Enjoying a bite at BOCADO!

Last Friday, following a Lacrosse game at Georgia Tech, my brother (who was visiting from Orlando) wanted to take us out to dinner.  So, a group of ten of us headed over to Bocado for dinner.  I had read good things about this restaurant, and it's location made it perfect for that night.

Photo Credit: Bocado

The restaurant has gotten great reviews for the owner, Brian Lewis, and Executive Chef Todd Ginsburg, prepares simple foods with flair. Their website states that they focus on original gourmet sandwiches and savory small plates.  Looking at other reviews, the dishes are varied and change often, so you might not find your favorite dish upon a second visit.

BOCADO

887 Howell Mill Road

Atlanta, GA 30318

(404) 815-1399

http://www.BOCADOatlanta.com

http://www.twitter.com/BOCADOAtlanta

The restaurant has an industrial look on the outside and inside, with utilitarian tables and chairs.  Each table has a vase with fresh herbs.

Photo Credit: Yelp

We started with some appetizers and drinks while we waited for my nephews, one who is a freshman Lacrosse player at GT, and the other from Orlando, to arrive.

The menu is very small, as it changes daily.

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

Bocado has a great wine and beer selection as well as (my favorite) unique cocktails that change with the season.

This drink was by far the favorite of the group!  It was a version of (my new love) a Moscow Mule, but it was made with tequila.  It was called a SMOKED MULE - el espolon reposado, lime, ginger, mezcal, grapefruit bitters, and house-made ginger beer.

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

Then we went with the following appetizers:

Deviled eggs topped with Edwards country ham, Devil relish

Fried Oysters, Napa cabbage kimchee, nori and srirachi mayo

Fried Avocado quinoa, cilantro, cucumbers, radishes, lime cream 

The deviled eggs won the crowd over so much that we started with 2 orders, and then we had to get another order to satisfy our craving!  That addition of country ham is killer!

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

The fried oysters were delicious.  We plowed into them before I could snap a good photo, but I'd definitely order them again - very yummy indeed!

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

The fried avocado was something I HAD to order, as I had read great reviews about them, and I adore avocados. Unfortunately, they were my least favorite appetizer. The quinoa and cucumbers that surrounded them were great, but, alas, the avocado was very bland.

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

We ordered entrees next, and they only have around 6 to choose from. Fortunately all we sampled were delish!

Several of us went with the Burger Stack. It's 2 patties topped with American cheese and house-made pickles on really good bread. But what is TO DIE FOR is the fries. They are tossed with herbs and parmesan cheese and served with a Buttermilk Ranch dressing with dill. So good.

My photo of the burger stack really wasn't very appetizing, but this picture does it justice.

Photo Credit: Yelp

Photo Credit: Serious Eats

I do need to note one thing about my burger however. About half way through the dinner, I bit into something very hard that I couldn't chew that was about a half an inch long. Yuck. At that point I was squeamish and unable to eat any more of the meat, so I simply scarfed down the amazing fries. The burger was tasty, but sadly I wouldn't order it again.

Another entree that was terrific was the French prepared Sole.

It's served over succotash with a garlic, thyme and lemon vinaigrette.

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

My mother and her husband ordered the pasta and raved about it. It's freshly made strigoli pasta with clams, peppers, tomatoes and shallots.

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

Both of my nephews ordered the flat iron steak dinner. From the looks of their plates afterward, the dish was a success.

It's served with potatoes, marinated zucchini, heirloom tomatoes and a horseradish cream sauce.

Photo Credit: Examiner.com

So our dining experience was a success at Bocado!  And our server was out of this world.  We had a large group, and 2 of the group arrived long after the first 8, so we were ordering in shifts.  She couldn't have been more pleasant and helpful with navagating the menu.  We'll be back...

*One other note - they only have one bathroom for women and one bathroom for men, and there was a line to get in it seemed most of the time. So, every time someone in our party left, they were gone for what seemed like an eternity. Not the end of the world, but I felt like it should be mentioned.

ARIA: Definitely the highlight of our evening!

On an unusually cool(ish) night in August in Atlanta, we headed to Aria for a dinner on the eve of taking our daughter back to college.  Aria's Chef/Owner is Gerry Klaskala.

Aria is located in Buckhead at:

490 East Paces Ferry
Atlanta, GA  30305
404-233-7673
www.aria-atl.com

We pulled in and were immediately greeted by a friendly valet and escorted inside.

Photo Credit: Aria

Upon entering at 6:45PM, it was a bit alarming, as it was bright and sunny outside and extremely dark inside.  It definitely takes a few moments to adjust (and we saw one person after another struggle and stumble in as they entered).  But we were warmly greeted by the hostess and gave our information.

We decided to have a drink in their lounge area prior to dinner. The lounge is just beyond the hostess stand separated by silver handing beads.  It's very dark with black walls and red sofas and ottomans.

The Snooty Duchess was a deliciously refreshing drink by the way...

drinks

sparkling (Cherry Sgroppino) Sarrazin Brut Cherry Vodka

aperitif (The Snooty Duchess) Cocchi Americano Licor 43 Soda

Lime-Ginger Puree

Fresh Lemon Juice

white port (Afternoon in the Duoro) Warre’s White Port Domaine de Canton Fresh Mint and Basil Lemon Syrup

gin (White Lady) Junipero Dry Cointreau Egg White Fresh Lemon Juice

rye whiskey (Drunken Monk) Rittenhouse 100 Blueberry Shrub

brandy (St. Charles Punch) Camus VS Cognac Orange Liqueur Simple Syrup Fresh Lemon Juice

aperitifs

Benedictine Fortified Shiraz

Cocchi Americano, Asti, Italy Carpano's Antica Formula, Piedmont, Italy Campari, Lombardy, Italy Aperol, Veneto, Italy Daniel Bouju, Pineau des Charentes, France Lillet Rouge, Bordeaux, France

bottled beer

Reissdorf, Kölsch, Cologne, Germany

Sweetwater, Ipa, Atlanta, GA

Brewery Ommegang, Witte, Cooperstown, NY Estrella Damm, Inedit, Barcelona, Spain (24 Oz) Leipziger Gose, Leipzig, Germany (20 Oz) Duchesse de Bourgogne, Flanders Red Ale, Vichte, Belgium Unibroue, La Fin Du Monde, Tripel Ale, Quebec, Canada North Coast, Old Rasputin, Russian Imp. Stout, Ft. Bragg, CA

Amaro, Quintessentia, Nonino, Friuli

Fernet, Branca, Fratelli Branca, Lombardia

grappa

Moscato, Jacopo Poli, Veneto

Brunelo Di Montalcino, Marolo Tuscany

calvados/apple brandy

Laird’s, Bottled In Bond, Apple Brandy

Chauffe-cœur, Hors D'age, Calvados

cognac

Martel VS Remy Martin VSOP Kelt VSOP Martel Noblige Pierre Ferrand Sélection Anges Camus XO Remy Martin Extra Delamain, Tres Venerable

other eau-de-vie

William Pear, Trimbach Grande Réserve, Alsace

whiskey

scotch

Johnnie Walker Blue

japan

Hibiki 12yr

canadian whisky

Crown Royal, Special Reserve

bourbon

Black Maple Hill Maker's 46 Blantons Knob Creek Woodford Reserve Basil Hayden 8yr Pappy Van Winkle’s 15yr Pappy Van Winkle's 20yr Pappy Van Winkle's 23yr

tennessee

Jack Daniel’s Honey Gentleman Jack Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel

rye

Rittenhouse Sazerac 6yr Russell's Reserve 6yr Old Potrero, 18th Century Style High West, 21yr

single malts

california

St George

japan

Yamazaki 12yr

ireland

Bushmills, Malt 16

islay

Laphroaig 10yr Lagavulin 16yr Bowmore 25yr

speyside

Macallan 12yr Aberlour 16yr Glenfiddich 12yr The Glenlivet 18yr Macallan 18yr Macallan 25yr Macallan 30yr

highlands

Glenmorangie 10yr Glenmorangie, Sauternes Cask Oban 14yr Dalwhinnie 15yr

rum

Cockspur, Barbados Clément VSOP, Martinique El Dorado 21, Guyana Clément XO, Martinique

tequila & mezcal

Tequila, Casa Dragones, Joven Tequila, Don Diego Santa, Reposado Tequila, Herradura, Añejo Tequila, Don Julio, Añejo, Claro Tequila, Reserva de la Familia

Cuervo, Extra Añejo Mezcal, Ilegal, Añejo

Photo Credit: Aria

Their website describes the bar area as, "comfortably chic," and it does have a cool vibe, however, my 6'5" husband in no way could have sat on their teeny tiny ottomans (about 6" off the floor).  We all sat on a cushiony bench and were fine, other than it being very very dark, but you adjust. 

Around 7:00PM, we moved on to the main dining room to enjoy our dinner. The dining room is one square room, and it's very bright and light with limited seating.

Photo Credit: Aria

Inside Aria's main dining room:

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

We were greeted by our waiter quickly.  He was fantastic - very knowledgeable and friendly.  The menu was enticing.  Here's a sample menu:

starters

Twelve Hour Roasted Vidalia Onion Soup

white truffle oil

Thin Sliced Smoked Atlantic Salmon

red onion capers creme fraiche crispy potatoes

Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras

georgia strawberries black pepper gastrique

Pan Seared New Bedford Jumbo Sea Scallops

baby spinach slow roasted roma tomato madras curry cilantro and lime

Potato and Goat Cheese Ravioli

wild ramps asparagus sugar snap peas toasted breadcrumbs reggiano parmigiano

Crisped Stuffed Zucchini Blossom

fresh ricotta and mint field peas pickled shallots

Flash Fried Beau Soleil Oysters (five)

whole grain mustard remoulade spicy pickled shallots

Arugula and Endive Salad

great hills blue lemon vinaigrette

Warm Lobster Cocktail

butter braised maine lobster broccoli black truffle potatoes

Crisped Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes

green apple walnut napa salad asian mustard sauce

Ruby Red & Golden Beets

sweetgrass dairy goat cheese oranges spiced walnuts

Hammock Hollow Farm Salad Greens

balsamic shallot vinaigrette w/ thyme roasted goat cheese

dining room & wine director ANDRES LOAIZA pastries KATHRYN KING cuisine GERRY KLASKALA

entrees

Slow Braised Niman Ranch Berkshire Pork Shoulder

lacinato kale red pepper & white corn succotash crisp vidalia onions

Pan Seared New Bedford Jumbo Sea Scallops

white corn bacon & parmesan risotto

Center Cut Corn Fed Angus Beef Filet Mignon

fingerlings romano beans shiitakes pear tomatoes tarragon shallot sauce

Painted Hills Ranch Natural Beef Short Rib

cipollini shiitake tender carrots truffle whipped potatoes

USDA Prime Steak au Poivre

sixteen ounce prime beef eye of the ribeye cognac green peppercorn sauce steak fried potatoes

Fillet of Line Caught Grouper

roasted cauliflower crispy potatoes fiddlehead ferns hedgehog mushrooms lemon caper brown butter

Pan Roasted Breast of Farm Raised Duck

savoy cabbage carrots fuji apple bacon ginger lemongrass jus

Blue Ridge Mountain Trout

lobster smashed potatoes young squash romanesco pea puree shiitake mushrooms

Herb Crusted Fillet of Florida Red Snapper

white corn lady peas butter beans fingerling potatoes applewood smoked bacon pickled shallots

Slow Braised Colorado Lamb Shank

soft parmesan polenta fava beans roasted vidalia onions ramp chimichurri

Valrhona Chocolate Cream Pie

chocolate sauce soft whipped cream

Vanilla Panna Cotta

peach sorbet almond shortbread

Warm Lemon Mascarpone Cheesecake

georgia strawberries whipped cream

Chocolate Almond Brioche Pudding

valencia orange ice cream

Blueberry Creme Fraiche Cake

lemon custard buttermilk ice cream

Fresh Sorbets

(one of each, served with meringue) pineapple strawberry lemon peach blueberry

Sweets and Confections

a daily selection

artisan cheese tasting

a daily selection of three

The foccacia bread was very good:

We opted to start with a couple of appetizers - the Flash Fried Beau Soleil Oysters and the Crisp Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms.  Both were delicious!

Photo Credit:  Cate Bogue

Photo Credit:  Cate Bogue

The oysters were just the right size with a mustard remoulade topped with jalapeno peppers - perfect!  






And the ricotta stuffed zucchini blossoms were creamy and yummy atop a bed of wonderful heirloom tomatoes and field peas.  So good! 






An image of the menu when we were there:

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

Our entree choices were Veal Schnitzel (a new menu item-breaded veal cutlet with heirloom tomatoes and an arugula salad with shaved parmesan):

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

The veal was good and had a nice flavor, but I've had better.  The breading was a bit heavy for me, and the veal was slightly chewy.  But I loved the tomatoes and salad accompanying the veal.








Short Ribs 

Painted Hills Ranch Natural Beef Short Ribcipollini shiitake tender carrots truffle whipped potatoesPainted Hills Ranch Natural Beef Short Rib

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

The short ribs were my husband's choice for dinner, and we were fighting him for a bite.  Every bite was a taste explosion, and the short ribs were tender and not fatty at all.  Loved!

And the filet (Center Cut Corn Fed Angus Beef Filet Mignon
fingerlings romano beans shiitakes pear tomatoes tarragon shallot sauce):

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

My filet was cooked exactly as ordered (medium), and the tarragon shallot sauce was rich and delicious.  I didn't care for the barely cooked red and yellow peppers atop, however the yellow squash was wonderful.

We also enjoyed a bottle of my favorite Malbec (Susanna Balbo) with our dinner:

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

We decided we HAD to try the Valrhona Chocolate dessert, and it did not disappoint!  Valrhona is a French luxury chocolate from Lyon, France, and it is spectacular.

Valrhona Chocolate Cream Pie

chocolate sauce soft whipped cream

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

I had to show both sides of the dessert, as the three chocolate puddles were the best part! 









All in all it was a great dining experience.  It is definitely pricey, but for a special occasion (such as seeing our daughter off for her Senior year at college), I'd recommend it highly.  The food and service are outstanding!



Enjoying drinks in Aria's lounge before dinner:

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

Next up:  Antica Posta

MY ANNIVERSARY DINNER AT MILLER UNION!

So excited to begin this blog with a trip to Miller Union to celebrate my Anniversary! Hubby and I had several options in mind, but we kept coming back to Miller Union (@millerunion, address: 999 Brady Ave, Atlanta, GA 30318). It's located off Howell Mill Rd, not too far from Georgia Tech and downtown Atlanta. We're heading down this evening with hopes of a fabulous meal!

Here's a pic from their website of the exterior - industrial chic:

Photo Credit: Miller Union

Here's another pic of the interior bar area:

Photo Credit: Miller Union

The concept is this: farm to table ensuring the freshest of ingredients prepared, well, their website explains "simple rustic preparation."

I've got my eye on a few appetizers already:

*sorghum glazed pork belly, smoked cabbage, kumquat & pickled beet

*fried gulf oysters, hot pepper mignonette

*pork, pecan & sunchoke terrine with apricot, house pickled vegetables

And for an entree, this one will fit the bill I think:

*country captain chicken, peanuts, toasted coconut, housemade chutney

Wow! I'm starving already, and I have 3 hours until our reservations!

Oh! Forgot to mention one minor detail - they also are known for their signature drinks. Love the art of mixology (Is that a subtle, sophisticated disguise for "alcoholism?" Mmmm, I'm going with, "No."). Not a gin drinker (don't ask), but this selection (if they'll make it with vodka) sounds like it's got my name all over it:

*Miller Thyme
Miller’s gin, lemon, thyme

Here's a pic from their website (millerunion.com):

Photo Credit: Miller Union

And I'm not a huge bourbon fan but this one sounds like a yummy possibility:

*Broken Maiden
bourbon, blood orange, lemon, ginger, agave

They also have an impressive wine selection.

More after dinner...cannot wait!

UPDATE!

Dinner was fabulous! Loved the atmosphere - it has an industrial look with warm vintage touches such as old books, tortoise shells and other antique decor on shelves. The tables and lighting

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

are simple, rustic and charming.

And the menu and wine lists are glued to wooden clipboards - actually very nice to hold in your hands while perusing your choices.

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

But let's get to what's really important - the drinks and the food!

We started with a Miller Thyme and the bartender prepared another vodka concoction with vodka, simple syrup, fresh lemon and kumquat. Both were superb, and Doug and I had to fight over them.

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

For appetizers, we went with what I had been interested in earlier: the fried oysters with spicy mignonette and the pork belly. Both were outstanding. Unfortunately, the oysters were delivered first, and we plowed into them before remembering to take a picture, so you see only one on the plate! There were probably 10-12 to begin with!

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

I had the country captain. I didn't taste the coconut at all (I was disappointed, but Doug was thrilled), but it was a perfectly prepared chicken served with peanuts and chutney on the side. Loved the homemade chutney! It was a flavor explosion in your mouth!

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

Doug ordered the housemade pork sausage, heirloom hominy, poached egg, radish & fennel. I'm not much of a sausage lover, but I kept asking for more! It was so delicious!

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

We were stuffed from the meal so opted out of dessert. But all in all, it was a great meal. The service was efficient, and ambiance was charming. And for a Monday night in March, it was almost a full house at 7PM. We'll be going back for sure.

Next new restaurant possibilities are:
Lunch at Antico or Taqueria del Sol
Abattoir
Restaurant Eugene
Seasons 52
Empire State South