Best Of Atlanta 2005 Oral Pleasures Large


Oral Pleasures


Best Steaks BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Bones Restaurant
BONES. The name says it all. Macho. Old school. Meat. When the primal urge arises to violate your wallet and spend a week’s pay on a gorgeous hunk of prime beef, this is your destination. Time travel to Sinatra’s heyday as the maitre d’ shows you to a table in the “dog room” order a stiff Manhattan,more...
BONES. The name says it all. Macho. Old school. Meat. When the primal urge arises to violate your wallet and spend a week’s pay on a gorgeous hunk of prime beef, this is your destination. Time travel to Sinatra’s heyday as the maitre d’ shows you to a table in the “dog room” order a stiff Manhattan, and don’t fill up too much on shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon. There’s a gloriously marbled, 1-pound-plus steak being grilled in the kitchen with your name on it. We love the brawny New York strip and the rib eye most, though more delicate sensibilities will certainly enjoy the filet mignon. less...

Best Brunch BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Watershed on Peachtree
WATERSHED is, and has been for the past several years, the final word in Sunday brunch. Airy, light-filled and baby-friendly, the dining room hosts families who gather over massive ham steaks and banana fritters with molten, custardy cores. It’s an excellent place to take friends and relativesmore...
WATERSHED is, and has been for the past several years, the final word in Sunday brunch. Airy, light-filled and baby-friendly, the dining room hosts families who gather over massive ham steaks and banana fritters with molten, custardy cores. It’s an excellent place to take friends and relatives from other regions for a genuine Southern breakfast. The pimiento cheese and extravagantly rich and creamy grits might send you right into a backyard hammock for the rest of the day, but no finer brunch can be had anywhere in the city. Period. less...

Best Sushi BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
MF Sushi
Atlantans can throw down on some sushi. We even snap up California rolls at Publix when we’re on the fly. But when it’s time to slow up and mindfully consume this gastronomic art form, we don our black and head to perpetually hip MF SUSHIBAR. Chris “Magic Fingers”more...
Atlantans can throw down on some sushi. We even snap up California rolls at Publix when we’re on the fly. But when it’s time to slow up and mindfully consume this gastronomic art form, we don our black and head to perpetually hip MF SUSHIBAR. Chris “Magic Fingers” Kinjo and his crew prepare sushi with reverence while brother Alex works the room (when he’s not overseeing their other stellar venture, Nam, that is). Try some unagi (smoked eel), a lithe slice or two of kampachi (young yellowtail) and splurge on o-toro (the pricy fatty tuna belly). Let the focused servers direct you to the freshest picks, but if the Godzilla roll is a special of the day? Wrestle that monster. less...

Best Tacos BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
El Rey Del Taco
Tacos — mini-tacos, no less — are king at EL REY DEL TACO. The hard-to-beat price of around $1 each allows you to munch on roasted goat, beef tongue and cheek for the same price as a pint of beer. In addition to these slightly exotic offerings, El Rey del Taco’s more familiarmore...
Tacos — mini-tacos, no less — are king at EL REY DEL TACO. The hard-to-beat price of around $1 each allows you to munch on roasted goat, beef tongue and cheek for the same price as a pint of beer. In addition to these slightly exotic offerings, El Rey del Taco’s more familiar favorites, such as the intensely beefy barbacoa, savory carnitas and pulled barbecued chicken, are equally outstanding. Bonus: The corn tortillas these fantastic little tacos are served on are pressed fresh to order. less...

Best Spanish/Tapas BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Pura Vida
Hey, do y’all know where the tapas craze originally came from? They were invented by the Spanish as an inexpensive taste to accompany wine. There are classic, straightforward tapas — a taste of serrano ham, for example — but tapas are often playful experiments, too, and thusmore...

Hey, do y’all know where the tapas craze originally came from? They were invented by the Spanish as an inexpensive taste to accompany wine. There are classic, straightforward tapas — a taste of serrano ham, for example — but tapas are often playful experiments, too, and thus also reflect contemporary tastes. The closest we get to real Spanish style is PURA VIDA. Chef Hector Santiago’s menu is pan-Hispanic as well as Spanish, including everything from earthy Peruvian mofongo and Chilean salmon ceviche to Spanish omelets with pearl onion confit and a kinky Mex-style shrimp cocktail with calabaza squash and coconut-ginger habanero sauce.
656 N. Highland Ave. 404-870-9797. www.puravidatapas.com.

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Best Thai BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Tamarind Seed Thai Bistro
The carefully crafted cuisine at sweetly plain TAMARIND has a memorable complexity, even though it’s not giddily garnished with an orchid spray, a la Tamarind’s nearby swanky sister, Nan. Much of the food appears on the surface to be the same as you find in the countless Thai restaurantsmore...
The carefully crafted cuisine at sweetly plain TAMARIND has a memorable complexity, even though it’s not giddily garnished with an orchid spray, a la Tamarind’s nearby swanky sister, Nan. Much of the food appears on the surface to be the same as you find in the countless Thai restaurants in Atlanta — nua nam tok, basil rolls, pad Thai — but, believe us, one taste will quickly dispel your long-held belief that all Thai food tastes the same. less...

Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Floataway Cafe
The mint julep is mistakenly thought of as genteel, but a poorly poured mint julep can be either too strong or too syrupy. Thankfully, lively but not rowdy FLOATAWAY CAFE takes the same meticulous care with its spearmint julep as the chefs do with the organic-informed cuisine. Featuring dainty microgreensmore...
The mint julep is mistakenly thought of as genteel, but a poorly poured mint julep can be either too strong or too syrupy. Thankfully, lively but not rowdy FLOATAWAY CAFE takes the same meticulous care with its spearmint julep as the chefs do with the organic-informed cuisine. Featuring dainty microgreens from chef Anne Quatrano’s own Summerland Farms, infused into pastry chef Rory Moon’s simple syrup, and combined with Basil Hayden’s spicy, woody, 8-year small-batch bourbon, this frosty julep is an aromatic indulgence to mannerly sip. less...

Best Vietnamese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Com Dunwoody Vietnamese Grill
There are dozens of Vietnamese restaurants in our city, including those that cater to gourmet-minded American palates. This year, we have to cite COM VIETNAMESE GRILL. This small cafe’s menu is a completely unique riff on classic street food, like apple and papaya salad but here garnished withmore...
There are dozens of Vietnamese restaurants in our city, including those that cater to gourmet-minded American palates. This year, we have to cite COM VIETNAMESE GRILL. This small cafe’s menu is a completely unique riff on classic street food, like apple and papaya salad but here garnished with roasted duck, if you choose. You can top vermicelli with a selection of ground meats (including lamb) rolled into la lot leaves, which resemble grape leaves and are said to be good for hiccups and nausea. There are amazingly spiced mussels scattered with peanuts, and our favorite special, roasted rabbit. less...

Best Wait Staff BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead
The DINING ROOM AT THE RITZ-CARLTON BUCKHEAD may be searching the globe for a new powerhouse chef to helm its kitchen, but that’s no reason to avoid a celebratory meal within its clubby cocoon. Maitre d’ Claude Guillaume and his near-clairvoyant staff haven’t gone anywhere.more...
The DINING ROOM AT THE RITZ-CARLTON BUCKHEAD may be searching the globe for a new powerhouse chef to helm its kitchen, but that’s no reason to avoid a celebratory meal within its clubby cocoon. Maitre d’ Claude Guillaume and his near-clairvoyant staff haven’t gone anywhere. Their professional virtuosity lets you ease into an evening of engaging conversation with tablemates. This year the staff acquired an additional ace up its sleeve: 24-year-old sommelier Chantelle Grilhot, who knows as much about tending to customers as she does about wine. (P.S. The transitional kitchen is in the more-than-capable hands of ex-Bacchanalia and Seeger’s chef Daniel Porubiansky.) less...

Best Pizza BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Fritti
Appetizers are a transcendental experience at FRITTI. Anyone who has ever ordered the funghi fritti (fried mushrooms) knows what we’re talking about. Just thinking about those crunchy morsels tinged with rosemary makes us close our eyes and smile. And then there’s the gossamer fried calamari. Forgetmore...
Appetizers are a transcendental experience at FRITTI. Anyone who has ever ordered the funghi fritti (fried mushrooms) knows what we’re talking about. Just thinking about those crunchy morsels tinged with rosemary makes us close our eyes and smile. And then there’s the gossamer fried calamari. Forget the heavy dipping sauces. A spritz of lemon is all they need. But wait! Don’t fill up on apps and forgo the Neapolitan-style pizzas. A blistered, crackery crust supports well-paired toppings - pancetta with caramelized onions and taleggio cheese with apples and pairs are two standouts - though the staff has softened over the years and lets you concoct your own combos as well. less...

Best Place for a First Date BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005, Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures, Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick, Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2007 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Apres Diem
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Best Middle Eastern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Cedar Tree, The

Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Loca Luna

Best Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
TWO urban licks
820 Ralph McGill Blvd. 404-522-4622 www.twourbanlicks.com

Best OTP Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Trattoria Monaco
5530 Windward Parkway, Suite 250, Alpharetta 770-664-0056 www.trattoriamonaco.com

Best Beer Selection BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Taco Mac Virginia Highlands

Best Overall Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Rathbun’s

Best Patio Dining BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Einstein’s

Best Pizza BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Fellini’s Pizza (7 ATL Locations)

Best Pizza BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Fellini’s Pizza (7 ATL Locations)

Best Place for a First Date BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Apres Diem

Best Restaurant for Late-Night Dining BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Waffle House

Best Restaurant to Bring the Kids BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Chuck E. Cheese (Atlanta Locations)

Best Restaurant When Someone Else is Paying BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bacchanalia

Best Sandwiches BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Subway

Best Seafood BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Atlanta Fish Market

Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
One Midtown Kitchen

Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
One Midtown Kitchen

Best Soul Food BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Soul Vegetarian Restaurant

Best Soul Food BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Soul Vegetarian Restaurant

Best Southern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Best Southwestern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Nava

Best Steaks BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bones Restaurant

Best Brunch BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Cafe 458

Best Sushi BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Ru San’s

Best Spanish/Tapas BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Eclipse di Luna

Best Thai BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Surin’s Thai Bowl & Sushi

Best Martini BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Highland Tap

Best Martini BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Highland Tap

Best Vegetarian/Vegan BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Cafe Sunflower Sandy Springs

Best Vegetarian/Vegan BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Cafe Sunflower Sandy Springs

Best Veggie Burger BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Vortex

Best Veggie Burger BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Vortex

Best Vietnamese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Nam

Best Wait Staff BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Einstein’s
1077 Juniper St. 404-876-7925 www.einsteinsatlanta.com

Best Wine Bar BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Grape

Best Wine List BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Palate Wine Bar

Best Wine List BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Palate Wine Bar

Best Bakery BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Alon’s Bakery and Market - Dunwoody

Best Cookies BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Alon’s Bakery & Market
1394 N. Highland Ave. 404-872-6000 www.alons.com

Best Desserts BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Café Intermezzo - Midtown

Best Desserts BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Café Intermezzo - Midtown

Best Desserts BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Cafe Intermezzo

Best Desserts BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Cafe Intermezzo

Best Hamburger BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Holeman and Finch Public House

Best Appetizers BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Cafe Tu Tu Tango

Best Bakery BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Alon’s Bakery & Market

Best Bar Food BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Earl

Best Bar Food BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Vortex

Best Barbecue BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Fat Matt’s Rib Shack

Best Beer Selection BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Taco Mac Virginia Highlands

Best French Fries BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Woodfire Grill
French fries are hot right now, have you noticed? And not just at the city’s burgeoning burger joints: Every serious eatery around seems to be slicing potatoes into sticks and cranking up the deep fryer. But we can eat Michael Tuohy’s meaty, crispy/floppy pommes frites at WOODFIRE GRILLmore...

French fries are hot right now, have you noticed? And not just at the city’s burgeoning burger joints: Every serious eatery around seems to be slicing potatoes into sticks and cranking up the deep fryer. But we can eat Michael Tuohy’s meaty, crispy/floppy pommes frites at WOODFIRE GRILL by the fistfuls (and have, unfortunately). Though typically served with his succulent roasted chicken and steel pan greens, if you ask nicely the staff will bring you a side of frites and a bit of aioli for dipping. Somehow they seem to complement most everything on Tuohy’s kaleidoscopically seasonal menu.
1782 Cheshire Bridge Road. 404-347-9055. www.woodfiregrill.com.

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Best Seafood BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Geraldine’s Fish & Grits
Few foods evoke a flood of memories in a Southerner as much as fried catfish. At GERALDINE’S FISH & GRITS, this flaky-tender favorite is delicately dusted with cornmeal and kissed with cayenne. Those who can’t eat their catfish without a helping of grits will be pleased to find thismore...
Few foods evoke a flood of memories in a Southerner as much as fried catfish. At GERALDINE’S FISH & GRITS, this flaky-tender favorite is delicately dusted with cornmeal and kissed with cayenne. Those who can’t eat their catfish without a helping of grits will be pleased to find this marriage beautifully consummated at Geraldine’s. Say yes to a sprinkling of cheese in your grits, and save room for catfish’s other best friend, hush puppies. less...

Best Seafood BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House - Grant Park

Best Fried Chicken BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Watershed on Peachtree
We might as well retire this category — at least until WATERSHED stops offering its Tuesday night fried chicken special (which we pray won’t be anytime soon). Who else will ever possibly win? Executive chef Scott Peacock’s signature dish is a masterwork of Southern traditionmore...
We might as well retire this category — at least until WATERSHED stops offering its Tuesday night fried chicken special (which we pray won’t be anytime soon). Who else will ever possibly win? Executive chef Scott Peacock’s signature dish is a masterwork of Southern tradition developed with his mentor, Edna Lewis. The bird is brined, soaked in buttermilk and then fried in lard that has been flavored with bacon. With mashed taters, garlicky green beans and biscuits with honey, it’s Dixie on a plate, y’all. Just remember to show up by 8 p.m. before they run out. less...

Best Martini BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Roy’s Hawaiian Martini

Best Martini BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Twist Restaurant and Lounge

Best Diner BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Majestic Diner

Best Grits BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Cafe 458

Best Hamburger BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Vortex

Best Hamburger BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Vortex

Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Jake’s Ice Cream

Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Jake’s Ice Cream

Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Hank’s Ice Cream
We’re blessed with some irresistible ice cream and gelato shops, but ever since we tasted the rose-petal ice cream at HANK’S last Valentine’s Day, we’ve been returning to this tiny shop across from Zoo Atlanta. Run by people who treat children with amazing patiencemore...

We’re blessed with some irresistible ice cream and gelato shops, but ever since we tasted the rose-petal ice cream at HANK’S last Valentine’s Day, we’ve been returning to this tiny shop across from Zoo Atlanta. Run by people who treat children with amazing patience — and there are always children at the shop — Hank’s is as big-hearted as it is generous with portions. Caramel-pecan is our routine selection. We didn’t know it was possible to get so many pecan halves in one scoop of ice cream. The banana-nut is also heavenly, though the butter-pecan seems to be everyone’s fave.
753-A Cherokee Ave. 404-622-0007.

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Best Indian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Madras Mantra

Best Indian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Madras Mantra

Best Craft Beer Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Taco Mac Virginia Highlands

Best Beer Selection BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Brick Store Pub
The beer list at Decatur’s BRICK STORE PUB is so extensive that you have to download a PDF file to view it online. The outstanding pub offers no less than 215 beers — 188 in bottles and 27 draught. A recently finished upstairs Belgian bar, with potent brews on tap like Delirium Tremensmore...

The beer list at Decatur’s BRICK STORE PUB is so extensive that you have to download a PDF file to view it online. The outstanding pub offers no less than 215 beers — 188 in bottles and 27 draught. A recently finished upstairs Belgian bar, with potent brews on tap like Delirium Tremens and Biere de Boucanier, is cozy and inviting. Don’t be intimidated by the vast selection. The menu’s beer descriptions are humorous and approachable, and the service is so friendly, no one will look you askance if you simply order a bottle of Sweetwater 420.
125 E. Court Square, Decatur. 404-687-0990.

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Best Italian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Maggiano’s Little Italy

Best Italian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Sotto Sotto Restaurant
SOTTO SOTTO has won Critics’ Choice for six years now, but try as we might, we can’t come up with another place that can touch it. When Sotto Sotto opened back in 1999, it set a new standard for authentic Italian cooking in Atlanta. Fast-forward to 2005: The simple salad of shaved pecorinomore...
SOTTO SOTTO has won Critics’ Choice for six years now, but try as we might, we can’t come up with another place that can touch it. When Sotto Sotto opened back in 1999, it set a new standard for authentic Italian cooking in Atlanta. Fast-forward to 2005: The simple salad of shaved pecorino and fresh fava beans explodes with summery flavor; the restaurant’s famed Tortelli di Michelangelo (ravioli stuffed with veal, chicken and pork in a butter and sage sauce) still thrill, as does the wine list of all-Italian vino. less...

Best Italian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Maggiano’s Little Italy

Best Japanese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Soto Japanese Restaurant
A year after the exultant reopening of SOTO JAPANESE RESTAURANT, chef/owner Sotohiro Kosugi recently made another intriguing change to his Japanese fusion format. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are dedicated to the classic a la carte format of pristine sushi and wild creations like lobster in a lotusmore...
A year after the exultant reopening of SOTO JAPANESE RESTAURANT, chef/owner Sotohiro Kosugi recently made another intriguing change to his Japanese fusion format. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are dedicated to the classic a la carte format of pristine sushi and wild creations like lobster in a lotus root cage. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant now serves a multi-, MULTI-course meal of mind-opening dishes (think many small tastes of brilliance). Personally? We’d rather dodge the pandemonium and come for the weekend prix-fixe meals. Sotohiro is certainly more relaxed then. less...

Best Japanese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Ru San’s

Best Korean BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Hae Woon Dae BBQ
Several terrific Korean soup shops exist around town, but when we crave Korean barbecue, we head to HAE WOON DAE. Located in a shopping center that includes the city’s only porn theater, this restaurant stays open later than any other in town — until 6 a.m. You cook your selected meatmore...
Several terrific Korean soup shops exist around town, but when we crave Korean barbecue, we head to HAE WOON DAE. Located in a shopping center that includes the city’s only porn theater, this restaurant stays open later than any other in town — until 6 a.m. You cook your selected meat — everything from highly seasoned tripe and mackerel to chicken, short ribs and classic bulgogi beef — at your table, over a grill in which an attendant dumps red-hot charcoal. Take friends. It’s a great place for a party. less...

Best Korean BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Hae Woon Dae

Best Korean BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Mirror of Korea

Best Kosher BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Broadway Cafe
2166 Briarcliff Road 404-329-0888

Best Local Brewery BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Terrapin Rye Pale Ale
TERRAPIN RYE PALE ALE was first introduced in Athens in April 2002 at the Classic City Brew Fest. Later that year, it won an American Pale Ale Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival. Suddenly, everyone wanted a taste of Terrapin. The beer’s distinctive flavor comes from rye added tomore...

TERRAPIN RYE PALE ALE was first introduced in Athens in April 2002 at the Classic City Brew Fest. Later that year, it won an American Pale Ale Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival. Suddenly, everyone wanted a taste of Terrapin. The beer’s distinctive flavor comes from rye added to the hops and malts in the brewing process. The result is a fruity, refreshing brew. You can’t find Terrapin everywhere — only a handful of Atlanta spots carry it, the Vortex, Meehan’s and Smith’s Olde Bar among them — but it’s worth hunting for.
www.terrapinbeer.com.

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Best Local Brewery BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
SweetWater Brewing Company

Best Wait Staff BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Thompson Brothers Barbecue
The gosh-wow handsome brothers who own THOMPSON BROTHERS BARBECUE take your order, chop the saucy pork and ring you up with flawless, heartfelt smiles. Although their addictive smoked bologna surely has its legions of male fans, this place is pure eye candy for the ladies. Photos of the charming brothersmore...

The gosh-wow handsome brothers who own THOMPSON BROTHERS BARBECUE take your order, chop the saucy pork and ring you up with flawless, heartfelt smiles. Although their addictive smoked bologna surely has its legions of male fans, this place is pure eye candy for the ladies. Photos of the charming brothers adorn the walls, providing fodder for countless fantasies. One Thompson brother stands ready by an Air Force plane, zipped into a flight suit; another, muscles rippling, commands the field in a UGA football match. Denzel hasn’t got a chance.
2445 Cobb Parkway, Smyrna. 770-818-9098.

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Best Wait Staff BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Hooter’s

Best Wait Staff BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Einstein’s

Best Male Actor BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Cast of Take Me Out
No single male performance knocked it out of the park like the CAST OF TAKE ME OUT at Theatre in the Square’s Alley Stage. The nine-man team included the seemingly ubiquitous Daniel May, local stalwarts such as Brik Berkes and Isma’il ibn Conner, the reliably hilarious Matthew Myersmore...
No single male performance knocked it out of the park like the CAST OF TAKE ME OUT at Theatre in the Square’s Alley Stage. The nine-man team included the seemingly ubiquitous Daniel May, local stalwarts such as Brik Berkes and Isma’il ibn Conner, the reliably hilarious Matthew Myers and Bill Murphey, and relative rookies Brandon Dirden and Travis Young, who reached new career highs. As the diverse members of a scandal-plagued baseball team, Take Me Out’s all-star ensemble even managed to upstage its own shower scenes. less...

Best Margarita BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Zocalo

Best Margarita BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Zocalo

Best Southern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Best Mexican BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
La Oaxaquena Taqueria

Best Mexican BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Nuevo Laredo Cantina

Best Middle Eastern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Imperial Fez Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge
At IMPERIAL FEZ, chef/owner Rafih Benjelloun asks you to take off your shoes, lounge on pillows on the floor and eat his multicourse, prix-fixe Moroccan cuisine with your hands. While you eat sweet-savory b’stella and a fragrant tagine — the most authentic in the city — bellymore...
At IMPERIAL FEZ, chef/owner Rafih Benjelloun asks you to take off your shoes, lounge on pillows on the floor and eat his multicourse, prix-fixe Moroccan cuisine with your hands. While you eat sweet-savory b’stella and a fragrant tagine — the most authentic in the city — belly dancers undulate about you, candles balanced on their heads. You’ll be tempted to good-naturedly pull out your water gun and use the candles for target practice. less...

Best Middle Eastern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Cedar Tree, The

Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Park 75
As if the Cuban drink-of-the-moment didn’t go down easily enough in its classic mint-and-rum incarnation, the passion fruit mojito at the PARK 75 LOUNGE AND TERRACE is an addictive wonder. The refreshing elixir features passion fruit puree, dark rum, mint and soda for one of the best combinationsmore...

As if the Cuban drink-of-the-moment didn’t go down easily enough in its classic mint-and-rum incarnation, the passion fruit mojito at the PARK 75 LOUNGE AND TERRACE is an addictive wonder. The refreshing elixir features passion fruit puree, dark rum, mint and soda for one of the best combinations since vodka, limes and tonic. Smooth as they may be, the mojitos are also deceptively potent. Best to take delicate sips of this heavenly nectar while seeing and being seen at the Four Seasons’ swanky, newly remodeled lounge.
Four Seasons, 75 14 St. 404-881-9898. www.fourseasons.com.

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Best Cocktails BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Loca Luna

Best Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
TWO urban licks
820 Ralph McGill Blvd. 404-522-4622 www.twourbanlicks.com

Best OTP Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Trattoria Monaco
5530 Windward Parkway, Suite 250, Alpharetta 770-664-0056 www.trattoriamonaco.com

Best New Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
The Globe
Govantez Lowndez is a restaurateur who learns from his past. Where his defunct Commune was tucked away in a dark (though admittedly sexy) back corner of a west side development, THE GLOBE snatches the spotlight in Tech Square with a light, welcoming warmth. His new venture is both a great place to grabmore...

Govantez Lowndez is a restaurateur who learns from his past. Where his defunct Commune was tucked away in a dark (though admittedly sexy) back corner of a west side development, THE GLOBE snatches the spotlight in Tech Square with a light, welcoming warmth. His new venture is both a great place to grab an easygoing bite with friends and a harbinger of Atlanta’s dining future: The mod restaurant looks and feels like a scenester hang, but it has the earnest heart of a neighborhood eatery. We’ll take more enticing concepts like this, please.
75 Fifth St. 404-541-1487. www.globeatlanta.com.

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Best Beer Selection BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Taco Mac Virginia Highlands

Best Overall Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Rathbun’s

Best Overall Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Bacchanalia
BACCHANALIA continues to bedazzle as the consummate Atlanta fine dining destination. This town digs a little industrial grit with its foie gras terrine, so we love that Bacchanalia’s regal setting has its roots in a meatpacking plant. A savvy window separates the subtly elegant room from themore...
BACCHANALIA continues to bedazzle as the consummate Atlanta fine dining destination. This town digs a little industrial grit with its foie gras terrine, so we love that Bacchanalia’s regal setting has its roots in a meatpacking plant. A savvy window separates the subtly elegant room from the bustling kitchen, allowing us to satisfy our voyeuristic urges without shattering our eardrums. But it’s Clifford Harrison and Anne Quatrano’s accessibly seasonal food that really makes us yearn for a special occasion to celebrate. Sure, you can choose superlative signatures (blue crab fritter, poached chicken with summer truffles) from the oft-changing prix-fixe menu, but choose a dish like sweetbreads or celery-anchovy salad to sample the kitchen’s daring versatility. less...

Best Patio Dining BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Pie Bar (Marietta)
Thank God someone finally did something interesting with the futuristic Trust Company bank branch that’s been decaying on Monroe for a decade. Local restaurateur Bob Amick has re-imagined the flying saucer-like building as chic pizzeria PIEBAR. The adjoining patio is particularly eye-catching.more...

Thank God someone finally did something interesting with the futuristic Trust Company bank branch that’s been decaying on Monroe for a decade. Local restaurateur Bob Amick has re-imagined the flying saucer-like building as chic pizzeria PIEBAR. The adjoining patio is particularly eye-catching. The building’s original drive-thru “pods” are now rooftop dining, covered by a giant white circus tent. At night, blue and purple lights illuminate the tent, creating an ethereal and undeniably glamorous vibe.
2160 Monroe Drive. 404-815-1605. www.piebar.com.

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Best Patio Dining BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Einstein’s

Best Pizza BOA Award Winner

Year » 2005
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Fellini’s Pizza (7 ATL Locations)


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