Wurstkuche Venice Beach
We discovered Wurstkuche in Los Angeles through a great Huffington Post article showcasing Zagat's best single item focused menus in America. It is important to note that I found the article through a friend, Neel Sengupta, partner in Crepe Revolution here in Smyrna/ Vinings. They made this short list for their tasty crepes. If you haven't tried their great specialties or one of their wine or beer nights you should! They offer a laid back atmosphere with high end flavors.
Now back to Wurstkuche, after reading the article, my mouth was watering to try all of these great spots. I was excited to know my in-laws were also eager to try their city's contributor. Driving through Venice, you could easily pass this place among the bike shops, boutiques and bars, but once you head inside, the space certainly stands out. The room is a rough and rustic combination of barn wood panels and smooth concrete. The front counter gleams full of their selection of about 20 types of house made sausages. What caught my eye however were the numerous taps running the length of the room. Not only do they sell gourmet sausages prepared in inventive ways, along with sides of thick cut Belgian fries, they have about 20 beers on tap, and many more in bottles. I was in heaven. It was hard to choose, but I decided on the mango and jalapeno chicken sausage served on a soft toasted bun with caramelized onions and hot pickled peppers and nice cold Houblon Chouffe.
Lucky for me my family members all ordered a variety of sausages. I sampled everything from the duck with bacon and jalapenos to the traditional bratwurst. Each sausage had a distinct flavor and style. I am envious of my in-laws proximity to this little gem. Now I have one more reason to love LA.
Now back to Wurstkuche, after reading the article, my mouth was watering to try all of these great spots. I was excited to know my in-laws were also eager to try their city's contributor. Driving through Venice, you could easily pass this place among the bike shops, boutiques and bars, but once you head inside, the space certainly stands out. The room is a rough and rustic combination of barn wood panels and smooth concrete. The front counter gleams full of their selection of about 20 types of house made sausages. What caught my eye however were the numerous taps running the length of the room. Not only do they sell gourmet sausages prepared in inventive ways, along with sides of thick cut Belgian fries, they have about 20 beers on tap, and many more in bottles. I was in heaven. It was hard to choose, but I decided on the mango and jalapeno chicken sausage served on a soft toasted bun with caramelized onions and hot pickled peppers and nice cold Houblon Chouffe.
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| Tasty Lunch |
Lucky for me my family members all ordered a variety of sausages. I sampled everything from the duck with bacon and jalapenos to the traditional bratwurst. Each sausage had a distinct flavor and style. I am envious of my in-laws proximity to this little gem. Now I have one more reason to love LA.
White Duck Taco Shop
I had been dying to try the White Duck Taco Shop in Asheville, NC for months. Over the holidays I was finally able to try out several of their tasty tacos. Located in the River Arts District, White Duck is a great launching spot for a day of browsing the amazing art galleries and artist studios that line the streets in this part of town. Here you will find anything from hand blown glass to amazing pottery along with a few cute eateries.
The White Duck menu focuses on "good and affordable" food. The tacos range from your typical fish taco enhanced by a fresh slaw and dressed up tarter sauce to those with an Asian and Greek flare. I was happy to have a few people along to help me sample. I ordered the gyro taco as well as the fish taco. The fish was lightly fried and flakey the flavor was set off by a creamy jalapeno tarter sauce and a crunchy fresh cole slaw. The gyro taco was my favorite! It featured thinly sliced gyro meat a great tzatziki sauce, cucumbers, pico de gallo, feta, and a corn tortilla. This was rich, flavorful and filling. It seems like two tacos are enough to fill anyone, but it's hard to resist trying more.
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| Fish and the Gyro |
We started with chips, salsa and queso which were unremarkable although we did enjoy the smokey chipotle sauce that came as a part of the selection. Other great tacos we tried were the jerk chicken, duck confit, steak and cheese and the Bangkok shrimp.
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| Duck Confit and the Jerk Chicken |
The duck confit was rich and unexpectedly paired with avocado which smoothed out the richness of the duck. The jerk chicken packed a spicy punch. The chicken seemed rubbed with a true jerk marinade of intricate spices. This was cooled with a purple cabbage slaw.
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| Bangkok Shrimp and the Steak and Cheese |
The restaurant has a great laid back feel. You can order and eat quickly although a line formed quickly after 1 pm. On a sunny day you can dine on the porch at a picnic table overlooking the river and the train. I can't wait to go back and try another great selection.
By Popular Demand: Merideth's Favorite Spots in Atlanta
Favorite All Time Restaurant: Sotto Sotto. I choose this little Italian restaurant every time I can for dates, birthdays and special occasions.
Favorite Italian: Sotto Sotto
Second Place: Almalfi (OTP) located off Atlanta Rd. near Roswell Square, this family style Italian place is a hidden out of the way gem.
Favorite Mexican: Nuevo Laredo Cantina- I don't think you can graduate from Georgia Tech and not learn to love this place. Their salsa is perfect, the brisket is amazing, and they have a delicious mole sauce.
Second Place: Mi Barrio- Located on Memorial Dr. near Oakland Cemetery this small hole in the wall wins points for authenticity. I have been told it is one of the few places inside the perimeter to get good tamales.
Favorite Buford Hwy ethnic: Panahar Bangladeshi Cuisine- they are always friendly and the food has a rich combination of herbs and spices that stand out differently from Indian cuisine.
Second Place: Hae Woo Dae- this no longer secret Korean BBQ hole in the wall has an amazing selection of meats for grilling and other traditional Korean rice dishes.
Favorite Breakfast/ Brunch: Babette's Cafe I can't pass up the tenderloin Benedict on fresh bread with amazing Hollandaise sauce, or the french toast which is to die for.
Second Place: Flying Biscuit Some may argue they are not as good since they went chain, but I still love some love cakes, and you cant beat the biscuits at the Candler Park location.
Favorite Southern Food: The Farmhouse at Serenbe Making a small trip south of Atlanta is well worth it for authentic and flavorful southern food in a picturesque setting.
Second Place: Horseradish Grill or Murphys These Atlanta staples still hold a place in my heart for my favorite southern food done well and with a gourmet twist. The BBQ appetizer and fried okra at HRG and the pork shank and meatloaf at Murphys take my vote, and you can't beat either for their amazing desserts.
Favorite Sandwiches: Toscano and Sons The perfect little out of the way Italian sandwich shop and market of Marietta Street. They know how to do a panini with only fresh Italian cured meats and cheese on authentic bread.
Second Place: Cafe Lily (grilled cheese, lunch menu only) Bar none, the best grilled cheese in Atlanta. Perfect in Fall with the tomato basil soup!
Favorite Romantic Date: Atmosphere Bistro This special little place is tiny, cozy and has a fabulous French menu. Cuddling up at the fire on the outside patio also makes for a nice night.
Second Place: Amuse- Again French food, but this one swings south toward Provence. Amuse is another tiny house with a great menu and cozy charm.
Favorite Casual Date Night: Young Augustines This is my new favorite hang out on Memorial Drive. They have amazing gourmet pub style food with an inventive beer menu as well as bocce ball courts!
Second Place: Iberian Pig If you haven't tried this place on Decatur Square yet, you need to. This Spanish style restaurant is the only place in Atlanta to serve Iberico pork. Their menu is a mix of tapas, flatbreads, and main entrees. They also have a great wine and cocktail list.
Favorite First Date: Rathbuns Consistently one of my favorite places to eat in Atlanta. Kevin Rathbun and friends know how to cook! The atmosphere is nice, and the food delicious. Be sure to try to ask for one of the booths along the wall. They are great fro cuddling and for people watching, plus the main floor tends to be noisy.
Second Place: Shauns Out of the way but not off the map in Inman Park Shaun's has clean southern style cuisine. With an emphasis on the ingredient, you can't beat the hanger steak with duck fat fries, or their shrimp and grits served in what looks like a fish bowl! They also have played host to my family's Easter brunch for the past 3 years, amazing.
Favorite Steak: Kevin Rathbun Steak This place knows how to do steak, and you pay for it! Its pricey, but mouthwatering good. The atmosphere is a modern masculine with dark woods and mood lighting. The food is out of this world. For a girl who loves steak and has eaten at some of the best places in Manhattan, this is still my favorite place to indulge in red meat!
Second Place: Bones The Atlanta boys club standard. I first went here in high school and was impressed with the professional waiters with crumbers! This place is an institution. They know how to cook steaks and cater to the business crowd.
Favorite Cocktail: Holman and Finch I followed Greg Best from his days as bartender (mixologist) at Restaurant Eugene to H&F. This more laid back restaurant lets his interest in experimental food and meats shine. They are famous for the cocktail list and the burger!
Second Place: Ecco (elderflower gin martini) and Leon's Ecco is known for its wine list and its great food, but I swoon for the Elderflower Martini. It actually won an award from Bombay Gin for best cocktail. Ask the bartender to see the bedazzled gin bottle trophy! Leons is a great laid back hang out in Decatur. They have a fun menu, bocce ball, a great patio and some tasty hand made cocktails.
Favorite Burger: Abittoir I have written this one up in the past. I keep going back and bypassing the whole wonderful menu for this burger! Made of pork, it is the perfect blend of flavor and juiciness.
Second Place: Highland Tap In the dark basement bar of Highland Tap lives one of Atlanta's best burgers. Sirloin burger made old school with your choice of toppings and some killer onion rings to boot.
Favorite Tacos: Matador Cantina With two locations one in Oakhurst and one within walking distance from my house in Glennwood Park, Matador holds its own in the quest for tacos. I love the Texas and the Carnita the most!
Second Place: Taquiera del Sol If you are willing to wait in line, then you can experience some of the most creative taco flavors in Atlanta. They may not be traditional but they are good. A margarita or two helps to pass the time in line.
Favorite Pizza Antico Pizza Nepolitano With their ingredients, chef, and even the ovens imported from Naples Italy you can't beet Antico for authentic Italian style pizza. Take your own wine and eat in the kitchen where you can watch the chefs in action. Save room for the cannoli.
Second Place: Fritti- A sister to Sotto Sotto Fritti offers an authentic thin crust selection of pizzas with one of the best Italian wine lists in Atlanta.
Favorite BBQ: Fox Brothers Located on Dekalb Ave. this BBQ establishment was a newcomer to Atlanta and is holding their own against some stiff competition. I recommend the pork, and the Tomminator tater tots covered in Brunswick stew covered in cheese. The fried pickles are also addictive.
Second Place: Harolds BBQ- So old school they don't have a website. They are located at
171 McDonough Blvd SE Atlanta. Best Brunswick Stew in Atlanta. If you want to eat lunch with the guys from the Capitol pull up a seat here. They are in a bad location, with an old interior and little parking, yet always full. I think this speaks volumes about their food!
Favorite Thai: Surin of Thailand- A long time favorite of mine, seems to be less crowded these days which is fine with me. My favorite here is the Pad Prik King.
Second Place Northlake Thai- A sister to Eurasia Bistro in Decatur, this one is out of the way and located in a Kroger shopping center, but its worth the drive and a try. They have Panang Curry nailed!
By Neighborhood
Midtown: Ecco, Top Flr, Tierra, Noon
Decatur: Iberian Pig, Watershed, Cafe Lily
Inman Park: Sotto Sotto, Parish, Rathbuns, Shauns
East Atlanta/ Grant Park/ Cabbagetown: Six Feet Under, Agave, Young Augustines, The Earl
Buckhead: Horseradish Grill, Grand China
Summer Tomato and Onion Tart
This week I began thinking about a tomato tart. Several cooking shows and food blogs I like have been featuring them the past month, so I thought I would give one a try. I combined recipes from David Lebovitz, Epicurious, and Southern Living, to create my own little tart.
The recipe has elements of french and italian, but seems to lean toward the french.
In a greased tart or pie pan, spread the pastry dough to cover the bottom, forming the sides so they are even with the lip of the pan. Brush the shell with olive oil.
Slice 2-3 medium size tomatoes. ( I saw another recipe with heirloom tomatoes. Those will be included next week). Slice one medium Vidalia onion and saute with 2 tbsp of olive oil. Mince 1/2 cup italian parsley and 1/4 cup basil. Purchase or slice your self 1/4 cup Kalamata olives.
Create a thin layer of tomatoes in the bottom of the pan, then layer with onions, olives, herbs and crumbed chevre. Add course sea salt and pepper to taste. Repeat layers until they are level with the top of the crust, then add additional cheese crumbles.
Serve with a green salad.
I was pleased with its appearance, taste, and how easy it was to put together and serve. Next weekend, I am going to alter the recipe a bit and make my own crust.
Happy Summer and Enjoy!
Provence: Light lunch in Chateau Neuf du Pape
15 rue Joseph-Ducos, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
04-90-83-71-75
Paris Day 2: Lunching on Ile Saint Louis
Our second day in Paris we explored the Louvre, and toured the amazing Notre Dame. (See my travel blog for more on those). I'm here to talk about the food. After full morning of sight seeing I succumbed to the lure of the sandwich counter in the Louvre. So a 12 euro tuna sandwich was my first real meal of the day, but nothing to write home about.
We wandered onto Ile de la Cite and toured Notre Dame and then strolled the small streets of Ile Saint Louis. The weather was cloudless, beautiful, and hot. So we, like all other tourists and Parisians, went seeking glace (ice cream). Ile Saint Louis has hundreds of cafes each serving the same brand of glace, Berthillon. This ice cream giant was started in 1954. They are famous for their ingredients which are all natural, milk, eggs, and sugar. No artificial preservatives, colors, or sweeteners are used. They offer plenty of unique flavors. After eating this several times, we settled on pistache and frambois (pistachio and raspberry) as our favorites.
As we wandered the island, we were treated to a slower pace and more residential (albeit wealthy) setting within the hustle and bustle of Paris. Strolling along the Seine, we stumbled upon a cute little cafe Le Lutetia. It overlooks the Seine and the Pont Louis Phillipe. This was a great spot to find some wine and people watch. As one glass of wine became two, we decided to split something for lunch. And so I ordered my first Salade Nicoise. I had eaten this salad as a daily lunch staple in Italy, and have even tried its replicas in the US, but this was the real thing (well one version of it). The salad recipe hails from Nice in the south of France and features leafy greens, hard boiled eggs, anchovies, tuna fish, green beans, tomatoes, and either rice or potatoes on the bottom. Typically it is served with oil and vinegar. The version at Le Lutetia was one of the best I had while in all of France. Theirs was served with rice and had the addition of cucumbers. I am not sure if it was the wine or the atmosphere, but we devoured this salad. Since coming home, I have tried a tuna version with rice and a modified version using roasted chicken. Both make an excellent summer dinner. For some recipes check here.
Stay tuned for our amazing Moroccan dinner!
Stay tuned for our amazing Moroccan dinner!
Pain aux Raisin
Young Augustine's
I know I promised Paris postings, but apparently when you leave your job for over two weeks, things pile up a bit. I am ready to dive back into the blog and tell you all about Paris, but first I need to back track to my last meal in the states.
Young Augustine's has become my new favorite hangout. Its in the laid back neighborhood of Grant Park, features amazing food, fun bar games, an ever changing beer list, and its less than a mile from my house! I have been going there for a while now, but my last night before leaving for France, I finally took the initiative to take some photos.
The atmosphere here is casual and cool. They reopened in the space that was once The Standard, altering the menu and bringing in a more pub-like feel to the patio and interior.They have a great inside bar as well as a separate room for darts, but I am consistently drawn to the patio. There are patios on the back and side of the building giving views of downtown and Oakland Cemetery. In back they have two large size bocce ball courts.
The menu is an eclectic gourmet version of pub food. They offer small appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and heavier entree options. For starters I always begin with the homemade pimento cheese. It is served with a crusty baguette and a variety of house made pickles including pickled tomatoes, onions, and their amazing house made kimchi. This time I decided to try a new treat, pork belly sliders. These little bits of heaven were an small light buns with crispy yet moist slices of pork belly, just a little kimchi, and of course Duke's mayonnaise!
For entrees, its hard to go wrong with their fish and chips. The fish is lightly tempura battered and the chips are cooked in duck fat. Diets aside, everything tastes better in duck fat.I have to mention their tarter sauce which is I think the best I have eaten. For lunch I have requested this fish over a large salad. It was the perfect way to indulge in that amazing fish and still stay awake back at the office!
The carnita tacos are served with the kimchi. and sour cream. This is an interesting but delightful combination of salty sweet and sour flavors. In addition the steak (also served with the duck fries) was well marinated, tender and cooked to order.
The beer list rotates weekly to feature micro brews, some local names, as well as many national favorites. They have an excellent selection of IPAs and my favorite Belgian style beers.
I have heard they have dessert, but cant seem to stop myself from just ordering another beer and sitting back to watch the sunset over downtown. Young Augustine's is my new favorite hangout. I suggest you stop in and prepare to be impressed.
Young Augustine's has become my new favorite hangout. Its in the laid back neighborhood of Grant Park, features amazing food, fun bar games, an ever changing beer list, and its less than a mile from my house! I have been going there for a while now, but my last night before leaving for France, I finally took the initiative to take some photos.
The atmosphere here is casual and cool. They reopened in the space that was once The Standard, altering the menu and bringing in a more pub-like feel to the patio and interior.They have a great inside bar as well as a separate room for darts, but I am consistently drawn to the patio. There are patios on the back and side of the building giving views of downtown and Oakland Cemetery. In back they have two large size bocce ball courts.
The beer list rotates weekly to feature micro brews, some local names, as well as many national favorites. They have an excellent selection of IPAs and my favorite Belgian style beers.
I have heard they have dessert, but cant seem to stop myself from just ordering another beer and sitting back to watch the sunset over downtown. Young Augustine's is my new favorite hangout. I suggest you stop in and prepare to be impressed.
Let the Restaurant Weeks Begin
I love this time of year. We are about to kick off the festival and restaurant week season. Next week, March 8-14, is Inman Park Restaurant Week and Buckhead Restaurant Week. Great places like Sotto Sotto and Shaun's are offering $25 pp tasting menus. This is a great chance to experience some of Atlanta's top restaurants without totally breaking the bank.
Also this weekend, if you are interested in wine take time to check out the Midtown International Wine Crawl. Five Midtown restaurants are offering discounted wine and food pairings. You simply register at Livingston Restaurant in the Georgian Terrace Hotel, then make your way between the locations. The registration fee benefits Haitian relief funds. I did this last year on a perfect March Saturday with friends. It was a great way to kick off the spring and sample some some great wine.
Also this weekend, if you are interested in wine take time to check out the Midtown International Wine Crawl. Five Midtown restaurants are offering discounted wine and food pairings. You simply register at Livingston Restaurant in the Georgian Terrace Hotel, then make your way between the locations. The registration fee benefits Haitian relief funds. I did this last year on a perfect March Saturday with friends. It was a great way to kick off the spring and sample some some great wine.