Monday, April 19, 2010

ATL Hidden Spots

So i was enjoying my TIVO last weekend and checked out one of my fave culinary shows on PBS..and lo and behold this guy knew what he was talking about! he named some of my fave "hidden restaurants" that are best kept secrets to only those Atlantians that are in the know..you know the kind of spot where perhaps they are a "mom and pop" joint that is a family affair..or a neighborhood fixture that not only serves your appetite, but also does a community service..or places with hours that are mysterious but somehow all the foodie groupies know exactly when to catch them open..if you are curious check out the Big Guy with the Red Beard on the attached link...http://www.pba.org/programming/programs/getdelicious/

But on to my picks for ATL Hidden Spots..these are off the beaten path..you won't find long articles written about them in the local media..but OMG are they good...they are not fancy..but the restaurant is clean..the service is friendly and if you become a regular the wait staff will greet you with a warm hello..Holla at your girl if you love my list...but SHHHHHH this will be our little secret...lol

Grecian Gyro - Lawrenceville Highway
the hummus with warm pita bread is the truth..check out their innovative gyros too
http://www.greciangyro.com/index.html

Busy Bee - MLK blvd - The West End
their fried chicken is legendary..the fried green tomatoes make me swoon..check out the daily special
http://www.thebusybeecafe.com/

Who's Got Soul Southern Cafe‎ 3818 Covington Highway, Decatur, GA 30032 404 289-0116‎
OMGosh..where do I start? Chef Keith is amazing..his food is so consistent..the meatloaf..oxtails..fried corn..and the cornbread..yum! good old fashioned stick to your ribs type action..and oh mama is it budget friendly..Who's Got Soul? yeah baby!

Mr. Everything - MLK blvd - The West End
Sandwiches are sorta Philly style..but they put their own special spin on it..and the sauteed veggies over rice with chicken...yeah baby!
http://mreverythingcafe.blogspot.com/

Little Cuba 3350 Chamblee Tucker Rd Chamblee, GA 30341 770-451-0025
empanadas..mariquitas..classic pollo with rice...black beans..tostados..the whole friggin' menu is authentic Cuban and the restaraunt is a little slice of an international oasis..i lived in the Caribbean and trust me..you won't be disappointed! check out the dessert case too..

Shorty's Pizza - Lawrenceville Highway
pizza pizza! love their laid back vibe..you can bring a date..but bring your sense of humor..the pies are named after famous Rock Stars...try the B.B. King and Tina Turner :-)
http://shortys-pizza.com/

Blue Crabs To Go - Old National Highway
Ms. Linda I love you man! her Ms. Linda's fish and shrimp is simply addictive..the potatoes corn and seafood are seasoned with the blend of Key west soul...good God..where is her number..i'm dialing now! CARRYOUT only
http://www.bluecrabs2go.com/

Nathalies Seafood - Downtown Decatur
Ms. Nathalie has a real funky Key west vibe going too..but it is the kind of spot you can bring a lunch date or someone special..it's cool and casual and the food is delish..the hushpuppies..gulf shrimp pot...blackened tilapia with plantains...all the seafood you desire is listed and cooked fresh to order..try not to be in a hurry..in the true laid back spirit of Key west, it may take a few moments longer, but i promise it's worth the wait...
http://www.nathaliesfishhouse.com/aboutUs.htm

Fuji Ya - Lavista Road
Hibachi with crunchy noodles...can you say non-traditional but boo-yah is it good! the hibachi part is a great show for the kids and the stir fry salmon..shrimp..chicken..or steak is great each and every time...do try the fried rice and they have tempura and sushi dishes as well..
http://www.luckykeyfujiya.com/

The Cookie Studio - East College Ave - next to the train station
these ladies know how to make a great cookie..they were recently featured in Creative Loafing and Atlanta magazine so the secret is out..go see why they are one of Atlanta's favorite hot spots...the breakfast cookie is one of a kind and the key lime bar...well..one taste and you'll be back
http://thecookiestudio.net/home.php

Supreme Fish -4825 Rockbridge Rd Ste 4 Stone Mountain, GA 30083 (678) 704-0233
ah yum! the hushpuppies..lemon pepper wings..and fried fish on Fridays is practically the holy grail :-) and the sweet tea and lemonade are great and consistent...check them out..

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