Round One begins today for the 2015 Masters Tournament, and after a day of watching the pros, you’ll be looking for a spot to unwind for a much-needed meal.
Augusta's downtown strip may look like the sleepy remains of a once-bustling town, but hidden between boarded up store fronts are some of the city's treasured dining gems. Whether you're visiting Augusta for the Masters or for a trip later this summer, come on over to these dining spots.
For vegetarian
211 Broad St., 706-828-3600
You know when something’s great, it’s just “the bee’s knee’s” and that’s the vibe you get at this quaint, stylish spot. A vegetarian or meat-eater will be satisfied with the tapas here, which touch on Spanish and Asian influences. Tofu breaks out of its flavorless mold and adorns Thai bowls like the spicy “pad Thai” or “yaki,” a sticky rice bowl topped with sautéed veggies and tangy teriyaki. And those who didn’t think they liked soy proteins should try “buffalo tempeh.” These spicy tempura-fried strips are reminiscent of hot wings, but completely meat-less.
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
For wine
1204b Broad St., 706-496-8442
As soon as you enter Craft & Vine, you’re immersed into a buzzing scene that could be found on a side street of San Francisco. Belly up to the thin strip of bar and order from their enomatic machines, where bottles can be poured in three, six or nine ounce portions. Why not create your own flight of tastes? Start with a light “Willamette Valley pinot noir,” move to a jammy “Neil Ellis shiraz” and round out with a bold “Masi Costasera amarone.” Just beyond the bar, the wood-burning oven glows amber. Order a wood-fired pizza like “The Hummus,” a surprisingly delicious spread of roasted garlic, kale, roasted red pepper, sweet potato and butternut squash.
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Surrey Center is just down the road from the Augusta National Golf Club. In between browsing through the boutique shops and antique galleries, stop in to one of these restaurants for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
For cocktails and cheese plates
379 Highland Ave., 706-364-5300
Harnessing the true Southern culture, you’ll start your meal with a cocktail. The focus here is on classic cocktails, like their rendition of a gin and tonic, the “Gin Jitszu” that has rhubarb bitters, muddled cucumber and fresh ginger. From there, create your own plate of charcuterie and cheese, many imported from stellar European distributors. Opt for thin slices of Tuscan “Finochiona,” a pork salami herbaciously flavored with fennel, and the “Bresaola,” a Lombardy-style red wine cured beef tenderloin. Pair with contrasting flavors of hard cow’s milk cheeses such as the “Beehive Cheese Company's Barely Buzzed,” and “Cahill’s Irish Porter.”
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
For Italian
399 Highland Ave., 706-723-1242
Approachable prices and pleasing selections for any appetite make this a hole-in-one. Wood oven pizzas and calzones have their spot on this menu, but Oliviana's rustic Italian fare is geared toward their secondi plates of handmade pastas topped with rich, flavorful meats such as "saltimbocca" and "marsala", "rib eye chimi-churri" and "risotto primavera." Lighter options include a list of main salads that protein can be added to, or small plates of "grilled skewers," or "roasted red pepper hummus."
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