Thursday, June 18, 2015

Folk Art Restaurant - Atlanta


I asked my friend, Cathy to take me to a different kind of breakfast place. And that she did - Folk Art Restaurant in Atlanta. Folk Art's motto is "Artful Eats for the Simple Folk". I'd characterize it as "FORK ART for the palate!" I was excited from the moment I sat down and perused the eclectic southern breakfast menu. I had a difficult time choosing which one of the culinary masterpieces to try. The menu is extensive and curious. They also offer gluten-free items. 

We decided to sample a variety of items from the menu starting with breakfast appetizers. (Hey, you only live once!) Of particular interest were the bacon dipped in pancake batter and deep fried and the sweet potato beignets. The bacon dipped in pancake batter was surprisingly tasty. I tend to stay away from deep fried, greasy foods, but this was good! A lover of authentic beignets, I would consider the beignets as sweet potato hush puppies due to their consistency. 

For my main breakfast, I ordered the lobster omelette with grilled onions and Gruyere cheese. Divine! The omelette was light, fluffy with chucks of lobster. Of course it came with corn grits and toast with homemade peach preserves. 

You'll love the rustic early 50's gas station motif with folk art, advertising prints and hubcaps lining the walls. It has a screened in porch for an outdoor-country feel. Dress is casual and service is helpful & friendly. Limited parking on the side shared with other next door restaurants. Folk Art is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Take a look at their mouthwatering menu online. I dare you! 
4 Valcooks Aprons

Folk Art Restaurant
465 N. Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30307
folkartrestaurant.com


"Live life with an exclamation point!"


Luciano's - Duluth, GA (Atlanta)


You've heard the saying, " you can't judge a book by its cover". Well, you can't judge a restaurant by its location. Luciano's, on Sugarloaf Parkway, nestled in an upscale strip mall in the Duluth suburb of Atlanta, is one such restaurant! I have dined at this restaurant previously, and vowed for it to be my first stop, restaurant of choice, whenever I visit Atlanta. You walk in thinking ordinary, but you walk out thinking extraordinary! 

Its authentic Northern Italian cuisine boasts of homemade pastas, sausages and fresh seafoods. My favorite dish is the seafood diablo with homemade linguine. I order it every time - it's just that good! I prefer it over the squid ink linguine, but their pastas are homemade and change daily. This exquisite dish has lobster, mussels, clams, scallops, fish and shrimp in a spicy tomato broth. You will want to take some of it to go just to experience the taste of the enhanced flavors once they have settled. This dish is definitely "heaven on a plate"!

Luciano's homemade sausage and rigatoni is also divine! It is spicy and savory all in one bite! This also makes a great leftover/late night snack. The warm Italian bread is complimented by an amazing tomato-red pepper sauce topped with Parmesan cheese. Careful, you'll be tempted to enjoy seconds of the bread and sauce, but you don't want to fill up to quickly. You have an outstanding meal to enjoy!

The desserts are delicious. Hopefully when you dine at Luciano's, they have the warm, out of this world bread pudding with a chocolate sauce! (Remember, you're in the South.) They did not have it on my latest visit. Guess I'll just have to go again...SOON!

Luciano's has a modern Mediterranean decor and warm atmosphere.  Dress is smart casual. Parking is free and not a problem. Very good, friendly service. Great wines and drinks. So on your next visit to Atlanta, visit Luciano's. It worth the drive!
5 Valcooks Aprons

Luciano's - Sugarloaf
6555 Sugarloaf Parkway
Duluth, GA 30097
www.lucianositaly.com


"Live life with an exclamation point!"






Friday, June 5, 2015

Joe's Seafood - Chicago



When asked where I wanted to go to celebrate my birthday dinner, there was only one place that came to mind - Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab! If you love seafood as much as I do, there's no better place in Chicago than Joe's.

Their staff greets you from the moment you walk into the door and is always in the vicinity to attend to your every need. From the Maitre D' Ben, who gets you to the table as expeditiously as possible, to our waiter Steve, who was as professional as they come.

The legendary Joe's Stone Crab dates back to 1913, in Miami Beach. Joe's has perfected the complete dining experience with over 100 years of serving their customers. They now have locations in its original Miami Beach, Washington, DC, Las Vegas, and Chicago.

Let's talk about the meal...The fried oyster appetizers were amazingly plump, tender and cooked to perfection. For my main course, I feasted on the jumbo king crab legs. Words cannot describe how fresh, sweet and succulent they tasted. Also served at the table were meaty lump crab cakes and salmon so fresh! The salmon was caught and served table side within 24 hours! For me, this was all about the seafood. But the steaks I observed at the neighboring tables looked absolutely scrumptious! My next visit to Joe's will have to include the beef.

Knowing that it was my birthday celebration, they brought out a decedent dark chocolate brownie ala mode. What I didn't expect were the 6 additional full slices of heavenly sweet treats:  banana pie, peanut butter pie, tres leches, key lime pie, blueberry pie, and apple pie! Yes, I had to sample a bite of them all! (It's a tough job being s restaurant blogger!) Each one was divine!  You will definitely want to save room for dessert at Joe's.

If you are looking for the ultimate in seafood, Joe's is the place. Of course, with the freshest in seafood, the meal will by pricey. Joe's is worth every penny. The business casual dress and atmosphere lends to an enjoyable dining experience. Reservations are highly recommended. Can't wait until my next visit!
5 Valcooks Aprons-Golden Apron Award



Joe's
60 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL

"Live life with an exclamation point!"

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

The National - New York City


Last night, I enjoyed the most sensationional soft shelled crab I have had in a very long time! The National, located on 50th and Lexington made my final meal in NYC a memorable one. If I had known how savory it was ahead of time, it would have been my appetizer AND my main course.

Known for their Ugly Burger, The National can also boast about its succulent pork chops and tender to the fork short ribs. Their sides of hominy grits and roasted brussel sprouts are not to be missed.

Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian brings to The National his contemporary flare and award winning culinary talents. The staff was friendly and accommodating. It's the perfect location for a business meal or family get together. 

On Sunday evenings, from 6pm -10 pm, they feature an array of NYC bands ranging from jazz, blues, funk and more. Dress is smart casual. 

The National is definitely on my list to dine again the next time I'm in New York and I already know what I'll be ordering!
4 Valcooks Aprons

The National Bar & Dining Rooms
557 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10022
thenationalnyc.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"



Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Pampano - New York City


There were several reasons why it was meant for my flight to be canceled yesterday. One of those reasons was Pampano on 49th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, in Midtown New York City. It is the ultimate in upscale Mexican cuisine. 

Chef Richard Sandoval and Maestro Placido Domingo have partnered to provide a symphony of coastal Mexican cuisine. The all white decor and island fans adds an atmosphere of coastal elegance. Unfortunately, the rain kept me from enjoying an al fresco lunch on the inviting second story patio.

With so much to choose from, I decide to do an array of appetizers. The guacamole and chips were brought to the table first. Homemade with just the right flavor, a side of chile peppers accompanied the guacamole to add just the right "heat" for me. Next to tantalize my palate was the camaron ceviches (shrimp) with a habanero sauce. Finally, (mini) tacos de'Langosta (lobster) with black bean purée and chile de 'Arbil sauce, topped with avocado. The coffee with a shot of expresso was the completion of a very satisfying lunch. Can you say, "Holy guacamole! That's gooood eating!"    

Pampano is so very popular (with good reason), therefore reservations are required for lunch and dinner. Service was outstanding and worthy of more than a 20% tip. Upscale pricing, but well worth it. Dress is smart casual.

So, if you are searching for outstanding Mexican cuisine with a European flare in NYC, Pampano IS the place!
4 ½ Valcooks Aprons

Pampano
209 E. 49th Street
New York, NY 10017
richardsandoval.com/pampano/

"Live life with an exclamation point!"