We often forget about vegetables when we dine out, because we think, I can do that at home. But charring and blistering vegetables requires high heat and careful tending in order to lend a fleshy and juicy bite instead of a scraggly burn. So let's leave it to the experts. Restaurants in town have elevated the flavors of vegetables, taking side items to the spotlight- in this case the fiery flames of center stage. To round out AJC's Grill Week, here are a few menu picks to have your five-a-day the grilled way.
112 Krog Street, Suite R, Atlanta
404-524-8280
On the Menu: Charred Creamed Corn
Chewy corn kernels swim in a gold rush of rich cream for a side dish that guests rave over. A duo of textures meets your taste buds, as the blackened kernels burst to reveal a caramelized center. Smoky Gouda dances quietly in the background.
1820 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta
404-383-8088
On the Menu: Blistered Green Beans
Forget about those green beans you were forced to eat as a kid. These are far superior, tossed with the biting acidity of a ginger and cider reduction. Crunchy crumbles of bacon add in their own smoky flavor.
240 North Highland Avenue, Atlanta
404-589-1010
On the Menu: Charred Broccoli
Broccoli’s salty, savory flavor is advanced with a dollop of whipped anchovy and sheep cheese. Use your fork to smear around the fluffy cream because it tastes better together.
1156 Euclid Avenue, Atlanta
404-223-0393
On the Menu: Charred Onion Mayo
This is the perfect dunk tank for their garlicky Belgian fries. The onions are grilled to a char, and then pureed to add to the bar’s housemade mayo. It’s a classic French technique that is smoky and addicting.
948 Canton Street, Roswell
770-998-3114
On the Menu: Blistered Shishito Peppers
When peppers and the high heat of a grill interact, the skin practically slides away to reveal a sweeter, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture. These slender, finger-length guys are like a dining roulette, only one in 10 are spicy. So if your tongue is tingling, maybe you should try your odds in the lottery.
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