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.
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).
8.5 Overall Rating - Atmosphere Bistro 01/5/11
1620 Piedmont Avenue Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30324
(678) 702-1620
http://www.atmospherebistro.com/
Dinner with Janice!
Ambiance: 8
Atmosphere Bistro offers a charming interior, having been converted from a one story home into a quaint French bistro. Hardwood floors can be found throughout the dining room and bar. The space appears to maintain the integrity of its original floor plan with a few separate small dining rooms which provide comfortable seating and privacy.
Food Quality: 9
Janice and I both ordered the 3-course pre-fixe menu. Janice enjoyed her Terrine de lapin (rabbit), Trout Filet "Amandine", and creme brulee. My lobster bisque and steamed mussels were delicious! The bisque was a bit oily and the sauce for the mussels was too thick; but the flavors were quite superb.
Service: 7
Our server did a nice job through the majority of service. She was attentive and checked in frequently until dessert. We needed our water refilled during dessert, but she couldn't be found until it was time to deliver the check and collect payment.
Value: 9
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Atmosphere Bistro offers a $25 pre-fixe 3-course menu. This was obviously a great value. The regular priced menu items looked reasonable as well.
Atlanta, GA 30324
(678) 702-1620
http://www.atmospherebistro.com/
Atmosphere Bistro offers a charming interior, having been converted from a one story home into a quaint French bistro. Hardwood floors can be found throughout the dining room and bar. The space appears to maintain the integrity of its original floor plan with a few separate small dining rooms which provide comfortable seating and privacy.
Food Quality: 9
Janice and I both ordered the 3-course pre-fixe menu. Janice enjoyed her Terrine de lapin (rabbit), Trout Filet "Amandine", and creme brulee. My lobster bisque and steamed mussels were delicious! The bisque was a bit oily and the sauce for the mussels was too thick; but the flavors were quite superb.
Service: 7
Our server did a nice job through the majority of service. She was attentive and checked in frequently until dessert. We needed our water refilled during dessert, but she couldn't be found until it was time to deliver the check and collect payment.
Value: 9
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Atmosphere Bistro offers a $25 pre-fixe 3-course menu. This was obviously a great value. The regular priced menu items looked reasonable as well.
7 Overall Rating - Barrio (Columbus, OH) 11/24/10
Located at the corner of Spring St & High St
Columbus, OH 43215
614.220.9141
http://www.barriotapas.com/
With Cary, Joe and Greg
Ambiance: 8
We were impressed with their ability to convert an old Wendy's establishment into a trendy hot spot. I loved the kitchen and bar decor. Restrooms and restaurant were clean and well kept.....big points with me!
Food Quality: 6
The Panko Salmon was fantastic. The other items were average; we had the Bravas, Tostada, and Crab Empanada.
Service: 9
Matt did a great job. He was patient, checked in regularly with our table and was obviously knowledgeable of the menu.
Value: 7
Some items were reasonably priced, but several tapas items were on the high side.
Columbus, OH 43215
614.220.9141
http://www.barriotapas.com/
With Cary, Joe and Greg
Ambiance: 8
We were impressed with their ability to convert an old Wendy's establishment into a trendy hot spot. I loved the kitchen and bar decor. Restrooms and restaurant were clean and well kept.....big points with me!
Food Quality: 6
The Panko Salmon was fantastic. The other items were average; we had the Bravas, Tostada, and Crab Empanada.
Service: 9
Matt did a great job. He was patient, checked in regularly with our table and was obviously knowledgeable of the menu.
Value: 7
Some items were reasonably priced, but several tapas items were on the high side.
6.5 Overall Rating - Trattoria One41 11/19/10
9810 Medlock Bridge Rd # A
Duluth, GA 30097-2056
(770) 497-0021
http://www.trattoria141.com/
Dined with Charles and Heather
Ambiance: 5
Cute restaurant located in a small strip mall on Hwy 141 in Johns Creek. Recommended by one of Charles' co-workers. Family-owned restaurant, young couple opened the restaurant with their executive chef. Almost all of their staff were family members.
There's a full bar with surrounding dining tables in the left room behind the hostess stand. We sat in the main dining room.
You can tell that this is a local favorite. It opened fours year ago and was packed when we arrived on a Friday night. The one drawback is that the parking was limited. Beautiful hardwood floors; however, it was very loud and difficult to hear at our table.
Food Quality: 6
Calamari shrimp appetizer was fresh, but the sauce was too runny to adhere to the seafood, leaving the dish tasting bland. Our 2nd appetizer, the melanzane, was delightful and full of flavor. The bread was served with marinara and melted mozzarella cheese - absolutely delectable!
My cannelloni was only mediocre. The short ribs were a bit too salty. The mushroom risotto seemed to be undercooked; the texture was hard, but it was seasoned well. Greg enjoyed their "famous" pounded veal parmigiana. And Charles really liked his lamb chops, devouring every edible inch.
Service: 10
The owner waited on us. Greg asked for hot chocolate. Although this wasn't on the menu, she figured out how to make it with chocolate syrup she purchased for herself earlier that day and brought him a delicious mug of hot chocolate. Our water glasses were refilled continuously throughout the evening, one of the signs I always look for when eating out.
Value: 7
We split two appetizers with Charles and Heather, ordered two entrees, one side order and a martini for $108 (including gratuity).
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