Lindsay and I stopped down here for an impromptu dinner. There was an unpleasant odor at the bar, so we chose to sit at a table. The restaurant was empty, which was surprising for a Thursday night, especially considering how packed the parking lot was that night.
Overall, I found the food to be disappointing. It was average at best. The eggplant appetizer tasted like watered-down hummus. We didn't stay for dinner after the poor start. I can see this being a decent place for a quick happy hour, but wouldn't recommend eating here.
10 Overall Rating - Woodfire Grill 3/24/11 (see bottom for add'l comments)
1782 Cheshire Bridge Road
Atlanta, GA 30324
(404) 347-9055
www.woodfiregrill.com
Dinner with Amy
This was Amy's suggestion, having heard about it from Michelle & Sheila.
Ambiance: 9
Surprisingly spacious. They make great use of the long dining space. Some artsy influence with a pleasing noise level providing a comfortable, yet energetic experience at the table.
Food Quality: 10
Unfortunately, there was not much on the menu that appealed to me. Woodfire Grill is another one of those farm, organic-themed eateries. As evidenced in earlier blogs, I'm not a big fan of these restaurants as they tend to be overpriced and are not that satisfying. I opted for the Chef's 5 course meal, and boy, I wasn't the least bit disappointed with my choice! The experience was truly fantastic! If I had to criticize one thing, it's that the entire table has to participate in the 5-course or 7-course meal. Luckily for me, Amy was all game! This can be a pricey option, but if you're a foodie, then it's well worth it. Everything was deliciously prepared. I loved the artful presentation and creative use of ingredients. Their pastry chef did a wonderful job with her homemade breads, offering a variety of breads in their bread basket, all of which were fantastically moist.
Amuse: compressed celery root with lemon marinated raisins, pecan aioli and micro celery.
First course: olive-oil poached florida rock shrimp, first of the season snap beans, roasted golden beets, lemon emulsion, spring onions, sweet pea tendrils
Second course: pan roasted diver scallop, crispy red potatoes, local argula, spicy tomate frito
Service: 10
Our server was phenomenal. She was incredibly polished, eloquent and really connected with the food. They used a team approach to serve our table. Each plate was delivered by a different server who could describe every ingredient on the plate and could explain the preparation method used. The menu changes daily; they may use the same ingredients, but the culinary team will prepare the ingredients differently each night. I was impressed by how well the staff knew their dishes.
Value: 8
This was an expensive experience, but the food quality and service were worth the price.
Taste: chilled potato soup, crispy country ham, chives
Third course: wood grilled local quail and smoked pork belly, wood oven roasted farro, rutabaga, roasted beets with romanesco and cumin
Fourth course: wood grilled grass-fed colorado bison, roasted red potatoes, turnips, sunchokes, maple sweet potato puree, smoky greens, sage butter
Dessert: chocolate bread pudding, frangelico bavarian, coffee ice cream, hazelnut-cocoa nib crumble
----------------------------------------------
Follow-up visits:
I've been back to Woodfire Grill twice since March 2011, once with Becky and another time with Don. In both cases, I was fortunate enough to have the same server (and had even put in a special request for her on my 3rd visit) and ordered the 5-course meal on all occasions. The service remains impeccable! However, my overall satisfaction with the food diminished with each experience. Perhaps it's because the first experience was such a pleasant surprise that it naturally received a very high rating; or perhaps the expecations were set so high that it's inevitably going to be disappointing from that point forward. Either way, the food quality would be as follows for the subsequent experiences:
2nd visit(Becky): 8
3rd visit(Don): 6
I would definitely still recommend the 5-course meal if you've never done this before. However, I did find that some of the dishes were very similar, if not the same, with each visit such as the quail and rock shrmip. Once you've experienced it at Woodfire Grill, I would suggest ordering off the menu the next time.
Atlanta, GA 30324
(404) 347-9055
www.woodfiregrill.com
Dinner with Amy
This was Amy's suggestion, having heard about it from Michelle & Sheila.
Surprisingly spacious. They make great use of the long dining space. Some artsy influence with a pleasing noise level providing a comfortable, yet energetic experience at the table.
Food Quality: 10
Unfortunately, there was not much on the menu that appealed to me. Woodfire Grill is another one of those farm, organic-themed eateries. As evidenced in earlier blogs, I'm not a big fan of these restaurants as they tend to be overpriced and are not that satisfying. I opted for the Chef's 5 course meal, and boy, I wasn't the least bit disappointed with my choice! The experience was truly fantastic! If I had to criticize one thing, it's that the entire table has to participate in the 5-course or 7-course meal. Luckily for me, Amy was all game! This can be a pricey option, but if you're a foodie, then it's well worth it. Everything was deliciously prepared. I loved the artful presentation and creative use of ingredients. Their pastry chef did a wonderful job with her homemade breads, offering a variety of breads in their bread basket, all of which were fantastically moist.
Amuse: compressed celery root with lemon marinated raisins, pecan aioli and micro celery.
Service: 10
Our server was phenomenal. She was incredibly polished, eloquent and really connected with the food. They used a team approach to serve our table. Each plate was delivered by a different server who could describe every ingredient on the plate and could explain the preparation method used. The menu changes daily; they may use the same ingredients, but the culinary team will prepare the ingredients differently each night. I was impressed by how well the staff knew their dishes.
Value: 8
This was an expensive experience, but the food quality and service were worth the price.
Taste: chilled potato soup, crispy country ham, chives
Third course: wood grilled local quail and smoked pork belly, wood oven roasted farro, rutabaga, roasted beets with romanesco and cumin
Fourth course: wood grilled grass-fed colorado bison, roasted red potatoes, turnips, sunchokes, maple sweet potato puree, smoky greens, sage butter
Dessert: chocolate bread pudding, frangelico bavarian, coffee ice cream, hazelnut-cocoa nib crumble
----------------------------------------------
Follow-up visits:
I've been back to Woodfire Grill twice since March 2011, once with Becky and another time with Don. In both cases, I was fortunate enough to have the same server (and had even put in a special request for her on my 3rd visit) and ordered the 5-course meal on all occasions. The service remains impeccable! However, my overall satisfaction with the food diminished with each experience. Perhaps it's because the first experience was such a pleasant surprise that it naturally received a very high rating; or perhaps the expecations were set so high that it's inevitably going to be disappointing from that point forward. Either way, the food quality would be as follows for the subsequent experiences:
2nd visit(Becky): 8
3rd visit(Don): 6
I would definitely still recommend the 5-course meal if you've never done this before. However, I did find that some of the dishes were very similar, if not the same, with each visit such as the quail and rock shrmip. Once you've experienced it at Woodfire Grill, I would suggest ordering off the menu the next time.
4 Overall Rating - Zen on Ten Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar 2/27/11
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.
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.
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