Recently I discovered two new great finds in my neighborhood of Vinings in Atlanta. There is a little history in this area. In July 1864 the Union Army marched from Chattanooga to Atlanta moving into “Vining’s Station” and commandeering Pace’s property and tavern. By the 1930’s Vinings developed into a cool summer retreat from the heat of Atlanta for its affluent citizens with the ambience of a small village. Now, boutiques and restaurants adorn this charming square which has a clock tower and brick buildings.
Nestled in the Vinings Jubilee is SOHO American Bistro, referred to by locals as the “Cheers of Vinings.” It has become a gathering spot for local residents where they sit outdoors, catch up, enjoy fine wines and a globally inspired seasonal American menu. While every day is special at SOHO, my favorite evening is the Wine and Tapas Wednesdays aka Flight Night. This is specially fun in the summer as you can explore fine wines from celebrated appellations and regions across the globe, paired with specifically matched small plate creations by Executive Chef Joe Ahn. Some of the delicacies I tried were the crispy fresh pecan rainbow trout, tender garlic sausage stuffed lamb served with creamy soft polenta, and delicate beef short rib dumpling with a drizzle of sesame jus and kimchee salad.
You must round out the meal with a scrumptious chocolate bread pudding, only the best in town! SOHO was kind enough to share their recipe with me.
Around the corner next to Cumberland Mall is Stoney River Legendary Steaks. Don’t let the name fool you though. Stoney River recently introduced a Fresh Fish Program which gives the seafood lovers wonderful options to create their own dinner combinations. Choose your fish -Salmon, Grouper, Trout, Red Snapper, Tuna, Swordfish, Halibut, Sea Bass, Mahi Mahi, pick your sauce – simple fresh herbbutter, sweet soy ginger, lemon caper butter, or spicy chimichurri, and select two sides. All seafood is flown in daily and cooked to perfection.
The bread basket with warm fresh beignet style rolls are my all time favorite at Stoney River. If you are a seafood lover, you will love the flash fried tempura lobster tail with mango salsa and jumbo lump crab cakes (made with 99% crab, no breading). And if you are adventurous enough, try the Triple-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake served with chilled shot glasses of milk. Well, it technically serves at least 6 people so bring your friends along!
