Sara in the City: It's not me, it's you.

Dear Thanksgiving Turkey:


I think it's time we call it quits. I love you, but I'm no longer in love with eating you. For a while, things were great. You were fresh, juicy and hot! You lavished me with gifts of stuffing and even and occasional cranberry. You always put my needs first (namely, hunger). We had such fun together!



But slowly, things started to change. Now, you are dry and cold. You don't dress up anymore, I just pull you out of the fridge in Tupperware. And Turkey, there's a lot of you. Why my father decided to fry two of you, I'll never know. I'm tired of turkey sandwiches, and as much as I love cranberry sauce, it's time for a change.


I've found someone new, different, and exotic! He knows just what I need. He's spicy, yet sweet and very filling. He warms me up on cold days like today and he really cares about my need for personalized dipping sauces. His name is Mango Fried Chicken Rice Bowl at Tin Drum Asia Cafe. The great thing is, he doesn't try and mold me to be like him! I can eat with chopsticks if I want, or an easier to use fork. I can eat in or take out. He's never slow and always cheap. (How many Thanksgivings have I waited on you to be done or spent too much money stuffing and dressing you!?)

Basically - It's over. I wish you the best, Turkey. I hope you find your soul mate, or at least someone who can put up with your tryptophan-induced naps.


Good Luck,

Sara


Tin Drum Asia Cafe has several locations including Lindbergh, Dunwoody, Midtown, Ga Tech and GSU. For more info visit http://www.tindrumcafe.net/.

And for all you turkeys looking for a makeover after your breakup, go here for some leftover turkey recipes!

Sara in a Different City: Charleston

I LOVE Atlanta. I rock my 404 tee, I two step and walk it out. I actually enjoy eating at the Varsity and I've been known to cheer a time or two for the Braves. But this past weekend, I went OTP to Charleston, South Carolina to visit my lovely BFF Erin. While there, we did "touristy things" as Erin put it, but I also had the opportunity to taste the city like a true Charlestonian! My coastal culinary escapade was so fun, I had tell y'all about it and share Atlanta spots that offer lowcountry food on par (or better) with that of Charleston!

First stop on Friday night was the Charleston Charitable Society's Annual Oyster Roast at the Maritime Center where the society guys and gals exchanged fancy duds for jeans, oyster shucking gloves and shagging shoes! Described by Erin as the first oyster roast of the season, we got a chance to chow down on some freshly steamed oysters (and chili or hotdogs for the less adventurous) while listening to the classic Carolina beach music band, The Embers. For a good steamed oyster or two (or 25) in Atlanta, visit Fontaine's Oyster House in Virginia/Highlands.

Then, we decided to continue the fun across the bridge at the Mt. Pleasant location of King Street Grill for drinks and trivia. Hungry still, we split the shrimp croissant sandwich. For a delightful shrimp po'boy in the ATL, try Six Feet Under, on the Westside.

The next morning, we needed a breakfast that would help nurse our oyster hangover. We stopped by the Bookstore Cafe, a local favorite with all kinds of breakfast goodies including homemade potato casseroles. Erin helped herself to the delicious fried green tomato breakfast with bacon gravy and grits while I chowed down on the cobb omelette, full of chicken, aspargus and sundried tomatoes. For an omelette stuffed as full in Atlanta, go to R. Thomas Deluxe Grill on Peachtree. R.Thomas Bonus: The food is healthy and organic!

After browsing the great shopping in downtown Charleston's open market, I decided to take home some homemade gullah spice rubs. With names like "Hot as Hell," "Good Golly Miss Molly" and "Charleston Hospitality" you know these rubs are bound to add some flavor to your life! Fat Matt's here in Atlanta uses delicious secret spices in each BBQ rib batch - a must try!

Finally - our weekend ended with a genteel dinner at Poogan's Porch. Located in a converted home in the heart of downtown Charleston, Poogan's Porch has entertained famous southerners of all types for over 30 years. Three pimento cheese fritters, one bourbon mustard glazed pork loin with sweet potatoes and a few bites of bread pudding later and I was out for the count! For a similar southern hospitality experience in Atlanta, visit Mary Mac's Tea Room.

For more info about visiting (and dining in) Charleston, visit www.charleston.com.

Sara in the City: West Scrambled Eggs

I'm loving the Westside resurgence - great interior design and art stores, trendy boutiques and unique loft living spaces are popping up all over the area. And the revitalization doesn't stop with shopping and housing - Some of the best restaurants in town, including acclaimed Bacchanalia, The Real Chow Baby and my personal faves Figo and Taqueria del Sol, are located on the west side of town.

So when my beau and I went looking for a great breakfast, we traveled westward towards West Egg Cafe. Launched in 2004 by a "recovering attorney," West Egg is the perfect mixture of new culture and down home cuisine. A bakery, coffee house and restaurant all in one, the cafe displays original artwork and was voted "Best Breakfast" and "Friendliest Wait Staff" by Creative Loafing and Taste of Atlanta, respectively.

The wait was long, but when you're the Best Breakfast in town, that's not a surprise. Luckily, we got bottomless cups of coffee to sustain us til were seated. When it came time to order, I decided on the Peachtree Platter, a unique take on the bacon and eggs breakfast. Scrambled eggs were complimented by a fresh biscuit, fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese grits (they found a way to make grits more Southern) and a little slice of heaven on earth, brown sugared bacon.

My beau, perfering a simpler meal merely told the waitress he wanted "standard bacon, eggs, biscuit." Living up the "Friendliest Wait Staff" title, she knew exactly what he needed, "You want the blue plate with grits," and served up a great, homemade breakfast with extra, extra cheese on his eggs. (Just the way he likes it!)

The bill hit the spot too - at under $20 for two, this breakfast should also be named the "Best Steal" in town!

Visit West Egg Cafe seven days a week, from 7 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends to 4 p.m. every day.

Sara in the City: Bacon Across Atlanta

You all know the ladies of Atlanta Dish can't get enough bacon in our lives. Bacon Salt, the Fabada Asturiana (chorizo with bacon and white bean stew) at Eclipse de Luna, the wonderful green tomato and bacon salad dressing at Dogwood, we even love the Italian version of bacon, pancetta, on a wood fired pizza from Ecco. Ever vigilant as we are, we strive to get bacon in our lives through any means necessary and we want to enable your bacon habit too!

First, begin your morning by flossing with Bacon Floss, a brilliant invention combining oral health and bacon flavor. Then, stop by The Flying Biscuit for a healthy bacon option - their breakfast dishes use fresh, crispy turkey bacon. Next head to work and review this bacon flowchart courtesy of an Atlanta Thrashers forum on bacon:

With all this hard work, you'll be ready for lunch in no time. Try the Fried Egg and Grilled Cheese B.L.T. from Buckhead Diner for your midday bacon fix. Add the house specialty, homemade potato chips with blue cheese, for an extra sinful and mouth watering meal. Get back to work and renew your membership to the Bacon of the Month Club, which sends fresh gourmet bacon right to your doorstep! Don't forget to join the I LOVE BACON Facebook group and check out your favorite bacon blogs: I HEART BACON and Bacon Unwrapped.

What's for dinner? Bacon, of course! For bacon-y tapas, I love Fuego's Dream Dates - dates stuffed with gorgonzola, wrapped in bacon and grilled to gooey perfection. For those of you with fancy bacon taste, the bacon wrapped chicken and steak at Fogo de Chao is sure to please.

Finally, try and make some time to visit your local YMCA and hop on the treadmill to prevent clogged arteries. Just a suggestion from one bacon lover to another...

Sara in the City: The Pick Up Publix and Other "Hot" Food Joints

The Publix supermarket in my neighborhood is fondly known as the "Pick Up Publix." Located near Midtown, it's teeming with good looking people at all times. Go in after work, on a Sunday afternoon or on a Friday night wine run and you'll find attractive young professionals, adorable single moms and a handsome older fella or two. Even the cashiers' friendly smiles help with the attractive ambiance.

Although Forbes lists Atlanta as its number one city for singles, you can't count on finding love in the produce aisle. And you want to make sure your date has the same interests as you (food, food and more food). That's why I've composed this list of eateries frequented by interesting, attractive people that offer delish meals.

Fox and Hounds - Collier Road, MidtownFilled with handsome Georgia Tech students, this neighborhood haunt features classic British pub fare, a great deck, and 1/2 price food on Mondays. I suggest: $1 draft beer and $1 fish tacos on Sundays.

Tin Lizzies - Roswell Road, BuckheadFriday nights at Tin Lizzies bring out the best in Buckhead yuppies. Margaritas flow as the upwardly mobile flirt with one another. I suggest: BBQ Chicken Taco and Queso for a spicy night!

TAP - Peachtree Street, MidtownHotshot lawyers abound at this Midtown gastropub. Located on the ground level of 1180 Peachtree, home to King & Spalding, all three levels of this restaurant feature great food and attractive clientele. I suggest: Ordering a round of Numbers beer, made especially for TAP by our friends at Atlanta Brewing Co., and the fried pickles. Eat on the street level patio for great people watching.

Blind Willie's - N. Highland Avenue, VaHiCome for the soulful blues tunes, stay for the dancing, and leave tired and full! A perfect spot to mingle with a diverse crowd and have a taste of New Orleans. I suggest: The fried alligator.

The Chophouse - Turner Field, DowntownI know, I know. The Braves haven't been the best this year. But the drinks, burgers and view from (and around) the Chophouse are still more than satisfactory. Plan to take advantage of the cooler temps at the beginning of next season and cozy up with other Braves fans on the Chophouse deck. I suggest: A Georgia Dog, Turner Field's take on the traditional ballpark hotdog.

The Treehouse - Peachtree Hills Ave., BuckheadNestled in a quaint neighborhood, this great bistro is a regular stop for after work cocktails. The fun atmosphere and outdoor seating lends itself to socializing and meeting new (and cute) people. I suggest: Treehouse pizza and fresh spinach salad.

Taco Mac - Locations throughout the Metro areaTaco Mac is one of my favorite places for wings and sports in Atlanta and the Lindbergh Station location does not disappoint. Monday night football blares on the big screens and good looking fans of all ages gather to cheer on their favorite team. I suggest: Horseradish Chicken Wrap or the traditional Taco Mac buffalo wings.

Sara in the City - Cheese Dip Bailout?

Times are tough. The economy is down, gas prices are unpredictable and it seems like the cost of food rises daily. Food lovers like us are feeling the pressure and we can't expect a gourmet government bailout.

Depressing, huh?

But there are rays of sunshine to be found, and I located one in strip mall in Collier Hills. The beacon of hope is Salsa Havana, a Latin bistro with menu items inspired by Spanish, Mexican and South American cuisine. The food was delish and inexpensive, the service was great and the fresh sangria hit the spot.

But what makes this simple restaurant different from any other neighborhood Mexican joint? What makes it the light and hope for food lovers in our awful economy?

Free cheese dip refills.

No, you aren't hallucinating. Salsa Havana offers free refills on their creamy, three-cheese dip. Gathering with friends and indulging in this scrumptious dip is the perfect way to get rid of your financial woes. If you're craving something more substantial, try the grilled flank steak with fried plantains or the paella. It's so good, you'll want to dance for joy! Luckily, Salsa Havana sponsors salsa dancing classes the second Saturday of every month.

Thanks, Salsa Havana, for keeping both my wallet happy, my stomach full and my feet moving!

Sara C

Introducing Sara in the City...

Our friend Sara C. will be writing about her culinary escapades around Atlanta on a regular basis. You may remember her guest post last week about her experience at Viking Cooking School. Enjoy the read!


I am blessed to live with an inventive and unique cook. My roommate, Stephanie, can whip up chocolate mole chicken or an orzo frittata with white truffle oil at the drop of a dime. But gourmet plates aren't her only specialty. This weekend, she'll participate in the annual Miller Lite Chili Cookoff. The cookoff, featuring categories for chili, Brunswick stew and cornbread, takes over Stone Mountain Park at the beginning of fall every year. Entrants develop homemade recipes throughout the year, and will begin booth set up this afternoon. Booths and chilis are themed, including such memorable entries as Caveman Chili, Pirate Chili, Redneck Chili and Top Gun Chili. The cooks dress up according to chosen theme, drink a few Miller Lites and get to cookin’!

Stephanie cookin it up for the Disco Chili Team

What’s in store for the roomie this year? After a finish in the top 10% of the Brunswick stew category with the Disco Chili team last year, Stephanie is looking forward to placing higher and feeding more hungry guests with the Electric Chili team. (Motto – Slide over to electrifying tastes!) While she can’t disclose her stew secrets, she did reveal that all her ingredients are organic and the meat is rubbed with a secret spice mixture (maybe with a dash of bacon salt?) and smoked for two days. I’m lucky to be a secret stew tester, and the stew is a little bit spicy, a tad sweet and all the way delish!

Booth at Miller Lite Chili Cookoff 2007

The gates open to chili eaters/spectators at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 27. Be there early - judging begins at 11:00 a.m. and the chili doesn’t stay in the pot for long! Stephanie suggests bringing your appetite, a bottle of Tums and a vote for Electric Chili and Brunswick Stew!

Disco Chili dancing queen

For more info, visit http://www.atlantachilicookoff.com/ and be sure to visit the Electric Chili booth, located near the main stage.