Sunday, March 7, 2010

Flip Burger Boutique - 1587 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta GA 30318

Yesterday, my kids and I ventured out to Interstate 75 for lunch at Flip Burger Boutique.  I had heard great things about this restaurant, so I was anxious to say the least.  I chose lunch because I had heard from many that it's a very popular spot and gets crowded quickly.  We arrived around 3pm on a beautiful, sunny afternoon.  Too my surprise, the place was packed!  Panic began to set in...Hell, I had my mind made up and with the place at full capacity; I was terrified we would have a ridiculous wait.  We make our way to the podium...the hostess is so bubbly and cute.  I tell her table for 3 and my name..."15-20 minutes wait" she says...YES!!!  As we wait to be seated, we all observe the restaurant...really cool...framed flat screens, cool booths, pretty drinks, plenty of bar seating and Euro-house music playing in the background (for all my house-heads, yes I asked for the name of the CD, but unfortunately it was the manager's personal mix CD).  The scene at this time is loud but seemingly fun.  This would definitely be a great place to hit up after work, random weekend with friends. As luck would have it, a table became available on the patio shortly thereafter...even better, perfect weather to for al fresco dining.

Upon receipt of the menu from our waitress Susie, we came to our burger decisions rather quickly...my son - the Philly, my daughter - the Flip, and me - the Gyro.  Now, having children that are academically gifted comes with its pros and cons.  Flip makes their famous milkshakes (the most popular being the Krispy Kreme) with liquid nitrogen and they have a disclaimer in really small print on the menu...so with that my kids decide they're not going to have any milkshakes, for fear of dying...also arguing the Krispy Kreme milkshake sounds gross...they are so melodramatic.  Susie was nice enough to ease their minds by explaining about the liquid nitrogen, but she went the extra step of bringing a Krispy Kreme milkshake (on the house) with 3 straws!!!! Can you say AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!  Needless to say, they changed their minds...LOL. 

Our burgers were fabulous and beautifully presented.  Though modest in size, they are not modes tin taste.  Monique enjoyed her Flip and loved the fries.  Justin demolished his Philly and devoured most of my Gyro and vodka battered onion rings...who would have thought you could make a burger taste just like a Gyro.  We continued to soak up the sun on the patio whilst I indulged in my mojito.  By the time we were ready to leave we all decided to get our milkshakes to go...2 coffee and donut and 1 nutella & burnt marshmallow...WOW!!!

With the weather getting ready to break into Spring, Flip is a great eatery for those casual dining experiences with friends and family.  Great experience for all!!!



 

  

  

  

  

 

Monday, March 1, 2010

Nan - 1350 Spring St., N.W. Atlanta, GA 30309

Tonight my husband and I dined at Nan...always fabulous, never a disappointment. The owners definitely have a lock on Thai cuisine in Atlanta. Of the three restaurants (Tamarind Seed, Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft and Nan Thai Fine Dining) owned by Charlie Niyomkul, Nan sits at the higher end of the price range. But don't let that deter you by any means...it is so worth it! The food, ambiance and service are impeccable and consistent.


Let me first say it is always nice to go to a fine restaurant and see other patrons dress accordingly. I often have found in Atlanta, pricing is not indicative of clientele. So not the case at Nan (at least at anytime I've dined there). We started with Pla Muk Thod (crispy calamari with 3 flavored chili sauce) and Poh Pia (vegetarian basil rolls and tamarind spring rolls)...lovely. On to the main course...my husband had the lamb special, served in green curry w/zucchini, eggplant, snow peas and rice noodles. This is a spicy dish but delicate at the same time. The spice and heat does not slam you in the mouth immediately. It hits you in moments later in the back of your mouth...not overwhelming for those that appreciate spicy food. My husband commented, of all the Thai restaurants we've patronized in the metro Atlanta area...this was by far the best! I enjoyed one of my favorite dishes at Nan...Pla Sahm Lod (chilean sea bass w/3 flavored chili sauce, served with fried okra and eggplant)...delish! Chilean Sea Bass is my absolute favorite type of fish...it's meaty but delicate, very buttery flavor. At this point we are both in heaven. Now time for dessert...Maajid ordered the dark chocolate mousse w/ginger ice cream and I ordered 3 flavors ice cream (green tea, coconut, and thai coffee)...devine!!! We shared our desserts, as we often do. The chocolate mouse cake is amazing. Many times mousse desserts can be heavy, but Nan's dark chocolate mousse cake is light, creamy and the ganache is incredible. Combine that with any combination of the ice creams we had and what can I say...whootie whoo!!!!!!!!!

Nan is a great location to celebrate a special occasion and a definite for date night. But please be sure to make a reservation, as it is quite popular.