No Rating - Red Mango 10/11/10

Dunwoody Hall Shopping Center
5568 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd.
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Phone: 678 395 7366
sun-thurs: 11am-10pm
fri-sat: 11am-11pm
http://www.redmangousa.com/default.html



Yesterday, we saw a lot of foot traffic coming from the corner of the Dunwoody Publix shopping plaza and found this little gem. We decided to try it out during a break between our 7p and 9p volleyball matches. This is not the typical place I would write about, but it was a unique experience and one that definitely deserves a little attention. Interesting concept, one which I would describe as a frozen yogurt/smoothie buffet. You can select any combination of the 12 frozen yogurt flavors and build your own sundae, parfait or smoothie from the topping bar which was stocked full of fresh fruit, almonds, granola, nuts, candies, and select dry cereals! You pay $0.45/ounce, so you can have as little or much as your heart desires!

9 Overall Rating - Serpas 10/09/10

659 Auburn Ave. N.
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 688-0040
http://www.serpasrestaurant.com







Chef Scott Serpas




Recommended by Kristin and Aaron a couple years ago. Sadly, it's taken me this long to get here.










Greg and I were out with Todd, Rory and Wade for a birthday celebration.




Ambiance: 7
When we arrived at 7:30, the restaurant was pretty empty; I think there were only two other tables in use. By 9:15, all of the tables inside were full. I love the backdrop of exposed brick along the entire interior wall and the open kitchen. We sat at the first table by the kitchen; it felt like the chef's table. However, the metal chairs were a little uncomfortable and the draft coming from the overhead a/c unit didn't help.

Brief note about the restroom facilities - the guys were impressed w/the deep dish urinals. There was only one large sink, located between the men's and women's restroom to be shared by both genders.

Food Quality: 10
The menu was excellent - great appetizers, good entree selection and fantastic dessert menu. Rory was kind enough to share his Duck Rolls - they very good with a slight kick - just right. The blue cheese eggplant hush puppies were rich with flavors. They were a little too rich for me, but were a big hit at the table.
Rory's pork chop entree was not lacking in size...absolutely divinely flavored!

Chef Scott Serpas gets major bonus points! He stopped by our table and shared some tips. The pork is delivered already brined. It's a high quality cut, w/lots of marble and served atop a port wine reduction. YUMMY! This was the best pork I've ever tasted!

Their Tuna tartar was sweet and refreshing, yet spicy. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but I will forewarn you that it brings plenty of heat. The french fries were very good...similar to Five Guys french fries. (Yea, I know...it's probably not what the Chef would want to hear, but I love potatoes and I can't help but admit that Five Guys french fries are quite good!)



Service: 9.5
Good service. However, we almost had a mishap when we ordered the praline chocolate cake, brown sugar cake and pear tart. Our server told us they just sold their last pear tart. While our table tried to decide on a 3rd dessert for the group to share, another server walked behind our server and informed her that they actually do have the pear tart. We asked the other server why she did that to us, and she responded, "I just like f'in with you". It was a bold statement, but with this crowd, she got away with it. The guys broke out in laughter and had a good time with it.

Value: 8
Great quality, fair price. Spent $277 (including tax and gratuity) for 5 of us.

6 Overall Rating - So Kong Dong 10/02/10

5280 Buford Hwy NE # C
Doraville, GA 30340-1117
(678) 205-0555



So Kong Dong was recommended by Q. We're always looking for good Korean BBQ, especially one that's closer than all the places off of Pleasant Hill Rd.

Ambiance: 3
I expected to find tile floors and a walk-up counter based on comments from Q, but I was pleasantly surprised to find hardwood floors and decorative partitions in the restaurant. Once we got past the exterior and loud music blaring into the parking lot from the neighboring Mexican billiards bar, we actually enjoyed our experience.







Food Quality: 7
The squid side dish was too spicy for me, but very good. The Korean BBQ ribs were good, but not as flavorful as the BBQ short ribs that I've had at Chung Dam or Honey Pig.




Service: 6
Our server was very helpful. She steered us away from several dishes that she described as "food that only Koreans like" and guided us toward the "American-friendly" side of the menu. It was cute. The rest of the service was fine; it was adequate, but not exceedingly friendly.

Value: 10
$36 including tip got us 2 entrees, 2 teas and several side dishes!