Home > Table Talk > Archives > 2008 > July > 23 > Entry
My Top Five Spots For Two
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO: THE BACON-WRAPPED DATES AT REPAST WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO DO THAT VOODOO THAT YOU DO SO WELL …
PHOTO: Elissa Eubanks/AJC
A while back, I listed my favorite places to take my daughter, who is 11. The responses were spirited, to put it charitably. If you missed it, or didn’t have a chance to share your top spots for dining with kids, now’s your second chance. The “Best of the Big A” poll is on, and you can vote for your favorite kid friendly spots here.
Since we’ve visited that subject here before, let’s go another direction. Here are my top five spots for dining with that special someone (no kids allowed):
Aria — there’s a reason Gerry Klaskala’s timeless spot is so, well, timeless: he’s one of the classiest, most consistent chefs in the city. A long-time Atlanta veteran, Klaskala puts the “p” in panache — throwing finesse into even the simplest of dishes, striking a synchronistic chord between hip and comfortable. And Kat King’s desserts make me see the face of god. There’s a hustle here, but it’s also easy to find a quiet nook and get cozy. Sexy factor: 7.5
Ecco — Charming, sophisticated; it’s fun (and sexy) to sit back and enjoy an excellent glass of wine with the array of well-procured charcuterie and cheese, plus a slice of pizza or two. The fried goat cheese with honey is fun to smear around, oh, whatever. Sexy factor: 8
La Tavola Trattoria — like its sister, Ecco, this cozy spot in VA/HI is one of the city’s sexiest — and romantic. You and your honey can sip Amarone Valpolicello and sing along to Nat King Cole while nibbling on mussels with herbs and crusty slices of bread. Sexy factor: 9
Tierra — let me put it this way, girls. I went on a first date at this pan-Latin wonder last August. We’re getting married this September. Maybe it’s the coziness of this Ansley Park fave — but I think there’s something special in the tres leches … wink wink. Sexy factor: 9.5
Repast — excellent food, well-sourced, and there’s always something new and interesting on the menu. Add a great wine list, some stellar cocktails and a cozy, candle-lit table. Do I have to spell things out for you? The bacon-wrapped dates will make you feel very naughty. Sexy factor: 10
What’s your favorite restaurant for romance? And don’t say the Cheetah — I’ve already been there and done that. I have the t-shirt to prove it.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Dining





DEL.ICIO.US
Comments
By BPJ
July 23, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
A good list - Aria and Tierrs are particular favorites of ours. I would add Joel and Canoe to the list (we recently went to Canoe and sat out overlooking the river for the first time in years - excellent food & service, romantic setting). Also French-American Brasserie for a romantic lunch.
By Jason
July 23, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Meridith - that’s a great list. As I read the review, I kept nodding my head. Ecco is my current fave for a night out with my wife. There’s just something very cool and sexy about that place. A couple of year’s ago, Cafe Lily in Decatur had a very romantic vibe (I haven’t been since Angelo passed away). Woodfire Grill and the Food Studio are also on my list.
By Meridith Ford
July 24, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Thanks guys! Appreciate the input… Jason: how odd that the last two places you mention are closing (well, hopefully Woddfire will acquire a new owner… ). A strange — and sad — coincidence.
By Meridith Ford
July 24, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Thanks guys! Appreciate the input… Jason: how odd that the last two places you mention are closing (well, hopefully Woodfire will acquire a new owner… ). A strange — and sad — coincidence.