White House Restaurant, Tried and True -- Rick's Pick!

Breakfast - the oft forgotten stepchild of Americaʼs meal trifecta. I rarely indulge, but I do love a classic American breakfast. I love it all; the eggs, bacon, pancakes, syrup, sausage, etc, so itʼs comforting to know that the tried and true White House Restaurant on Peachtree Road has always got you covered. Upon entering this Greek owned, family run neighborhood joint, one always observes the friendliest of staffs, with a cordial greeting - even from the rear of the room. This open kitchen churns out breakfast a bounty. I cannot think of a single item on the “all day breakfast” menu that does not bear mention. Hence, I sing their praises to all who will listen. From the leanest bacon Iʼve eaten anywhere (except Lou Mitchellʼs in Chicago), to the fluffiest omelets made to order, to the heaping hashbrowns, and the ever golden flapjacks. All orders are lovingly presented with charming poise by any one of their diverse, United Nations “envoys”. Of course, you pay at the register, where the Chiclets are another favorite. And by-the-by, the Jimmy Carter booth is always reserved for me - so donʼt get any ideas.

Read about Rick's not so favorite Buckhead eatery, Chopstix!

Not So Good Fortune... Chopstix Buckhead Is 86'd!

So, I spent some time in China last year and savored some fine fare during my visit.  From Cantonese, to Pekingese, to Szechuan – the cuisine is as varied as the lovely people.

Back in the States, this grasshopper craved some of the same experiences … the strong lauded Chopstix nearly topped the list. With it’s Hong Kong roots, this establishment has garnered a formidable presence in Buckhead.  Having a staff as polished and efficient as any I’ve seen, I fear the flavors of the cuisine have been slightly lost in translation.  From a hot & sour soup that was entirely overpowered by black pepper, to a calamari appetizer drowning in its “sweet & syrupy” sauce – for a moment I lost confidence in my self-proclaimed discriminating palate, but I cannot deny the reception from my taste-buddies.  In this case, I understand the necessity of an efficient staff, as a full water glass is required to endure the tragically over salted Szechuan chicken.  Even the spicy pork fried rice spoke desert-dryness and lacked any semblance of spiciness… the water was good though.  So for now, regrettably, I must say – 86 on the ‘Stix.

Rick does play favorites! Click here for the most recent pick, Hal's! 

The Writing is on the Stucco -- Hal's On Old Ivy an Obvious Pick!

So, I’ve said it before (in numerous other formats) and I’ll gladly re-affirm that my all-time “Pick” (and not-so-best kept secret) for steaks is Hal’s On Old Ivy.

Another recent visit still inspires fresh muscles with double orders of bread- without which an irresistible broth rests in a bowl looking up and laughing in mockery for not “soaking” as a true philistine should.  With a crab cocktail that pits brother against brother; you know you’ve found the Promised Land when you can cut your medium-rare filet with the edge of your spoon.

Of course intimate seating is nice but can indeed be a down side in this space-challenged charmer.  Alas the ghosts of Old Ivy offer reprieve in the sacred knowledge that our world expands not just in mind, body and soul, but most importantly; a second floor addition complete with French quarter balcony!  Yes, it’s true; Hal’s long-awaited expansion is slated for completion in mid October.

Epitomizing the right formula for a truly successful restaurant, there’s no hiding the secret anymore, Hal…the jig is up!!

Crustacean Violation: Legal Seafood, Atlanta

Savory chowders and lobster rolls don’t just jump out of the water when you live in Atlanta.  In fact, a resignation to embrace a deserving seafood restaurant may derive of necessity.

For non-Bostonians, a New England visit almost inevitably involves an obligatory Legal Seafood pilgrimage.  Sadly, quality is a non-factor at a “powerhouse” chain like this, particularly one that seems to relax comfortably on its laurels.  The signature lobster roll exemplifies this by assessing a $23 fee for the chewy, menial amount of mollusk presented.  Additionally, a san-seasoned clam chowder, without its burdensome grit, regrettably renders another signature dish remarkably thin.  In fact, to pass off such substandard servings in a city whose abundance is less notable than that of this namesake’s feels a bit insulting.  As such, to dispense said provisions should certainly be illegal. 


Click for the previous Rick's Pick: Himalayas Indian Restaurant 

Head For the Hills and Try Himalayas Indian Restaurant

When it comes to food, I’m a bit of a creature of habit. Of course, I embrace every new culinary adventure, but sometimes the comfort of a favorite “tried and true” eatery is all that will do. Such is the case with Himalayas Indian Restaurant. I’ve been masticating maharajah style at this spot for over a decade, and am routinely impressed by it’s consistency. From the ever-hearty mulligatawny soup with fresh lime wedges, to the leanest lamb bhuna this side of Mumbai (or London as the case may be). The truth is, I cannot remember a visit that I’ve made to this strip mall gem where I tried something that I didn’t fall in love with. Additional highlights include the bold chicken korma and the “Indian spicy” (no gringos allowed) vindaloo that would make even Kali succumb to the seductive heat – beware!! As for the service, rest assured - if your water glass is ever less than half full, you’re visiting the wrong strip mall. 

Click here for the previous Rick's 86'd!

Piu Bello Fails to Deliver

A meticulously clean dining space with attentive staff does not a top shelf pizzeria make.

NY Style pizza is not as easy as it looks – requiring (among other things) fresh cheese, bold sausage, and a crust that maintains its pliable, yet sop-free, integrity. Sadly, Piu Bello Pizzeria, located adjacent to the Kroger Fresh Fare in the Peachtree-Piedmont Crossing Shopping Center, fails to deliver.

A selection of inferior toppings from dry olives and peppers (cut entirely too long), processed slivers of taste-free sausage, to a seriously forgettable sauce sans any flavor are begging for red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese to confirm that you are actually indulging in a meal. A consistent quality mozzarella, like Grande Napoli, must really grip fresh toppings on a pie to avoid “roll-off” should its consumer elect not to fold. But even this can’t save a pizza without proper (hi gluten) dough structure and end crust. If I was a slice of soggy dough that was forced to host this motley crew of unsavories, I’d refuse to hold on too!

So, in closing, despite a convenient Buckhead location, a stellar Pellegrino selection, and numerous opportunities for redemption – unfortunately, this pizzeria doesn’t make the cut.

Piu Bello … you’re 86’d

Ever Have a Dirty Water Dog in NYC? Rick's First Pick, ATL's Version At A Korean Kiosk...

I’m delighted to join the Repeat Atlanta corps as a recruited contributor and look forward to sharing many a single-sided critique on some of my favorite (and least favorite) dining detours. So, without further ado and in the spirit of positivity, let’s start out… nice.

Seems like everyone’s got their own dining poll these days – the most popular of which is “Best Fried Chicken in Atlanta.” Some joints qualify, and others are undoubtedly lauded by existing employees in an effort to enhance business. Alas, my pick for two years standing still applauds an underscored 6’ x 10’ kiosk nestled in the food court of the Super H Mart due north of the city. Despite its relatively obscure OTP location, the Korean ToreOre (Chicken & Joy) justly claims its position as top spot in the pantheon of worthy fried chicken gods. From “Garlic Tasty,” to “Sweet & Spicy,” to the effervescent classic crisp, every succulent piece is (twice) deep fried in peanut oil to sheer perfection- no greasy aftermath, no guilt…just joy. But true joy takes time so my advice is to place your request at least 20 minutes in advance as every beautiful batch is worth the anticipation and, of course, made to order.

BTW- the cubes on the side are Daikon radishes and they temper the escalating heat- you may need them!
 
Until next time…enjoy your meal!

Keep Your PEEPERS Peeled for Rick's Pick's & 86'd!

Keep your peepers peeled for an exciting bi-weekly Repeat Atlanta contributor. Richard Lara, Chef Concierge at a Luxury Buckhead hotel, will soon be joining our team with his Eatery Picks & 86’d. Richard is an esteemed and valued hospitality veteran with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry.  With a critical eye for righteous fodder, Rick Lara is uniquely qualified to provide our readers with invaluable insights into the culinary community…stay tuned! Repeat Atlanta!