Thread: Bacchanalia - Atlanta, GA

I was in Atlanta over the holidays and took my mother to Bacchanalia on Christmas Eve. It was absolutely stunning. I've always appreciated good food but I've really been trying to shoot for the best in each city I visit over the last year, year and a half. So I don't have too many of the top restaurants under my belt as some, but this was by far my favorite meal of the year.

They offer a four course prix fixe menu and the chef sends plenty of "gifts" to your table. I think it ended up being at least ~7 courses. Every course just blew me away. And as opposed to some of the restaurants I've been to in the Northeast, the staff was extremely friendly. Not a hint of snootiness.

If you find yourself in Atlanta, this place is a must! I wish I took pics to share but was a bit nervous whipping my camera out. Next time

Star Provisions

i agree - one of the better restaurants in the South.

- chuck

Sorry to threadjack but Chuck have you ever been to any of the famous restaurants here in New Orleans? If you have, opinions??
?

nope, haven't been...

- chuck

Originally Posted by carendt242

nope, haven't been...

- chuck

How can one be a "foodie" and never tasted the great cuisine in New Orleans? Seems like a strip club critic, and never stepping foot into the Spearmint Rhino!

Originally Posted by Mr Jankipotamus

How can one be a "foodie" and never tasted the great cuisine in New Orleans? Seems like a strip club critic, and never stepping foot into the Spearmint Rhino!

sure, it's a hole in my 'resume' but i don't think it's what i like. the "great" restaurants, judged by others i trust, are not that great - merely institutions at this point.



for the ATL folks - go to Holeman & Finch - ask for the "best burger" (not on the menu) and hope you're one of the 24 lucky people that night. sources i trust say it's one of the best in America.

- chuck

Chuck did you ever do a write-up on your blog on Bacchanalia?
I'll be trying Holeman & Finch when I move down there next month.

no whitlock, never got around to it, and it's been about a year now... here are some brief notes i posted on a food board:

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i had a very good meal here last night. i ate with an old friend so i didn't go crazy and just stuck w/ their 4-course prix fixe for $75. it claims to be a farm to table restaurant. it's also considered ATL's fanciest restaurant but the strip mall design felt pretty cheap to me. needless to say, jeans were not an issue here (although everyone seemed to be dressed in a suit.) it was too dark to take pictures.

an amuse of sweet potato soup with various spices (nutmeg, others) was excellent. it was not as viscous as expected but its lightness allowed the flavors to just lightly dance on the tongue.

the crab fritter with citrus and thai pepper essence was the best i've had. the frying was delicate and the crab inside was a perfect creamy consistency while still maintaining the integrity of the crab. again, the flavors were deftly applied, very minimal and light enough to be suggestions.

the slightly cured duck breast with farro risotto and pickled sour cherries was slightly sweet but quite satisfying. i wouldn't call the risotto "risotto" but its flavor meshed well with the duck.

the cheese plate tasted fine to me but i'm admittedly no expert so your experience may or may not differ. if i had to do it over again, i'd ask for a second appetizer instead of cheese since i was still hungry at this point, and the appetizers were more satisfying.

the sticky sorghum pudding with buttermilk boiled custard and candied pecans sounded better than it was. the pudding was too mushy for me although the custard gave it a nice little tang.


overall, it was a strong meal and one i intend to repeat. it reminded me of the iconic Blue Hill (NYC), the grand-daddy of American farm to-table restaurants, although i found this meal better than all but one of my Blue Hill meals.

i'm convinced the south doesn't get its culinary due, and that there are quite a few more gems tucked down there.

- chuck