Georgia, briefly

peachy

Atlanta:

Paper Plane – go for the cocktails, stay for the steak tartare! The 1960s (Mad Men vibe) decor almost makes you feel like everyone should be smoking cigarettes. Food and beverage menus change often, we happened to be lucky enough to try the panna cotta (divine!).

Brick Store Pub – a short walk from Paper Plane so you don’t have an excuse not to go if you like beer. The list is extensive, bartenders are friendly and happy to let you try something if you’re unsure.

General Muir – Jewish deli in Atlanta, really? Yes and it’s awesome. Melt in your mouth pastrami is a must order if you eat meat!

Wrecking Bar – they brew their own beer here (other options available too). Though I did not eat, I saw some pretty fierce looking charcuterie plates.

Abbatoir – part of the Star Provisions empire. A nice place to stop in for a cocktail and nosh while shopping around the Westside Provisions District.

Miller Union – if you want to experience top notch service and dining, this is the place to go. Menu speaks for itself.

Little Tart and Octane – a match made in heaven, the two share a space in Grant Park. Little Tart serves up the best croissants in Atlanta (and probably beats most other cities too) and Octane shares the same prestige in the coffee world.

Macon:

Mellow Mushroom – reminded me of my favorite pizza joint, Flatbread Company. They are also a chain, but haven’t sprouted up in New England yet. We had the privilege of being served by Michael, their resident beer nerd. Thanks Michael, you are awesome! The pizza is yummy and we couldn’t eat it all so we left with the raddest 70s looking take out box. Oh, and the bathrooms are labeled “brothers” and “sisters”, adorable.

Savannah:

Local 11 Ten – I found this place in a Southern Living article on Savannah and looked forward to reporting back good things. I have nothing good to say. The cocktails were awful, the food didn’t wow me, and the service was the worst I had during my entire trip. We sat at the bar, maybe the table service was better, but I felt unwelcome and there isn’t any excuse for that, EVER.

Coffee Fox – the coffee here is pretty good. I really wanted a pastry for breakfast, but when I looked at their case I was disappointed. Rather than take a chance on kolache, I went to Goose Feathers.

Goose Feathers – people flock to this place, no really, there are lines. I got the sticky bun and now I have cavities in all my teeth. Kidding, but the bun is covered in hard caramel. Once you get through that, it’s golden! Service is fast and friendly.

Ballast Point: Calico

Calico Red

Calico Red

Another wonderful offering from Ballast Point, this amber ale is an ESB inspired ale. The calico pours a dark amber color with an off-white head, leaving a wonderful lacing. Caramel maltiness dominates the nose, with just the right balance of pine and citrus to accompany it. The mouth is smooth, with a touch of chewiness, starting off bitter in the front, but balancing out with a slight dry-sweetness in the finish. The carbonation was a little higher than a typical ESB, but I thought it matched the mouthfeel well. This is a great everyday drinker.

Notes: 5.5% ABV | 35 IBUs | ESB/Amber Ale

Washington, D.C.

dcA weekend in D.C. condensed:

Pizza Paradiso – This place is solid. The pizza and the beer list are sure to please!

The Fainting Goat – I wanted to be more excited about this restaurant, food was okay.

Ted’s Bulletin – we went for the homemade pop tarts, I liked the donut better.

Oyamel – super Mexican spot, tasty food and modern decor

Bayou – Louisiana cooking, food was heavy, but overall good. If you like Abita, they have lots!

Batter Bowl Bakery – I got the sunny side egg dish and I left feeling hungry. If I spend $10 at breakfast, I should be full.

DC Brau – drink it!

 

 

The Radler

dasradlerThey have pretzels so I had to go. Unfortunately, I’ve had better (Bronwyn pretzels dominate all pretzels). I was also unhappy with the side of three mustards. They all had the same consistency with only mild flavor variations (my guess is they will improve with time and tweaking). But let’s talk about beer, tons of great options at The Radler! The space is ample and gorgeous, great for large parties.

Dark Horse: Too Cream Stout

TooCream

Darkhorse Brewing Co. is fast becoming one of my new favorite breweries. This milk stout is loaded with robust malt flavor. Smoke, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, and caramel all come pouring out of this complex nose. There were moments I really had to sit back and dissect the individual notes. The Too Cream Stout pours a midnight black color, with a copper head that fizzles away after a moment. The carbonation is higher than a typical milk stout, just enough to tingle in your mouth, but doesn’t ruin the velvety mouth feel.

Notes: 7.5% ABV | Milk Stout

Ballast Point: Sculpin IPA

ballastpointIPA2

 

With an overwhelming number of breweries offering IPAs, it can be difficult to weed out the truly outstanding from the mediocre. However, if you cross paths with Ballast Point’s Sculpin IPA, don’t leave it behind. This orange hued IPA pours beautifully,  with a crisp white head and the inviting aromas of tropical fruit and pine. The hops and malt are paired so well, it seems as if they share equal space inside the glass. This wonderfully blended symbiosis is topped off with just the right amount of light carbonation, adding to its drinkability.

Notes: 7% ABV | 70 IBUs | American IPA

 

 

Flatbread Company Somerville

IMG_1580Flatbread is a place that I can always count on to have good pizza and a great draft list. It’s a chain, but no matter which location I dine at, it’s always reliable (I’m trying to go to all of them, including the one in Maui!). The Somerville location is unique since it has a bowling alley attached. They have daily specials for meat and vegetarian pizzas. don’t forget to ask! If you end up loving their dough, they sell it so you can make your own pizza at home.

Guid Forder: Brooklyn Brewery

Brooklyn Brewery

 

I’m ringing in the new year with a special section I call Guid Forder, or Good Luck. This is reserved for those wonderful occasions when I get to visit a craft brewery. Recently I was able to visit the esteemed Brooklyn Brewery and got to try some of their winter offerings. The visiting portion of the brewery contains a large open room with barrels for setting drinks down and large wooden tables for groups to sit. For $5 you can purchase a ticket that will buy you your choice of 6-8 draft offerings. The brewery can get packed, so get there early, take the tour and claim a spot.

First off was the Brooklyn Blast!, an Imperial IPA that lived up to its name. The crisp golden body and light carbonation masks the bold hop flavors. Pungent grapefruit and herbal notes emanate from the Blast’s nose. The finish is long, piney and full of citrus. Just try to keep in mind its ABV stands at 8.4%.

IMAG0184 (1)

Next up was the Brooklyn Winter Ale, a refreshing and lightly spicy Scotch ale. The Winter Ale pours a deep amber color with a foamy white head. Lots of malt, carmel, and dark fruit waft from the nose. Biscuit and roasted malt linger on the tongue with a hint of spice that keeps on giving.

Overall, the Brooklyn Brewery was a wonderful treat. This flagship of craft breweries doesn’t disappoint. If you have a chance, especially on a weekday, drop by and enjoy some fresh Brooklyn beer.