Georgia Archives

The 5 Best Meals of 2021

The best restaurants from around the U.S. you need to go to right now.

This year, I had the opportunity to travel all around the United States, and to Mexico and the Caribbean. As always, one of my main goals while traveling, is to sample the local food, and review the best places to eat. So, here I am sharing with you some of my best meals that I ate in 2021.

Now, there were a LOT of wonderful meals to choose from, so this was a tough pick. I want to recognize all the amazing chefs, restauranteurs and kitchen staff that are trying to make it in the business during this tough pandemic year. Across the country, I heard the same story again and again. Labor shortage, supply chain issues, low inventory, higher prices, and struggling establishments. Still, these five restaurants managed to create the most memorable dining experiences that I would cherish forever. And I hope you get to check them out for yourself too.

The Grey, Savannah

You may have seen it on Netflix (Chef’s Table), you may have read the new book (Black, White, and The Grey: The Story of an Unexpected Friendship and a Beloved Restaurant), but until you have dined at The Grey, you haven’t really experienced chef Mashama Bailey’s culinary passion. Located at what was once a segregated Greyhound bus terminal in historic downtown Savannah, this modern American restaurant is a testament of the new south. Of course, there is great upscale southern cuisine to go along.

Their winter village outdoor yurt made a nice alternate to indoor dining, allowing for safe distant dining (each yurt seated one party). These were decorated with colorful quotes by famous Black artists. The Sunday brunch included a high tea with tea sandwiches, fresh baked pastries (my favorite was the cardamom French cruller), champagne and tea, each served in beautiful floral ceramics. All that followed by 3-course lunch options. I had chilled shrimp cocktail and whole fried flounder with collard greens and southern grits. Menu changes daily.

Tip: Make sure to reserve your table at The Grey months in advance, as they tend to sell out.

New Experiences in Savannah, Georgia

Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, New Mexico

This may be one of the most unusual locations for a fine dining restaurant. Once I crossed over the border from El Paso, Texas into the sleepy small town of Sunland Park in New Mexico, there was Ardovino’s Desert Crossing. Overlooking the Mexico border, the historic estate has been in the same Italian family since 1949. It has been an inn, restaurant, gambling parlor, event venue, farm, and more. On Saturdays, there’s a Farmers Market selling organic and pesticide-free produce, beef, pork, lamb and goat, fresh-baked breads and salsas fair trade coffee, and fresh-squeezed juices. During the day, they have food literacy, cooking demos, kid’s activities and gardening tips. You can eat outside under the shade of pecan trees and feel the warm desert breeze.

And for dinner, there is made-from-scratch Italian meatballs, risotto, pizza, pasta, and juicy steaks, made with locally sourced and organically grown ingredients. The menu changes weekly, but every dish is delectable. The 40-day dry aged ribeye got applauds from even a non meat eater like me.

Insider Tip: Stay the night at a refurbished vintage trailer at Ardovino’s Roadside Inn’s 35-acre resort for the ultimate glamping experience.

Octagon, Bluffton

Located at the luxurious Montage Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina, Octagon is known for its contemporary Carolina cuisine. Chef de Cuisine Daniel Vesey created a 11-course “Taste of the South” menu, and director of beverage Robert L. Smith carefully paired wines and beers to match. Some highlights from the menu included: May River oysters with green apple sorbet, hot honey glazed quail pops, shrimp and grits, deconstructed Lowcountry boil, and melt-in-your mouth chicken and dumplings.

Black truffles in dessert changed my entire perspective!

The dessert was a white chocolate mousse covered with black truffle (and made to look like one), with layers of caramel and blackberry. Earthy, sweet and savory – it was like nothing I have ever tasted before. Live music by Alan Price in the background also made it a memorable evening.

Travel Tip: Book a weekend getaway at the vibrant 20,000-acre Montage Palmetto Bluff community.

Redfish Grill, New Orleans

I don’t typically consider Bourbon Street area of New Orleans to be the city’s epicurean center. Sure, its great for a daiquiri, a slice of pizza, and a bustling nightlife. But for a good meal, I would advise walking a few blocks away to a nice chef-driven restaurant. On Thanksgiving day, though, I had a feast at the Red Fish Grill in the French Quarter.

Serving Thanksgiving lunch buffet, the very casual and friendly restaurant offered one of the most delectable seafood spreads I have ever had – almost 35 dishes to choose from! There was a chill bar with fresh oysters on the half shell, peeled shrimp with housemate cocktail sauce, and tuna ceviche served in mini ice cream cones. For entrees, there were stations serving whole turkey, carved ham, redfish and grits, a variety of salads, and all the fixings. And the desserts were aptly placed in a separate room (they needed their own special display). New Orleans bread pudding, pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate cake, and lemon tarts, were all worth being thankful for!

Other notable mentions in New Orleans: Asian-fusion tapas at Mister Mao and Chef Nina Compton Compere Lapin.

Garden Room, Atlanta

II found this bar/ restaurant to be the most fun atmosphere to celebrate with friends or family. The Garden Room is located at the St. Regis Hotel in Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta. The ambiance is colorful and cherrie, with a greenhouse-like enclosure adorned with twinkling lights and floral-themed art. And the fun food and drink selections also go with the enchanted garden theme. My husband and I had a delectable spread of The Fruits of the Sea (chilled seafood tower), with New England oysters, king crab and Maine lobster, paired with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne. We also ordered sharable small plates, and went back at another time for their black truffle pillows with wild mushrooms.

For dessert, the forbidden green apple mousse is a must! There’s also has a great selection of caviar and cocktails, so its definitely worth visiting for a special occasion.

Tip: Reserve a table at The Garden Room at least 3 months in advance, but if you show up early, you can also get a seat at the bar.

New Experiences in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is a charming historic town on the coast of Georgia. Though it’s located only 4 hours drive from Atlanta, many big city dwellers have never been there. In the recent years, Savannah has attracted lots of students, retirees, investors and entrepreneurs. As a result, there are more restored buildings, trendy hotels, and chef driven restaurants popping up around the city. If you have not visited Savannah recently, here are a few noteworthy experiences that you don’t want to miss.

hotel experience — The J.W. Marriott Savannah stands in place of an old power plant by the Savannah river

Tour The J.W. Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District

Until a couple of years ago, the famous pedestrian River Street was also home to an ugly abandoned structure jutting out from its skyline. Once an iconic power plant in Georgia, the Plant Riverside District is now the hippest place to be. The J.W. Marriott hotel is not just a centrally located hotel overlooking the river, it is an architectural marvel, museum and art gallery – all rolled into one! The expansive lobby boasts a life-size, chrome-dipped dinosaur, original fossils, and a dizzying display of crystals. Colorful painted glass ceilings against exposed brick walls, local art and modern decor – all make the J.W. in Savannah one of the most unique hotels worth visiting.

Many tour guides will take you through the hotel lobby and explain the history of the restored building. You can also walk around on your own, or better, stay overnight and have a “night at the museum” type of experience!

shopping experience — Shop for unique art and gifts at The Paris Market

Shop on Boroughton Street

Savannah is a quintessential shopping town especially for those who like to find unique gifts, foods and household items. The bustling Boroughton Street is dotted with shops, cafes and restaurants, especially on the weekends. The Paris Market & Brocante is a beautiful European style market and cafe where you can purchase everything from French perfumes and delicate linens, to chic dining tables and sofa chairs. It is also a good place to grab a latte and experience a favorite European pastime – people watching. You will find out why Architectural Digest named The Paris Market “The Most Beautiful Coffee Shop in Georgia.”

To experience Georgia grown food and drinks, head to The Salt Table. This locally owned shop sources products from Georgia-based farmers and boutique producers, allowing them to reach consumers beyond farmers markets. Shop for flavored salts, sugars and seasonings, grits, pecans, blueberry syrup, peach preserves, Georgia olive oil and wine, and much more!

Savannah honey tasting experience — Taste different kinds of honeys at Capital Bee Co.

Savannah is also home to the award-winning Savannah Bee Company. There are few locations around the city where you can taste their honey, honey wine and other products. Another local husband-wife duo run an enterprising fun gift store called Capital Bee Co. The owner – Thomas, is passionate about his bee hives. He actually travels with them around the country! He will offer you samples of his newest honey infusions and fingerpicking sauces.

Take a Tasty Food Tour

Most visitors who come to Savannah already know they are going to experience great southern comfort food. Perhaps they have seen Paula Deen’s cooking show on The Food Network, or heard about Zuzi’s (voted the Best Sandwich Shop in Savannah by People’s Magazine), or the 100+ year old Leopold’s Ice Cream (named one of the best ice cream parlors in the world). Savannah is a great city food foodies, but unless you plan to spend a month here, you can’t possibly taste all the goodies around.

With a Savannah Taste Experience food tour, you can skip the lines and taste some of the must-try dishes in the historic downtown. The guided 3-hour long walking tour takes you to some of the most iconic eateries and tells you the stories behind them. You get to meet the owners, learn insider secrets and taste menu features.

architecture walking tour Savannah — Jonathan Stalcup orients guests to Savannah’s historic homes and buildings.

Learn About The Architecture

Sure you can walk around Historic Downtown Savannah and meander through its 22 squares and old homes. But knowing that you are looking at a building that predate The Unites States, or standing at a location where the movie Forest Gump was filmed, makes the walk a bit more interesting. Savannah College of Art and Design graduate in architecture and author of two books, Jonathan Stalcup offers 90-minute tours that take you on a walking journey through Georgian, Federal, Regency, Greek Revival, Italianate, Gothic and Art Deco periods through the city – yes you can see a little bit of everything in Savannah. It is a real treat to experience all kinds of architectures on this brief walking tour.

The Grey yurt Savannah — Reserve a private yurt for a different dining experience.

Eat At a Yurt Village

After walking and shopping through the city, grab a seat in a private yurt at one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the country – The Grey. This hip restaurant sits at what use to be a Greyhound Bus Terminal. Food is upscale southern using only the finest local ingredients.

Sucheta at The Grey — Perfect way to end the week is by having Sunday lunch at The Grey.

To ensure the health and safety of their guests, The Grey partnered with American Express to create a Mongolian style yurt village. Each yurt has a backdrop of a colorful quote (mine was from Prince) and spacious seating for four guests. Reservations are available all-day, though menu changes daily. Lunch is decadent, as they bring out an assortment of tea sandwiches, fresh baked pastries (my favorite was the cardamom French cruller), and your choice of tea. My lunch was chilled shrimp cocktail, and a whole fried flounder with collard greens and southern grits. This may be your first time experiencing high tea in a yurt and its definitely worth it!

B&B Getaway in Blue Ridge Mountains

Are you dreaming of a quick escape to a place within driving distance where you can have a change of scenery and still keep social distance? Do you want to breathe cool fresh air, stare at rolling hills from your balcony, or cool down in a waterfall?

Located only 1.5 hours from the city of Atlanta, are the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the 550 miles long Appalachian Mountain range. There are lots of hiking areas, waterfalls, wineries, and produce farms in the area, which has also recently been nicknamed as the “New Napa Valley.” There are over 40 boutique wineries in the area, and a charming downtown Blue Ridge, with restaurants, shops, art galleries, and even a scenic train. To take advantage of all that North Georgia has to offer, plan to stay a couple of nights in the area.

Where to Stay

blue ridge b&b — Blue Ridge Scenic Railway takes people to Toccoa River and into the Chattahoochee National Forest

There are many chain motels in the countryside, but if you want to have a memorable weekend getaway, stay at family-run Overlook Inn at Chatsworth.

Unlike most inns around, The Overlook Inn is an actual home that is built with 6 independent suites, each equipped with a fireplace, as well as a hot tub or jacuzzi. Every suite is named after a hiking trail in the area, and has a distinct character. There is a Council Room (great room) that serves as a family/ dining room where you can chat with the innkeepers, meet other guests, or simply cozy up in a corner with a good book. The log cabin style decor is accented by modern touches, an upright piano, and a collection of books from around the world.

Feel at Home

Innkeepers Bill & Nicole call themselves the “yin and yang” team

Innkeepers – Nicole and Bill purchased the property in January 2020. The couple took a break from their corporate work to start something of their own. Bill had lived in the UK and had fond memories of English style B&B’s, while Nicole enjoyed gardening, decorating, and meeting people. She had always dreamt of owning a B&B someday. Since they started their new lives, the pandemic hit the travel industry, but they saw this as an opportunity to ease into the business. Now, they feel they work harder than ever, but it doesn’t feel like it as they are doing something they are passionate about.

Nicole and Bill have added their own touches to the guest experience at The Overlook Inn. Rooms are deeply cleaned and an amenity basket with bathrobes, soaps and fresh baked cookies make for an inviting welcome. Bill, who doubles as a handyman, chef and receptionist, presents a personalized breakfast menu to accommodate special diets and prepare fresh meals with a lot of love. Three-course breakfast options may include Bill’s decadent french toast with local berries and whipped cream, Nicole’s famous spinach quiche, or new menu items that change every week.

Food to Enjoy

There’s also a daily wine and cheese happy hour from 5-6pm, where guests can enjoy a glass of wine and locally sourced cheeses, while lounging in the Council Room. This is a wonderful opportunity to just chill and enjoy the mountain views from the large windows, and you may even spot some bears or a wild turkey! Walk over across the street to The Overlook point, a popular spot to watch the sunset.

Once the sun is down, you can continue to stay in and have an intimate dinner at the Inn. The Fireside for Two 3-course dinner accompanied by a bottle of wine is only $79 and well worth the ambiance, service and food! Start off with toasted rosemary bread and North Georgia Mountain caviar (vegetarian). Then have grilled chicken, BBQ burger, or a pecan wood smoked trout for entree, with a few homemade sides. Dessert changes daily, but if you’re lucky, you may get to try the decadent deep dish chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream!

Other Activities to Do

Lookout deck at Fort Mountain State Park

The Overlook Inn is located halfway between Ellijay and Chatsworth, 2 miles from Fort Mountain State Park, a historic area that was once home to Cherokee Indians, with a manmade beach, lake, campground, and walking trails. Make sure to hike up to see the stone tower and lookout deck. Situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Fort Mountain State Park offers many outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Row after row of endless greenery at Chateau Meichtry

On your way back, hike up the Amicalola Falls, stop by for a glass of wine and live music at Chateau Meichtry, and stock up on farm fresh fruits and vegetables from Nature’s Creek Farm. Depending on the season, you can also find apple orchards, sunflower farms or blueberry farms that are open.

To keep guests safe, Bill and Nicole wear masks when cooking and serving food, have tables spaced out and take reservations for breakfast and dinner, to allow for social distancing. A trip to The Overlook Inn is a quiet escape to a slower pace, far removed from the bustle of city life, but convenient for weekend getaways from Atlanta or Chattanooga. With the breath-taking views of the Blue Ridge, you will come as guests and leave as friends!

Varuni Napoli: Take A Slice of Pizza Pie History

Head chef and owner of Varuni Napoli, Luca Varuni

Luca Varuni is a master at his craft. As head chef and owner of Varuni Napoli he swears by the freshest ingredients and uses traditional Italian techniques to create the best Neapolitan pies. Growing up in Naples, Italy, he studied under renowned chef Enzo Coccia, head chef of the only Michelin rated pizzeria in the world. After years of experience, he settled in Atlanta with the goal of showing everyone what real Italian food should taste like.

New Updates

As of June 5, 2020, Varuni Napoli has reopened its Midtown and Krog Street location in Atlanta. While guests can still order through curbside pickup and delivery, limited dine-in seating alongside touchless menus will also be offered. With new spaced seating, plexiglass installations, and sanitizing stations, guests and employees can easily maintain social distancing guidelines while enjoying their Neapolitan pies. To further ensure the health and safety of their customers, Varuni Napoli will also be doing temperature checks and wearing proper protective equipment.

Alongside the new updates, the Midtown location still offers pizza and cannoli kits for the family to appreciate the fresh ingredients and authentic Italian techniques at home. For more information regarding new policies and store hours, check out their Instagram at @varuninapoliatl or their website.

Who should come?

Inside Varuni Napoli you will notice large family-style tables as well as conventional seating for smaller parties with the aim of creating an atmosphere best fit for your desired experience. Don’t be afraid to go alone, sitting at the bar gives you a firsthand experience and a direct view of the chefs at work. Since Varuni Napoli is based on the idea of tradition, we must travel back in time to see where these traditions originated to appreciate how pizza has ended up on our dining table.

Why Pizza?

Pizza has a complex history. Some suggest this dish started in Greece, others say Egypt, but the pizza we are familiar with today, got its start between the late 1700s and early 1800s in Naples, a city filled with the poor and working class.

The majority of the population required a quick and inexpensive meal during the day, before returning to work. Street vendors sold these flatbreads made with different toppings to satisfy the needs of workers. They were not looking for a rich or high quality meal, just a little something to tide them over during the long work hours.

The History

Raffaele Esposito, the father of modern pizza, serves the most delicious pizzas all across Naples. After Italy was unified, King Umberto and Queen Margherita requested Esposito to make pizzas for them. During the meal, Queen Margherita expressed her delight with the flatbread covered with mozzarella, basil and tomatoes (to represent the three colors of the Italian flag) so much that they named the pizza after Queen Margherita. After approval from the queen, the popularity of pizza grew and expanded beyond the borders of Italy.

Similar to Queen Margherita, Luca Varuni is also passionate about margherita pizza. He says here in this interview, “You can tell the quality and authenticity of a pizza place by the quality and authenticity of the margherita.” He proudly explains that the cheese, sauce and olive oil for his pizzas are all from the region of Naples.

During the late 19^th century, many Europeans moved to the United States of America searching for factory jobs where the Neapolitans started family-run pizzerias. Americans couldn’t get enough of this Italian novelty as it spread quickly all over the country. Once pizza made it’s way to the U.S., Gennaro Lombardi opened the first documented pizzeria in New York City in 1905, which still operates today. Though pizza was a simple dish that started as a snack for peasants, it is now devoured by young and old people all over the world. There are hundreds of pizzerias all over the United States, but the Gayot Guide recently named Varuni Napoli as one of the top pizzerias in Atlanta for 2015.

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How To Do a Cheese-Themed Dinner Party

Themes are a fun way to add a creative flair to any party or gathering that you are planning. I personally love themes and have hosted everything from a Hawaiian Dinner Party to Cuisine themed parties!

Speaking of themed parties, have you ever hosted a cheese-themed Party?

I have! When preparing for this cheese and wine-themed dinner party, I honestly had to utilize my imagination to come up with so many cheese-themed things to prepare. In the end, I made lobster mac n’ cheese with cheddar, Gougeres (cheese puffs) with gruyere, baked brie en croute, arancini with parmesan, and much more. At the end of it, I couldn’t eat cheese for a while!

An Invitation for a Night of Cheese

When I got an invitation for a cheese-themed dinner from Tillamook Creamery, I had to check it out.

Tillamook is a farmer-owned cooperative dairy brand from Oregon and #1 natural cheese brand in the west. About 100 families are part of the Tillamook County Creamery Association, that have lived and worked on the farm for generations. They have been making award-winning cheddars since 1909 and their products are now available in grocery stores in Atlanta.

The 5-course Pacific Northwest Meets Southern Flavors themed dinner was created by Chef Doug Adams (Executive Chef/Owner of Portland-based Bullard, Finalist on season 12 of Bravo’s Top Chef), and Zachary Meloy (owner/ chef of Atlanta based Better Half).

The Night Begins, Cheesy Appetizers

Cheese Menu at Tillamook Restaurant — Cheese Menu at Tillamook

To start this cheese-themed dinner, we began with a housemaid rum punch and tasting of Tillamook Cheese – 9 months aged sharp white cheddar, mild and creamy pepper jack, complex special reserve extra sharp cheddar, robust vintage extra sharp white cheddar, and slightly sweet cape meares cheddar.

Passed appetizers included crisp hush puppies and cheese-filled taquitos. The first course was a tomato salad with colorful and sweet Georgia tomatoes served on a bed of dill buttermilk and vintage white cheddar. Paired with 2017 Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Rose, the dish was refreshing and light.

Innovative Pairings

Cheese Raviolis — Innovative Cheese Ravioli

Second was an innovative version of ravioli. A thin sheet filled will pepper jack, set on eggplant puree, and topped with shaved pickled fennel and tomato caramel, it was a great blend of sweet, salt and crunch in every bite. We enjoyed 2015 Poggiobello from Italy with this.

Grilled Eggplant, topped with Cheddar — Grilled Eggplant, topped with Extra Sharp Cheddar

For the meat course, there was slow smoked beef rib melt (which Chef Adams flew with him from Portland), as an open face sandwich on toasted homemade bread with jalapeños and sweet onion jam, and of course extra sharp cheddar. Some of us opted for a vegetarian version, where grilled eggplant was replaced by the beef. With a full bodied Chilean 2015 Lapostolle, it was simply delicious.

A Playful Twist for Dessert

Fresh Fig and Cheddar Tart as dessert at the Cheese-Themed Dinner Party — Fresh Fig and Cheddar Tart

Have you tried melted cheddar on apple pie? Playing a twist on this southern tradition, the chefs created a fresh fig and honey tart, and topped it with crumbled medium cheddar and pink pepper ice cream. The cheese and pepper were a bit too savory for me, but the tart was incredible. 2016 Boundary Breaks Riesling was a great alternative to sweeter ports often served with dessert.

Of course we couldn’t leave without Better Half’s signature truffles – coconut and condense milk balls; along with a spiced moonshine made with fresh young coconut. Tillamook generously gave us some coupons to get their cheese from a neighborhood grocery store so I can reinvent my own cheese-themed dinner party.

Visit Tillamook Creamery

If you are visiting Oregon, head over to Tillamook Creamery, a 2-hour drive from Portland to see how Tillamook Cheese is made. There’s also a Food Hall serving tempura battered cheese curds, fried chicken and cheddar biscuits, and pimento cheeseburgers. The ice-cream menu offers tasty flavors like caramel toffee crunch, Oregon dark cherry, Udderly chocolate, and malted moo shakes.

You may find a deeper appreciation for life on the farm and thank the many farmers that labored to create the delicious cheese sitting in your refrigerator. There are more cattle than humans in Tillamook and a great place to explore the Oregon Coast.

Want Fresh, Fast, and Healthy? Purely is the Place to Be

Being Italian, I had high expectations for the gelato at Purely. Non-traditional soft serve gelato sounded iffy at first. But no lie the gelato was so good I shed a tear. Italy will just have to wait for now.

Dominic Leong, owner of Purely, informed me that he studied the art of making gelato n Rimini, Italy, help start and ran the restaurant chain Pino Gelato (one of their locations is at Hartsfield Jackson Airport) for 12 years, and even modified the soft serve gelato machine himself.

Leong is the ultimate renaissance man. He consults and designs restaurants, as he did with Purely (his baby), creates the innovative menu, cooks all the food, and engages customers with his bubbly personality.

The Midtown Atlanta space has tall glass windows looking out to busy Peachtree Street, bright lime green painted walls with eye catching photos of the food, and exquisite glass chandeliers.

The concept of Purely is like other ‘make-your-own restaurants’ where customers design their own meal in an assembly line style. All the meat and vegetables are prepared fresh daily, and customers have the option whether to create their own concoction or choose from already created specialties. Purely’s food is fast, fresh and healthy, which makes it a perfect lunch spot for business people and college students. What’s more, most meals are under $10.

Even the presentation of the food is stunning. Organic vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, kale and mixed greens are showcased in a glass container so customers are more attracted to eating fresh food.

Diners start by choosing their base in a bowl. They have options of white or brown rice, mixed greens and even gluten free pasta. For tacos and salads, customers choose their protein with options such as slow cooked Mexican style pork carnitas and or all natural Caribbean beef barbacoa. After, adding fresh veggies of your choice, top it off with sauces such as creamy chipotle and sweet chili.

Tacos are served in cooked to order warm Chinese steamed buns, but customers also have the option of a traditional corn tortilla. I tried the braised jerk chicken taco served with kale, and a customer favorite – Asian sesame sauce, topped with grape tomatoes and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. The taco was sweet considering the sauce, but I was expecting more of a kick since it was jerk chicken. I also felt the kale and the lack of sauce made the taco a little dry.

The spicy chicken teriyaki taco with Purely’s signature sauce (like spicy mayo), fresh red cabbage, well-seasoned chicken, the dish was very different though, hitting all the right notes of spice and texture.

Fun fact, Purely’s bowls are 70% decomposable.

Food bowls have become the new hipster food trend of 2018. Specifically, poke bowls, which are often served with raw fish, salad topping and Asian sauces. I created my own poke bowl and added tuna and salmon with spicy mayo, poke sauce, lime juice, mixed greens, cabbage and edamame. With several competitors out there trying to master the poke bowl trend, Purely’s bowl deserves a spot at the top. The bowl made for a light flavor packed lunch.

Bubble tea has never tickled my fancy, but I decided to give it another try by adding strawberry popping pearls (like tapioca but made of real fruit) to my matcha tea. With one sip, I was in heaven! Purely uses oolong tea as the base instead of water which gives it a more robust flavor. And did I mention the matcha powder is imported straight from Japan?

Purely’s biggest hit are the bubble waffles. Bubble waffles became popular in Hong Kong and are a fancier version of the traditional American ice cream waffle only with batter filled spheres, making it look more attractive. I filled mine with matcha gelato and triple berry sorbet, topped with mango and strawberry flavored popping pearls and fresh peaches.

Sorbet isn’t typically my first choice, but the soft serve gelato version of it made the consistency creamy rather than icy. Although bubble waffle tasted like a regular waffle, it was rather soft than crispy, which can be messy to eat.

What Purely is offering is not totally unique, but having the best gelato, teas, buddle waffles and poke bowls – all in a vibrant atmosphere at affordable prices – is notable. I would return to create new combinations using the fresh, healthy and organic ingredients Purely offers.

~ By Daniella Boik, Go Eat Give summer 2018 intern. Daniella is a journalism student at Georgia State University and has a passion for food, books and skateboards. When she’s not writing, she is drafting her ideas while running long distance. Follow her on Facebook

A Luxurious Treehouse To Stay At This Summer

Looking for a fun way to spend a weekend or special holidays? Check out the newest trend in glamping – modern, high tech and sustainable treehouses. The Dove Men+Care Elements 360-square-foot treehouse includes a private bath, climate control, high-speed Wi-Fi and a stocked refrigerator. It truly is a “spa in the sky.”

What’s The Inspiration?

The Elements Treehouse is located at the base of Lookout Mountain near downtown Chattanooga, TN. With its inspiration by Dove’s Elements product range, it stands out for its state-of-the-art bathroom constructed of natural elements and sweeping forest views.

The treehouse is the second house for rent at a treehouse resort – Treetop Hideaways in Flintstone, GA, which local entrepreneurs Andrew Alms and Enoch Elwell founded. Treetop Hideaways was an idea to allow childhood memories to flourish. Moreover, families can experience sustainable living close to the city.

What To Expect?

Pete Nelson, a world-renowned treehouse architect, host of Treehouse Masters and owner of Nelson Treehouse and Supply, designed the Dove Men+Care Elements Treehouse. In addition, it features modern architectural designs surrounded by nature and utilizes the most efficient and sustainable systems.

In the treehouse, a wooden staircase leads you to the living sage wall entryway and Japanese Shou Sugi Ban-style charcoal wood. Will Taylor, founder of Bright Bazaar, interior designed the treehouse. It is done in a nature-inspired style, with sage bedding, charcoal-etched wall art, and sandalwood accents. Also, green, white and grey Earth tones create a rustic yet contemporary ambiance for the treehouse. This is matched with some great wall lights that give the treehouse the light it needs without having too much shining down on you. It allows you to feel calm without giving the room a dim feel. In fact, if you’re coming to stay here and you fall in love with the ambience, how about wall lights from Pagazzi? This website, alongside many others, shows a selection of wall lights similar to those in the treehouse.

What To Do

First, sip on local MayFly coffee while lounging on the private deck. To relax, feel the cool morning mist, listen to the sounds of birds chirping and the flowing stream on property.

Treehouse View — Enjoy the canopy views from your private deck.

Then, connect to Alexa to play your favorite music as you nap in the Tuft and Needle queen mattress. If you want to sightsee while lounging, climb to the two-bed loft to see the tree canopy through the skylights. There is something romantic about staring at the scenery through a skylight that makes you feel so relaxed and at home. If you’re inspired by the sights and want to take a piece of the treehouse with you, make sure to look for a skylights dealer near you, so you can always have that vacation feeling – but in your own home! It really does make the treehouse something special, along with the other features within the vacation spot. In addition to the aroma of sage, enter a cozy sitting area with furniture made of reclaimed wood. If you want to know more about how reclaimed wood gives a rustic look and the whole process behind it, go through blog pages of firms like Manomin Resawn Timbers.

Treehouse Room — Comfortable bedding, AC and modern comforts in your treehouse.

To further relax, freshen up in the spa-inspired Elements bathroom, which is the focal point of the treehouse. Features include charcoal wood paneling, clay sink, heated floors, temperature-controlled 5-head shower, linen robes, Dove Men+Care Elements toiletries, and a glass-enclosed tree in the bathroom with skylight and see-through flooring. Here you can feel like you are showering in the forest, yet have your preferred water heat set on the digital keypad.

This treehouse has every luxurious amenity you can think of.

If you want to soak in the great outdoors, grab a cold beer from the refrigerator and get some steaks or hot dogs started on the outdoor grill. The fireplace is perfect for roasting marshmallows under the stars, enjoying nature and reminiscing about good old campfires.

Warm up by a cozy fireplace in the middle of the forest.

What To Know

Voted ‘Best Town in America’ by the readers of Outside magazine, Chattanooga is quickly becoming a top travel destination in the USA. With surrounding forests, Treetop Hideways is located within minutes of world-class climbing, mountain biking, trail running, caving, and more. Nearby attractions include Ruby Falls, Rock City Gardens, Tennessee Aquarium, Cloudland Canyon State Park and North Chickamauga Gorge.

If you’re looking for a getaway, the Dove Men+Care Elements Treehouse is the perfect family friendly retreat to spend summer holidays in nature and comfort.

Dining at The W

Hotel restaurants typically don’t have a good perception when it comes to offering superior quality food or unique cuisines. But the W Atlanta – Midtown is an exception.

Inspired by its Georgia location, TRACE restaurant incorporates southern cuisine in the menu, using seasonal locally sourced ingredients.

The Midtown Atlanta hotel can be described as urban chic at best. Glamorously dressed people can be found getting out of their uber expensive cars into the illuminated car port. The lobby feels like a trendy lounge with live DJ, as patrons cheer their martini glasses.

TRACE is located up a flight of stairs, on the second floor of the hotel. Walking past the bar feels like you have entered a massive den/ library/ man cave. The bar is beautiful, but the stack of cookbooks by local authors displayed on the shelves catches my attention. Krista Reese, Kevin Gillespie, to name a few…

The interior of TRACE is contemporary, yet comfy. Tall glass windows line one of the walls of the room, while the exposed ceiling creates a feeling of a warehouse. Then there are colored pots and pans covering an entire wall, dark wood floors, and giant blue gray screens hanging from the ceiling. I feel like I’m in a 21st century barn!

Cocktails are the main attraction at TRACE. In addition to regional brews and global wines, hand crafts cocktails with unique names are rotated off the menu often. My favorite was Anger Management (perfect after a tough week right?) with mango vodka, agave, pineapple and orange juice. The powdered habanero around the rim of the glass is sure to give you a burn with each sip. Gotta Wear Shades (I told you the names are creative) was also quite refreshing for a bourbon drink. It had fresh blackberry/ blueberry juice, peach bitters and Ridgemont Reserve 1792.

The menu is sectioned into shared plates, salads, entrees and sides. Southern favorites such as fried gulf oysters, deviled eggs, and thrice cooked wings are nostalgic starters. The oysters are fresh are corn flour battered, served with spicy rep pepper jelly aioli. The mushroom and goat cheese toast is hearty and delicious. Grilled salmon is seared crisp on the outside and tender in the center. It feels more of a personal entree than an app plate though. Everything comes with generous portions of healthy greens sourced from GA farms.

The crab and avocado salad was my favorite. Again, a good portion of greens is topped with fresh steamed jumbo lump crab meat is perfect for seafood lovers, and the grilled avocado adds a surprise element to each bite. Gulf catch of the day, grouper in this case, was chewy, though well seasoned with with black pepper, and sat on some very spicy cooked kale. Another twist I enjoyed was the pimiento mac and cheese. Though the pimento made the dish a bit runny, the toasted bread crumbs added a crisp nice texture.

For dessert, I tried the chocolate mousse cake, a rather rich flourless version with dark creamy mousse. The raspberry and chocolate sauces were a bit runny for my taste, but good enough to lick the plate clean!

We’re Bringing the Puerto Rican Food Party to Atlanta

The coast, the mountains, and the home: that is the landscape of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine painted by Atlanta-based renowned Chef, Hector Santiago. Known for his stint on Top Chef, Santiago has made a name for himself through his restaurants Pura Vida, and his most recent foray in the Atlanta food scene, El Super Pan.

INSPIRED BY THE WORLD – El Super Pan boasts traditional dishes from all around the Spanish Caribbean (Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic), some of which have very non-traditional fusion elements from other international cuisines, particularly flavors from East Asia. One would never see pork belly buns, fish sauce, or anchovies in Puerto Rican cuisine, but Santiago is a firm believer in the expansion of what we know about food. He is inspired to create by the fresh ingredients grown in whatever environment he happens to be cooking in.

El Super Pan's pork belly bun, a fusion of Spanish-Caribbean and Korean cuisine — El Super Pan’s pork belly bun, a fusion of Spanish-Caribbean and Korean cuisine

Santiago, along with other Atlanta-based Puerto Rican Chefs, Julio Delgado and Andre Gomez, will be planning a menu for Go Eat Give Destination Puerto Rico that provides a true glimpse into the everyday food in Puerto Rico; a real slice of life. But don’t get me wrong, there is nothing “run-of-the-mill” about everyday Puerto Rican food. It is full of layers of spices, textures, and strong flavors, because food and eating is such a big part of Puerto Rican culture. Santiago said that when he was a kid in Puerto Rico, cooking at a young age was extremely common, and all of his friends used to come to his house to cook together, laugh, play, and eat.

Two staples of Puerto Rican cuisine that you will see as a base for just about every Puerto Rican dish are Sofrito and Adobo. Sofrito is a rich mixture of peppers, onions, tomatoes, salt and pepper that serves as a starting out place for much of Puerto Rican cuisine. Adobo is a complementary mixture of spices that one would be extremely remiss to leave out of their Puerto Rican dish: cumin, corriander, oregano, black pepper, garlic, etc. These spices and vegetable bases make cuisine so flavorful and bold, it’s easy to take for granted. Santiago recalled the first time that he tried oatmeal in the mainland United States, and he thought, “what is this?” “Puerto Ricans hate bland food,” he laughed “at home oatmeal has vanilla, orange zest, cinnamon, sugar, a little salt. It’s one of those big differences.”

YEAR-ROUND FOOD FESTIVALS – Santiago explained that there is an immense festival culture in Puerto Rico. There is always something going on and with that, comes the food. He joked, “If you’re not drinking Cerveza in Puerto Rico, you’re probably eating!” There is truly a festival for every occasion on Puerto Rico and for the harvest of every possible staple food you could think of. There are coffee festivals, banana festivals, taro festivals, corn festivals, tomato festivals, orange festivals and more than five different festivals dedicated to crab. Puerto Rico is also a growing home to very large, internationally recognized culinary festivals, like Saborea (savor) where over 70 chefs, brewers, mixologists, and baristas come together to celebrate the best the country has to offer. I’m not sure there are many other places in the world where food is SO central and so celebrated–that’s how you know it’s going to be good.

Bacalaitos--fritters of salted cod, a common beach snack — Bacalaitos–fritters of salted cod, a common beach snack

THE COAST – To start, the chefs will present a taste of the coast. Attendees will taste bacalitos, which are fritters of salted cod. Santiago says bacalaitos are a very traditional Puerto Rican dish, despite the fishes’ natural cold water habitat. They are a food tradition left over from Spanish influence, so they import the cod to keep the tradition alive. There will be a variety of empanadas and alcapurrias. Alcapurrias, unlike empanadas, are made with a batter of mashed root vegetables like plantains and taro, and are often stuffed with fish or crab. This is the food people think of and crave in the coastal regions of Puerto Rico: little, deliciously crunchy, fried seafood snacks that are easy to grab and go.

An example of mofongo, a staple of Puerto Rican cuisine

THE MOUNTAINS – For the main courses, Santiago, Gomez, and Delgado will prepare a taste of the mountains, a frequent weekend escape destination for many Puerto Rican families. One of the dishes include Mofongo. Although you will find similar cuisine throughout the Spanish Caribbean, mofongo is thought of as originally Puerto Rican. It features green plantains mashed, fried, and served with crispy pork chops spiced with, of course, adobo and garlic. Pork is a common and celebrated form of protein in Puerto Rico. So, we will also get to taste Lechon Asao, pork slow roasted until the skin is thin and crispy, which will be served with arroz con gandules (pigeon peas).

Arroz con leche, a puerto rican rice pudding

THE CASA – For the final course, we’ll get to taste Puerto Rican desserts commonly served at home such as flan, arroz con dulce, rice pudding with cinnamon, coconut and raisins, and a Puerto Rican favorite: papaya con queso. As I was speaking with him, I could tell Santiago clearly favored the latter as he nodded and said, “It’s amazing.”

All of these thoughtfully planned out and expertly prepared dishes, combined with the live music and dancing always present at Puerto Rican food festivals, we are all going to feel as if we are actually there. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate this amazingly rich culture than through a fiesta of food, one of the things it holds most dear. So let’s eat!

GET YOUR TICKETS TO DESTINATION PUERTO RICO TODAY!

The Second Shelf, Changing the Face of Craft Beer

A Unique New Title

Jason Santamaria is a Beer Architect, a somewhat unusual title. He is the president and one of the co-founders of one of Atlanta’s newest players in the Craft Beer scene, Second Self Beer Company. I recently had the pleasure of visiting the brewery at their location on the West Side of Atlanta and got to know exactly what he and Chris Doyle, “The Alchemist”, were building.

Jason and Chris at the opening of their Tasting Room for Craft Beer — Jason (left) and Chris (right) at the opening of their Tasting Room.

A Partnership a Longtime in the Making

Chris and Jason have been brewing together since 2005. Jason comes from a culinary family and he claims that this background is part of the reason he felt a connection to brewing craft beer. But for him, it wasn’t just about making the best version of a beer that many others were already producing, it was about making something entirely different.

The first beer that Jason and Chris produced and took to brewing competitions, was a Red Hop Rye. The problem was, it didn’t exactly fit into any particular beer category. Essentially, they combined elements from three different beer categories: Red Ale, IPA, and Rye Wheat beer, and came up with a new style of beer.

For Jason, “it’s a perfect example of American ingenuity in beer.” This is Second Self’s beer philosophy. They are constantly working to create craft beers that have never been thought of or heard of; sophisticated not just in structure or flavor, but in concept as well.

Jason has even introduced international cuisines to American craft beer. Second Self’s “Thai Wheat” was inspired by Jason’s travels to Thailand in 2010. He took cooking classes while there and learned about a traditional spice blend, “well, technically a tea,” he said, that is now the base of the beer. They use fresh lemongrass and ginger, which is something you would never find in a traditional wheat beer. He mentioned that it took about 100 iterations to perfect this drink.

Craft Beers on tap at Second Self Beer Company — Craft Beers on Tap at Second Self Beer Company

It’s All In The Details

This kind of detail-oriented production is what is needed to make the type of beers that Jason envisions: Beers that are able to pair with a multitude of cuisines and flavors. Beers that are not too overbearing, but that still maintain a complexity of flavor that make them a delight to drink on their own. Jason talks about beer as a sophisticated sommelier would talk about wine, and there’s a reason for that. “Wine’s been at the dinner table too long and beer needs to have its place too,” he says.

I believe Second Self is creating a new space within American Craft Beer that is doing just that; it asks for a spot at the dinner table based on its merit and thoughtfulness, and I believe the beer’s Second Self is producing deserves that spot. So does renowned Atlanta-based Puerto Rican Chef, Hector Santiago, which is why you will see Second Self beers alongside our amazing menu of expertly prepared Puerto Rican dishes at Destination Puerto Rico (by the way, I am partial to the Mole Porter). Any beer with as much insight, enterprise, and creativity behind it as the ones Jason and Chris painstakingly draw the blueprints for, build and perfect, is sure to bring not just beer, but any dining experience, up to a whole new level.

~ By Virginia Spinks, an intern at Go Eat Give. Virginia is a senior at Emory University majoring in religion and anthropology. As an Atlanta native, she has grown up around many different cultures and cuisines and has always had a passion for food. She views food as an experience: a point of connection to bring people together and create lasting memories.