Oddly enough, Mr. AT and I have the same birthday, and it is just around the corner. For the big day itself, we'll be cooking dinner at home (more on that another time), but I can't let a milestone pass without using it as an excuse for some top notch restaurant dining.I recall with a whistful longing, NY special occasion dining, when I had a plethora of never before tried, world-class dining options to choose from. Atlanta is certainly a good dining city, but NY it's not, and there simply aren't as many options in this much smaller town. So that being said, as I tried to start thinking about where we should eat for our annual dutch treat (it is both of our birthdays after all) birthday dinner, I was stumped.
Where haven't I eaten yet that is worthy of birthday dinner status? I can't think of a thing! Where have I eaten before that's good enough to merit special occasion status? Alas, our plight is not helped by our desire to be frugal these days, so places like Bachanalia, which I haven't dined at in something like a decade seem to be out of the running.
Hmm...Holeman and Finch? Love it, but it's so crowded, and duking it out for a table on my birthday doesn't sound that fun. JCT or Serpas? Like 'em, but have been so much that they don't scream "birthday" to me. Miller Union or Sauced? Just tried them recently. Rathbun's? That got me excited but Mr. AT seems to have nixed it. Oh the quandary I'm in. I'm an alleged Atlanta foodie, and I can't think for the life of me where I want to go for a birthday dinner.
So I open it to you...anyone have suggestions? Special enough to be worthy of an occasion, delicious food (natch!) and prices that won't blow the bank?
9 comments:
We just had a really wonderful date night at Wisteria this past weekend. The food was awesome - not too heavy, perfect portions, and very seasonal. The service was great. And we were so pleased with the prices. We split an app, had several drinks, two entrees and dessert and came in under $100. And yet, it felt like we were enjoying a meal worth so much more. I'd definitely recommend it.
I really think Bacchanalia is the best choice--I know it is pricier, but they deliver such a consistent top notch restaurant experience. Hrm, how about 4th and Swift? We've not been in a few months, but we had a great meal there. Of course, I'm always quick to recommend the omakase at Taka. Its not white tablecloth, but an 8-9 course meal for $50 a plate (before alcohol) is a steal in my book.
and by $50 a plate, I meant $50 a person!
I lucked out and somehow managed to snag the big table at Holeman and Finch last year for my birthday (granted, it was a Wednesday night), but if I were still living in Atlanta, I think I'd go to Floataway Cafe. While it's not one of the new kids on the block, I've been consistently pleased with their take on fresh, local cuisine, and their wine list ain't too shabby either.
you should try Miso Izakaya in OLD 4TH WARD... its not too expensive, good service, nice atmosphere, and good food. I was told that they have a new food/drink menu.
Why not save the fancy and $$$ resturant for your wedding anniversary and take in a movie and do Italian for the birthday. You won't feel so bad about the expense when it is spent on a romantic wedding anniversary.
One of my favorite meals in Atlanta was at Repast. It's not cheap, but its no Bacchanalia!
Good call on Wisteria and Floatwaway. Both under-rated and not covered much in the almighty Atlanta food blogs. Another forgotten place is Babette's Cafe.
Love Floataway! My favorite spot for special occasions!
Post a Comment