Home > Table Talk > Archives > 2008 > August > 06
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Top 5 I Take for Granted
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
AND THERE’S THAT FUNKY CHANDELIER …. ARIA SHOULDN’T BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED
Photo: Kimberly Smith/AJC
I dined at Aria this past week for the first time in a year — and it was absolutely wonderful. It made me wonder why this restaurant doesn’t spring to mind as often as it should: Do we take some of our city’s finest establishments for granted?
In Aria’s case, I certainly do. Not that they need the business. They were running on all four during an early part of the week — not crazy busy, but happily steady. Gerry Klaskala continues to wow with even the simplest of dishes — from perfectly fried soft shell crab with a tangy napa slaw to smoked salmon served with classics of capers, minced red onion, creme fraiche and a crispy, light potato pancake, everything was perfect. Wine by the glass from wine director Andre Loaiza was perfectly poured, and the desserts from Kat King — a light lemon panna cotta with bing cherries and her signature warm chocolate cheesecake with its familiar swirl of chocolate through the center were precious and wonderful — easily the best in the city.
So why do I take Aria for granted? For shame…
Here are four others not to forget about when making reservations:
Tamarind Seed Thai Bistro — it’s easy to forget that this Thai fave - now in its gorgeous Bill Johnson-designed space - used to be across from the Shell station on 14th Street. But the food has never been better — or hotter. This is the best Thai in the city.
Nam — tucked away to the farthest corner of Midtown Promenade, it would be easy to miss Nam, the Vietnamese angel from MF’s Alex and Chris Kinjo, if you didn’t know it was there. What a shame: it’s the best Vietnamese food around — the rice flour tamales in banana leaf with fiery fish sauce; the Vietnamese crepes; the shaking beef.
L’Thai — if you can’t make it to Tamarind Thai, then this gem in Tucker should be on your list. Fresh, mostly organic ingredients make for bright, splendid-tasting food. The thom kha soup, rich with coconut, makes me happy.
Sotto Sotto — how can we take the best Italian in the city for granted? Riccardo Ullio’s Inman Park beauty serves fresh, honest Italian with NO American influence. The risotto will make you see God. And what a wine list.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Dining
Services »
