Saturday, January 23, 2016

Appetizing Aperture


Eat some salads and hunger hits again in an hour. Not so with the Black & Blue steak salad ($13) at Marlow’s Tavern. This energizing plate of leafy field greens bears slices of grilled beef tenderloin and a cloud of blue cheese crumbles along with the bright pop of ruby red Roma tomatoes and slivered red onions. Those other salads...rendered green with envy. 

Friday, January 22, 2016

Atlanta Restaurants: Winter Weather Status


It may be cold outside but it's warm in the kitchen of these Atlanta restaurants! Avoid the grocery store and dine at these eateries who will be operating during normal business hours. #ATLopen


  • 10th & Piedmont
  • Aria
  • Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar - VA Highland
  • Bantam + Biddy (all locations but Avalon is closing at 8 p.m.)
  • Chick-a-Biddy
  • FLIP burger boutique
  • Gunshow
  • Gypsy Kitchen (closing at 9 p.m.)
  • JP Atlanta
  • Le Fat
  • Marlow's Tavern
  • Ormsby's 
  • Ray's Restaurants 
  • Revival
  • Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar
  • Seed Kitchen & Bar
  • Smokebelly BBQ (closing at 9 p.m.)
  • Stem Wine Bar
  • Tin Lizzy's Cantina
  • The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill (closing at 9 p.m.)
  • The Southern Gentleman (closing at 9 p.m.)
  • Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails (closing at 8 p.m.)
  • Article 14 (closing at 9 p.m., opening at 1 p.m. tomorrow)
  • Glenn's Kitchen (closing at 9 p.m., opening at 1 p.m. tomorrow)
  • Der Biergarten (closing at 9 p.m., opening at 1 p.m. tomorrow)
  • Twin Smokers BBQ (closing at 9 p.m., opening at 1 p.m. tomorrow)
  • Game-X (closing at 9 p.m., opening at 1 p.m. tomorrow)
  • STATS (closing at 9 p.m., opening at 1 p.m. tomorrow)
  • Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria (closing at 9 p.m., opening at 1 p.m. tomorrow)

Aqua blue Answers “What’s for Lunch?” with All-You-Can-Eat Sushi and a Free Lunch Offer


Launch into the new year with lunch at Aqua blue where all-you-can-eat sushi is $15 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday (dine-in only). Join the Roswell restaurant’s new lunch diners club by asking for a membership card and receive a free lunch after the purchase of six lunches. Must present lunch diners club card to earn and redeem offer.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Run with Game-Day To-Go and Eat-In Specials, Now through the Super Bowl at Smokebelly BBQ


College bowl games are over, but there’s still plenty of pro football action to go, including the Super Bowl on February 7. That means heavy-duty viewing, noshing and the need for game-day grub to go and big-screen viewing to watch while dining in. Pass through Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead and grab 25 wings, celery, carrots and sauce for $20 (order in 25-wing increments). Smart couch coaches will add two pounds of pulled pork, slider buns, one quart of a side item and a pint of sauce for $40 -- that’s plenty to feed four fans. Order more if there are some fullbacks in the house to fill up. This special to-go promotion is only available on game days through the Super Bowl. To place an order, call 404-848-9100. Those watching the playoffs and Super Bowl on Smokebelly’s big screens can tackle their 25-wing and five-beer bucket deal for $35 and quaff down $3 draft specials and $5 well drinks.

Give Winter the Cold Shoulder, Slurp Soup


When it’s raw outside, nothing thaws hands and mellows the soul like a bowl of steaming hot soup. Join us as we lift lids and peek into stockpots to see what’s simmering at, stewing around metro Atlanta.

Blow off downtown’s wind chill by ducking into JP Atlanta and savoring a bowl of onion soup “1967” served au gratin ($12) -- a starter on the All-Day Dining menu.

Looking for a rosy glow in Midtown? It’s found in Article 14’s lycopene-rich tomato bisque with whipped crème fraîche and basil ($7).

Zucca, may rhyme with Bazooka, but the golden butternut squash soup with winter pesto and mascarpone ($5) at Bellina Alimentari in Ponce City Market is oh so much more satisfying and good for you.

Brace yourself with homestyle chili dolloped with sour cream and cheddar ($5) at Chick-a-Biddy before total immersion in an adrenaline-pumping movie or shopping at Atlantic Station.

Expect a heated debate over which Vietnamese soup is best when slurping with friends at Le Fat in Midtown. Three top competitors: Le Fat Pho (beef noodle, $12), Pho Ga (chicken noodle, $10) or Bún Bo Hue (spicy beef, $12).

A cup or bowl of tomato bisque ($4.95/$6.95) at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern hits home after a brisk walk or jog around Piedmont Park. Even better, order the grilled cheese and tomato bisque combo ($11.95) sporting a sandwich oozing havarti, Parmesan and fontina cheeses for dunking.

Pining for that something smoky in a bowl, not on a bun? Get stoked for vegetarian smoked tomato bisque at 10th & Piedmont ($4/$6) with buttermilk biscuit croutons, Parmesan cheese and fried basil. A gluten-free option is available.

At Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar in Midtown, enjoy a bowl of butternut squash soup with chicharrones (pork rinds), lemon and cilantro ($6) before sharing a board laden with locally made cheese or charcuterie.

In Virginia-Highland, Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar OKs “playing with your food,” i.e., toying around with the crisp garlic croutons floating atop their creamy tomato basil soup ($3/$5).

Like everything about Aria in Buckhead, creamless celery root soup with Umbrian black truffles and Parmigiano-Reggiano reflects pure elegance in every detail
 ($12).

True Southerners chowing down at Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead can’t pass up a meaty bowl of Brunswick stew with house-made crackers for crumbling or dipping ($4.50).

When you’re craving a bit of soothing FlexMex mojo, stop by the closest Tin Lizzy’s Cantina for a cup of chicken tortilla soup, seasoned tomato broth dancing with chicken breast, corn, jack cheese, tortilla strips, avocado and chopped cilantro ($2.69).

Scuba-doobie-do dive into Caribbean lobster bisque at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead or Roswell. Each cup or bowl of this slightly sweet and island-spicy bisque swims with lobster and blue crab in a tomato sea ($4.95/$6.95).

Heady roast chicken and vegetable stew, available at all Bantam + Biddy locations, sustains souls for the long haul with fresh herbs, tender potatoes and a cheery cheddar biscuit topper ($12.50).

Even if “Burrito” is your middle name, tortilla soup calls out at Willy's Mexicana Grill locations. A favorite by the bowl ($4.75) or as an entrée add-on ($2.95).

Sushi may be on your mind at Roswell’s Aqua blue but don’t overlook the miso soup rich with fresh vegetables, tofu and mushrooms for $5. Hearty soup du jour choices alternate between loaded baked potato soup and clam chowder ($5).

Spoon into a cup or bowl of seafood gumbo with white rice ($7/$9) at Ray’s on the River and watch the Chattahoochee carry your cares away.

Across the river in East Cobb, Seed Kitchen & Bar spikes its nourishing roasted butternut squash soup with maple cream and sprinkles on toasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy contrast ($7.95).  

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Say, “I Do!” to a Milton’s Acre Wedding at Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails


Ah, that holiday sparkle. Eyes, lights, champagne, engagement rings. Congrats! Now there’s a wedding to plan, and Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails turns dreams of a unique event into a beautiful and stress-free reality. Picture all of this vintage Southern charm in one convenient place: a gorgeous, restored 155-year-old farmhouse in historic Crabapple, sprawling lawn, spacious patio and the one-acre “Milton’s Acre” garden for a true seed-to-fork outside reception if desired. Executive chef Derek Dollar orchestrates amazing receptions of passed hors d’oeuvre, “action” stations and an open bar, brunch, dinner and other celebratory options. Lean on the event planner for a serene, turnkey event including tables, linens, candles, servers, set up, clean up and a vetted list of photographers, officiants, musicians, florists, bakeries and more. Brides, perhaps you won’t let the groom see your dress, but do share Milton’s blog and online brochure and invite the lucky guy to come along on a grounds tour. Contact Milton’s events and marketing manager Jill List at jill@miltonscuisine.com to set up a tour or find out more information. 

Devour Roswell Restaurant Week Specials at Aqua blue, Marlow’s Tavern, The Big Ketch and Willy’s January 25-31


Those Roswell restaurants you’ve been meaning to visit? Start working out a dining strategy to eat your way through prix fixe menus and other specials -- at very digestible prices -- during Roswell Restaurant Week, January 25-31. Rekindle the flame with longtime favorites and become acquainted with Roswell newcomers like Willy’s Mexicana Grill, which will roll $5 chicken (not steak) Baja or Frito burritos all day, every day during Roswell Restaurant Week. The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, which opened this fall, sweeps away seafood lovers with their $29.95 dinner featuring choices of Caribbean lobster bisque or house salad; hot buttered lobster roll, Creole shrimp and grits or Charleston curry seafood quinoa bowl; and dreamy dessert choices of Boston cream pie trifle or mango Key lime pie. Award-winning Aqua blue delights dinner guests with three courses for $28, starting with a first course of Louisiana-style seafood gumbo with crawfish, crab meat and shrimp or AB house salad; entrée of grilled beef tenderloin with Parmesan risotto cake and spinach black currant whiskey sauce or almond-crusted halibut with grilled shrimp and seasonal vegetable couscous with merlot beurre blanc; and ending with crème brûlée topped with fresh berries. Make reservations here. Marlow’s Tavern offers two choices for each of three courses on its $29 dinner menu: salt and pepper calamari or winter salad; pan-seared rainbow trout with Creole crab hash and balsamic brown butter or grilled pork chop with jalapeño corn grits, fresh tomato chutney and Southern green beans; and petite chocolate cake with warm pecan and Jack Daniels syrup and vanilla ice cream or house-made crème brûlée. For reservations, call 770-643-1330 or make reservations online. Regarding prix fixe menus, prices are per person and do not include tax, gratuity or drinks. 

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

The Blind Pig Parlour Bar Comes of Age, Celebrates First Birthday with Speakeasy Drink Specials and Live Music January 23


Totally legit for this 1-year-old to celebrate in a bar, because it is the bar. The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, Atlanta’s swankiest Prohibition-inspired hideaway, is throwing a humdinger of a one-year anniversary party on Saturday, January 23. Complimentary bites and batched cocktails feed the party from 7-8 p.m., and drink specials prevail throughout the evening. Flappers and rappers, live music revs up at 7:30 p.m. and keeps on keeping on until the DJ takes over at 11 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served after 9:30 p.m.

Bite into $5 Burritos and Spin the Prize Wheel at Willy’s Mexicana Grill - Crossville Road Grand Opening Celebration January 20


Roswell residents have been munching out at their new Willy’s Mexicana Grill at 660 West Crossville Road since the doors opened in December. Since the holiday season is slam full of festivities, founder and chief burrito roller Willy Bitter chose to hold off on throwing a fun-filled official opening celebration until January 20. Yes, Burritoheads, $5 burritos are yours, wrapped just the way you like them from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Wednesday. Between bites, spin the prize wheel for a chance to win Willy’s swag and taste samples of Willy’s favorites from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and again from 4-7 p.m. Be sure to enter to win a $50 Willy’s gift card. Willy himself will be there for the 11 a.m. ribbon cutting, returning to make guac and to say “Queso!” in fan photos from 4-5 p.m. One more “mucho grande” reason to stop by Wednesday -- 10 percent of the day’s proceeds will be donated to STAR House Foundation to help provide after-school tutoring and mentoring, plus summer camp opportunities to enrich and change the lives of at-risk children in Roswell. 

Monday, January 18, 2016

What's New on Pinterest: Pack a Healthy Lunch


On flip-open-the-lunch-box days -- school or office -- Pack a Healthy Lunch by drawing upon the huge idea bank on our Pinterest board. Inspirations abound for dibs and dabs to fill those cute compartmentalized containers. Go against the grain with bread-free sandwiches and packables such as lettuce wraps with Thai meatballs or Buffalo chicken. Those game for bowls will latch on to cauliflower cashew lunch bowls, burrito bowls and steamy chicken-avocado-lime soup. Clean eating in 2016? Pack guilt-free baked salmon and asparagus in foil or Thai baked salmon. Suddenly, that long-lost lunch box is your new best friend.  

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Foodgram: Cooking Light Magazine


CookingLight, the Instagram album for Cooking Light magazine, is a tasty, heavyweight champ in the categories of shaving fat, calories and meal prep time. Not a lick of cottage cheese, canned peaches and iceberg lettuce in sight on this healthy-eating site worth following to stay light on your plate and feet. The nation’s largest epicurean brand shows off gourmet wonders along the lines of flattened chicken with almond and paprika vinaigrette, tomato ravioli and mini BBQ meat loaves with smashed blue cheese potatoes. More, with less. 

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Appetizing Aperture: Revival's Country-Fried Steak


Consider the January juxtaposition, balancing those “eat healthy” resolutions with comfort-food cravings generated by cold weather and longer nights. Thwart the lunchtime temptation to hunker down and hibernate by grabbing some sunshine and soul-satisfying victuals like country-fried steak with creamy pan gravy, cornbread and a choice of two sides, a $15 Southern blue plate special off the new lunch menu at Revival in Decatur. 

Friday, January 15, 2016

Bald Eagles are a “Soar” Subject at White Oak Pastures Workshop January 16


That bald eagle in your pocket...the one on the quarter? Our national symbol of freedom and strength since 1782. The imprint doesn’t do it justice like seeing this awe-inspiring, majestic bird in action. Here’s your chance. On Saturday, January 16, zip to White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia for an enlightening indoor/outdoor bald eagle workshop led by two eagle experts, Jim Ozier and Brad Alexander. Bundle up for a 10 a.m.-noon farm tour to view these protected birds of prey in their natural habitat. The eagles are on their own for lunch, but workshop participants will dine in the Pavilion before nestling in for the afternoon’s educational workshop. $55 per person. Sign up online, designating CSA pick up to avoid shipping charges. Find more info nuggets on our blog -- and a connecting flight over to the White Oak Pastures eagle album. 

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Sunday Brunch at The Southern Gentleman Gives Permission to Pause


Sunday brunch at The Southern Gentleman inserts a breather in a week that reads like a run-on sentence. At ease. Executive chef Matthew Ridgway wants families and friends to relax at the Buckhead restaurant’s recently introduced brunch, served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May the day’s most challenging questions be menu related -- whether to choose the traditional Monte Cristo triple decker of Southern ham, roasted turkey and Swiss cheese with bourbon barrel maple syrup ($15), the Maryland deviled crab sandwich with comeback sauce ($16), the crispy anadama toffee waffles ($13) or one of the other seductive brunch specialties. Why hurry? It would be a shame to race through that starter of smoked trout rillettes ($10), the pimento cheese-Dixie bacon soft omelet prepared in the traditional French style and served with home-fried potatoes ($15) or dessert of caramelized banana and hazelnut bostock French toast ($8). Cocktails enter the picture after 12:30 p.m., when guests may want to choose The Southern Gentleman bloody mary with Tito’s vodka, pickled shrimp and a Dixie bacon garnish; the Scarlett Belle blushing cranberry-infused vodka; or a sturdy Brunch Punch of Four Roses bourbon, allspice dram, cinnamon honey syrup, black true sea salt, hard cider, bitters and apple spice. Ridgway also has recently introduced new lunch and dinner menus at the restaurant located in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Make reservations online or call 404-939-9845. Valet parking is available. 

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Going Gluten-Free Never Tasted So Good


Loving leaving gluten behind? No longer is that a tale of woe. You know, “Whoa! That tastes like cardboard. What else can I eat -- enjoyably?” Atlanta chefs are taking advantage of naturally gluten-free foods and the ever-growing list of gluten-free, sowing their wildly appealing “GF” oats to create dishes full of flavor yet devoid of gluten. Menus clearly designate gluten-free and modifiable options so playing the do/don’t guesswork game is a thing of the past. This list of area restaurants offering gluten-free menu items (along with yummy selections) is definitely a keeper.

Start with a toast to new dining opportunities. 
Revival in Decatur offers Angry Orchard Stone Dry cider, which like all Angry Orchard ciders is naturally gluten-free. Cheers!

The menus at all 
Bantam + Biddy locations clearly designate gluten-free options, and there’s a whole flock of dishes scattered across all menu categories, starters through dessert. Entrées such as fried chicken tenders, meatloaf, oven-roasted chicken and the Southern Breakfast (served all day) are a few tempters. Covet Bantam + Biddy’s popular jalapeño cornbread? Score. The golden, gluten-free bread accompanies all entrées and is available as a side. When only a sandwich will do, the kitchen will swap in gluten-free bread. Good to remember when dining in Midtown (Ansley Mall or Crescent Avenue), Lenox Square or Avalon.
 

Chick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station also identifies gluten-free items on its lunch/dinner and weekend brunch menus. Flip over almond pancakes with ginger apples ($10) or a protein scramble ($12.50) at brunch as well as onion rings ($6), a chicken tender basket ($13.50) and Cobb, Club Med and Power House salads ($10).

Lunch, dinner or in between, 
Ormsby’s shrimp and grits is an all-around favorite, rocking palates with succulent shrimp, red peppers, caramelized onions and cream sherry ($16). Ask servers about more gluten-free menu options.

At 
Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar, a plethora of gluten-free options await. You can’t go wrong with the pan-roasted lamb sausage with creamy grits and smoked Gouda, charred okra and harissa jus ($10) or the Southern paella with Carolina gold rice, pan-seared red snapper, mussels, scallops, smoked andouille and shrimp ($21).

In Midtown, 
10th & Piedmont harmonizes sweet, salty and savory for gluten-free and paleo devotees in its bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with roasted apples, currants and cane syrup crème ($6.95)

At the magic hour of 5 p.m. every evening, 
HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern starts serving its fall-apart tender pot roast. Midtowners can’t get enough of the comforting short ribs sided by buttermilk mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables and red wine gravy ($14.50).
 

Seed Kitchen & Bar generously peppers its lunch, dinner and brunch menus with gluten-free options. Smoked chicken tacos with pimento grits, chipotle-lime crema and piquillo peppers ($8.95); deviled eggs served with short smoked salmon, jalapeño cream, pickled onion and capers ($7.95); and Georges Bank sea scallops with butternut squash-Parmesan risotto, apple and pancetta ($26.95) are a few of the palate-rewarding selections at this East Cobb restaurant.

Thankfully, most wines get the go ahead. Small plates at 
Stem Wine Bar in East Cobb also get the green light. Everyone’s happy to share “Deviled Eggs Three Ways” -- Spanish, French and Italian ($6); shaved Brussels sprouts with warm bacon vinaigrette, apple, pine nuts and Parmesan ($9); Spanish octopus “A la Plancha” slow braised in red wine and accompanied by fingerling potatoes, chorizo and salsa verde ($14); and garlic chicken wings with preserved lemon, black pepper, Calabrian chiles and parsley ($10).

Monday, January 11, 2016

What's New on Pinterest: Crafty Crock-Pot Meals


Some of us are menu-impaired, meaning dinnertime sneaks up on us. Clueless no more. Assemble one of these Crafty Crock-Pot Meals in the morning and come home to tantalizing aromas and dinner on the table in no time flat with Crock-Pot “crack” such as honey garlic chicken and veggies, Mongolian beef, chicken and dumplings, vegetarian taco soup, four-ingredient macaroni and cheese and chicken Caesar sandwiches.

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Foodgram: Sublime Doughnuts


To err is human. To eat the “best doughnuts in the world” is Sublime. As in Sublime Doughnuts, the very same doughnuts featured on the cover of January’s Atlanta magazine “Best of” issue. Cravers, your heavenly handfuls await at the 10th Street shop in Midtown Atlanta. Grab your hands on the salted caramel and reduced balsamic vinegar doughnut or “The Dirty D”, topped with milk chocolate cookie crumble.

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Appetizing Aperture: Fiore di Puglia - Taralli al Peperoncino


If you’re looking for a hot topic at your next aperitivo, set a bowl of Fiore di Puglia - Taralli al Peperoncino on the aperitivo board. Red chili pepper flakes spike the crispy, curly cross between a cracker and a pretzel. Highly addictive. Luckily, there’s a local source for these Italian crunchers from the Apulia region -- The Market at Bellina Alimentari. Drop some in your shopping basket at the Ponce City Market shop or the online Mercato di Bellina, $3.50 per 8.8 ounce package. 

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Cassoulet Day Dishes at Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman and Revival, January 9-15


Oh say, do you cassoulet? This French meal in a bowl, resplendent with rich meats, pork skin and white beans all slow-cooked in earthenware “cassole” bowls, has climbed the social ladder from peasant to haute status. It’s so revered that American restaurants now celebrate National Cassoulet Day on January 9. Three Atlanta restaurants are moving cassoulets to the front burner on their menus for the entire week of January 9-15. The Southern Gentleman pleases hearty appetites with a tender cassoulet of Heritage Berkshire pigs head with braised Southern collards, benne seed and garlic bread crumbs that satisfies two guests for $40. Gypsy Kitchen simmers a Catalan-style chorizo and rabbit cassoulet with a garlic migas topping. Sweethearts, don’t worry about the garlic as this cassoulet is couple-perfect, feeding the two of you for $40. Revival’s executive sous chef Rémi Granger channels his Blois, France roots with his Southern cassoulet with confit duck legs and lamb shank finished in hot coals for $22. Hold on to the bread basket for sopping up every drop of the cassoulet’s luscious liquids. 

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Resolve to Eat Mindfully for a Healthier New Year


Holiday excesses propel desires for new year successes. Perhaps that involves de-cluttering closets and desktops, hitting the gym, unrolling the yoga mat -- and cleaning up your plate. Atlanta restaurant menus prove mindful eating doesn’t mean monastic. Break from those push-ups and take a look at these healthier choices.

An invigorating stroll through Virginia-Highland leads to a savory square meal at 
Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar. Focus on every tender morsel of the herb-roasted Springer Mountain Farms chicken, dried cranberry and Brussels leaf salad, and creamed corn mashed potatoes ($16).

In Poncey-Highland, 
Café Highlands does a makeover on that faithful friend, falafel on warm pita. Their recipe uses black-eyed peas instead of garbanzos and adds a fried green tomato, cucumber and za'atar-yogurt dressing. Served with fries; we won’t tell if you sneak a few ($9).
 

Ormsby’s on Atlanta’s Westside plates an heirloom beet salad guaranteed to reboot your resolve to eat more veggies with its vibrant palette of arugula, Brussels sprouts, hearts of palm and tangy citrus vinaigrette ($9).

At 
FLIP burger boutique in Buckhead and West Midtown (as well as Birmingham and Nashville) simply request lettuce wrapping a favorite burger to “leaf” the bun carbs behind. More power packers: the turkey burger with Monterey Jack cheese, crushed avocado, pomegranate ketchup, tomato and alfalfa sprouts ($8); raw tuna tartare patty with Asian pear, pine nuts, compressed veggies, mango sphere and avocado purée ($14); and the seared chicken-topped, veggie-loaded FLIP salad with pickled cukes, cauliflower and red onion ($10).

Pasta has its place on Italian tables, equally so, the fresh, crisp insalata di bietola at 
Bellina Alimentari in Midtown’s Ponce City Market. The colorful salad of roasted beets, escarole hearts and ricotta salata is punctuated by red wine vinegar dressing ($8).

Follow a power walk through Piedmont Park with the Mother Nature Salad at 
HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern in Midtown. Grains and veggie gains are yours in this mix of quinoa, cucumber, edamame, avocado, garbanzos, tomatoes, pickled onions, cranberries, candied pecans and HOBNOB basil vinaigrette ($11.50).

Tipping toward tapas in Midtown? 
10th & Piedmont’s coconut scallop ceviche kicks blah days to the curb and jazzes taste buds with coconut, cilantro, spicy pepper, avocado and tortilla chips ($7.50).

Pulling up to Guy Wong’s 
Le Fat in West Midtown for a Vietnamese fix won’t weigh you down. Opt for Goi Cuon/summer rolls ($6), Goi Du Du/papaya salad ($10), Cai Xoan/kale salad with mango chickpea dressing ($7) or Bún/chilled vermicelli bowl with herb salad, cucumber, pickled daikon and carrot, crushed peanut and crispy spring roll and choice of sliced pork, chicken, shrimp or lemongrass beef ($16).

At Midtown’s 
Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar, choose a healthy Moroccan couscous with Israeli pearls and squash in harissa broth ($14) -- or achieve that goal of trying more locally sourced charcuterie meats and cheeses.

Check off the salad and seafood boxes on the “eat more” list at 
The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead and Roswell. The Mediterranean quinoa bowl with Meyer lemon vinaigrette and the tropical salad with toasted macadamia nuts, tropical fruit salsa and Key lime mango dressing are consummate salad choices, and guests can opt in on healthier blackened or grilled cooking methods for salmon, mahi-mahi, grouper and ahi tuna.

Lighter side tapas at 
Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead won’t derail your diet plans. Try piquillo pepper hummus with carrots, celery and house-made crackers ($6.50), gluten-free and vegan jalapeño-cornbread cakes ($7.50) or chilled farro and green bean salad ($4.95). Smokebelly’s “skinny fixin’s” menu has even more options.

In The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, 
Gypsy Kitchen power plays tapas and snacks to eat solo or share including pickled beets ($6), marinated octopus salad with citrus and fennel ($8), roasted cauliflower and quinoa salad ($6) and grilled Spanish octopus ($15). Neighbor The Southern Gentleman knows there’s no sleeping on the job. Stay alert with lunch choices such as Boston bibb lettuce salad with pickled shrimp ($12) and roasted kabocha squash salad with Georgia pecans and onion vinaigrette ($10).

Jogging by one of the 27 
Willy’s Mexicana Grill locations in Atlanta (or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)? The Southwest chicken salad recharges the weary with crisp greens, chargrilled chicken, black beans, pico de gallo, corn salsa, Jack cheese, homemade guacamole and tortilla strips ($7.75).