Canoe-November 2013

www.canoeatl.com

I was really excited to visit Canoe. Canoe is located on Paces Ferry Road just into Vinings. It is right on the Chattahoochee river. When I had first moved to Atlanta and researched brunch online Canoe was on my list of top places to visit. At the time it seemed too far away. Now that I am more familiar with Atlanta and have visited Vinings I decided to test it out! I was hesitant this morning to go as it was raining and I didn't want to have to get cash out for the valet service. I was also concerned that it would be too fancy for the jeans and sweater that I was wearing. I looked at their website and knew that it would be a great trip. Upon entering Canoe the first thing I noticed was the canoe with lights on the ceiling. I asked for a seat outside and was informed that there would be a wait. The wait was only 10 minutes before a table was available outside! It was raining lightly and the view was beautiful.  I was informed that in the 1940s and 50s the ferry would pull up to the property. I ordered the salmon eggs benedict, coffee and a Canoe manhattan. The eggs benedict was outstanding! I was not fond of the little potatoes under the green beans. They were too dry and tasted like frozen hash browns that had been in the oven too long. Also, the funky plate made it difficult to rest my knife at an angle without it sliding into my lap. Overall the food and service made it a wonderful experience! My bill came to about $30. I walked around the back for a few minutes before leaving content and happy with the adventure!

The Flying Biscuit-December 2012

www.flyingbiscuit.com

I had visited the Flying Biscuit bakery located in the Candler Park Neighborhood next to the restaurant numerous times. I requested a seat with a view and was placed at a table angled at the front door. It was obvious I was watching everyone who came in, but I had no shame. I ordered the usual spread. The $5 mimosa in a beer glass was a nice surprise! The meal was not impressive. The apple cranberry butter and biscuit were my favorite part of the meal. Most of the menu can be ordered next door at the bakery.  I have also been to the other location on Peachtree St. I would suggest anyone new to the area check out the Flying Biscuit at least once. If you are visiting-just get a biscuit from the bakery. I spent about $15 before tip for everything. Good food for a great value! Side note-the cappuccino was delicious!

La Tavola-November 2013

www.latavolatrattoria.com

I found the Virgina-Highlands neighborhood! I parked on the street and asked a resident if my car would get towed. She smiled and shook her head. I hesitated attempting brunch at another Italian restaurant; however, my stomach was growling. I almost walked out after stepping in. It was cramped and crowded. The smell of espresso picked me up and the little white guy on my shoulder told me to give it a shot! I asked what seating was available and the host recommended I sit outside. Outside-woo hoo! I was given a corner seat to creep on all of the guests. I ordered the usual and was delighted that a side of scrambled eggs was available. I enjoyed the food and the service! As it started to rain I decided to take it easy and I ordered a vodka, lemon, basil cocktail. I asked the server about the establishment and was informed it was a fifth group restaurant.www.fifthgroup.com If you are wondering about the quality of the food-check out the perfect froth on the cappuccino!

Il Bacio Pizzeria and Trattoria-November 2012

www.ilbacioatl.com

I made an attempt to go to the Virgina-Highlands and ended up on Peachtree St. As a result I sat in church traffic for 30 minutes. On the way home I saw a Home Depot. I needed a chair for my patio. While pulling in I saw a sign for Sunday brunch outside of Il Bacio. I needed a mimosa after driving. I wanted the usual, but "chef" wouldn't make a side of scrambled eggs. Apparently "chef" dosen't want to create anything that isn't fancy. Props to "chef"-the french toast looked awesome! Overall the experience was mediocre. The reviews I read online mentioned pizza. I suppose Italians aren't known for their brunch. The spread was about $20 before tip.

Thumbs Up Diner-November 2012

thumbsupdiner.com

My sister visited me for a weekend in November. I shared with her the adventures I had looking for places to eat brunch. We went back to Decatur as I knew she would enjoy walking around the area and browsing through the boutiques. We picked Thumbs Up diner as it was listed in the Atlanta guide book she gifted to me upon my move. We chose to sit outside which resulted in a longer wait time. Once again I ordered french toast, eggs, potatoes, sausage and coffee. Alcohol is not served at this establishment. I enjoyed the experience as I was with my sister. I don't think I will trust suggestions from guidebooks again. Diners are not for everyone. The food was bland and needed hot sauce-including the french toast. For the 2 of us the bill was about $20. This place only accepts cash. I don't understand why the lines are long. It must be the pink sign and the quirky diner interior!

Corner Bakery Cafe-October 2012

www.cornerbakerycafe.com

I had a very unlucky experience at the Corner Bakery Cafe in Buckhead. I thought it was a more upscale area and would reflect the clientele. You don't always get what you pay for. I ordered  corn beef hash egg benedict, a mimosa and coffee. The food arrived in less than 10 minutes of ordering. It tasted like it had been reheated in the microwave. For a Sunday the guests seemed to be in a rush. The check, which was about $20, arrived before I had a chance to ask for a pastry to go. On the way out I stopped at the pastry counter, but was not greeted in a pleasant manner. The entire situation was awkward. I hesitate to go back as I left feeling very disgruntled and unsatisfied.

Radial Cafe-October 2012

radial.us


I went to Radial Cafe near the Candler Park neighborhood as a result of a suggestion from my friend Rachel. Once again I ordered the challah french toast, a mimosa and a cappuccino. Radial Cafe supports local farms. The food was fresh! The service was excellent which really enhanced the experience. I asked to sit outside as a party of one and I was greeted with an "Absolutely!" The location is on the opposite side of the street from the train tracks; yet, the ambiance was calm and peaceful. I fed french toast crumbs to a few happy birds! With tip the price was under $20. After I left I wandered the charming Candler Park neighborhood. It was a lovely Sunday afternoon!

The Pinewood-Decatur, GA

The Pinewood in downtown Decatur was my first brunch trip in September 2012 when I first moved to Atlanta. Decatur was a less intimidating destination as I was new to the area. Parking in downtown Decatur is free on Sunday. I parked my car and walked up and down the street. I came upon The Pinewood on accident. They had just opened up for brunch. I was so excited for my meal that I forgot to take pictures. I ordered the challah french toast with berries and chantilly cream. I also ordered a side of eggs and a mimosa. Alcohol can't be served until 12:30pm on Sunday and as a result my meal was nearly gone before I tested the mimosa. I was really excited when the scrambled eggs were served in a small cast iron pan. The flavors and texture of the french toast was perfect. There was just the right amount of spice with the tart berries and sweet cream. The price for the meal was on the higher end. I didn't budget my meal and the check was about $30 before the tip.  I recently returned to the Pinewood in September 2013. A mimosa is now included with the brunch dishes on Sunday!www.pinewoodtr.com