Pizzeria Venti
While its franchise, fast-casual concept is hardly novel, the signature thin crust pan pizza, served in generous rec-tangular slices, sets Pizzeria Venti apart in the bargain-priced Italian restaurant market. There are usually 20 (venti) varie-ties, from simple cheese or pepperoni to roasted chicken breast or veggie. There's also a meat special of the day. As for the crust, arguments will ensue. But it's a quality fresh dough, made lighter, it's claimed, with Acqua Panna Italian bottled water. The texture is soft, and the flavor is yeasty-salty. Baked in shallow metal trays with a brush of olive oil, it develops savory, nicely browned edges. The dough is also used to make individual stuffed pies, breadsticks and rolls. The most surprisingly tasty version, though, comes wrapped around a meatball, baked with cheese and marinara, in a concoction called Bocce Balls. Beyond that, the menu features appetizers, soups, salads, baked pastas and desserts.
—- Bob Townsend
IF YOU GO
Address: 2770 Lenox Road, Atlanta 30324
Phone: 404-228-2013
Web site: www.pizzeriaventi.com
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Closed Sundays.
Price range: $
Aja
Here we are, under the Big Top again with restaurateur and showman Tom Catherall of Here to Serve Restaurants, who's brought Atlanta its very own upscale Asian venue in the space that was once Emeril's.
There are Thai statues of the Buddha, the most notable a reclining Buddha in the foyer and a 10-foot brass version in the center of the dining room. Here, the reach exceeds the grasp, and there's what seems to be a nod to authenticity and complete lack thereof at the same time. Like Catherall's Lola, his Italian venue up the street, there's just too much going on.
Other than Home, Aja is the best of Catherall's come-one, come-all restaurant family. That's largely because chef William Sigley is skilled and experienced. But I have to believe the happy Buddha got his belly from eating food more authentic than this.
—- Meridith Ford
IF YOU GO
Address: 3500 Lenox Road N.E., Atlanta
Phone: 404-231-0001
Web site: www.h2sr.com.
Dress: Casually upscale dress
Parking: Complimentary valet parking
Price range: $$-$$$
Rating: **
KEY TO AJC RATINGS
***** Outstanding: Sets the standard for fine dining in the region.
**** Excellent: One of the best in the Atlanta area.
*** Very good: Merits a drive if you're looking for this kind of dining.
** Good: A worthy addition to its neighborhood, but food may be hit and miss.
* Fair: Food is more miss than hit. Restaurants that do not meet these criteria may be rated Poor.
Pricing code: $$$$$ means more than $75; $$$$ means $75 and less; $$$ means $50 and less; $$ means $25 and less; $ means $15 and less. The price code represents a typical full-course meal for one excluding drinks.
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