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Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Rep Yo' City: ATL Shawty!



Due to popular demand, we are revisiting Atlanta for a Rep Yo’ City series. (Check out the original Rep Yo City: ATL Shawty! in our last issue) On Travel Tuesdays throughout the month of May, we’ll be sharing a few of our favorite things about the ATL and we’re giving you a chance to share your fave things as well.

Spending four years in Atlanta at Emory University, I’ve grown to think of the ATL as a home away from home. As the place where I established some of my firsts tastes of independence of adulthood, Atlanta holds a special place in my heart.

I must admit that Atlanta is where I expanded my palette. Call it the life of a starving college student. Being hungry enough to try anything forced my taste buds to grow up. From my first time really appreciating fresh lettuce and tomato on a sandwich at Emory’s Dooley Den during my freshman year to my first almost addictive experience with calamari during my junior year. Here are a few of my favorite food memories from ATL:

  • Maddy’s: A Ribs & Blue's Joint- Even though I didn't try Maddy's until my junior year, it might have been my first real experience with Southern BBQ, and it did not disappoint. With a hearty helping of chicken, ribs, baked beans, my first taste of Brunswick Stew, potato salad and the slice of white bread, which serves almost like an edible napkin, I was properly introduced to what Southern BBQ had to offer.
  • Chick Fil-A- Chicken Biscuit (not to be confused with the McDonald's version, which is okay but just not the same)- the succulent chicken and the buttery goodness of the biscuit combined with a side of hash browns is the only thing that got me and my roommate out of bed and on to campus. If I had $5 to my name, two of them were devoted to my breakfast love. I have to admit that I was skeptical but it changed my life a little bit.
  • Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles- The smothered chicken is more than a generous portion of crispy fried chicken smothered in a thick gravy that reminded with every bite that I was in the South (and loving it). Served with their macaroni and cheese that is so full of cheesy flavor that it could stand on its own.
  • Mary Mac’s biscuits were enough to be a meal on their own. I remember them melting in my mouth and oh so warm, buttery and delightful. Something about those biscuits made me envision a granny somewhere.
  • Fellini’s- The pizza that reminded me little bit of NY pizza from home. Also, the place that made me crave pizza and salad at a time when I didn't even eat salad. Perfect for a late night snack run, Fellini's pizza was definitely a crowd favorite.
  • Popeye’s Fridays- A tradition that one of my friends shared with a few of us, every Friday for several weeks, we'd make our way to Popeye's for whatever our college budgets would allow. She always got a two piece and a biscuit, and I usually got red beans and rice and always got the strawberry Fanta.
  • Krispy Kreme- The perfect treat on a late night drive. One of the greatest feelings is to drive by the Krispy Kreme on Ponce de Leon and see “hot” light on. Krispy Kreme donuts are always good, but when they are hot they are A-MA-ZING. They melt in your mouth almost like cotton candy but then the taste is finished with that sweet glaze.
I really want to hear about your favorite foods in the ATL. (So that I can make a list and try all of them next time I visit.)

7 comments:

  1. I'm excited about this! I'm going to ATL for the first time in July!

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  2. Here are a few recommendations from my good friend DJ TJ:

    MURPHY'S --
    Though over the years I've heard great things about this must-visit -- great location in the heart of the Virginia Highlands, open & airy space, lively atmosphere, and of course: great food -- I had yet to visit until last month through a recommendation from ScoutMob (a curious guide to restaurant deals for the Atlanta explorer - google it!). It's safe to say Murphy's did not disappoint; the service was great, they offered local & organic sides, and the meal was one of the best I've had in Atlanta. In fact, it seems Murphy's is so popular that it brings out the stars - I ended up meeting Keshia Pulliam ('Rudy' from the Huxtables) at the spot. Lucky for you - the price is just right and you can leave unscathed at only about $10-14 average a plate.

    Recommendations:
    - Spinach and Sausage Meatloaf (Lunch)
    - Portobello Frittata (Brunch)



    THE WEST EGG --
    Without hesitation - when Rae & Dani, DG or Hector asked for a good brunch spot at which we'd eat I chose "The West Egg". Located on the West-end (Howell Mill Rd), this Atlanta star brings out the most duly settled for breakfast served all day, every day, even so popular it had to move to a larger building next door. This local spot makes eggs how they should be made, biscuits the old fashioned way, and rivals your mother's grits or skilled potatoes (shhh...) Artsy - if you will - with colorful paintings from music legends to nature and scenery, along with a rustic and laid back presentation, you'll feel comfortable here. Plus, and obviously what is most important :) , you get to hold your reputation of being the "go-to" for places to visit.

    Recommendations:
    - The Blue Plate



    PIZZERIA VENTI --
    Another ScoutMob favorite, this phenomenal place serves pizza made the way it's supposed to - dough made from scratch with clean & pure Italian water, without Trans-fat, and full of fresh toppings. Let's be clear - this is not your average pizza place - one bite into their Timpanini (or Stuffed Pizza-pie) will make you forget any pizza-chain. Top the meal off with one (or many if you're ambitious) of their different Gelato (a more tasty and much-leaner alternative to ice cream), and I promise you'll come back for more. Luckily it's conveniently located on Lenox Road between that of Buford Hwy and Lenox Mall. Yes, thank me later.

    Recommendations:
    - Pepperoni Timpanini
    - Banana Pudding Gelato

    Thanks TJ! I'll definitely be making a few stops to these places during my next visit.

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  3. I do not eat out often, but one of the best places I have eaten in the Atlanta area is The Depeaux, located in Decatur! It is a Cajun/Creole restaurant with lots of dishes to offer. Many people rave about Pappadeaux's, but for me, The Depeaux tastes more authentic and less commercial. I found this restaurant through the Creative Loafing website and tried it out for my 28th birthday earlier this year. If you love cajun food, this restaurant will not disappoint!

    Check it out:
    402 E Howard Ave, Decatur, GA
    http://www.thedepeaux.com/

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  4. Thanks again TJ for your recommendations!

    Joy, that place is right up my alley. I will definitely check that out next time I'm in ATL.

    Christy, I hope you pick up some great things to add to your todo list during the ATL series. It's such a fun place. Can't wait to hear about your trip.

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  5. I pride myself on being a former Atlanta expert. Well, "expert" might be a bit of a stretch, but I certainly know a thing or two, and the "A" is truly my first love. Below you'll find a list of some of my favorite spots to throw down and that are at least somewhat unique to my heart's desire...along with order recommendations for each location. Enjoy! :)

    Murphy's
    http://www.murphysvh.com/home.html
    Tollhouse Pie (an ABSOLUTE must), Baked Goods Basket, excellent service

    Vortex
    http://www.thevortexbarandgrill.com/
    Tater tots; unique service; spinach artichoke dip (currently not on the menu); grungy atmosphere; great burgers; I prefer the L5P location; lobster melt

    Waffle House
    http://www.wafflehouse.com/welcome/
    Single waffle; double hash browns--scattered, smothered, covered & diced

    Atlanta Fish Market
    http://www.themenupage.co/atlantafishmarket.html
    Delicious, fresh fish; lovely setting

    The Flying Biscuit
    http://www.flyingbiscuit.com/
    Orange-scented French Toast; rosemary potatoes; soysage; biscuits are dry and not as good as Granny's or Momma's, but the cranberry apple butter makes it worth the trouble

    Thumbs Up Diner
    http://www.thumbsupdiner.com/
    The site is weak, but the food is delicious. The pancakes please me.

    I shall return with more suggestions...when I'm not as hungry. :)

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  6. That's two recs for Murphy's which means I must try it.

    I've heard so much about the Vortex too. Adam from Man vs Food went there on one of the episodes, and when Sean came to visit someone recommended that he check it out.

    Sounds like a trip to ATL may have to be in my near future.

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