ATL, Baby...the sequel

I have a few more things I would like to share about said Atlanta trip. I mentioned that I had the Cuban Burger at Flip Burger Boutique; I also wanted to tell y’all about the rest of the menu.

Firstly, I was especially delighted to find that most of their side choices are battered in Tempura. I am an easy sell when it comes to asparagus; slap some tempura batter on it, and you’ve got a deal! I also ordered a side of the fried okra…they come whole and super crispy. I looked over at my friend and saw that she had peeled the breading off of hers…CRIMINAL! I think she isn’t as gastronomically gifted as me.

The last thing I will mention is dessert. Nutella and Burned Marshmallow milkshake! Need I say more?! Whenever I think about the goodness of Nutella, I get all crazed and fanatical. I keep a jar in my cupboard…for little moments of indulgence. Oh, so back to the milkshake. It is very thick, like a malt, and dressed with toasted/burned marshmallows. We got through it, every last drop. I highly recommend the Nutella milkshake! There is also a Krispy Kreme milkshake that sounds deadly.

The bar is killer, and the bartenders are very efficient. There is a small selection of beers on tap, and they are pretty well stocked on liquor. My only advice is to steer clear of the Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka. I don’t mean to warn you in a bad way; the stuff is dangerously good!

ATL, Baby!

I spent this passed weekend in Atlanta, for the "Running of the Brides". The trip was a success in more ways than one. I found THE dress, and totally skanked out on some awesome food.

The highlight of my visit was Richard Blais's Flip Burger Boutique. It is nestled on the west end of Midtown Atlanta. The menu features several versions and interpretations of the good ole burger, as well as salads, sides and milkshakes!

I started with the Smoked Caesar Salad. Not much to write about other than the cripsy tempura fried anchovies. Now, I don't normally dig on anchovies; but anchovies battered in tempura are more than worth a try. I am so hooked! I also enjoyed Blais's interpretation of a crouton...a tiny tendril of carb! It looked like a pine needle, and offered a nice crunch. Pictured below is my friend's salad...she added beets!

For my entree, I had the special, which was a burger called the Cuban. They had me at pork belly. That's right, my patty was topped with shaved ham, pickles, cheese and sliced porkbelly. I believe there was a mojo type sauce on the bottom bun. Yum!

Birthday Weekend!

Friday March 6th, was my dear friend Lauren's birthday. We decided to kick things off at the Epicenter complex, in uptown Charlotte. A quick cab ride from NoDa dumped us conveniently in front. I couldn't help but to notice that this Epicenter complex reminded me of the Promenade in Santa Monica, CA.

We decided to go a couple of rounds at Strike City. The place was jumping! The wait for a lane was about 45 minutes; which wasn't too obnoxious, once we found our way to the bar. One can't help but to notice the numerous televisions of varying sizes! I mean, they were everywhere! The service in the bar/dining area was a little lukewarm; the cocktail waitrees on the lanes was awesome. Not one person from our party was left waiting on the next drink!

It's $40 an hour per lane. Sounds a little steep; but I promise it was worth it. We bought 2 hours and that allowed for 2 rounds of 6 players, and 15 minutes to spare. I did find it weird that you are asked to leave one shoe with the rental desk...I mean, do you really want to steal a bowling shoe?! One other thing, the bowling balls are already cued up, so there is no picking and choosing, you get what you get. Also, the player board was a cinch to set up. Not exactly a bargain; but a great time was had by all. The drinks were also reasonably priced.

Beer Goggles!

Back in the day, when I lived in Atlanta, I was introduced to a locally brewed pale ale. Sweetwater 420 is my interpretation of heaven in a glass! The love affair lasted quite some time; then came the abrupt ending with my relocation to North Carolina. I longed for the sublimely, hop-laden concoction...something about spring time, it conjures the craving. I often reminisced upon the many balmy Monday and Thursday afternoon brew tours that begin at 4:20. Pint glass and drink tickets in hand, myself and many others would stand patiently in line at the kegerator disguised as a psychedelic van. Ahhh...good times.

I was pleasantly surprised recently, when I bellied up to a neighborhood bar. To my great pleasure, I spotted the all too familiar fish tap head...Sweetwater 420!!! I couldn't believe it! The gods were definitely smiling in my favor! Although we in Charlotte were enduring winter's last stand, I saw a ray of sunlight shining brightly on the tap line. I did not hesitate for a single second..."yes, please, Sweetwater 420!" My friends think I'm insane. As an added bonus, my grocery store also had Sweetwater Blue in bottles!

Yeah, life is good.