Home > Table Talk > Archives > 2008 > June > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWho Fires the BEST Fries? My Fave Five
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
NOW THAT’S STUFFING YOUR FACE with fries.
Photo: Ripley’s Publishing
Every Wednesday, I’ll be sharing my thoughts (and tastes, of course) in “Fave Five” — my five spots for the best of the food du jour. To start, I’m sharing my five favorite places for French fries in Atlanta, figuring I (or someone here at the AJC) has covered cocktails and outdoor dining as nauseam. In homage to David Letterman, I’ll start with number five first, finishing with number one.
So, summer starts with French fries (and related potato items):
Five Guys Burgers — I’m not usually into touting franchises, but the Washington, D.C.-based Guys’ bag o’ fries is hard to beat. Old-fashioned, hand-cut and fried in peanut oil, they’re not for amateurs. The bag makes the assumption that they’re for sharing, but let’s not get carried away…. Area locations
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q — Brothers Jonathan and Justin Fox have made legends of themselves serving crispy tater tots as sides to their pulled pork and beef brisket. The flavor and texture of these fresh-from-the-freezer treats are difficult to convey without just yelping, “OMG these things are good.” Okay, they’re not a French fry, but they still count. 1238 DeKalb Ave., 404-577-4030
Chick-fil-A — Fast food? Not fast enough. These waffle fries are so good it’s a shame the stores aren’t open on Sunday. Area locations
Cakes & Ale — Chef-owner Billy Allin didn’t waste time in frying class at culinary school (he’s a CCA grad): the shoe string fries at his and wife Kristin’s Decatur bistro are rockin’ good, served up cute in a cone. Pass the ketchup. 254 W Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-377-7994
And FINALLY,
Shaun’s — It’s no secret that I love this restaurant, and chef-owner Shaun Doty’s pommes frites “graisse de canard” are one of the reasons why. When God said let there be fries, this is what he/she/whatever had in mind: perfectly cut, fleshy and hot inside, crispy from that duck fat on the outside. Diet tomorrow. Eat these fries today. Shaun’s, 1029 Edgewood Ave. NE, 404-577-4358
What’s your take?
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment | Categories: Dining
Comments
By scott
June 5, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
arnuad’s in new orleans has the best in the world~
By FCM
June 5, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
You had me with Shaun’s. Any fries cooked in animal fat are going to be good.
Waffle fries? Are you serious? They are cold 3 seconds out of the fryer, they have no taste, they are not crisp and fluffy. They are nasty. One of my main reasons of loving CFA is that I am not tempted to get their fries, but make a healthier choice, when I go get my Original Chicken Sandwich.
No mention of Sweet Potato fries? They are way better than white potatoes. Meatier, more flavor, and Beta Carotene to boot. I like the ones at Tacone—even though they are a chain—-or Trader Joe’s. Cheeseburger in Paradise has great Sweet Potato chips (and my children think the fried pickles are a must).
Does anyone still cook their fries in beef fat? Ummmmmm drooling thinking about it. Outback used to do them but since I am not a fan of their steaks I have not been in years.
By carl gritzmaker
June 6, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Everyone should try Whole Foods in John’s Creek fries at the fish grille. Excellent in taste and texture from organically grown potatos.
By FCM
June 9, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
I stopped at the Greek place on Virginia Avenue, Hapeville on Friday. The AJC wrote it up favorably as recently as 2006 according to the board. I can never remember the name of the place…It’s a small hole in the wall that has been there for 25 years run by Nick Kapalous (sp?) we alway’s called it Nick’s. Anyway their potatoes with the spices and then topped with the White sauce are awesome….always have been.
I tried 5 Guys on Saturday. The food made me and my guest sick. It was cooked well, just too greasy. I cannot recommend it, although the fries were crisp outside and fluffy inside the way they are supposed to be when done right.
By Speakeasy
June 9, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
I can think of 2 off the top of my head. I gotta agree with you on Shauns - after working there and eating these fries forever it’s hard to go back to any other fries….the one exception are FAB’s garlic frites, they are to die for!
By rick
June 10, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Tavern at phipps..excellent fries
By ddansa
August 5, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Shauns restaurant in Inman Park: with such a good reputation I was surprised, on a thursday at 6:30pm we got a limited,unimaginative menu, less tha average food presentation, mediocre service, cold boring buns, my entree consisted of breaded pork with 3 onion rings. After 20 minutes of waiting I was informed the dessert I had choosen was no longer available. I could have had better looking and tasting food, better service and definitely cheaper meal at the neighboring fast food restaurant. Shame on you Shaun!!!