Trust me when I say this is not a fancy place. In fact, one may refer to it as somewhat of a dive. But, don’t let the appearance sway you.  Cafeteria-style, complete with red plastic tray, the food/menu is simple and service is swift.  While there are choices, patrons really only have two places to turn – pasta or chicken.  Vegetables, black beans, and rice are also part of the protocol, along with beers, sodas, iced tea, and dessert.

The only negative thing that I have experienced in my ten years of frequently the chicken spot is the parking lot, which is not very big.  Eats is also cash only.  No worries, though.  There is an ATM inside the restaurant.
Eats, 600 Ponce De Leon Ave NE., Atlanta, GA 30308 (404) 888-9149

Other budget conscious eats?

• Gladys Knight and Ron Winans Chicken & Waffles, (404) 874-9393
• Zesto Drive-In (404) 607-1118
• The Varsity (404) 881-1706
• Hot Stix Stir Fry  (404) 844-2000
• Fellini’s Pizza (404) 873-3088
• Cafe Intermezzo (404) 355-0411
• Raging Burrito – Decatur, GA

Overall, it’s a pretty good restaurant in Atlanta’s Midtown area.  The Asian Fusion comes out in its excellent menu. Whether in the mood for crab cakes with mango salsa, Kung Pao Lollipops, or Origami Seabass, everyone is bound to find something to eat. And, you can’t go wrong with delicious and unique drinks, like lychee martinis and strawberry martinis.  I know you’re thinking, what’s so special about strawberry martinis?  The name.  Now, the fact that I am a redhead who would give a limb to work for the Ludacris Foundation does not have any influence on my admiration for this drink….Red Head in Bed. Ha!  Really, it is delicious.

The interior is beautiful, especially with the two-story wine cellar behind the bar and a  main room adorned with windows.  The high prices and small portions were expected, but the service?  Needs work. I tend to have an issue when a server has a chip on his/her shoulder.  Sure, it’s a restaurant owned by Ludacris, but how often is he really inside the establishment?  Straits is not the only “celebrity owned” restaurant in Atlanta, and regardless of owner, there are a ton of fabulous restaurants in the city.  No restaurant is beyond being overshadowed by a chic new place.  Yeo is an experienced chef, who I am sure, is responsible for the wonderful menu. I think he deserves a floor staff that will do the food justice.

The later the visit, the louder the bar, but a good time is bound to occur. So, I will go back at least one more time (unless someone else is paying), being sure to make reservations to help cushion wait time.  If you come through town and stop in, let us know what you think!

Straits, 793 Juniper St, Atlanta, GA 30308, Phone: (404) 877-1283

The uncertainty quickly dissipated upon entering Maru Sushi. Who knew I could get fresh sushi in the burbs?  Eating dinner, looking at the quiet and serene Japanese-like interior, and spealing with the affable staff made the evening. Since that first time, I have gone back a few times and am always pleased.  While I have only ordered rolls, they do have 50 different kinds from which to choose. For the lunch crowd, there is a buffet, and if that’s not your choice, the menu also includes beef, chicken and salmon teriyaki. Beverages include a large variety of Japanese beers, wines, and soft drinks.  They do not offer fruit juices.

Maru Sushi: 4454 S Cobb Dr SE, Smyrna, GA 30080, (770) 434-7799

La Paz Restaurante es merece la pena - La Paz Restaurante is worth the money is what I think I said….high school Spanish, don’t fail me now!

La Paz Restaurante is a Mexican restaurant with several stores throughout the southeast.  Typically, I am not one to choose Mexican, but the La Paz location I went to was centrally located between work and home and a perfect spot for my monthly “catch up” dinner with girls. Not totally sure that the food is “authentic” since it tasted very similar to some other spots I have been, it was tasty nonetheless.  Our server was helpful and attentive, answered our questions, and frequently filled our drinks and chips. When the food arrived, I think all of our jaws dropped at the enormous portions. The plates were so filled, a lot of the fajitas, fish tacos, and quesadillas went with the girls.  I ordered the Tortilla Soup bowl.  It was hot, literally and with flavor.  I was pleased that the chicken was grilled and not boiled, which gave the overall taste a fresh, smoky feel. One reason I ordered the soup was listing of avocado, but was a little disappointed when there was only one sliver included.  I asked for some more and was floored when I was charged $3.50 for what they brought. But, I never said anything.  Hein sight, I should have.  For $3.50?  I would have thought that I received the whole avocado tree.

But, that was my only gripe.  The atmosphere was pleasant, the bathrooms were clean, and there was the option for outside seating. If the girls suggest La Paz Restaurante again, I would be okay with that.

My first experience with Gabriel’s Desserts was last year.  Unfortunately, I was not impressed.  I went with a friend who was ordering an expensive cake and she asked me to come since I am have some knowledge of cakes. In brief, I thought the woman we spoke with about the cake order was standoff-ish and somewhat blew off my questions. And, although we were giddy at first with the prospect that the bakery might be able to accommodate my friend’s lofty idea after looking through the portfolio books, the bakery’s execution of the Superdome cake was anticlimactic .  When the cake was delivered to the function hall, my thoughts immediately went to… a corset.  I didn’t say anything, though, because I know that the cake cost several hundred dollars and there was not much that could be done at that point.  However, I did feel if the cake designer couldn’t translate the customer’s ideas so that it looks realistic and edible, wouldn’t it have been appropriate to have discussions with the customer and make possible suggestions?  I would think so, but I am not a cake designer. 

Not completely convinced, one time still wasn’t enough for me to write Gabriel’s Desserts off.  I decided to give the bakery another try and stopped in again recently; this time with an open mind.  Not just about desserts, Gabriel’s Desserts’ menu includes breakfast/lunch/dinner items including eggs sandwiches, soups and salads. While those items can be important, my interest was only in the dessert case.

Upon entering, I was surprised that I was not greeted by either of the two employees stocking “to go” items by the front door, or the counter service until I walked right up to the case.  The prices? They weren’t much higher than other bakeries with the average price for a 10-in layer cake, like a Red Velvet Cake, was $35. But, the cake’s overall appearances knocked me for a loop.  They looked like any home cook could make (no offense to the home cook, since I am one). While that very well might be the idea, I feel that for a $35 cake, I want it to look like they took some time to make straight lines and put on the finishing touches.

The individual desserts were pretty and looked inviting.  It was too bad, though, that the counter girl couldn’t tell me what was on the unmarked tray.  Asking someone else who worked there didn’t seem to occur to her, either. The cookies were big and not priced too crazy.  However, there wasn’t a “by a dozen” discounted price.  Buying a dozen, with individual prices, would have cost me almost $20.  Not for simple chocolate chip cookies, no way, no how.  Instead, I ended up buying a chocolate cream dessert, a Georgia Tech football-shaped cookie, and two “Go Dawgs” bone-shaped cookies, and spent almost $15.00. I asked for separate bags since each item was going to a different person.  She placed all the cookies in a bag and folded in one additional bag. Hmmmm….okay.  Frustrated, I went to the other side of the counter and asked another girl for the correct number of bags.

Overall, too many red flags for me, particularly when it came to the service and professionalism. And for that, I don’t think I will go back. I rather go to Whole Foods and get something from their bakery, or drive into the city and hit one of the bakeries there. But, I still adore you, Paula!

And, if that’s not enough, the order is accompanied by a full loaf of bread, oil and seasonings for dipping, and Parmesan cheese. One trip, all I ordered was the Minestrone soup, and still received the bread and all the fixin’s. Another trip, a date and I ordered and brought it home on a rainy evening.  It made for a lovely at-home meal, less the clean up.

I realize that most restaurants have the Carry-Out option.  But, I just feel Carrabba’s goes above and beyond.

Located in the wonderful neighborhood of Grant Park, the eateries atmosphere is laid back, the decor simple, and the staff refreshingly friendly with an eclectic flare.  As far as the food, you can take it to go, or eat on site.  Only eating while there in a booth, I have tried many items as I like to taste new dishes in small places like this. The Bowls are always a good choice, like English muffin with egg and cheese I have ordered.  I am particularly fond of “the usual” and ”breakfast in the hood” plates for breakfast. For lunch, I have only tried the pimento cheese sandwich.  The sunflower sprouts that come on the sandwich completely make me smile, regardless of any food in my mouth.  ha! ha!

The food, of course, is a significant reason I return to Stone Soup again and again.  But, the consistency is also key.  I know what I am going to get when thinking about heading over there.  So many places are hit or miss, and when I find one that I can count on?  I am in!  And, Stone Soup doesn’t have the ridiculous wait time as places like The Flying Biscuit, another popular spot in the ATL.

Stone Soup Kitchen, 584 Woodward Ave., Atlanta, GA  30312  (404) 524.1222

Over the years, I have heard so many great things about Ray’s on the River.  I was told it was an upscale restaurant “outside the perimeter” (outside the city Atlanta) that overlooks the banks of Georgia’s Chattahoochee River.  Boastful comments have come my way about elegant Friday and Saturday night dinners and a phenomenal Sunday Brunch.

It must be that I caught Ray’s in a bad day because the experience was forgetful from the get go. 

First, the valet signage and orange cones were misleading and I thought I had to valet.  I saw my date walk up as I handed my keys to the parking attendant, realizing I could have self parked.  Then, the lack of crowd control led us to have to walk on the grass, around the footpath that lead to the front door, to get into the restaurant.  Then once in the door, the hostess did not look up at us once as we presented our name and party number.

Our friendly server, Deondra I think, caused me to think my experience would turn out okay after all.  She was informative and cheerfully explained how the buffet worked since I was a first timer.  As I surveyed the cramped table area barely allowing more than single file, passing the peel-and-eat shrimp and muscles on ice, I observed the central buffet table which housed an assortment of chef-prepared dishes like scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash brown, and small waffles.  Crab stuffed flounder rolls, mushroom penne, and chicken represented some of the proteins.  A carving table stood nearby with a chef available to slice ham and roast beef. Sharing the carving table was an omelet bar, where three pans waited on open-flames behind the “fixins’” - shrimp, bacon, ham, onions, mushrooms, peppers, and tomatoes.  Then, hugging the wall, there was a table with a selection of bread choices, bagels, and cheeses. The desserts, which sat on what I think was the bar, had a assortment of various pieces of pies, bars, and cakes. Sounds great, right?

Both of us started with an egg white omelet with various veggies, and we were simultaneously taken back by the amount of oil the chef placed in the pan. The oil ended up rendering my omelet inedible because the grease ran down my plate saturating the other item on my plate.  The only other thing I tried from the central buffet was the bacon since the other items glistened with significant amounts of oil as well, especially the hash browns. Sadly, I ended up not eating the bacon, either, since it was so tough I could barely break it with my teeth. My date liked the flounder, though, and the raisins scones that were 1-inch by 1-inch weren’t bad either!

The desserts included items such as German Chocolate Cake, Red Velvet Cake, Sweet Potato Pie pieces, Cheese Blitzes, and pound cake.  The pieces were cut in small bite-size squares, even the pie which seemed random, and all looked as though the knife was dull.  There wasn’t any attempt to decorate or embellish the desserts to make it seem as though the buffet actually cost $23.99 per person.

Overall, the experience was such that I don’t think I will try Ray’s on the River a second time. It’s disturbing to know I ate at a restaurant that has schooled chefs and went home and ate.  I never thought I would say this, but next time, I’ll suggest going to Golden Corral, where for around $10, we are sure to get a much better meal that doesn’t look like it was thrown together.

The hand-written-type menu clearly outlined what’s available.  Not an extensive selection, Fat Matt’s menu gave me a focus. They can be a master reib makers that way, which is probably why they have been so successful since its opening in 1990. My friend ordered the Half Slab and I ordered the Pulled Pork Sandwich and Rum Baked Beans.  The ribs were juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender and the BBQ sauce had a wonderful blend of spicy tanginess. The Pulled Pork Sandwich was plentiful and the meat was equally as tender as the ribs. The beans kick made it difficult to not to revel in their goodness.

This is a great place to go if you’re looking for casual (fairly) cheap and delicious eats.  The counter service is hit or miss, but it doesn’t seem to make a difference.  Keep in mind, however, if you’re not into crowds Fat Matt’s may be a bit frustrating.  The small building is off a busy street and is often packed with customers.  Their band entertainment is free and they definitely draw the masses.

Don’t eat meat?  Don’t let that stop you.  Hop next door to Fat Matt’s Chicken Shack for juicy and tender bird!
1811 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324-5214, Phone: (404) 607-1622

Since then, several Up a Creeks have popped up in the area.  In fact, it seems as though they are gradually increasing their franchises, spanning a half dozen or so southern and Midwest states.  Both their lunch and dinner menus are fairly extensive, but even so there is a focus – fish.  Have a non-fish eater in the group?  Not to worry -  there are steak and chicken dishes.

There are only a handful of appetizers and I must admit we were tempted to try the fried pickles. Wanting to save room for our meals, we decided to wait until another time.  After wavering between the choice of platters, Mahi Mahi, and chicken & meat entrées, I went with the Tilapia BLT and my companion chose the Blackened Tilapia Alfredo.  Luckily, we did catch our oversight in time.  My companion, allergic to shell fish, substituted the Creole Alfredo lobster sauce for a Jim Beam Bourbon pepper salsa.

We didn’t try dessert this visit, and the omission left me pining over the thought of Deep Dish S’mores, Key Lime Goblet, and Apples on the Half Shell. But, I am planning to return for more.  Prices are reasonable, ranging between $7 and $18. Maybe I will stop by on my birthday, since a free Up a Creek meal comes along with special day.

Overall, the particular particular Up a Creek we chose on Cascade Road was clean and welcoming, the staff amiable and knowledgeable, and service prompt.  They gained big brownie points when genuinely accommodating the sauce change once we realized it included shellfish.  It was also nice when, after overhearing I am not a fan of broccoli, brought me fries as a replacement without charge.

Up a Creek Restaurant:  3752 Cascade Road, SW, Atlanta, Georgia, 404.691.4061