KURT'S BISTRO - A German treasure in Duluth!

It had been years since my husband and I had gone to Kurt's Bistro, and we decided to head back recently.

Kurt's in located in Duluth, Georgia, off of a major road (Peachtree Industrial Blvd.) - very easy to fly by as you're headed somewhere else.  But, it's a stop worth making.

It's German, but there's much more than simply bratwurst and sauerkraut!

KURT'S BISTRO

3305 Peachtree Ind Blvd

Duluth GA 30096

When you walk in the restaurant (located in the corner of a strip mall on Peachtree Industrial Blvd) it's a bit dark, and it takes awhile to adjust.  But we were greeted warmly and seated quickly and given menus. 

They had a decent wine selection so we went with a German Reisling.  I know, I know, Reisling! Sickeningly sweet right?  Well you're wrong - if you're drinking German Reisling, it's very good.

We began with a charcuterie sampler - excellent German selection accompanied with bread and pickled items and really great mustard.

Next, we went with salads.  Below is their Bistro Salad.  It was tasty (even though it maybe didn't photograph all that well):

And my husband ordered a wedge salad - it was fabulous:

The bread was very tasty as well.

So since it's been awhile since we have been here we thought we HAVE to get an order of Classic Wienerschnitzel. It was what they do best - did not disappoint.

My husband ordered a version of the same veal dish with a twist - Milanaise
wiener, tomato, basil, wine sauce & fettuccine

It also was good, although the classic is better.

The service was great, and food was very good.  The ambiance is something I don't love though, because it's too dark.  I like to be able to see my food.

But all in all it's a nice spot that's basically down the road from our house.  It's been around a long time in Duluth, and they are still cranking out good food.

Dinner at BA BELLIES!

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My friend Wendy had been raving about this place, so we decided to try a new restaurant that's basically in our backyard (in Peachtree Corners, Georgia) called:

BA BELLIES

6025 Peachtree Parkway 

Suite 9, 

Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

babellies

From their website:

"Asian gastropub located in Peachtree Corners, GA serving locally sourced food, a rotating list of craft beers and hand picked wines in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

Our goal is to serve food that is creative and bold. We rely heavily on local farmers and purveyors. Ba Bellies is a celebration of diverse and traditional fare presented in a casual setting. The menu offerings are simple yet playful with an Asian influence."

The restaurant has an open feel with high ceilings, sayings all around on the walls and casual seating. It's located on 141 in Peachtree Corners at the corner of a quiet strip center.  It's a large space but has a nice, fun atmosphere that keeps it from feeling too vacuous.

They also have a nice outdoor seating area that would be fun in the spring or early summer.

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We had made an Open Table reservation for 6:30pm, and it was packed inside when we arrived.

After walking in the door, were greeted quickly by the host and seated, then our server, Kevin (who was stellar), showed up soon thereafter.  He explained the menu and the concept and pointed out a few dishes that were popular.

We ordered a couple of their signature drinks, and then perused the menu.

My husband ordered the yummy lychee moscow mule

Lychee Moscow Mule
nitrogen infused lychee vodka, lychee syrup, fresh lime juice, ginger beer:

Neither of us had ever had a lychee before - it was SO good (despite not photographing very well perhaps?)!  It's kind of a cross between a grape and a pear - not too sweet.

I went with a Vodka Rickey - so thirst quenching and delicious!  It's on the menu as a Gin Rickey but I can't tolerate gin.  Kevin was happy to make the substitution for me.

Gin Ricky 
muddled cucumbers, botanica gin, lime juice, boyland tonic
on the rocks

The linens and glasses look great on the wood table tops.

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 We noshed on their brussels sprouts' appetizer while enjoying our drinks and figuring out what to order for dinner

Crispy "Tiger" Sprouts
lime, fish sauce, sherry vin, basil, mint, shallot, thai chili:

 These were so great!  A salty/tangy/sweet combination - big hit!  We devoured the entire bowl.

We finally decided on the main courses.  My husband went with the beef tenderloin.  Wow!  The flavors were to die for and the beef sat upon a bed of watercress that was fabulous as well.

SHAKING BEEF “BO LUC LAC” 

wok fired filet, caramelized onion, watercress, lime, tomato, black pepper, special glaze
served w/ jasmine rice

 Loved the picked onions atop the beef - so so good!

I went with the salmon - there wasn't a bite left.  It was cooked absolutely perfectly and was served atop a puree of something (the menu says eggplant puree but Kevin said that changed.  Could've been a cauliflower puree - not 100% sure but it was great).  And alongside the salmon was a mixed greens salad with a fab vinaigrette and a lightly steamed asparagus and tomato salad.  All fresh, flavorful and amazing!

BROWN SUGAR AND CHILE SALMON 
smoked eggplant puree, sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes, local greens (cooked medium):

We LOVED Ba Bellies and can't wait to go back and sample more items!  I only wish our friends had been able to join us so we could have tasted more dishes!

It's a fun casual neighborhood spot that has absolutely fantastic food. Go! FINALLY - a really great restaurant that is OTP (outside the Perimeter)! YAY!

Our menu from last night:

Sample menu from their website:


Crispy "Tiger" Sprouts 7
lime, fish sauce, sherry vin, basil, mint, shallot, thai chili

BB Pork Baos 5
heritage pork, gochujang sauce, pickled shallots cilantro, scallion, honey butter glaze

GF Ahi Tuna Poke 11
hijiki, wakame, tamari, bonito, avocado, sesame, fried capers, shrimp crackers

GF BB Deviled Eggs 6
bacon jam, scallions, fried shallots, dijon, mayo, maple syrup, cider vinegar, sriracha

GF Fish Sauce Caramel Wings 8/10
garlic, shallot, palm sugar, fish sauce, butter, korean chile flake, served w/ pickled radish, scallion

Sweet Chili Wonton 8
heritage pork, shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, palm sugar, fried garlic and shallot, scallions, chili crisp

Mac & Cheese Of The Moment 8

Thai Style Shrimp Cakes
ground shrimp patties, basil mayo, topped w/ pineapple salsa

Edamame Hummus 6
green pea, tahini, garlic, lemon, cumin, coriander
served w/ cucumber, carrots, and pita

BB Street Corn 5
whole corn cob, kimchee remoulade, cotija, chilipowder, lime

GF Garlic And Herb Fries 4
garlic oil, thyme, sea salt

GF Honey Butter Potato Chips 5
clover honey and grass roots farm butter emulsion, korean pepper flakes

SPICY SALMON BOWL 14
sriracha aioli, fried capers, scallions, avocado, onion, hijiki, wakame, greens, sesame seeds, served over jasmine rice

SHAKING BEEF “BO LUC LAC” 16
wok fired filet, caramelized onion, watercress, lime, tomato, black pepper, special glaze
served w/ jasmine rice

GF NOTORIOUS P.I.G 16
heritage pork shoulder, asian slaw, kimchi remoulade, marinated sprouts, pickled shallots, greens w/sesame vin
served w/ jasmine rice

CHICKEN & WAFFLES 14
buttermilk brined chicken, bb’s signature brown butter waffle, served with vermont maple syrup
our waffle is special and that takes time

Burger Of The Moment W/ GARLIC & HERB FRIES 12
ask your server for details of the moment

BACON WRAPPED MEATLOAF 16
house beef & pork blend, brown sugar ketchup glaze
served w/ mac and cheese

GF * BROWN SUGAR AND CHILE SALMON 2.0 19
smoked eggplant puree, sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes, local greens (cooked medium)

WOK FIRED FRIED RICE 12
farm egg, chinese sausage, spring onion, leeks, fried garlic, crispy shallots, cilantro, scallion
add Chicken 4
add Shirmp 4
add Tofu 2

BACON FRIED RICE 2.0 14
smoked heritage bacon oil, farm egg, lardons, leeks, cilantro, fried garlic, fried shallot
add Chicken 4 add Shrimp 4 add Tofu 2

GA FRIED RICE 12
thigh meat, farm egg, leeks, cilantro, onion, fried garlic and shallots, topped w/ chicken skins
add shrimp 4 add tofu 2

BOLANUDLE 14
dashi cream sauce, spahghetti, cremini mushrooms, asparagus, nori, bonito flakes, masago, soft boiled egg
add shrimp 4 add tofu 2

GLASS NOODLES 12
shrimp, clear noodles, sweet chili jam, shallots, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, lime

PO’S NOODLES 12
egg noodles, short rib, c.a.b. beef, ground pork, tamarind, shitake, chives, bok choy, smoked tomato jam
vegetarian option 10

GF CHICKEN PAILLARD 12
free range chicken breast, fennel, roasted peppers, capers, lemons, pickled red onion, arugula, tomatoes, local greens
double chicken 5

GRILLED LEMONGRASS CHICKEN 14
boneless chicken thighs, lemongrass, roasted garlic, asparagus, roasted tomato
served w/ jasmine rice

GREEN CURRY MUSSELS 16
coconut milk, curry, lemongrass broth
served w/ garlic bread

HOUSE OF BELLY SALAD 8
mixed greens, roasted peppers, spiced pecans, cherry tomotoes, dried cherries, roasted beets, raspberry balsamic vin add chicken or shrimp 5 add salmon 10 add tofu 2

CRAFT COCKTAILS $10 Each

Gin Ricky
muddled cucumbers, botanica gin, lime juice, boyland tonic
on the rocks

LOCAL Between The Sheets
richland rum, pitaud vs, orange liquor

martini

Road To Manhattan
copper fox rye, amaro, ginger liqueur,on the rocks

LOCAL Bsg Lemondrop
old fourth ward vodka, blackberry lemonade, fresh sage, half sugar rim

cylon martini

Berry Basil Margarita
blanco tquila, fresh basil leaves, berry liqueur, fresh lemon juice
on the rocks

Caramelized Pineapple Old Fashion
bulleit rye, fresh oranges, cherries, caramelized pineapples

Lychee Moscow Mule
nitrogen infused lychee vodka, lychee syrup, fresh lime juice, ginger beer

Lemongrass Mule
nitrogen infused lemongrass vodka, fresh lime juice, ginger beer

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PS:
I returned to Ba Bellies with friends recently and sampled a few more dishes that I wanted to share:


GF BB Deviled Eggs 
bacon jam, scallions, fried shallots, dijon, mayo, maple syrup, cider vinegar, sriracha

These deviled eggs were delicious!  They were just right - creamy but with a tang (the bacon jam did not overwhelm them). So so good!

 BB Pork Baos 
heritage pork, gochujang sauce, pickled shallots cilantro, scallion, honey butter glaze

Our server recommended these - they were good, BUT she should have warned us about the heat!  We were all wiping our eyes and noses.  They were THAT hot.

 SPICY SALMON BOWL 
sriracha aioli, fried capers, scallions, avocado, onion, hijiki, wakame, greens, sesame seeds, served over jasmine rice

I got this salmon bowl and loved it!  The salmon is raw (sushi style) so be aware of that, but the dish was very very good.  My only negative was that the mixed greens were just plopped on top of the dish.  There was no dressing.  It needed some sort of oomph instead of just being dry greens I thought.

 GF NOTORIOUS P.I.G 
heritage pork shoulder, asian slaw, kimchi remoulade, marinated sprouts, pickled shallots, greens w/sesame vin
served w/ jasmine rice

My husband got the pork shoulder and loved it.  Unfortunately the server forgot his dish and the 3 of us were eating our dinner for 5 -10 minutes before my husband got up and inquired about where his food was.  The dish was delivered then (SANS an apology however).

But the dish was delicious.  He said it was full of flavor - savory and spicy.  He ate every bite.

So our 2nd visit with friends was mixed.  The food and drink were excellent however the service was not.  Our server was not particularly friendly and was not very attentive.  We had to flag her down to get another drink and my husband's dinner was extremely late coming out.  She clearly forgot about us.


***All photos are mine unless otherwise noted