I'm sorry, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. I know you are used to people swing dancing in the aisles. I remember the mid-90's when swing dancing was all the rage and you were uber popular. I'm sorry your most recent gig was at the Ferst Center on Georgia Tech's campus to a group of 990 stuffy professors (and 10 cool people). I'm sorry that they sat on their hands during the entire performance and then golf clapped between songs (were these the same people that were at Churchill Grounds????). Yes, it's a nice venue, with great acoustics and a wonderful intimate feel, but you deserved to have some people dancing! Your performance was incredible - Scotty, your voice is as silky smooth as ever. And the horns were fantastic - especially your lead trumpet player. I loved that you played 90 minutes straight with no intermission. But I apologize for the crowd and the weird NPR-like guy who introduced you.
I'll definitely come to see you again! Hopefully it will be somewhere that I can dance!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Malaya - Nicest People in the Restaurant Biz
I love spicy food. And I'm basically lazy. So, I love take out. The other day the mood struck me for some thai food and I remembered Malaya - one of the few malaysian restaurants in town. Don't love malaysian food? Don't worry - they have a menu full of thai, chinese and malaysian options. I got the spicy coconut soup and the spicy basil chicken (thai hot). The food was great and they provided generous portions. The soup alone could have been a meal. But what always gets me about this place is how NICE they are! The service is great and very friendly (they gave me free dessert ball things...). I noticed that they've added a bar area since the last time I was there, which was a nice addition.
I promise not to forget about Malaya again!
I promise not to forget about Malaya again!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Send in the Clowns - Don't Bother, They're Here!
As I mentioned before,I'm in Nashville, TN for a conference. Today at lunch instead of eating the usual bland conference food, I skipped out the side door to find one of the most famous BBQ joints in town - Jack's. Jack's is a no-nonsense place with rolls of paper towels on the table. I got in line and decided on the beef brisket sandwich with green beans and macaroni and cheese for sides (it was overcast and kinda cold out - screamed for comfort food). No sooner did I sit down with my food and a tiny bowl of the incredibly good vinegar based bbq sauce, then in came a troop of clowns. In full regalia - big red hair, rubber noses, full face paint the whole nine yards. They got in line and shortly after they came in a group of Naval officers in their dress blues got in line. The juxtaposition was too much! Only at Jack's (this is really when I needed my camera).
Anyway, back to the food. The beef brisket was wonderful and tender. I should've gotten a plate rather than the sandwich - the bread just got in the way of the flavor. The green beans were, well, grean beens - but I like green beans so I was happy. The macaroni and cheese was better than average - not as good as my mother's (this is one of her specialties) but good nonetheless.
I can't promise you the same kind of show I got when I went in there - but I definitely recommend Jack's for lunch if you're in downtown Nashville.
Anyway, back to the food. The beef brisket was wonderful and tender. I should've gotten a plate rather than the sandwich - the bread just got in the way of the flavor. The green beans were, well, grean beens - but I like green beans so I was happy. The macaroni and cheese was better than average - not as good as my mother's (this is one of her specialties) but good nonetheless.
I can't promise you the same kind of show I got when I went in there - but I definitely recommend Jack's for lunch if you're in downtown Nashville.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Like Cheers, But Even More So
At Cheers everyone knows your name, at Nashville's The Palm everyone knows your name, your favorite country music star, where you grew up and how you like your steak - even if you're not from Nashville!
I'm in Nashville at a conference and The Palm is very near my hotel. Having never been to The Palm in Atlanta I decided to check it out. Now, I warn you - I'm not a big steak eater so if you're looking for a review of their red meat you will be disappointed - turn back now!
I took a seat at the bar and was bombarded with my share of "darlin's" by the bartenders. I'm originally from the North and this might turn some people off - but I liked it. It was a friendly "darlin" - not a "hey what are you doing later" darlin.
I started with a glass of wine - I give them credit - they are not stingy with a pour. After a couple minutes a man sat two seats from me - everyone called him by name, came by,and shook his hand. I found out after not very long that he was not even from Nashville. WTF? They knew what he drank, knew his business companion, etc. Craziness. Same for the guys who sat to the right of me. Huh? I was there less than an hour and a half and was not crazy talkative and the bartenders were calling me by name when I left. Wow! They know how to make you feel at home.
The atmosphere is cozy, with caricatures on the wall. I had actually been expecting something a little more upscale, but it made sense after a while. I mean, this is a steak house - den for men. I ordered a caesar salad to start and on the recommendation of the bartender (who looked just like my college boyfriend - minus the acne) I got the lump crab meat. The salad was so-so. But remember, this is a meat joint so it's my fault for ordering salad in the first place. The crab meat, however, was very, very good - and I'm not a huge seafood eater.
I learned that Kenny Chesney, Rich (from Big and Rich), Jessica Simpson and all other manner of celebrities had been there recently, so if you're in Nashville celebrity spotting you might want to pop into The Palm.
Me? I'll be back if for no other reason than they didn't charge me for my second glass of wine - Thanks, T!
I'm in Nashville at a conference and The Palm is very near my hotel. Having never been to The Palm in Atlanta I decided to check it out. Now, I warn you - I'm not a big steak eater so if you're looking for a review of their red meat you will be disappointed - turn back now!
I took a seat at the bar and was bombarded with my share of "darlin's" by the bartenders. I'm originally from the North and this might turn some people off - but I liked it. It was a friendly "darlin" - not a "hey what are you doing later" darlin.
I started with a glass of wine - I give them credit - they are not stingy with a pour. After a couple minutes a man sat two seats from me - everyone called him by name, came by,and shook his hand. I found out after not very long that he was not even from Nashville. WTF? They knew what he drank, knew his business companion, etc. Craziness. Same for the guys who sat to the right of me. Huh? I was there less than an hour and a half and was not crazy talkative and the bartenders were calling me by name when I left. Wow! They know how to make you feel at home.
The atmosphere is cozy, with caricatures on the wall. I had actually been expecting something a little more upscale, but it made sense after a while. I mean, this is a steak house - den for men. I ordered a caesar salad to start and on the recommendation of the bartender (who looked just like my college boyfriend - minus the acne) I got the lump crab meat. The salad was so-so. But remember, this is a meat joint so it's my fault for ordering salad in the first place. The crab meat, however, was very, very good - and I'm not a huge seafood eater.
I learned that Kenny Chesney, Rich (from Big and Rich), Jessica Simpson and all other manner of celebrities had been there recently, so if you're in Nashville celebrity spotting you might want to pop into The Palm.
Me? I'll be back if for no other reason than they didn't charge me for my second glass of wine - Thanks, T!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Move Over Mel... Kingsized is in Town
I have been a huge fan of Mel and the Party Hats for, well, just short of forever. I love a good cover band and who can deny the allure of a man wearing a skirt made entirely of neckties?? Mel has the miraculous ability to sound just like whoever he's covering from Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails to Annie Lennox. It's a beautiful thing. Add to that a guitarist who can sing Jesse's Girl and you have the equation for a great evening.
However, tonight I found a band that may toss Mel and his merry band out of the top spot in my heart and mind. Kingsized! Now, I have to admit that I saw them perform at Nikolai's Roof almost two years ago. They were performing for the local swing dancing club in a room that was reminiscent of a 1980's cruise ship. Pardon me for overlooking how awesome they were under those circumstances.
Apparently that performance stuck in my head enough that when I saw they were performing at the Candler Park Festival this year I decided I simply must attend.
In a word Kingsized is AWESOME! I'm not sure if they do all covers or if they have original material that just feels period. Either way, I really dig their full bodied sound - they have a full band plus horns and an awesome backup singer. The front man is full of charisma - as a front man should be. They covered songs from Michael Buble (Feeling Good), the Beatles (Live and Let Die), Elvis (A Little Less Conversation) and Bruce Springsteen (Born to Run).
Look for them at the Variety Playhouse on December 1st. And look for me - I'll definitely be there.
However, tonight I found a band that may toss Mel and his merry band out of the top spot in my heart and mind. Kingsized! Now, I have to admit that I saw them perform at Nikolai's Roof almost two years ago. They were performing for the local swing dancing club in a room that was reminiscent of a 1980's cruise ship. Pardon me for overlooking how awesome they were under those circumstances.
Apparently that performance stuck in my head enough that when I saw they were performing at the Candler Park Festival this year I decided I simply must attend.
In a word Kingsized is AWESOME! I'm not sure if they do all covers or if they have original material that just feels period. Either way, I really dig their full bodied sound - they have a full band plus horns and an awesome backup singer. The front man is full of charisma - as a front man should be. They covered songs from Michael Buble (Feeling Good), the Beatles (Live and Let Die), Elvis (A Little Less Conversation) and Bruce Springsteen (Born to Run).
Look for them at the Variety Playhouse on December 1st. And look for me - I'll definitely be there.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Hey - is that the guy who did my nails?
After dinner at Enoteca Carbonari I went to Churchill Grounds. I had just read that it was voted best jazz club in atlanta - I like jazz and had never been so figured I'd give it a shot.
The outer bar area was bright and bustling - lovely atmosphere. Great location (just outside the Fox Theater). We went into the jazz club and again - the room was beautiful. Set up nicely with candles on each 2 person table. The place was only 1/4 filled and everyone was lined up in front of the stage. We took a table in the back, ordered our drinks and began to have some quiet conversation. The minute we start talking we get dirty looks from the front row folks. I'm thinking "what? is this church or something?" My friend informs me that some people think of jazz as on par with great classical music and that we should be quiet. This makes me mad b/c we paid our money just like everyone else and we weren't being loud. The people in the front row were rapt with attention - I think there was going to be a final exam at the end of the night!
Anyway, I turn my attention to the stage. There sits a petite Asian lady playing the piano and an Asian man on the guitar. Needless to say, this was not what I was expecting for my $10 cover and $10 per set at the Best Jazz Club in Atlanta.
It will be a long time before I go back there.
The outer bar area was bright and bustling - lovely atmosphere. Great location (just outside the Fox Theater). We went into the jazz club and again - the room was beautiful. Set up nicely with candles on each 2 person table. The place was only 1/4 filled and everyone was lined up in front of the stage. We took a table in the back, ordered our drinks and began to have some quiet conversation. The minute we start talking we get dirty looks from the front row folks. I'm thinking "what? is this church or something?" My friend informs me that some people think of jazz as on par with great classical music and that we should be quiet. This makes me mad b/c we paid our money just like everyone else and we weren't being loud. The people in the front row were rapt with attention - I think there was going to be a final exam at the end of the night!
Anyway, I turn my attention to the stage. There sits a petite Asian lady playing the piano and an Asian man on the guitar. Needless to say, this was not what I was expecting for my $10 cover and $10 per set at the Best Jazz Club in Atlanta.
It will be a long time before I go back there.
Enoteca Carbonari - Always Reliable
Last night I went to dinner at Enoteca Carbonari in midtown. I made reservations ahead of time and requested a seat on their patio. Patio may be a bit generous - it is a narrow space with five two person tables crammed in - but I always prefer to eat outside, so I was happy.
The atmosphere at Enoteca Carbonari always reminds me of my honeymoon trip to Spain where we ate in small wine bars and ate tapas. It's dark, cozy and bustling. I love it.
I got a glass of wine at the bar. Here is my only complaint about this place - the bar service is miserable. The first time we were there we tried to pay cash *gasp* for our drinks. It took no less than 10 minutes for them to find change for a $20. They had to go next door to Baraonda, I believe. I felt like I was in one of those debit card commercials. Last night they couldn't find the right bottle of wine, had to open it, etc. Just a trying experience.
We were seated out on the patio and had a perfectly nice waiter. We requested to speak with the waitress we had previously so that she could recommend a bottle of wine for us. She came over and helped us pick something out - she always gives good recommendations (she's a blonde woman with an eastern european accent if you ever make it there). The only problem was the wine was room temperature. Our waiter was more than happy to chill it for us while we waited for our dinner.
Dinner consisted of the olive tasting, 2 meats and 3 cheeses. The bread they bring you before your meal is very, very good. Their selection of meats and cheeses, while small, has some nice variety. From what I saw, they were missing a blue cheese but I'll forgive them that.
The meal was relaxing and our waiter did a nice job with timing. He didn't rush the food to us and he didn't rush us out of there.
All in all, another good visit to Enoteca Carbonari
The atmosphere at Enoteca Carbonari always reminds me of my honeymoon trip to Spain where we ate in small wine bars and ate tapas. It's dark, cozy and bustling. I love it.
I got a glass of wine at the bar. Here is my only complaint about this place - the bar service is miserable. The first time we were there we tried to pay cash *gasp* for our drinks. It took no less than 10 minutes for them to find change for a $20. They had to go next door to Baraonda, I believe. I felt like I was in one of those debit card commercials. Last night they couldn't find the right bottle of wine, had to open it, etc. Just a trying experience.
We were seated out on the patio and had a perfectly nice waiter. We requested to speak with the waitress we had previously so that she could recommend a bottle of wine for us. She came over and helped us pick something out - she always gives good recommendations (she's a blonde woman with an eastern european accent if you ever make it there). The only problem was the wine was room temperature. Our waiter was more than happy to chill it for us while we waited for our dinner.
Dinner consisted of the olive tasting, 2 meats and 3 cheeses. The bread they bring you before your meal is very, very good. Their selection of meats and cheeses, while small, has some nice variety. From what I saw, they were missing a blue cheese but I'll forgive them that.
The meal was relaxing and our waiter did a nice job with timing. He didn't rush the food to us and he didn't rush us out of there.
All in all, another good visit to Enoteca Carbonari
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Yup, I said it!
Dom Perignon is O-ver-ra-ted!
Stoney River Steakhouse (http://www.stoneyriver.com/locations.cfm) in Cumberland Mall holds a champagne tasting every Thursday evening in their bar. My fellow Michigan State alumni, Lee Schulman is Managing Partner and gave me the inside scoop that tonight they were offering glasses of Dom Perignon. The champagne hound that I am, I marked the date on my calendar and counted the hours.
After a long drive (long story), I arrived at Stoney River to my first ever glass of Dom Perignon. I sniffed, I swirled, I was ready to rave - but I was underwhelmed. This stuff is supposed to be the king of all champagnes. There were not nearly as many fine bubbles as I would have expected and the champagne had a faint fruity aftertaste. As champagne goes, I would have much preferred a glass of the yellow label Veuve Clicquot.
The restaurant is nice, though. Slightly overpriced for a steakhouse attached to a mall. But for drinks, I love it. They have a great patio, a wonderful fireplace with some cozy chairs, and play some great music.
For dinner my two friends and I shared some lump crab meat, shrimp and tempura lobster. All of them were very, very good. For dessert we had blondie brownie, ice cream with hot fudge. It was heaven - definitely the best part of the meal.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Mourning Misto
OK, I don't have a cute little camera that I can sneak into restaurants to take pictures of the food, ambience, hot waiters - yet! Until then, you'll just have to trust me.
I live on the NW side of Atlanta and LOVED Misto. For those of you who are not familiar, Misto was the Italian concept of Chef Ryan Aiken of Raging Burrito fame. He loves fusion - so when you see a Thai Chicken Ravioli with Peanut Sauce on the menu you should not be surprised - or disappointed.
I arrived with my friends at Saba on a beautiful Friday night in early October. I was glad it was nice out because I much preferred the rustic picnic tables lit by big christmas lights to the crowded, too bright, take out atmosphere inside. Now, I should admit that I'm a bit jaded because I arrived with memories of all my good times at Misto fresh in my mind. *sigh*
I emailed ahead and asked the restaurant what their corkage fee was (I have recently fallen in love with a certain wine which I can talk about later) - they informed me they would waive it just to get me in the place - I was sold (even with the walk up ordering system, which I generally detest for a Friday night out).
We arrived at Misto, drink in our bellies and hungry! We ordered the fried ravioli appetizers, the pumpkin ravioli (my order from my Misto hangover) and the thai chicken ravioli with peanut sauce. I had asked specifically before arriving if the bread was still as good as it was at Misto. I was assured it was - and they were not lying. The bread is amazing. Make sure to ask your waiter for some olive oil. This alone made me ridiculously happy!
The fried ravioli was a bit disappointing, but then I've had fried ravioli in St. Louis where they claim it was born. Just ask them! My dining companions liked it, so maybe I was being too picky. That happens.
The pumpkin ravioli itself was exactly how I remembered - just a little pumpkiny, a little spicy - overall yummy. The sauce had been reduced to an olive oil based number; not the brown butter based goodness that they used at Misto. I wanted what I had at Misto so was disappointed.
One of my friends was willing to share some of the thai chicken ravioli with peanut sauce - I don't generally love the combo because when I go thai I go spicy, but it was alluring and made me wish I had ordered one of the many fusion offerings which I am guessing are a strong suit here.
Overall, I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend a stop by. It is located in Emory Village and their website is: http://www.saba-restaurant.com/. The prices are reasonable and if you email ahead you can bring your own wine, which for us was a great idea. The service was good even though it was a walk-up. The people who brought you your food were very friendly and personable.
I'll be back - look for me!
I live on the NW side of Atlanta and LOVED Misto. For those of you who are not familiar, Misto was the Italian concept of Chef Ryan Aiken of Raging Burrito fame. He loves fusion - so when you see a Thai Chicken Ravioli with Peanut Sauce on the menu you should not be surprised - or disappointed.
I arrived with my friends at Saba on a beautiful Friday night in early October. I was glad it was nice out because I much preferred the rustic picnic tables lit by big christmas lights to the crowded, too bright, take out atmosphere inside. Now, I should admit that I'm a bit jaded because I arrived with memories of all my good times at Misto fresh in my mind. *sigh*
I emailed ahead and asked the restaurant what their corkage fee was (I have recently fallen in love with a certain wine which I can talk about later) - they informed me they would waive it just to get me in the place - I was sold (even with the walk up ordering system, which I generally detest for a Friday night out).
We arrived at Misto, drink in our bellies and hungry! We ordered the fried ravioli appetizers, the pumpkin ravioli (my order from my Misto hangover) and the thai chicken ravioli with peanut sauce. I had asked specifically before arriving if the bread was still as good as it was at Misto. I was assured it was - and they were not lying. The bread is amazing. Make sure to ask your waiter for some olive oil. This alone made me ridiculously happy!
The fried ravioli was a bit disappointing, but then I've had fried ravioli in St. Louis where they claim it was born. Just ask them! My dining companions liked it, so maybe I was being too picky. That happens.
The pumpkin ravioli itself was exactly how I remembered - just a little pumpkiny, a little spicy - overall yummy. The sauce had been reduced to an olive oil based number; not the brown butter based goodness that they used at Misto. I wanted what I had at Misto so was disappointed.
One of my friends was willing to share some of the thai chicken ravioli with peanut sauce - I don't generally love the combo because when I go thai I go spicy, but it was alluring and made me wish I had ordered one of the many fusion offerings which I am guessing are a strong suit here.
Overall, I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend a stop by. It is located in Emory Village and their website is: http://www.saba-restaurant.com/. The prices are reasonable and if you email ahead you can bring your own wine, which for us was a great idea. The service was good even though it was a walk-up. The people who brought you your food were very friendly and personable.
I'll be back - look for me!
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