1397 N Highland Avenue Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 347-9747
http://www.rosebudatlanta.com/
Dinner with Michelle and Jim
Ambiance: 7
Food Quality: 5
We ate at 6PM on a Saturday night. It was disappointing to find that they were out of two appetizers, two desserts and I think one entree so early in the evening.
Michelle and Jim's Housemade Pimento Cheese appetizer was pretty good. It had a surprising kick, so get ready for it.
Greg and I started with the potato skins which were stuffed with mushrooms and cheese. While it was an interesting combination, I still prefer the standard skins.
For an entree, I had their signature fried chicken dish. The green beans were slightly overcooked, but they were seasoned well. My fried chicken was more like a country fried steak, covered with gravy served on top of mashed potatoes. I found the dish to be mediocre, at best. Greg didn't care much for his Coffee Braised Lamb Shank. He complained of the lamb tasting too gamey.
For dessert, we shared the Mexican Coca-Cola Cake. It was good, but again, nothing fantastic.
Service: 6
Our server had a little attitude when we teased about being out of so many items.
Value: 4
Both appetizers ended up on my bill. We were in a hurry, so I didn't raise the issue to our server. For the quality, the price wasn't worth it.
7 Overall Rating - Carbonara Trattoria 5/21/12
5499 Chamblee Dunwoody Road
Dunwoody, GA 30338
(678) 587-9100
http://carbonaradunwoody.com/
Ambiance: 7
Food Quality: 6.5
The bread was served with real butter, which of course, is my favorite. The bread was warm with a light and fluffy inside. It's the perfect way to begin our dining experience.
For an appetizer, we had their Steamed Mussels. The mussels were slightly overcooked, but the flavor was good, or I should say that the it has potential. Unfortunately, the dish was slightly overpowered by the skunk-like flavor that is often present in some mussels.
Greg's Torchietti and Shrimp delivered strong earth and rustic flavors, too much for my liking, but Greg enjoyed the uniqueness of the dish.
My Bucatini all’ Amatriciana was really good. Admittedly, I thought the pasta tasted like Chef Boyardee at first, but the dish grew on me (both literally and figuratively!)
Service: 9
The staff was both friendly and "neighborhood familiar". The owner is a retired Coke executive from Egypt who stopped by our table to speak with us. He was very hands on, seen grating Parmesan cheese blocks tableside as he made his way around to each table. The service was quite efficient tonight. We were told that weekends are very busy.
Value: 7
$52 before tip for an appetizer, two pasta dishes and hot tea.
Dunwoody, GA 30338
(678) 587-9100
http://carbonaradunwoody.com/
Ambiance: 7
Food Quality: 6.5
The bread was served with real butter, which of course, is my favorite. The bread was warm with a light and fluffy inside. It's the perfect way to begin our dining experience.
For an appetizer, we had their Steamed Mussels. The mussels were slightly overcooked, but the flavor was good, or I should say that the it has potential. Unfortunately, the dish was slightly overpowered by the skunk-like flavor that is often present in some mussels.
Service: 9
The staff was both friendly and "neighborhood familiar". The owner is a retired Coke executive from Egypt who stopped by our table to speak with us. He was very hands on, seen grating Parmesan cheese blocks tableside as he made his way around to each table. The service was quite efficient tonight. We were told that weekends are very busy.
Value: 7
$52 before tip for an appetizer, two pasta dishes and hot tea.
9 Overall Rating - Little Alley Steak 5/7/12
955 Canton Street
Roswell, GA
(770) 998-0440
http://littlealleysteak.com/
Little Alley Steak had just opened eight weeks prior to our visit.
Ambiance: 8
Eclectic decor with beautiful rustic wood partition and finishes, including three brick walls each with its own unique character. This lively restaurant is nestled in the heart of Roswell. The bar was hopping on a Monday night...I can only imagine what Thursday nights and weekends are like here! We liked the lights which were strung from meat hangers.
Food Quality: 9
Steaks brought in from Chicago's Meats by Linz.
We thoroughly enjoyed our NY Strip progression, each cut accompanied with its own salt. The Au Gratin goat cheese potatoes were rich in flavor - thinly cut potatoes were just right. The crunchy topping overpowers the dish though. It's good, but it just needs a bit less of it.
Wild mushrooms were oily, but tasty with garlic.
Bok choy - I would've liked more oyster sauce. You have to fish at the bottom of the dish to get any of it. The black pepper was a little too dominant, but I did like the contrast. As we ate more of the bok choy, we finally FOUND the black pepper oyster sauce - it's a zinger!
Fries - good, kinda like Five Guys, but not as good. The aoili that accompanied the fries was a nice alternative to ketchup.
Their bread was drenched in butter - oh my.
Service: 10
Full house, but everything was expedited very well from kitchen. Louis was our server - would highly recommend him.
Value: 7
You're gonna spend a little money here, but we did it right. Being pregnant, it helps cut down the bill ('cos we just drank water). We split the Strip Progression and four side dishes for only $77 before tip.
Roswell, GA
(770) 998-0440
http://littlealleysteak.com/
Little Alley Steak had just opened eight weeks prior to our visit.
Ambiance: 8
Eclectic decor with beautiful rustic wood partition and finishes, including three brick walls each with its own unique character. This lively restaurant is nestled in the heart of Roswell. The bar was hopping on a Monday night...I can only imagine what Thursday nights and weekends are like here! We liked the lights which were strung from meat hangers.
Food Quality: 9
Steaks brought in from Chicago's Meats by Linz.
We thoroughly enjoyed our NY Strip progression, each cut accompanied with its own salt. The Au Gratin goat cheese potatoes were rich in flavor - thinly cut potatoes were just right. The crunchy topping overpowers the dish though. It's good, but it just needs a bit less of it.
Bok choy - I would've liked more oyster sauce. You have to fish at the bottom of the dish to get any of it. The black pepper was a little too dominant, but I did like the contrast. As we ate more of the bok choy, we finally FOUND the black pepper oyster sauce - it's a zinger!
Fries - good, kinda like Five Guys, but not as good. The aoili that accompanied the fries was a nice alternative to ketchup.
Their bread was drenched in butter - oh my.
Full house, but everything was expedited very well from kitchen. Louis was our server - would highly recommend him.
Value: 7
You're gonna spend a little money here, but we did it right. Being pregnant, it helps cut down the bill ('cos we just drank water). We split the Strip Progression and four side dishes for only $77 before tip.
5 Overall Rating - The Union Restaurant 4/28/12
14275 Providence Road
Milton, GA 30004
(770) 569-7767
http://www.theunionrestaurant.com/
Dinner with George and Rosie for Rosie's birthday!
Ambiance: 7
This local joint is placed just off the side of Providence Road in the middle of a residential area. It's an interesting location, but I liked the set-up. The Union offers a small dining room, open kitchen with a small bar and covered patio seating. Live music is also available a few nights a week.
Food Quality: 4
I ordered the pepperoni pizza. It was a little too soggy for my liking and a bit bland. Greg ordered the Good Burger and thought it was pretty good. The fries were good - fresh hand-cut and the quality of ingredients were high. The meat itself was plentiful, but bland.
Rosie really liked her blackened Tilpia dish, which was tonight's special. Everyone seemed to like everything except for the pizza.
For dessert, I had the blueberry crisp. The crisp, if that's what you want to call it, was undercooked so it ruined the dish. The blueberry and vanilla ice cream "soup" was very tasty though.
Greg really enjoyed his coffee and doughnut dessert. I stole a doughnut and can attest to its goodness.
On my second visit to The Union, I had a side of Creamed Corn and it was delicious! I would highly recommend it! But I can't say the same for the rest of my meal. It was consistent with my first visit - just mediocre.
Service: 3
The waitress forgot to bring our waters after ordering them twice. Finally, after the 3rd request and after we had finished most of our dessert, she brought our waters.
Value: 9
Not bad at all. We had dinner for four with a couple drinks, 1 appetizer and 3 desserts for less than $130.
Milton, GA 30004
(770) 569-7767
http://www.theunionrestaurant.com/
Ambiance: 7
This local joint is placed just off the side of Providence Road in the middle of a residential area. It's an interesting location, but I liked the set-up. The Union offers a small dining room, open kitchen with a small bar and covered patio seating. Live music is also available a few nights a week.
Food Quality: 4
I ordered the pepperoni pizza. It was a little too soggy for my liking and a bit bland. Greg ordered the Good Burger and thought it was pretty good. The fries were good - fresh hand-cut and the quality of ingredients were high. The meat itself was plentiful, but bland.
Rosie really liked her blackened Tilpia dish, which was tonight's special. Everyone seemed to like everything except for the pizza.
For dessert, I had the blueberry crisp. The crisp, if that's what you want to call it, was undercooked so it ruined the dish. The blueberry and vanilla ice cream "soup" was very tasty though.
Greg really enjoyed his coffee and doughnut dessert. I stole a doughnut and can attest to its goodness.
On my second visit to The Union, I had a side of Creamed Corn and it was delicious! I would highly recommend it! But I can't say the same for the rest of my meal. It was consistent with my first visit - just mediocre.
Service: 3
The waitress forgot to bring our waters after ordering them twice. Finally, after the 3rd request and after we had finished most of our dessert, she brought our waters.
Value: 9
Not bad at all. We had dinner for four with a couple drinks, 1 appetizer and 3 desserts for less than $130.
8 Overall Rating - No 246 4/22/12
29 E PONCE DE LEON AVE
DECATUR GA 30030
(678) 399-8246
http://www.no246.com/
Dinner w/Becky and Kristin
Ambiance: 8
Great little restaurant. We sat in the front which was lined with large open windows. The music was a little loud, of course making it hard for me to hear (sigh).
Food Quality: 8
I ordered the Agnolotti (spring carrot and ricotta, sweet peas, pea shoots, young carrots). This light pasta ravioli dish was fit for vegatarians and was quite tasty without feeling guilty. Kristin enjoyed her mushroom pizza and Becky thought her shrimp spaghetti hit the spot.
Service: 8
No complaints whatsoever.
Value: 8
Reasonably priced. Portions were fair.
DECATUR GA 30030
(678) 399-8246
http://www.no246.com/
Dinner w/Becky and Kristin
Ambiance: 8
Great little restaurant. We sat in the front which was lined with large open windows. The music was a little loud, of course making it hard for me to hear (sigh).
Food Quality: 8
I ordered the Agnolotti (spring carrot and ricotta, sweet peas, pea shoots, young carrots). This light pasta ravioli dish was fit for vegatarians and was quite tasty without feeling guilty. Kristin enjoyed her mushroom pizza and Becky thought her shrimp spaghetti hit the spot.
Service: 8
No complaints whatsoever.
Value: 8
Reasonably priced. Portions were fair.
4 Overall Rating - Red Sky Tapas & Bar 4/14/12
1255 Johnson Ferry Road
Suite 16
Marietta, GA 30068
770.973.0100
http://redskytapas.com/about.php
Red Sky w/Rosie and George
Ambiance: 7
Surprisingly nice restaurant in a busy strip mall. The dueling pianos were a nice touch, although I wish they started playing` earlier.
Food Quality: 4
Cornmeal breaded zuchini (2) - lacked flavor. The dish needed a remoulade. I didn't care for the pesto sauce accompiment
Plaintains (2) - the plaintains were ruined by the vinegar-based sauce
Coconut shrimp (6)- the shrimp was good and plentiful, but the sauce was disappointing. It tasted like store-bought duck sauce.
Skirt steak mac and cheeses (7) - was good.
Bacon wrapped scallops were decent (6)
Rosie's PB flourless brownie was delicious (9)
Service: 3
Our food was delivered very quickly, but none of Rosie and George's food came. We had to ask our servers for their food twice. Once the food arrived, Rosie & George were still missing two of their plates.
Value: 4
Suite 16
Marietta, GA 30068
770.973.0100
http://redskytapas.com/about.php
Red Sky w/Rosie and George
Ambiance: 7
Surprisingly nice restaurant in a busy strip mall. The dueling pianos were a nice touch, although I wish they started playing` earlier.
Food Quality: 4
Cornmeal breaded zuchini (2) - lacked flavor. The dish needed a remoulade. I didn't care for the pesto sauce accompiment
Plaintains (2) - the plaintains were ruined by the vinegar-based sauce
Coconut shrimp (6)- the shrimp was good and plentiful, but the sauce was disappointing. It tasted like store-bought duck sauce.
Skirt steak mac and cheeses (7) - was good.
Bacon wrapped scallops were decent (6)
Rosie's PB flourless brownie was delicious (9)
Service: 3
Our food was delivered very quickly, but none of Rosie and George's food came. We had to ask our servers for their food twice. Once the food arrived, Rosie & George were still missing two of their plates.
Value: 4
8 Overall Rating - Trattoria Il Centro in Oklahoma City, OK 2/28/12
500 West Main Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 601-5858
Dinner with Don and Karen. This was one of their favorite restaurants in OKC. Unfortunately, just weeks after we we ate here, the restaurant closed its doors.
Ambiance: 8
Open kitchen and dining room. Was surprised of the size and the number of seats in the dining room. I loved the italian opera music playing in the background.
OKC's downtown area...I'm disappointed that I have just experienced this area. Don and Karen were so kind to give me the car-tour driving by the OKC bombing memorial, canal area, bricktown, china town, and midtown. This little city always impresses...
Food Quality: 8
Calamari - wow , be ready because the marinara is spicy!
I had the Pumpkin Risotto Scallops which I'd describe as a savory dish with interesting elements of chopped onion and something else which was a little undercooked. The scallops were just a touch overcooked; they were tough and a little rubbery, but the risotto and sauce were nicely done.
Karen ordered the appetizer meatballs which were delicious!!! She said they were normally spicier but I liked them just the way they were which had a strong presence of black pepper.
For dessert, I had the Butterscotch Panna Cotta which was absolutely divine
Service: 10
Kyle was wonderful! It's always nice to go to a place where they know you (not me, but Don & Karen). He even knew where they were heading next for their trip - it was impressive.
Value: 6
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 601-5858
Dinner with Don and Karen. This was one of their favorite restaurants in OKC. Unfortunately, just weeks after we we ate here, the restaurant closed its doors.
Ambiance: 8
Open kitchen and dining room. Was surprised of the size and the number of seats in the dining room. I loved the italian opera music playing in the background.
OKC's downtown area...I'm disappointed that I have just experienced this area. Don and Karen were so kind to give me the car-tour driving by the OKC bombing memorial, canal area, bricktown, china town, and midtown. This little city always impresses...
Food Quality: 8
Calamari - wow , be ready because the marinara is spicy!
I had the Pumpkin Risotto Scallops which I'd describe as a savory dish with interesting elements of chopped onion and something else which was a little undercooked. The scallops were just a touch overcooked; they were tough and a little rubbery, but the risotto and sauce were nicely done.
Karen ordered the appetizer meatballs which were delicious!!! She said they were normally spicier but I liked them just the way they were which had a strong presence of black pepper.
For dessert, I had the Butterscotch Panna Cotta which was absolutely divine
Service: 10
Kyle was wonderful! It's always nice to go to a place where they know you (not me, but Don & Karen). He even knew where they were heading next for their trip - it was impressive.
Value: 6
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