Zen on Ten Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
1000 Northside Drive Northwest
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 879-0999
http://zenontenatlanta.com/
We stopped by Zen on Ten after several fun games of volleyball at Georgia Tech with Rod & Cheryl.
AMBIANCE: 8
They did a great job with their website. Was impressed with their modern decor and cleanliness throughout the restaurant.
FOOD QUALITY: 4
The Thai dumplings served with Panang curry sauce were very good. They were a little too spicy for me, but were quite delicious. For my entree, I ordered the Pad See U and it was absolutely awful. The entire dish lacked flavor, as if they simply tossed the ingredients in olive oil without anything else. I sent the plate back and ordered the Panang Chicken at the server's recommendation and was equally disappointed with this dish as well.
Everyone else seemed to enjoy their meals. Cheryl had the Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Rod ordered the Panang dish, and Greg had the Mongolian Beef. So maybe the spices from the appetizer killed all my taste buds...? Or maybe I'm just a tad bit more critical and a pain in the "you know what"!
SERVICE: 4
Mediocre service, but I think it was due to the fact that they were understaffed.
VALUE: 3
The Thai dishes were fair, but the sushi menu seemed overpriced for the location. Although Zen on Ten did a nice job creating a Corner restaurant in mixed-use development, surrounded by a Crossfit gym, Smoothie King, Jersey Mike's sandwich shop. Although the attached parking garage is a nice feature, this restaurant is misplaced and wouldn't expect prices to be what they are.
3 Overall Rating - The Old Crow 2/26/11
The Old Crow Grill & Tavern
8540 Roswell Rd
Atlanta, GA 30350
(770) 998-9449
http://www.oldcrowgrill.com/
With Wade and Greg
Ambiance: 6
This convenient neighborhood tavern offers live music on weekends. Just opened in October 2010 with clean, upgraded bathrooms - big plus!
Food Quality: 2
For starters, we had their homemade potato chips w/Gorgonzola sauce. I'm not sure what happened to the sauce. The bland homemade potato chips were served on a plate with some chunks of Gorgonzola cheese half melted on top of the chips. The dish definitely needed the sauce.
I ordered the Greek salad. Disappointingly, they don't serve their Greek salad with Greek dressing. Instead, it comes with balsamic vinaigrette. The side order of their vegetable special, tomato casserole, was delightful. Rich with crumbled Ritz crackers, I couldn't indulge too much.
Service: 1
We were originally greeted by the friendly owner, but things started going downhill after that. Our server didn't take command of the table; she was too meek for this type of work. At best, she was an average server for the first half of dinner service.
After our entrees were served, she failed to keep waters refilled and then completely checked out at the the end. I went to the restroom after eating and when I returned, I intentionally remained standing at our table as an indication that we were ready to get our check and leave. Our server was behind us talking to another server and eating food at the bar. After several minutes, she went to the kitchen and we never saw her again. We waited another 5-10 minutes and then I finally asked the bartender for our check. When she resurfaced, she had the stupidity to tell us that she was in the back eating Girl Scout cookies and apologized.
Value: 5
Appropriately priced for menu and restaurant.
8540 Roswell Rd
Atlanta, GA 30350
(770) 998-9449
http://www.oldcrowgrill.com/
With Wade and Greg
Ambiance: 6
This convenient neighborhood tavern offers live music on weekends. Just opened in October 2010 with clean, upgraded bathrooms - big plus!
Food Quality: 2
For starters, we had their homemade potato chips w/Gorgonzola sauce. I'm not sure what happened to the sauce. The bland homemade potato chips were served on a plate with some chunks of Gorgonzola cheese half melted on top of the chips. The dish definitely needed the sauce.
I ordered the Greek salad. Disappointingly, they don't serve their Greek salad with Greek dressing. Instead, it comes with balsamic vinaigrette. The side order of their vegetable special, tomato casserole, was delightful. Rich with crumbled Ritz crackers, I couldn't indulge too much.
Service: 1
We were originally greeted by the friendly owner, but things started going downhill after that. Our server didn't take command of the table; she was too meek for this type of work. At best, she was an average server for the first half of dinner service.
After our entrees were served, she failed to keep waters refilled and then completely checked out at the the end. I went to the restroom after eating and when I returned, I intentionally remained standing at our table as an indication that we were ready to get our check and leave. Our server was behind us talking to another server and eating food at the bar. After several minutes, she went to the kitchen and we never saw her again. We waited another 5-10 minutes and then I finally asked the bartender for our check. When she resurfaced, she had the stupidity to tell us that she was in the back eating Girl Scout cookies and apologized.
Value: 5
Appropriately priced for menu and restaurant.
6.5 Overall Rating - Roxx Tavern Food & Spirits 2/25/11
Roxx Tavern - Food & Spirits
1824 Chesire Bridge Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
(404) 892-4541
http://www.roxxfanclub.com/
Tema, Brian and Greg
Ambiance: 3
Casual, which was perfect for what we wanted tonight. Bar/restaurant environment. We sat outside in their covered patio area. Although there was an industrial quality heater/blower installed above us, we were very cold. We spent a good part of the night standing up near our table just so we could feel the heat blowing from the unit.
Food Quality: 6
Great menu with lots of variety! Absolutely loved the quotes scattered throughout the menu! Be sure to take the time to read them; they’re quite humorous. Tema and I were amazed by the number of creative salad options on the menu despite all the other “not so health-conscious” items offered. There’s definitely something on the menu for everyone, whether you’re trying to watch your calories or seeking a little grease or just something heavier.
We shared an order of fried pickles…interesting:-0.
Tema ordered the Roman Holiday for her entrée, one of the many house favorites according to our server. I treated myself to Fish & Chips, which was average, but I did especially like their cole slaw & tartar sauce.
Service: 10
Our server was quite fantastic. He was very helpful with recommendations, patient & friendly. We received prompt service and all but one drink request were responded to with great speed. I appreciated the efficiency with which they operate!
Value: 8
Good value. There were several low-cost items on the menu. Split appetizer, 2 cocktails, 2 entrees for $54 (including tip).
1824 Chesire Bridge Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
(404) 892-4541
http://www.roxxfanclub.com/
Tema, Brian and Greg
Ambiance: 3
Casual, which was perfect for what we wanted tonight. Bar/restaurant environment. We sat outside in their covered patio area. Although there was an industrial quality heater/blower installed above us, we were very cold. We spent a good part of the night standing up near our table just so we could feel the heat blowing from the unit.
Food Quality: 6
Great menu with lots of variety! Absolutely loved the quotes scattered throughout the menu! Be sure to take the time to read them; they’re quite humorous. Tema and I were amazed by the number of creative salad options on the menu despite all the other “not so health-conscious” items offered. There’s definitely something on the menu for everyone, whether you’re trying to watch your calories or seeking a little grease or just something heavier.
We shared an order of fried pickles…interesting:-0.
Tema ordered the Roman Holiday for her entrée, one of the many house favorites according to our server. I treated myself to Fish & Chips, which was average, but I did especially like their cole slaw & tartar sauce.
Service: 10
Our server was quite fantastic. He was very helpful with recommendations, patient & friendly. We received prompt service and all but one drink request were responded to with great speed. I appreciated the efficiency with which they operate!
Value: 8
Good value. There were several low-cost items on the menu. Split appetizer, 2 cocktails, 2 entrees for $54 (including tip).
4 Overall Rating - Mojitos (Cuban-American Bistro) 2/11/11
Mojitos Cuban-American Bistro
35 Peachtree Street Northwest
Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 441-2599
http://www.mojitosbistro.com/
Recommended by Judy B
Greg and I met up with Kristen & Aaron Friday night after work.
Ambiance – 4
Great location in the heart of Norcross. I’m sure the main restaurant was fine, but we were seated in the extended covered dining area on the back side of the restaurant. Heating was definitely not sufficient. I wore my coat throughout dinner and still couldn’t keep warm.
Food Quality: 2
We started with Mojitos’ Sampler, which included ham croquettes, empanadas, and stuffed plantains. For entrees, I ordered the Chicken Breast Fillet, served with carmelized onions, rice, black beans & plaintains and Greg ordered the Empanizado, their version of country fried steak. Wow! That was probably the largest singular cut of meat I’ve ever seen served on a dinner plate! The appetizer was pretty good, but the entrees were very disappointing. Entrees were bland and lacked creativity. Unfortunately, that’s been our luck lately. The last several restaurants tend to do better with their appetizers than their entrees.
Service: 7
Our server did a nice job. He checked in frequently and left us needing for nothing.
Value: 3
Prices were fair for what you get. The overall disappointment with our food makes it hard to rate much higher on value.
35 Peachtree Street Northwest
Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 441-2599
http://www.mojitosbistro.com/
Recommended by Judy B
Greg and I met up with Kristen & Aaron Friday night after work.
Ambiance – 4
Great location in the heart of Norcross. I’m sure the main restaurant was fine, but we were seated in the extended covered dining area on the back side of the restaurant. Heating was definitely not sufficient. I wore my coat throughout dinner and still couldn’t keep warm.
Food Quality: 2
We started with Mojitos’ Sampler, which included ham croquettes, empanadas, and stuffed plantains. For entrees, I ordered the Chicken Breast Fillet, served with carmelized onions, rice, black beans & plaintains and Greg ordered the Empanizado, their version of country fried steak. Wow! That was probably the largest singular cut of meat I’ve ever seen served on a dinner plate! The appetizer was pretty good, but the entrees were very disappointing. Entrees were bland and lacked creativity. Unfortunately, that’s been our luck lately. The last several restaurants tend to do better with their appetizers than their entrees.
Service: 7
Our server did a nice job. He checked in frequently and left us needing for nothing.
Value: 3
Prices were fair for what you get. The overall disappointment with our food makes it hard to rate much higher on value.
7 Overall Rating - Empire State South 2/1/11
Suite 140
999 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 541-1105
http://www.empirestatesouth.com/
Recommended by Jeffrey
Had dinner with long lost & found again friend, Sabo!
Ambiance: 8
Open space, with a few partitions to break up the space. Empire State South offers a spacious bar area perfect for accommodating larger groups.
The pre-paid self-parking in the adjacent covered parking deck was very convenient. The rain was heavy tonight and it was nice not having to worry about bringing an umbrella or waiting for valet parking. The path from the deck to both restaurant entrances is completely covered. The restaurant is conveniently located on the corner of 10th and Peachtree.
Food Quality: 7
Kudos to Empire State South for their food presentation and creativity.
We whet our appetite with the "In Jars pork rillette, chicken liver pate, pickles, pimento cheese, bacon marmalade, boiled peanut hummus".
The chicken liver pate and bacon marmalade topped pimento cheese were absolutely delicious! I can definitely understand why their pimento cheese is voted the best in the ATL! However, I didn't care for the pork rillette. And the pickled jar...what's the point? The overpriced pickled starters are overrated and have outstayed their welcome, in my opinion.
Sabo ordered the Triggerfish entree, but they 86'd it and substituted the triggerfish with monkfish. It was tastefully complemented with meyer lemon marmalade, brussels sprouts, confit onions & carrot puree.
I enjoyed my beef tartare, interestingly prepared with a sweet mustard aioli, topped with a barely fried egg evidenced from the nearly intact egg yolk, with thin egg white crisps scattered about the plate.
I also ordered the Fingerlings w/ mustard & candied shallot at Selah's recommendation. It was interesting, but the mustard sauce was too strong for me.
Finally, we ended the meal by splitting Selah's recommended Banana Pudding w/bruleed bananas, house vanilla wafers.
Everything was beautifully presented displaying good color contrast on the plate and stacking the ingredients.
Service: 8
Our server, Selah, was very friendly and made our experience enjoyable. He didn't seem to be as knowledgeable or crisp in explaining the menu, but he attended to us very well keeping our water glasses full and frequently clearing our table. I didn't care for the small tumblers they used for water; however, I appreciated them leaving the glass bottle of water on the table so we could help ourselves if need be. At the end of service, he brought individually wrapped fudge for Sabo and me, then patiently waited for us to pay our tab. Oh, and let me not forget to mention the couple wine tastings that he brought for Sabo...who eagerly enjoyed every last drop before ordering her own glass :)
Value: 5
The food was of good quality, but the portions were entirely too small for the most part. The meal wasn't terribly expensive, but you may leave there hungry for something else. $96 includes tip for two appetizers, one entree, one side dish, one dessert and two drinks.
999 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 541-1105
http://www.empirestatesouth.com/
Recommended by Jeffrey
Had dinner with long lost & found again friend, Sabo!
Ambiance: 8
Open space, with a few partitions to break up the space. Empire State South offers a spacious bar area perfect for accommodating larger groups.
The pre-paid self-parking in the adjacent covered parking deck was very convenient. The rain was heavy tonight and it was nice not having to worry about bringing an umbrella or waiting for valet parking. The path from the deck to both restaurant entrances is completely covered. The restaurant is conveniently located on the corner of 10th and Peachtree.
Food Quality: 7
Kudos to Empire State South for their food presentation and creativity.
We whet our appetite with the "In Jars pork rillette, chicken liver pate, pickles, pimento cheese, bacon marmalade, boiled peanut hummus".
I also ordered the Fingerlings w/ mustard & candied shallot at Selah's recommendation. It was interesting, but the mustard sauce was too strong for me.
Finally, we ended the meal by splitting Selah's recommended Banana Pudding w/bruleed bananas, house vanilla wafers.
Service: 8
Our server, Selah, was very friendly and made our experience enjoyable. He didn't seem to be as knowledgeable or crisp in explaining the menu, but he attended to us very well keeping our water glasses full and frequently clearing our table. I didn't care for the small tumblers they used for water; however, I appreciated them leaving the glass bottle of water on the table so we could help ourselves if need be. At the end of service, he brought individually wrapped fudge for Sabo and me, then patiently waited for us to pay our tab. Oh, and let me not forget to mention the couple wine tastings that he brought for Sabo...who eagerly enjoyed every last drop before ordering her own glass :)
Value: 5
The food was of good quality, but the portions were entirely too small for the most part. The meal wasn't terribly expensive, but you may leave there hungry for something else. $96 includes tip for two appetizers, one entree, one side dish, one dessert and two drinks.
7.5 Overall Rating - di Paolo 1/16/11
8560 Holcomb Bridge Road
Alpharetta, GA 30022
(770) 587-1051
http://www.dipaolorestaurant.com/
We celebrated Todd's birthday with Wade, Aly and Greg.
Ambiance: 8.5
Good acoustics. I was pleasantly surprised with this charming Italian restaurant tucked away in a deserted shopping center off of Holcomb Bridge Rd. The interior was nicely appointed, providing a warm environment for its guests. Di Paolo also offers a beautiful bar.
Food Quality: 9
I started with the datteri, bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with gorgonzola cheese, bursting with rich flavors.
For dinner, I ordered the scallops anti pasto and half portion penne.
The scallops were delightfully flavored, but the consistency of the creme sauce was too watery. The combination of the scallops and potato au gratin were a perfect pair, nonetheless.
My penne pasta was delicious! It was served in a rich crème sauce with prosciutto.
The rabbit pasta dish was bland; however, everyone raved about their other dishes. What I liked about their menu is that they offer all of their pastas in half portions so that you can try two different dishes. Wade had the filet mignon entrée, Greg had the lasagna and rabbit, Todd ordered the lasagna and carbonara, and Aly had the rabbit and pappardelle bolgnese.
Service: 6
Our server was not very friendly. She was a little curt and needed a boost of personality. She was professional and efficient, gauged by the fact that we didn't have to ask for anything. However, when I go out for dinner I want to enjoy my night out and expect the staff to help make a memorable and fun experience.
Value: 6
$89.50 (including gratuity) for one appetizer, three half-portion entrées and two alcohol drinks.
Alpharetta, GA 30022
(770) 587-1051
http://www.dipaolorestaurant.com/
We celebrated Todd's birthday with Wade, Aly and Greg.
Ambiance: 8.5
Good acoustics. I was pleasantly surprised with this charming Italian restaurant tucked away in a deserted shopping center off of Holcomb Bridge Rd. The interior was nicely appointed, providing a warm environment for its guests. Di Paolo also offers a beautiful bar.
Food Quality: 9
I started with the datteri, bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with gorgonzola cheese, bursting with rich flavors.
For dinner, I ordered the scallops anti pasto and half portion penne.
My penne pasta was delicious! It was served in a rich crème sauce with prosciutto.
The rabbit pasta dish was bland; however, everyone raved about their other dishes. What I liked about their menu is that they offer all of their pastas in half portions so that you can try two different dishes. Wade had the filet mignon entrée, Greg had the lasagna and rabbit, Todd ordered the lasagna and carbonara, and Aly had the rabbit and pappardelle bolgnese.
Service: 6
Our server was not very friendly. She was a little curt and needed a boost of personality. She was professional and efficient, gauged by the fact that we didn't have to ask for anything. However, when I go out for dinner I want to enjoy my night out and expect the staff to help make a memorable and fun experience.
Value: 6
$89.50 (including gratuity) for one appetizer, three half-portion entrées and two alcohol drinks.
8 Overall Rating - Rumi's Kitchen 01/13/11
6152 Roswell Road Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30328-3909
(404) 477-2100
http://www.rumiskitchen.com/
Ambiance: 7
We were surprised to find the restaurant so full on this particular Thursday evening, which was only a few days following the snow storm that shut down the entire city of Atlanta for several days. We were greeted by Stevenson Rosslow, their General Manager, whom coincidentally was the GM of my all-time favorite restaurant, BluePointe, from 1999-2007...exactly during the time when I was often found enjoying martinis and sushi there. He explained to us that most weeknights draw this crowd size, and that it's recommended that reservations are made on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised as I’ve always noticed a line of cars waiting for valet in their parking lot.
Rumi’s Kitchen is furnished with granite-top dining tables and solid, comfortable dining chairs. They make great use of their patio space in the winter. The heated patio area is enclosed with a tent material on top of a decorative stone floor. The restaurant is conveniently located on Roswell Rd just north of I-285. However, the parking lot’s limited access makes the location a bit undesirable.
Food Quality: 8
We loved the fact that we were first welcomed to our table by a basket of warm flatbreads, dry rub mixture and a plate filled with mint leaves, fresh tarragon, feta cheese, radishes, walnuts, olives and butter. It reminded me of a Persian version of an antipasto plate.
For starters, we ordered the Kashk Badenjoon, a blend of sauteed eggplant & onions which we used as a spread. We also ordered the lamb sliders at the GM's recommendation. The lamb sliders were like gourmet gyros, topped with a tomato slice, miniature pickle, yogurt, mint leaves and dry-rubbed spiced red onions. The lamb was incredibly tender. Both appetizers were delicious.
For entrees, Greg ordered the special, Duck Fesenjoon. The sauce for the duck was delicious, but the rest of the entree didn't do much for us, accompanied with plain butter rice and a small mound of pomegranate.
I ordered Jody's favorite, the shrimp kabob. I can see why this is her favorite. The shrimp must have been fed with steroids or some other growth hormone because they were absolutely enormous! Succulent and perfectly grilled. The buttered rice was peppered with orange peel, almonds, and barberries. When you taste the rice, you're met with a sweet buttery flavor that ends in a surprising tart finish. The tart finish keeps you coming back for more of the sweet buttery flavors and becomes a vicious cycle until you can't possible have another bite.
Service: 9
Our server did a nice job explaining all the meals, the condiments and traditional Persian style of eating their food. She was accommodating and quick to make recommendations upon request. Even after I managed to spill my entire drink on the floor, she didn’t miss a beat.
Value: 6
Fair prices, but I wouldn’t categorize this as a great value. Two entrees, two appetizers, two non-alcohol drinks came to $88.90 (including gratuity).
Atlanta, GA 30328-3909
(404) 477-2100
http://www.rumiskitchen.com/
Ambiance: 7
We were surprised to find the restaurant so full on this particular Thursday evening, which was only a few days following the snow storm that shut down the entire city of Atlanta for several days. We were greeted by Stevenson Rosslow, their General Manager, whom coincidentally was the GM of my all-time favorite restaurant, BluePointe, from 1999-2007...exactly during the time when I was often found enjoying martinis and sushi there. He explained to us that most weeknights draw this crowd size, and that it's recommended that reservations are made on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised as I’ve always noticed a line of cars waiting for valet in their parking lot.
Rumi’s Kitchen is furnished with granite-top dining tables and solid, comfortable dining chairs. They make great use of their patio space in the winter. The heated patio area is enclosed with a tent material on top of a decorative stone floor. The restaurant is conveniently located on Roswell Rd just north of I-285. However, the parking lot’s limited access makes the location a bit undesirable.
We loved the fact that we were first welcomed to our table by a basket of warm flatbreads, dry rub mixture and a plate filled with mint leaves, fresh tarragon, feta cheese, radishes, walnuts, olives and butter. It reminded me of a Persian version of an antipasto plate.
For starters, we ordered the Kashk Badenjoon, a blend of sauteed eggplant & onions which we used as a spread. We also ordered the lamb sliders at the GM's recommendation. The lamb sliders were like gourmet gyros, topped with a tomato slice, miniature pickle, yogurt, mint leaves and dry-rubbed spiced red onions. The lamb was incredibly tender. Both appetizers were delicious.
Service: 9
Our server did a nice job explaining all the meals, the condiments and traditional Persian style of eating their food. She was accommodating and quick to make recommendations upon request. Even after I managed to spill my entire drink on the floor, she didn’t miss a beat.
Value: 6
Fair prices, but I wouldn’t categorize this as a great value. Two entrees, two appetizers, two non-alcohol drinks came to $88.90 (including gratuity).
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