haven't changed my mind about my love for some old favorites, but I have discovered some new places I would love to share. I have starred the updated for 2011! There is no guarantee here that you will like my restaurants, or that I indeed have what you would call a sophisticated palate, but here you go. Favorite All Time Restaurant: Still

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-28667139779314089712011-10-03T14:28:00.000-04:002011-10-03T14:28:41.079-04:00

 Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org. I haven't had a chance to try this yet, but am so excited at the possibility of a new way to do this dreaded task. Check out Saveur's video on how to peel garlic in less than 10 seconds!

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-74661200531740729382011-09-28T10:21:00.000-04:002011-09-28T10:21:05.141-04:00

I am often asked for advice on romantic restaurants in Atlanta. While I can think of a number of places, and ways to be romantic on any budget, here are my top choices for a nice (and possibly splurge worthy) night out. Canoe- Located in Vinings is a great choice for brunch or for dinner. If the weather is nice,  ask for a patio seat. You can sit right on the Chattahoochee River and enjoy a

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-84196178886517283812011-09-26T22:43:00.004-04:002011-10-03T14:33:04.162-04:00

Photo Courtesy of Grek Slick www.oncestudio.com I have been married for three months today! That hopefully explains the lack of posts in recent weeks and the flood of great food that is coming your way.  We chose our wedding location sight  unseen based solely on a few things, cooler weather, amazing views, historic charm, and a Michelin star restaurant on the property. Cavallo Point The Lodge

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-67177293770998784342011-09-26T22:07:00.003-04:002011-09-27T13:22:16.763-04:00

The highlight of my Mid-May started with a tempting email from Wolf Mountain Vineyards. We joined the wine club there after a fall tasting and have been consistently impressed with the wine and the events offered to club members. May's treat was a special class on the making of their award winning sparkling wine. They make the one of the only true méthode champenoise wines in this part of the

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-24681124678288028602011-08-08T16:40:00.001-04:002012-01-23T10:03:47.501-05:00

I know I have not been doing very much this month, but I have been doing some great reading. Here is another great article with a connection to Staplehouse in Atlanta. http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/08/06/underground-supper-clubs/

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-50152837509613525542011-08-03T16:57:00.001-04:002012-01-23T10:04:21.088-05:00

Today I came across CNN's 50 Most Delicious Foods. This is an interesting read. I am not sure I can agree with all of them, but still worth a glance.

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-84550569284613415452011-08-03T16:52:00.000-04:002011-08-03T16:52:04.803-04:00

I am back again after another long break from blogging. I think getting married is a good excuse to take some time off. Along the way, I did manage to detail our fabulous wedding meal and some great eats along the Coastal 1 Hwy. More great things to come...

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-48438003271403485572011-05-18T16:56:00.002-04:002011-05-18T16:57:44.834-04:00

It may be easy to overlook with all of the commotion in town surrounding the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, but the Downtown Restaurant Week starts May 28th! This is a great opportunity. I think many of us who grew up in Atlanta think of downtown as the baren wasteland that it was in the 1990's. Today downtown bustles with some amazing restaurants and bars. (Thanks Amy C. for the reminder!)

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-75798062766833639752011-05-18T16:52:00.002-04:002011-05-18T16:53:23.477-04:00

I am back after a two month break! I have been more than just a little busy planning a destination wedding, planning events at work, and finishing up classes for the spring semester. I did manage to squeeze in some delicious meals and am back to share them with you. Be on the look out, but for now a teaser a mouthwatering filet from Epic Roasthouse in San Francisco, CA!

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-76354253521213939902011-03-25T09:08:00.001-04:002011-03-25T09:11:31.169-04:00

Inman Park Restaurant Week begins March 28th! Most of the top restaurants including Rathbuns, Kevin Rathbun Steak and Sotto Sotto to name a few of my favorites, are offering great menu choices and reasonable prices. This is the perfect excuse to eat out several times next week.

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-50561115629882527492011-03-18T10:45:00.002-04:002011-03-18T10:45:45.953-04:00

If you are looking for a great way to spend the next few days of great weather, consider heading north for the Georgia Wine Highway Weekend.  Several of North GA's best wineries are hosting special tastings, menus and have discounts available. Plus there is nothing better than pretty weather, the mountains, and some wine!

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-35792669988864143742011-03-02T09:24:00.002-05:002011-03-02T09:28:09.823-05:00

Hidden in a somewhat industrial area of Chamblee, Maison Robert offers you a step into France. This small chocolate shop features truffles, confections, and savory lunch items all made in house. Robert Reeb opened a shop in Atlanta in 1977. Robert had trained in his native France as a third generation pâtissier-confiseur-glacier.  As you walk into the shop, the smell of chocolate overwhelms

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-21242004061850129162011-02-28T17:28:00.001-05:002012-01-23T10:04:09.078-05:00

For a few years now, I have been keeping this place pretty much to myself. I love Northlake Thai. Its tucked away in a Kroger shopping center off Lavista Rd. between Decatur and Tucker. This group formerly owned the now closed Eurasia Bistro in downtown Decatur. The unassuming facade gives way to a nicely appointed if somewhat suburban restaurant. This is white tablecloth Thai! Their menu has

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-77393671413937830762011-02-26T09:13:00.000-05:002011-02-26T09:13:02.918-05:00

Lured by meeting Chef Satterfield at my cooking class this week, I finally made it over to Miller Union! This westside restaurant has been popular for a year bringing in rave reviews as well as big names looking for a great meal. I met friends for a drink on the patio after a long day and was determined to stay for dinner. The drink menu was well developed featuring a number of house specialty

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-40465781246783911212011-02-23T11:07:00.004-05:002012-01-23T10:03:13.850-05:00

Monday night, I had the pleasure of attending a cooking class based on the new Southern Foodways Alliance Cookbook. The recipes came to life courtesy of four fabulous chefs, Virginia Willis, Steven Satterfield, Angie Mosier, and Lynne Sawicki.   Chef Steven Satterfield has earned his fame recently at his amazing Westside hot spot Miller Union.  Steven grew up in Savannah and has lived in GA most

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-56039949026964234652011-02-17T10:12:00.001-05:002011-02-22T16:38:56.985-05:00

This was so amusing, I had to share. A favorite site of mine thekitchn ran this article this week featuring kooky flashcards for Foodies defining all those overused terms out there in the gourmet world. Could be amusing at a dinner party!

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-69710206846700117462011-02-14T10:04:00.003-05:002011-02-22T16:20:44.055-05:00

Anyone who really knows me knows that while I will eat dessert, I will rarely choose something sweet over something savory. Unfortunately my special someone has quite a sweet tooth.  Last week, I came across a great recipe that meets in the middle. The Rosemary Apple Turnovers are sweet and tart, with a  kick of rosemary  and honey which for me transforms a simple apple turnover (something I

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-86586509227079251052011-02-08T16:43:00.003-05:002011-02-22T15:15:58.272-05:00

Valentine's Day is Monday! Love it or hate it the day comes on quickly after the holidays and leaves many of us without plans. Whether you are wooing a special someone, avoiding the commercialism that defines the day, or just wanting to head out with friends  there are still plenty of options for making the day special. Valentines in the Garden takes place at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens this

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-89641106554360620782011-02-08T15:28:00.001-05:002011-02-15T14:52:58.849-05:00

The second annual Buckhead Restaurant Week will take place Feb. 26- March 6th! Prepare for great deals at Buckheads nicest restaurants. Check out the website for more information.

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-11326834757444623732011-02-08T15:20:00.003-05:002011-02-22T16:21:39.483-05:00

A great article on the soon to open Holman & Finch Bottle Shop. I can't wait to get my hands on some of their crafty cocktail ingredients!http://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/mouthing-off/2011/2/7/fw-exclusive-inside-atlantas-hf-bottle-shop

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-89261019277952679692010-12-10T09:12:00.005-05:002011-02-22T16:21:49.626-05:00

  Photo borrowed from Food &Wine   Last night was cold, and my parents were coming into town for dinner. I decided to take them to H. Harper Station for some warm comfort food, and because its only two streets over from my house! I started dinner with a fabulous drink, by far the best one I have tried. It was called a Bufala Negra and was made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, basil, brown

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-43104846840093642922010-12-02T16:47:00.004-05:002011-02-22T16:22:22.304-05:00

On a cold Friday night a few weeks ago, I ventured out to H. Harper Station. They had a soft opening the previous Sunday, and I was curious to see the next restaurant to fill the long vacant Atlanta & West Point rail station in Reynoldstown. Walking in the decor had changed some from the look of Depot, the previous tenant. New retro green milk glass chandeliers and trendy Edison style filament

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-48488389380359967622010-12-02T16:05:00.004-05:002011-02-22T16:22:52.498-05:00

Calling all francophiles. Georgia Tech and the Consolate General of France here in Atlanta are  currently hosting France-Atlanta : Together Towards Innovation. Next week is French Restaurant Week, and most of the city's restaurants are offering $30 pre fix menus featuring some classic dishes and wine pairings. I can't wait to take advantage of this great opportunity.

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-76831061558594489162010-12-02T10:02:00.005-05:002012-01-23T10:05:36.448-05:00

I have been waiting for months to get a seat at this dinner table! Prelude to Staplehouse is a supper club of sorts hosted by Chef Ryan Hidinger  and Jen Hidinger. Ryan attended the Art Institute here in Atlanta after high school before returning to his home in Indianapolis to begin a career as a chef. That career took him from top restaurants in Indiana to Atlanta where he worked at Bacchanalia,

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-87651253329955966342010-12-02T09:40:00.001-05:002011-02-22T16:23:22.374-05:00

 I made it through my finals and a family Thanksgiving in St. Simons Island. Now I am back to work on the blog, and catching up on some of the best dining experiences from the past month. I have been saving a few, from my family recipes for Thanksgiving, and favorite spots in St. Simons, to a great dinner with the supper club Staplehouse and a fun Friday night at the new(ish) H. Harper Station.

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-28305707285189761552010-11-10T17:54:00.002-05:002012-01-23T10:04:40.196-05:00

Airing again tonight on WPBA here in Atlanta is What'll Ya Have a great documentary on The Varsity! Anyone who has lived in or even visited Atlanta can't resist a chili dog, some onion rings, and an FO (Frosted Orange). I can remember my first time visiting while on an elementary school field trip. It was like a wonderland. As a Tech student we used to take the walk across 75/85 for a late night

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-30408369539659736722010-11-09T10:41:00.000-05:002010-11-09T10:41:00.228-05:00

Tonight is the Atlanta Community Food Bank Supper Club dinner at the Iberian Pig in Decatur. One of my favorite new restaurants, the Iberian Pig serves up an amazing array of tapas and traditional Spanish dishes along with inventive cocktails and a lengthy wine list. Check out the menu, and enjoy some great food for a good cause!  

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-1410594028552021462010-10-13T12:34:00.004-04:002011-02-22T16:23:41.741-05:00

For the first time in a while, I have a three day weekend! In thinking through what I might possibly do to fill these days with more relaxation and less laundry, I started thinking about short day trips near Atlanta. As readers know, I love wine and wine tasting. I have explored a few of the North GA wineries and written about them in past postings. This weekend I decided to take advantage of the

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-43277863028782195502010-10-13T12:14:00.005-04:002010-10-13T15:09:00.711-04:00

The Taste of Atlanta Festival will be held next weekend October 23rd and 24th in Midtown (Tech Square). What a perfect way to spend a weekend! The event will feature over 70 restaurants, celebrity chefs and a wine, beer and cocktail experience. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. Kids 13 and under are free with an adult admission. Plus there is a $75 VIP option with access to

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-48578133207933804382010-10-08T11:28:00.004-04:002011-02-22T16:24:01.108-05:00

This week I have been craving pain aux raisin. I have not been able to find it here in Atlanta. I checked the Dekalb Farmers Market, Whole Food, and Alons Bakery with no luck. If anyone has seen it here, let me know. I am seeking the original French version with plump raisins, and custard, not the American version that is like a cinnamon roll. I will drive anywhere (near the perimeter) to get

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-67232873402269626322010-10-06T22:34:00.004-04:002011-02-22T16:24:21.869-05:00

Comerc 24 was host to the epic meal of our vacation. Epic in terms of food, and in terms of length. Known for its innovative tapas and its famous chef, Charles Abellan, this restaurant sits tucked off of a side street near the Gothic Quarter.  In the true style of the city we had made our dinner reservations late. 9:45 pm was as late as we could manage after a long day of sightseeing. As we

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-22197139839214825042010-10-06T16:01:00.004-04:002011-02-22T16:24:33.063-05:00

Several friends have asked recently for recommendations on my favorite places to eat in Atlanta. Since that was the original point of this blog and since I have spent most of my time here recently pining away for France in print, I now am obliged to share my top picks for eating out in Atlanta. I may go back and edit this from time to time. There is no guarantee here that you will like my

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-42259967154952222892010-10-05T19:29:00.003-04:002011-02-22T16:24:47.503-05:00

My last stop in France was in the small coastal town of Collioure. This little town is what I imagined coastal France would be. Small colorful buildings lined the cobblestone streets, and little old french fishermen tended to boats and played boules along the shore. The culture here is a fascinating blend of French and Spanish tradition, Catalan is its official name. The residents here speak

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-23349749901159170502010-10-05T19:09:00.001-04:002010-10-05T19:10:33.134-04:00

I am back after a long absence. There is nothing like starting a new job and being in graduate school to do away with hobbies and free time. I have eaten some amazing food while I was away! I hope to catch up quickly and get back into the swing of regular posting.

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-69745783868908874642010-07-20T09:42:00.002-04:002011-02-22T16:25:45.089-05:00

Le Mas d' Aigret is nestled at the base of the fortified walled city of Les Baux de Provence. From the moment you arrive, you know you have reached a special destination. The view from our patio was a panorama of olive groves and vineyards spanning from the mountains to Arles. The rooms were well appointed, and the property featured a pool, restaurant, and boules court! We settled onto our patio

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-75674641628123604622010-07-19T07:31:00.003-04:002011-02-22T16:26:01.269-05:00

All summer, I have been enjoying tomatoes. This is a recent experience for me, the person who wouldn't touch a tomato, that was not a part of salsa or spaghetti, until after college. This year, I think they have been particularly sweet. This week I began thinking about a tomato tart. Several cooking shows and food blogs I like have been featuring them the past month, so I thought I would give

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-67866851061760208272010-07-13T18:25:00.005-04:002011-02-22T16:26:29.351-05:00

I was drawn to L'isle sur la Sorgue for its  picturesque waterways which weave through the city. It is known as the Venice of Provence and quiet famous for its antique market on Sunday afternoons. I planned to stroll through the town and maybe find a nice place near the water to have a light lunch on our way from Tavel to Les Baux de Provence.  Little did I know I was going to find the lunch of a

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-68498506988909021032010-07-13T13:45:00.004-04:002011-02-22T16:26:56.879-05:00

After a long day of sightseeing, we headed back to cozy Tavel and to our room at the Auberge du Tavel. We spent some time at the pool, and as we read the owners were busily preparing the tables for dinner. When we booked our room, we had heard of the hotel through trip advisor, but as we got closer to our stay, surprisingly it was written up in the NY Times! The writer had eaten lunch at our cute

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-71780315394304301442010-07-13T13:15:00.003-04:002011-02-22T16:27:10.572-05:00

I am taking a break from travel posting to link you to a great article. My inner feminist couldn't resist the topic. "Why Are There No Great Women Chefs?" was featured in the winter 2010 edition of Gasronomica Journal. Thanks to my friend Amy, who is luck enough to be taking a great class on the sociology of food,  for passing it along! In the article, the author talks about the gender gap in the

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-82566085491445655972010-07-13T12:12:00.006-04:002011-02-22T16:27:30.245-05:00

One of the highlights of our trip was the day and a half we spent in Tavel. I have posted about this earlier and was excited to see this small town and discover the food and wine they had to offer. We had booked a room at the cute Auberge du Tavel. This offered a prime location in the center of town and a great little restaurant. As we entered the house, we found the staff to be more than

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-19821166213032682072010-06-24T08:32:00.004-04:002011-02-22T16:29:14.757-05:00

Our last day in Paris was the day I had been waiting for. Our time in the city was culminating in a chef lead market tour and cooking class offered by Cooking with Class.  We met our chef/ host Pino Ficara early in the morning in the residential neighborhood of Monmartre. I loved the neighborhood. I would compare it to the Upper Westside in NYC. It was a great mix of small businesses, restaurants

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-83564747662690655032010-06-21T22:11:00.002-04:002011-02-22T16:29:49.113-05:00

After a full day at Versaille, we had decided to stick close to the hotel. This turned out to be a great idea. The Rue Cler neighborhood is full of classic French food, small cafes, and high end bistros. We happened upon L'Auberge Bressane. The specialized in traditional homestyle French cuisine.  Their menu featured favorites like coq au vin and mussels. We started with the house terrine

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-87756435276632501602010-06-21T16:30:00.004-04:002011-02-22T16:30:05.024-05:00

Eating in Paris would not be complete without a stop off at the famous Laduree. From their website "It all began in 1862, when Louis Ernest Ladurée, a miller from France’s southwest, created a bakery at 16 rue Royale in Paris." They are known for their elaborate pastries particularly the macaroons (pronounced  mac-a-ron) and not to be confused with the coconut treats many of us in the US know. A

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-33434664965129993622010-06-21T10:39:00.003-04:002011-02-22T16:30:25.338-05:00

When planning for Paris, a wine tasting seemed to be in order. As we searched, we came across rave reviews for tastings with Chateau O. They offer several styles of tastings, from longer more extensive wine tastings, to tours, to chocolate tastings. We had planned on taking a Seine cruise on the Bateau-Mouches so when we saw Chateau O offered a cruise with private champagne tasting we were sold!

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-41677808174875728392010-06-21T09:13:00.003-04:002011-02-22T16:30:45.064-05:00

Le 404 is located in the hip Marais neighborhood of Paris. This neighborhood is known for its artsy vibe, and is loaded with great restaurants, and nightlife. The restaurant is small but beautiful and located off an unassuming side street. When you walk inside however you are transported to Morocco. The candlelight flickers and the smells waft out the door. We were greeted by the staff and

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-6687180319745899972010-06-18T11:39:00.006-04:002011-02-22T16:31:03.184-05:00

Our second day in Paris we explored the Louvre, and toured the amazing Notre Dame. (See my travel blog for more on those). I'm here to talk about the food. After  full morning of sight seeing I succumbed to the lure of the sandwich counter in the Louvre. So a 12 euro tuna sandwich was my first real meal of the day, but nothing to write home about. We wandered onto Ile de la Cite and toured

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-9838395074794425512010-06-17T14:31:00.004-04:002011-02-22T16:31:15.247-05:00

Paris, city of lights, city of food. After two weeks in France, Paris still holds a special place in my heart. One of the few benefits of my 6:30 am landing at CDG was arriving in the city and being welcomed by the smell of fresh baked bread. I had heard the stories a million times, Parisians are addicted to their bread. Now I know why. The smells waft from every street corner, and the city seems

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-77880351501212245562010-06-17T14:21:00.007-04:002012-01-23T10:05:54.833-05:00

Our first day began with a picnic of breakfast foods, and ended with Hidden Kitchen. I had been dying to try this since the moment we planned our trip. As you may recall, I snagged the last two seats way back in March! One week prior to our arrival we were sent directions to the stylish Paris apartment where our chef hosts were to treat us to a multi-course gourmet feast. As we arrived at the

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-36359896432682744882010-06-17T08:44:00.004-04:002011-02-22T16:32:09.159-05:00

I know I promised Paris postings, but apparently when you leave your job for over two weeks, things pile up a bit. I am ready to dive back into the blog and tell you all about Paris, but first I need to back track to my last meal in the states. Young Augustine's has become my new favorite hangout. Its in the laid back neighborhood of Grant Park, features amazing food, fun bar games, an ever

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-21727817992671438742010-06-08T13:56:00.000-04:002010-06-08T13:56:26.391-04:00

Well sadly, I am back from France. I have eaten my way across the country and can't wait to tell you about it. From the food and the wine to the scenery and the people, the French know how to do it right. I just got in last night, so many pictures, and of course details to come.

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-14940599361153115412010-05-18T22:49:00.002-04:002010-10-08T09:33:23.205-04:00

This Saturday is the annual East Atlanta Beer Festival. While tickets just sold out, you can still come to the event to drink and experience one of Atlanta's most interesting neighborhoods. I have lived in East Atlanta since 2003 and have seen the shops and bars in the village change many times. Today there is an eclectic mix of food and drink. I hope you will all take the time to visit a great

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-60983170732115145972010-05-11T10:07:00.004-04:002011-02-22T16:32:33.381-05:00

Most of you know I am headed to France in less than two weeks! Last night I spent some time reviewing our plans for Provence. After spending a day and night in Avignon, we will be renting a car and heading out to explore several small towns in the area. A recent NY Times article inspired me to explore the town of Tavel. Tavel is only 14 km north of Avignon and touted as the birthplace of Rose

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-54714492789188451972010-05-11T09:27:00.001-04:002011-02-22T16:32:45.471-05:00

For a Southern girl like myself, BBQ is a staple of family gatherings and summertime cuisine. I love to find a perfect out of the way spot with great sauce and the perfect cole slaw. More on that later, this post is dedicated to Korean BBQ. I was first introduced to this by a friend who had moved to Atlanta from San Diego. At first taste, I fell in love with the smokey flavor of the meat, and the

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-59421650883464083992010-05-10T09:32:00.010-04:002011-02-22T16:33:10.690-05:00

Yesterday for Mother's Day, my parents and I ventured 35 minutes south of Atlanta to Serenbe Farm. We had been planning to visit for over a year. Upon arriving we were transported to an idyllic country setting.  Serenbe is a planned community near Palmetto. The community is a neighborhood with small shops and restaurants similar to Watercolor Beach in Florida, but it features an Inn with an

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-51120132166183057302010-05-04T11:24:00.003-04:002011-02-22T16:33:23.136-05:00

Cinco de Mayo is tomorrow and that calls for margaritas. There are plenty of places to drink them around Atlanta, but in my humble opinion a good margarita here is hard to find. About 5 years ago a friend of mine made margaritas for a dinner party. She had taken a cooking class at Nava in Buckhead.  The chef had shared the Nava margarita recipe. Since that day, I have been perfecting the recipe

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-78490537123024936722010-04-23T11:17:00.012-04:002011-02-22T16:34:44.317-05:00

I am finally back to the blog and back from a whirlwind weekend in Montreal. It started with being bumped from my flight and missing a much anticipated dinner at Au Pied du Cochon, but was well worth it in the end. Montreal itself is amazing. It holds an old world charm but has all the modern amenities of a medium sized city and the food, oh the food. I am going to try to hit the highlights!

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-82748581455207234212010-03-17T09:44:00.006-04:002011-02-22T16:35:10.010-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Today is special for anyone who is even 1/16th Irish, and to me because it was my sister's birthday. Today we celebrate with great culinary wonders like corned beef and green beer. I came across this article. Is corned beef really an Irish dish or are millions of pubs nationwide using today as a good day to clean out the fridge? St. Patrick's Day controversy: Is corned

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-63975683409994036342010-03-16T22:51:00.005-04:002011-02-22T16:35:21.107-05:00

I have been waiting to return to Sotto Sotto since my birthday in August. I am headed back there Friday night. I can't wait to sample one of my favorite Italian restaurants.  I will cover that meal in detail, but until then, here are my favorite US  Italian meals. Gnocchi at Lupa in NYC  Tortelli di Michelangelo at Sotto Sotto in Inman Park, Atlanta, GA Calamari and Penne alla Amatriciana sauce

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-77245327056967184432010-03-16T22:30:00.005-04:002011-02-22T16:35:33.403-05:00

Last weekend I wanted to get out of the house and enjoy the great weather. I spent some time searching for a quick day tip getaway and found a gem. Monteluce Winery  is located just outside of Dahlonega, GA and is one of the wineries on the North GA Wine Trail. The winery itself sits within a larger planned community modeled after an Italian landscape. The homes and the winery reflect the look of

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-43710272503351514692010-03-05T16:19:00.001-05:002010-03-05T16:25:13.566-05:00

I love this time of year. We are about to kick off the festival and restaurant week season. Next week, March 8-14, is Inman Park Restaurant Week  and Buckhead Restaurant Week. Great places like Sotto Sotto and Shaun's are offering $25 pp tasting menus. This is a great chance to experience some of Atlanta's top restaurants without totally breaking the bank. Also this weekend, if you are

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-66187687676270813432010-03-04T10:34:00.004-05:002010-05-11T09:47:49.655-04:00

I spent Valentine's Day weekend in Asheville, NC this year and despite the amount of brownies and snacks available in my mom's amazing kitchen, went in search of some chocolate. What is Valentine's Day without that sweet goodness right? I was pleased to try French Broad Chocolates. FBC is a family owned gourmet chocolate company right in the heart of downtown Asheville. They subscribe to the

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-70413085985789644202010-03-04T10:16:00.005-05:002011-02-22T16:35:56.102-05:00

Traveling to France and Paris for the first time, what I eat is almost more important than where I stay or what I see. To that end, I have set out to find some of the best places to eat in each of our cities. I have been scanning guide books, websites, and food blogs all in search of special, but not over the top pricey meals for the trip. Particularly in Paris, finding something special is not a

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-66269091359903789572010-02-24T14:25:00.008-05:002011-02-22T16:36:16.601-05:00

I am trying to keep my resolution to post more frequently. Meanwhile I have been stockpiling great dining experiences to share with you. So indulge me as I recap the fabulous food of Southern California. I took a quick trip to LA for New Years, and was guided through a series of culinary treats. From cheap fast food to high end dining, LA has alot to offer for a Southern girl on her first visit

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-52468020566299036702010-01-14T09:57:00.002-05:002010-01-14T10:02:07.606-05:00

New year's resolution 2010, actually take the time to post to my blog! I have been away for what was an eventful and busy fall. I have quiet a store of tasty places to tell you about. More tibits to come, and I promise more often.

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-23477516713272599972009-09-14T12:38:00.006-04:002010-05-10T11:51:05.058-04:00

From the website Abattoir (meaning slaughterhouse in French) is the latest dining venture by chef-owners Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison with partner and executive Chef Joshua Hopkins opened on May 21st 2009. Abattoir utilizes locally-raised proteins to produce high-quality, affordable food. I had the pleasure of first trying this restaurant as a guest of a birthday party for a friend. We

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-85675553203199838062009-09-14T12:15:00.009-04:002010-02-03T12:10:06.809-05:00

As those of you who know me know, I am always up for trying something new. At Georgia Tech, I have the pleasure of working with two wonderful women from Colombia Beatriz and Valentina. After hearing them talk several times about arepas, I had to try them.Thanks to Blissful Glutton and the AJC for this fabulous tip on where to find them! Las Arepas de Julia sits quietly next to a Subway on

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-13479404395052047222009-06-04T16:13:00.008-04:002009-06-04T16:28:33.388-04:00

Thanks to a friend today I discovered a great website http://www.bigoven.com/. This site (which is also an iPhone application) has several functions that set it apart from typical recipe sites. First my favorite, the leftovers function. This handy tool allows you to enter three random food items that may be lurking in the back of your fridge or pantry and pulls from hundreds of recipes to find

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-57843851360259011322009-04-27T12:31:00.012-04:002010-05-11T09:48:21.129-04:00

I was born in Asheville, NC, but my family moved to Atlanta when I was in kindergarten, so it wasn't until my parents bought another home there 7 years ago that I got a chance to experience all the great things this city has to offer. The food scene in Asheville is outstanding. There are a great variety of restaurants, the quality is outstanding, and the emphasis on locally grown/ raised food

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825609727600714140.post-20936142586151787902009-04-23T10:28:00.016-04:002010-05-11T09:49:10.623-04:00

I must say that I was saddened by the closing of Kool Korners Groceries on 14th. As a former Tech student, I was initated into the system of waiting in the line for great Cuban sandwiches while studying the random assortment of grocery items over 10 years ago. I had been craving those sandwiches and continually dissappointed by other attempts, until I recently made a move to Midtown and

Meridethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200459976991972061noreply@blogger.com0