Joe Duffy

Had a good meal at Colonial Kitchen & Bar at The Prado in Sandy Springs. It’s a Thai-forward menu, but with other options such as pho and what turned out to be one of my favorite incarnations of my Chinese-American staple, pepper steak.

My favorite dish was the wasabi dumplings. A couple next to us was celebrating their 30th anniversary, and I pretty much have to steal the wife’s quote: “It has so many complex flavors and you can taste all of them.”

My scallop dish was the least dynamic plate I had, but still sneaky-good flavor and high-quality seafood.

It’s somewhat surprising that I’m a huge lifetime fan of pepper steak, since green pepper is a fairly boring vegetable. But the yellow peppers here up the dish, and there’s more black pepper too. It’s slightly different from most versions I’ve had, but in a good way.

Mrs. Grub loves her lettuce rolls, and this one with chicken was among our favorites. Fellow lettuce-wrap fans: Does Sandy Springs have a better version?

Now to the bizarre.

Mrs. Grub had at least half of her pepper steak left and had every intention of taking it home. The busser starts piling dirty dishes over the pepper steak. I’m like, we want to take that home for leftovers. When we brought this bizarre assumption to the waiter, he seemed unfazed.

No human eats out more than I do, but I think this was a first.

I like that @colonialkitchenatlanta has some dishes many of my other Thai faves in Atlanta don’t. A screaming example was the tempura octopus—another sign it’s Thai-forward, not Thai-exclusive.

I won’t let the weird event interfere with giving this Sandy Springs restaurant a thumbs up. Go to Nextdoor for that kind of hissy fit.

Have you eaten at Colonial Kitchen & Bar in Sandy Springs? What did you order, and did the wasabi dumplings blow you away too?

And drop your favorite Thai or Vietnamese spot in Atlanta below. I’m always looking for the next one.

#AtlantaGrubber #ColonialKitchenAtlanta #SandySprings #SandySpringsGA #ThePrado #SandySpringsEats #AtlantaEats #AtlantaFood #ATLFoodie #ATLFood #ThaiFoodAtlanta #ThaiFood #VietnameseFood #AsianFusion #AtlantaRestaurants #AtlantaFoodie Less

There's no question: Nicky's Undefeated in Tucker serves a legit South Jersey cheesesteak and Italian hoagie. Their second location opens this weekend in Kennesaw. I finally made it back for a second visit — my first trip was only a day or two after they opened, so this gave them time to get their feet under them.

I keep telling you Liscio's is a better roll than Amoroso, and Nicky's Undefeated uses Liscio's. The bigger surprise is the meat portion — a true Philly/South Jersey amount. They also carry Cooper Sharp, which has become the top cheese choice for cheesesteaks this century.

Most Atlanta spots think an Italian hoagie means ham, pepperoni, and salami with a choice of cheese (for an Italian, that should be provolone). Nicky's does the real version — all of that, plus prosciutto and hot capicola. There are a few upscale Italian markets around town using imported meats, but nobody's loading up a hoagie with imported cold cuts and still charging a reasonable price.

The top hoagie shops in Philly mostly run Dietz & Watson. Head north into Jersey and Thumann's and Boar's Head start sneaking in too, especially once you hit the towns that call them "subs" instead of "hoagies." Nicky's uses D&W.
For legit cheesesteaks and hoagies together in metro Atlanta, only Fred's and pre-franchise Big Dave's are in the same league as @nickysundefeated. How would they stack up against my favorite NJ spots? Not top 5 — but they'd hold their own in any Jersey zip code.

For reference, NJ.com runs legit best-of lists, and their critic is a real foodie, not just a good writer. Of their ranked Garden State cheesesteaks, I've personally been to the spots ranked 1, 6, 7, 13, 16, 28, 35, 37, 39, and 45 — most of them more than once. Next visit I'm getting the roast pork; I've had some great versions in the Delaware Valley and I'm curious how this one compares.

Bottom line: Nicky's Undefeated is legit, and it's the best Philly phood in metro Atlanta right now.

Have you made it to the Tucker location yet, or are you waiting on the Kennesaw opening this weekend? And which are you ordering first — the cheesesteak or the hoagie? Drop your take below.

#NickysUndefeated #TuckerGA #Kenn Less

Got multiple reports and messages all saying the same thing: the new Coastal 38 in East Roswell is really good, and almost nobody knows about it yet. Mrs. Grubber and I checked it out ourselves, and we agree — it's a winner. Time to make sure Atlanta hears about this one. 🦀

@coastal38restaurant just opened at Connexion at Holcomb Bridge (1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd) in East Roswell, sharing the center with Bask Steakhouse, From the Earth, and Chef Wu, in the former Cylantros spot. Quick clarification before anyone gets confused: Coastal 38 has zero connection to the unmitigated disaster that was Coastal Bar, Grill & Chill, about four miles west on Holcomb Bridge — which has since closed. Similar name, nothing else in common, so don't let it scare you off.

Turns out two of my favorite crab cakes in the area are now just a few doors apart. Bask, already known for its steaks, quietly crushes it with seafood too, crab cakes included. Coastal 38's jumbo lump crab cake was finely ground with a bit of filler, which actually gave it some extra flavor, and it came out nicely crisp without going overboard. Anyone else compared the two yet?

The she crab soup was excellent. Don't let the photo fool you, there's plenty of crab in the bowl. It's not as rich or thick as a Charleston-style she crab soup, and it doesn't have that classic orange roe color or a heavy sherry presence. If you're used to the Charleston version, go in expecting something a little different. It's still a great bowl of soup on its own terms. Have any Charleston transplants tried it yet? Curious how it stacks up for you.

The menu calls the sauce on the chicken and shrimp pasta "silky," and that's accurate. The "island vibes" description had us bracing for heat, but it's mild, not spicy-hot, just full of flavor. The sauce runs thinner than a classic Italian-American version, but it was very tasty.

My Landlubber wife went with the chicken breast and gave a special shoutout to the mashed potatoes. Mrs. Grub also recognized some other diners in the room. They'd only made it through apps by the time we left, but they were already raving too.

Heck yes, time to spread the word. This one is worth the drive fro Less

Bertolozi's Pizzeria in Chastain is my new favorite spot for Chicago-style Italian beef in Atlanta.

We already liked them for the tavern-style, cracker-thin Chicago pizza, back when owner Danny Huber had a cup of coffee as a vendor at Roswell Junction. He's since moved out to the Buckhead/Sandy Springs area — a loss for that side of town, but a net gain overall, since that's when the Italian beef showed up on the menu.

And it's legit. I've had Mr. Beef and Portillo's in Chitown, plus one more spot I'm blanking on the name of, and another Portillo's location out in Carbondale — so this isn't a casual comparison.

I ended up taking a second photo a few bites in because there was way more meat in that sandwich than it looked like at first glance. Danny makes the round in-house — no shortcuts — and the roll holds up. Any displaced Chicagoland folks living around Atlanta need this on their radar.

I always say the fastest way to start a food fight is to bring up pizza or barbecue, because everybody's married to a style. But I'll say it anyway: this beef is a notch better than Bobby G's. Now I just need to get back to AJ’s Pizza in Roswell.

Mrs. and Middle Grubber already said they're happy to go back for more 'za, and I'm eyeing the meatball sandwich next. I love pizza in every style, but Italian beef might be what I cherish most these days, mostly because it's so hard to find done right around here. Atlanta finally has a real, legit one.

Have you tried the Italian beef at @bertolozi_pizzeria yet? And where else are you all finding solid Chicago-style food around Atlanta — beef, dogs, or otherwise? Drop your spots below. 👇

#AtlantaEats #AtlantaFoodie #ItalianBeef #ChicagoStyleItalianBeef #TavernStylePizza #ChastainPark #BuckheadEats #SandySpringsGA #AtlantaPizza #AtlantaGrubber Less

Absolutely nobody was more excited about @roswelljunction/ than your Atlanta Grubber. And absolutely nobody had been more gravely disappointed about RJ (the food hall in Roswell, GA) than your Atlanta Grubber. There was one, and only one, standout place: Bertolozzi's. And the dude got out of dodge as fast as he could, moving to the Chastain Park area. In fact, I want to try the Italian beef he added to the new menu. I think I know what's for dinner.

Roswell Junction has been open 21 months, and in addition to Bertolozzi's, also gone are Shawarma Shack, Mad Dad Philly's (sic), Cleaver & Co., and Across the Coast. I never made it to the Across, and like I said, excluding the short-lived Bertolozzi's, which is elite, good riddance to the rest of them. I guess I'm not the only one who was gravely underwhelmed by Roswell Junction.

Always the optimistic, I'm like let me try the @lemoineslouisianacuisine Cajun place. They were closed! No, not permanently, they just were not open for lunch. Oy, how about Marcello's? It never ends. I'm standing in front of the guy who is at the cash register. He's playing on his phone, completely ignoring me. Finally, I ask are you open? He begrudgingly takes my order.

The Italian sandwich was $15. Little meat, small sandwich. Quality was…edible, I suppose. Again, excluding Bertolozzi's, has anyone had a good meal past or present at Roswell Junction? Open less than two years, only two original occupants remain. Two, after 21 months.

Has your Roswell Junction experience been any better? Tell me who's still worth the trip (if anyone) in the comments below.
#RoswellJunction #RoswellGA #AtlantaFoodHall #AtlantaEats #ATLFoodie #ChastainPark #AtlantaGrubber #ATLRestaurants Less

Owens & Company BBQ: A Delicious New Chapter
Not since Sonny & Cher did a breakup hurt me as much as the split between Owens & Hull. But fear not, barbecue lovers, because @owensandco is still serving up some of the best bites in the Atlanta metro area! #BBQLovers #FoodiesUnite

First Impressions
My first visit to Owens & Company did not disappoint. Although there are fewer specials now, the quality remains top-notch. The meats, which earned its national ranking, are as succulent as ever. The coleslaw has even improved—it was better than I remembered! #BBQHeaven #ColeslawPerfection

Menu Highlights
While I miss the occasional beef cheeks or pork belly, the streamlined menu ensures a focus on their classic offerings. The collard greens, mac n cheese, and other sides are mouthwatering. Owens & Company is proof that sometimes less is more. #MenuMagic #StreamlinedSuccess

Location and Atmosphere
Located in Mableton with a Smyrna mailing address, Owens & Company is nestled inside Reformation Brewing. Even at 2:30 in the afternoon, there was a line—a testament to its popularity. The vibrant atmosphere and savory aromas make it a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast. #BBQInMableton #ReformationBrewing

Conclusion
Though I plan to visit Misfitss soon, Owens & Company has secured its place in my heart. As Sonny famously said, “The Beat Goes On.” #OwensAndCompany #BBQFamily Less

Discover Bricco Coal Fired Pizza in South Jersey
Have you heard about @briccocoalfiredpizza, the culinary gem from Cherry Hill and Westmont, NJ? Known for its exceptional quality, this pizzeria has been consistently recognized by 50 Top Pizza ratings from Italy’s premier pizza rating source, earning a spot among the Top 50 pizzas in the U.S. for five consecutive years. Recently, Food & Wine magazine elevated its status by naming it the 16th best pizza in the world.

A Unique Pizza Experience
When I visited Bricco, I faced a delightful dilemma. As someone not typically fond of honey on pizza, I was intrigued by the buzz surrounding their "Miami" pizza. Featuring spicy pepperoni, creamy burrata, and Calabrian chili honey, it seemed like a must-try. After consulting with the waitress, I took the plunge and ordered it.

The result? The spiciness of the pepperoni was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the honey, creating a harmonious blend that was nothing short of extraordinary.

The Art of Coal Fired Pizza
For those concerned about the pizza's appearance, let me assure you—the beautiful, crisp undercarriage is not burnt! The coal-fired method, known for its "leopard spotting," enhances the pizza's flavor and provides a delightful crunch. It's more char-forward than traditional wood-fired pizzas, offering a distinct taste experience.

What's Next on the Menu?
While I’m still on the fence about calling it the 16th best pizza in the universe, there's no denying its excellence. Next time, I might explore the vodka or New Haven-inspired clam pie. Though I haven’t tried the entire menu, one thing is clear: Bricco serves elite coal-fired pizza.
Have you tried Bricco Coal Fired Pizza? What’s your favorite pie, and how does it compare to other pizzerias in the area? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!

#PizzaLovers #BriccoPizza #CoalFiredPizza #Top50Pizza #FoodAndWine #PizzaReview #CrispyCrust Less

Discovering Bites, Sliders, and Fries: East Cobb's Hidden Gem
Are you always on the lookout for a legit cheesesteak in the Atlanta area? If so, you might want to check out @bitessliders_roswell/, located at the corner of Highway 92 and Sandy Plains Road in East Cobb, with a Roswell mailing address. Nestled in the Publix shopping center, this spot has been generating some buzz lately. Let's dive into what makes this place worth a visit—and what could use a little tweaking.

A Cheesesteak Worth Talking About
There is a myth about necessity of Amoroso's rolls for a true cheesesteak experience, but the fact this joint has them is a good sign. While Bites, Sliders, and Fries might have some misspellings on their website including on Amoroso’s, they do offer those iconic rolls. My taste buds can attest to that. Despite the imperfections on their website, the focus remains on the food, and that's where it counts.

A Sampling Experience
During my visit, I had the opportunity to sample a burger slider, a 5-inch cheesesteak, and a Nathan's hot dog. I went with my mom after her physical therapy nearby. She's known for adding salt and pepper to everything without tasting first, but interestingly, she found the burger salty. To be clear, she did not add any salt here, just wanted to give you a perspective that she is Team Salt. While I agreed, she did finish it and later softened her stance. I found both the burger and cheesesteak a bit too salty.

The Cheesesteak Verdict
The cheesesteak earned a thumbs up from me. My usual complaint applies here: I'd love more meat. However, the use of South Jersey's default white American cheese is a positive sign. What would take this cheesesteak to the next level? A more generous portion of meat and a little less salt. With these adjustments, it could easily be among the top cheesesteaks in Greater Atlanta.

Other Offerings and Recommendations
With two cheesesteak sliders priced at $12, the value is there for a full meal. Their menu boasts house-made ranch and blue cheese dressings, which makes me eager to return and try the wings alongside a couple of 5-inch cheesesteaks. It’s clear that Bites, Sliders, and Fries has the potential. Less

Discovering J-Bistro: A Culinary Delight on the Doraville/Chamblee Line
If you're a member of the Atlanta Grubber Facebook group, you might be intrigued by my recent visit to @jbistro_ga, perfectly situated on the Doraville/Chamblee line. The purpose of my visit was trying their jajangmyeon, a much-loved Korean-Chinese dish. How does it compare to the popular Papa’s Dumpling? It’s a tough call! While I preferred J-Bistro's noodles, Papa’s offers a delightful, pastier texture. Which one do you think takes the lead?

I stopped my way back from the airport after dropping off Mrs. Grub, I was pleasantly surprised by J-Bistro’s diverse menu. But I will return with her as plenty of NY Chinese dishes for her. I’m eager to return and try their pepper steak, my staple of American-Chinese fare. Have any of you tried it yet?

The shumai stood out as well, boasting a higher pork-to-shrimp ratio than others I’ve sampled. The finely ground proteins melded beautifully, offering a balanced flavor and satisfying portion size. Both the appetizer and main dish earned my approval, leaving me eager to visit J-Bistro again.

What are your thoughts? Have you dined at J-Bistro or have a go-to dish you’d recommend? Share your experiences in the comments!

#JBistro #KoreanChineseCuisine #DoravilleEats #ChambleeDining #FoodieFavorites #Jajangmyeon #FoodieCommunity Less

Good Meal at YGF Malatang
On my quest to finally try the renowned jajangmyeon at @jbistro_ga, nestled near the Doraville/Chamblee border, I encountered an unexpected hiccup—they're closed on Wednesdays! This twist of fate led me to explore @ygfmalatangatlanta one of the many intriguing dining options within the H Mart shopping center. They have locations worldwide, many in Asia, another in Duluth.

A Unique Malatang Experience
While I may not be an expert on the historical origins of dishes, I can certainly discern what's tasty. YGF Malatang offers a distinctly different experience compared to the malatang I've enjoyed at Hunan Garden. Here, you can craft your meal by selecting from a variety of proteins, vegetables, and noodles at their food bar. You then choose your broth and are charged by the pound. From lobster balls and mussels to spam, the range of protein options is impressive. I indulged in almost every protein available.

One thing I’d do differently next time is limit myself to one type of noodle. I tried 3-4 different noodles, with udon being a personal favorite. On the recommendation of the friendly staff, I opted for the beef bone broth, which I would definitely order again. While it doesn’t quite earn an “I’d rush back” status, it certainly receives my seal of approval.

Asking the Atlanta Grubber Community
I find myself throwing more questions your way than ever before. Do you have a favorite broth or noodle at YGF Malatang? And as I mentioned my main dish at J-Bistro, do you have a favorite appetizer there that I should try? With so many Asian restaurants in that shopping center alone, what other spots should be on my must-try list?

Join the conversation and share your recommendations! Let's explore the vibrant culinary scene together.
#AtlantaEats #YGFMalatang #AsianCuisineAdventure #FoodiesUnite Less