Restaurant Review: Tap's new menu

Photocredit: Our Labor of Love

Way, way back when I had a bad experience at Tap (they dared to charge me for additional pretzels for my pimento cheese dip!) Fortunately those days are long past, and I was very pleasantly surprised when I sampled some of their new menu items at yesterday's media preview.

Pickled cauliflower and carrots are a piquant and addictive bar treat. I could definitely see myself scarfing these down with one of their many on tap brews. Think there's nothing new to do with deviled eggs? Au contraire, Tap's country ham and cheese deviled eggs were certainly reminiscent of the classic but took it to a new level. Don't be surprised if someone smacks your hand out of the way to get to them.

Photocredit: Our Labor of Love

Fried oysters and Rockefeller toast were just as delish as they sound. Maybe not as mind blowing as Serpas' or Holeman & Finch's take, but still so very good. The toast in particular is beyond rich and a nice counterpoint to the crispy on the outside juicy on the inside little mollusks.

My main course was a lamb panini, served with goat cheese, arugula, basil, cucumber, and apple jam. This was one seriously good sandwich. The roasted lamb was tender and thinly sliced, and the apple jam added a wonderful sweetness. I opted for spicy cucumbers on the side. Theoretically a great pairing, although I found some, but not all, of the cukes to have a slightly bitter after-taste. Even better for $10, it's 2-days worth of eating, at least for a not starving diner. I had the leftovers today (minus the post-refrigerator soggy bread), and it was just as good as yesterday.

The chef, Adrian Villarreal, popped by our table. Like others on staff, he was wearing a shirt to support his fave World Cup team - in his case, his home team of Mexico. Must say he was pretty darn cute - maybe an entrant for the next Adventurous Tastes Atlanta's Hottest Chef contest?

So all in all, very impressive. I've been so used to hating on Tap, but it's time to change my tune. I don't work right in that area, so I usually avoid the traffic madness, but for a happy hour or a casual meal, this place is a great option.

Random thought: for those on the prowl, you could head to the bar's bustling scene and snag yourself an oh so successful lawyer from King & Spalding, which is just upstairs. Surely on the rare occasion when they're not tethered to their desks, they pop down for a beer?

If you are heading over, note that they have free valet, so be sure to use that and not the exorbitant parking over at Colony Square!

Tap

1180 Peachtree Street Northeast

Atlanta, GA 30309-3531