Ethnic | Citybuzz - A Vidicom and Christy Ferer Guide to Travel

Eat/Drink

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+ Noche

Noche is a tapas staple on the Atlanta scene. Though I wouldn't say it has the best small plates in town, the price to portion size ratio makes Noche a winner in my book. Most of their plates are a good size, making it easy to get a good deal on dinner, as opposed to some other tapas restaurants where the small $6-$9 plates add up very quickly to a hefty tab. The Highlands location is cozy and often crowded. The new Vinings outpost is larger, with a big patio to match, and is quickly becoming a popular hot spot. Both locations have a colorful, festive atmosphere and reasonably good service. Other Noche locations are in Johns Creek and Brookhaven. Noche is the perfect atmosphere for a group gathering and is often a popular destination for casual birthdays or celebrations. The small plate service encourages sharing and conversation. The Highlands location is especially intimate indoors and I've always noticed how full of life and laughter the dining room seems to be. Bonus tip: Monday night all-you-can-eat tapas at Noche Virginia Highlands is one of the best deals in town. For $10 per person, you get about 10 different tapas from a limited menu and once you've tried them all, you can keep on ordering your favorites until you're full! This is a great way to try new items you'd normally not choose for yourself. Here are the locations: Brookhaven - 705 Town Blvd NE Atlanta, GA 30319, Phone 404.364.9448 Highlands - 1000 Virginia Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30306, Phone 404.815.9155 Johns Creek - 3719 Old Alabama Rd Johns Creek, GA 30022, Phone 770.777.9555 Vinings - 2850 Paces Ferry Rd SE Atlanta, GA 30339 Phone 770.432.3277

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+ Tin Lizzie’s Cantina: Good Friends, Cold Margaritas, and Hot Food.

A good, down home Cantina where diners can choose from favorites like the freshly made guacamole, the queso dip and tacos made with everything from barbecue chicken and bacon, lettuce and tomato to fried fish and Philly cheesesteak. Margaritas go perfectly with everything on the menu. The eatery also hosts live music and trivia. Visit the website at tinlizzyscantina.com .

Tin Lizzy's is located at: Buckhead: 3639 Piedmont Road Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-846-6000 Grant Park: 415 Memorial Dr Atlanta, GA 30312, 404-554-8220 Midtown: 1136 Crescent Avenue Atlanta, GA 30309, 404-537-5060 Perimeter: 121 Perimeter Center West Atlanta, GA 30346, 470-514-1050 Emory Point: 1540 Avenue Place Atlanta, GA 30329, 404-537-5355

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+ Rosa Mexicano Brings Classic Mexican/Southwestern Cuisine to Atlanta

Playing a leading role in defining what was then a "new" cuisine to American diners, Rosa Mexicano delivers authentic Mexican cooking in an accessible, stylishly festive atmosphere. Rosa Mexicano's menu features a range of award-winning, signature dishes such as Guacamole en Molcajete, made in a traditional lava-rock mortar. it is prepared tableside and served with house made chips and warm corn tortillas.

Check out the website at rosamexicano.com/atlanta.

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+ Fogo de Chao

Fogo de Chao is an authentic Brazilian steakhouse. In 1979, Fogo® began sharing the gaucho way of preparing meat in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Today, our gaucho chefs still expertly grill each of our 15 cuts of meat and offer you continuous tableside service. We invite you to enjoy the delicious preparations of our gaucho chefs along with our gourmet salad bar, authentic Brazilian side dishes, and award-winning wine list. Click here for more information.

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+ Chops Lobster Bar is Famous for a Reason

Boasting beef and life-size-lobsters, this restaurant isn’t just a favorite of Atlanta’s locals; Chops ranks among the top ten steakhouses in the country. Savor their two to five pound lobsters, fish flown in daily, and the best USDA beef, while soaking in the Southern charm and warm ambiance. You'll be licking your chops after tasting their famed surf and turf.

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+ Katsuya Hollywood: A Sushi Kraze

katsuya pic

The Katsuya kraze has officially taken over Hollywood.

Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Miley Cyrus are frequent visitors along with anyone else who appreciates good quality sushi. With sushi favorites such as spicy albacore over crispy onion as well as spicy tuna over crispy rice, the Hollywood location is the perfect place to order off the menu or indulge in a chef’s tasting. Along with perfectly concocted dishes, Katsuya has a large list of specialty cocktails with restaurant favorites such as the Watermelon Cucumber Mojito or the Lychee Lovely with vanilla infused vodka and fresh squeezed grapefruit.

Though the beautifully decorated red and white restaurant is the perfect place for dinner or a special occasion, Katsuya has recently come up with new ways for foodies to enjoy on a budget. The Lucky Seven features seven tastings, such as tuna tacos and Kobe beef sliders, for seven dollars. Other deals include Sake Specials on Monday or Garlic Shrimp paired with a pitcher of beer for twenty bucks on select days and locations.

Reservations are recommended and valet parking is sometimes your only parking option on busy nights.

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+ Aja: Where Trendy South Meets East Cuisine

Aja is where Kim Zolciak and Kandi Burrus had their joint b-day bash on the Real Housewives of Atlanta, but if highfalutin, pseudo-celebs isn't your thing, Aja Restaurant and Bar is a hit with all trendy Atlanta diners.

Housed in the former Emeril’s location in Buckhead, its two story frame is adorned with red and black Asian-inspired décor and wall art, of which a 10-foot brass Buddha – straight from Thailand – sits in the middle of the dining room as the main attraction. In the sleek open space, the second floor overlooks the downstairs lounge area where guests can people-gaze from up top.

You can’t have a modern Asian kitchen without the pan-Asian flavors of Dim Sum on the menu, which is just a sample of the 20 diverse cuisines including Chinese (Peking Duck), Thai (Thai Red Curry), Indian, Vietnamese and Japanese. Serving lunch and dinner, enjoy a sushi roll on your work break inside the private dining room, or sip signature Mai Tai’s during after hours while taking in the views of the beautiful Buckhead skyline on the sprawling outdoor lounge, where relaxing is the norm.

Described by its owner as a club-cum-restaurant – this hip establishment takes on a nightclub vibe in the late evening, as an in-house DJ spins your favorite mixes on Friday and Saturday nights.

Insider's Tip: Offering new weekly specials every week ranging from ½ price bottles of wine on select nights and $5 sushi rolls during limited times, be sure to call ahead or check their website for exclusive discounts.

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+ Nan Thai: Discover The Food Golfer Vijay Singh Loves

Thai dining- at its highest level- is easily found at Nan Thai Fine Dining. Outside, the tone is set with an eye-catching gold statue right at the corner of Spring and 17th Street, minutes from Atlantic Station and the Woodruff Arts Center. Inside, it doesn’t stop. Elegantly appointed sculptures and art compliment the sleek and sophisticated room full of bamboo touches; even the bathroom is a calming oasis.

Equally impressive is the distinctive and flavorful food by Chef Nan Niyomkul, who co-owns Nan with her husband Charlie. The Pla Muk Thod, affectionately known as “fire calamari," is an appetizer must. Pla Sahm Lod, the Chilean sea bass done in a three-flavor chili sauce, is a satisfying entrée. It’s not cheap like most Thai places, but it’s very well worth the expense.
Business is fine, but Nan works even better for romance. Its many admirers include Tiger Woods and family friends Vijay Singh and his wife Ardena. Singh is such a devotee that his love prompted a 2005 Sports Illustrated article about the Niyomkuls and their food, so it’s certainly cuisine worthy of any Master.

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+ Surin of Thailand: Atlanta’s Asian Persuasion

Want an alternative to the neighborhood Chinese buffet? Not quite adventurous to try the downtown Sushi bar? Then take a short drive to Virginia highlands for Surin of Thailand. Tucked away on the outskirts of the Atlanta skyline is this cozy dining hotspot that's a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Upon entering this intimate dining chalet, guests are greeted by a fragrant floral bouquet, giving the room not only a feeling of Asian paradise, but that of being at home. The long tables are meant for family style dining, perfect for dinner parties or family outings. There are also private tables for special occasions or simply a romantic dinner for two. Patrons enjoy a wide range of Thai cuisine including Roasted Duck with Red Curry, Crab Angels and a variety of Stir Fry options. All, of course, can be paired with a glass of delectable Plum wine.

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+ Hotspot Spice Market Heats Up Atlanta

The same Spice Market that made a name for itself in the trendy meatpacking district in NYC has come to Atlanta. The exotic curry inspired dishes are now enticing a new set of eager taste buds. Frequent patrons have dreams of the samosa appetizer and red curry duck entree that keep this restaurant spicy every night of the week. The food, just as in the name, is composed of bold flavors taken from Southeast Asian inspirations. Enjoy the intriguing food and cultural experience at the Jean-Georges Vongerichten hotspot at the W Atlanta.