Foodle

Discovering Tre Fratelli: A New Italian Gem in Alpharetta

The Atlanta Grubber community, have you heard about the new kid on the block? @trefratellialpharetta a fresh Italian restaurant in downtown Alpharetta, is making waves as it fills the shoes of the former Butcher & Brew. For those nostalgic about the spot's previous identities, including the brief Academy Bar (did not get that place at all), Tre Fratelli is much better than both.

Mrs. Grubber’s Take
Curious about Mrs. Grubber’s verdict? She gave the Caesar salad a whirl and found it a tad salty but otherwise gave it a thumbs up. But let's be real, that's a regular critique from her—much like my own desire for more protein in my sandwiches. However, the chicken parmesan was a standout for her. While it hasn't dethroned her all-time favorite from Il Giallo, it certainly ranks high on her list, and trust me, she's sampled plenty!

My Culinary Adventure
As for me, the foodie in search of the perfect dish, I was pulled by a recent NextDoor thread about chicken marsala and hence got a craving for such. Chef David Soon boasts that their pasta comes from "one of the top two suppliers in Italy." With such credentials, it was no surprise that the dish was exceptional. If you're on the hunt for top-tier chicken marsala, this is your go-to spot.

Starting my meal with arancini filled with mozzarella and short rib was a true delight. The taste was a memorable highlight, and it's been a while since I've had arancini that good. Note on the pic, oy already two removed from the plate by the time photo was taken,

Is It "Real" Italian?
Now, some might debate whether Tre Fratelli is "authentic" Italian, or more of a Brooklyn or Italian-American fusion. But let's focus on what's important—it’s undeniably delicious!

What are your thoughts, fellow food enthusiasts? Have you tried Tre Fratelli yet? Share your experiences and let’s chat about your favorite dishes there!

#AlpharettaEats #TreFratelli #ItalianCuisine #AtlantaGrubber #FoodieFinds #ChickenParm #AranciniLover Less

JavaSagaAlpharetta #BestChickenSandwich #AtlantaEats

I’ve been a fan of the original @javasagacoffee/ on Buford Highway in Doraville for some time now, so imagine my excitement when I heard they were opening a second location closer to me, just off Windward Parkway on Jordan Court in Alpharetta. I visited the new spot recently, and I have to say, they’ve maintained the same high quality as the BuHi location.

The ABC sandwich is just as delicious as ever, and the new Alpharetta location offers more seating, which is a huge plus. It’s still in its soft opening phase, with hours from 11 AM to 3 PM. However, be prepared for potential delays as they sold out of chicken before 1 PM. Fortunately, the staff was proactive, and a new batch was just a few minutes away, so waiting was worth it.

Word has certainly spread about this spot, and the crowd seemed to thin out by 2 PM. Even if I’m not significantly closer to the new location, the added seating makes it a compelling choice. For anyone debating between the two, you won’t be disappointed with the Alpharetta spot.

In my opinion, this is the best chicken sandwich in metro Atlanta, and it might just be the best sandwich, period. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend making the trip. Hands down, it’s a winner! Less

Discovering the Best Fish 'n' Chips at Heaps Pies in Decatur
If you're a fan of fish 'n' chips, there's a new spot in town that might just become your favorite: @heapsatl, located in Decatur, possibly Avondale Estates. Known for their New Zealand-style fish 'n' chips, they’re only available Friday through Sunday, so plan your visit accordingly.

A Taste of New Zealand
What sets Heaps Pies apart from the traditional British variety is the coating on the fish. The haddock is enveloped in a batter that resembles tempura—light and less greasy, offering a refreshing twist. The British chips could have been hotter but were very good. Heaps Pies stands out, edging out Washington’s Wharf, a formidable contender in Cumming, in terms of overall experience for said dish.

A Close Competition
While I’m declaring Heaps Pies my current favorite, it's a close call. Washington’s Wharf still holds the advantage with their chips, but when it comes to the fish, it's almost neck and neck but Heaps wins. The house remoulade at Heaps, with its hint of mustard, deserves special mention—it’s truly praiseworthy. The authentic New Zealand salt on top enhances the dish without overpowering it, earning my coveted “I’d rush back” distinction.

Exploring More Delights
Have you tried their New Zealand savory pies? If the fish 'n' chips are any indication, the pies must be delightful. I'm planning to grab a sausage roll on my next visit, and I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve tried them already. Are there any other must-try items on the menu?

Join the conversation and share your experiences! Let’s uncover more hidden gems in Atlanta together.
#HeapsPies #AtlantaEats #FishnChips #FoodieFinds #DecaturEats Less

Discovering Breakfast and Dinner Delights at Vila Crepe & Café in West Roswell
If you're on the hunt for breakfast options in Rosstock, @vilacrepecafe in west Roswell is a spot to consider. I recently enjoyed two solid breakfasts there, and I must say, their signature Dubai chocolate crepe is very good. While I have a leaning toward other local spots like Savory Gourmet, Gracious Plenty, and A&M Kitchen, Vila Crepe & Café still holds its own as a viable breakfast contender and all mentioned places have different menus that complement more than compete. Have you tried any of these places? Which is your favorite?

A Dinner Debut That Impressed
Vila Crepe & Café also offers dinner twice a week, and my first experience was positive. The creamy cognac shrimp appetizer, with its standout sauce, was delightful. My pork chop was perfectly cooked—seared to perfection. It's worth noting that the chef sources his ingredients from a local high-end butcher shop, ensuring quality. The mashed potatoes? Some of the best I've had in a while. Have you visited for dinner yet? What dishes would you recommend?

The dinner is the clear star here and they should expect a big boost in business immediately.

Final Verdict
Overall, Vila Crepe & Café is a place worth keeping on your radar. Whether it's breakfast or dinner, there's something for everyone. The chef/partner's background from Little Alley certainly adds to the culinary experience. Thinking of trying one of their lunch sandwiches next—any recommendations?

See my Facebook group for another independent review of this place

Join the conversation and share your experiences with Vila Crepe & Café in the comments below. #AtlantaEats #RoswellDining #BreakfastLovers #DinnerDelights Less

If there is a cheesesteak out there that you absolutely must try…it’s from Danny & Coop’s 🔥🤯😮‍💨 I mean come on, this cheesesteak was seriously unreal‼️ Looks incredible and tastes unbelievably great 🤤 PS get the sweet peppers on the side to go with this 🫑 You gotta get here and hit the bio link for more on Danny & Coop’s 🫵🏻

#cheesesteak #dannyandcoops #dannyandcoopscheesesteaks #newyorkcityfood #nycfoodspots Less

X DFW HALAL TACO HUNT 🌮

Tried out @baeskitchenusa and got their birria since that was the closest to street style.
Solid tacos but the consome lacked flavor. For the price of $11.80, pretty good sized tacos 🔥

📍 771 W Round Grove Rd E600, Lewisville, TX 75067
⭐️ Birria tacos - 8.3/10
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#rating #tacos #halal #dfw #birria Less

X DFW HALAL TACO HUNT 🌮

Went back to @officialeverythinghalal after more than a year and I was heavily disappointed 😔
Got the beef tacos and it barely had any flavor. Had to throw in a lot of sauce just to eat it and even the sauce was not that great..

Could have given lower but it’s good sized tacos for the price

📍 3701 Esters Rd #106, Irving, TX 75038
⭐️ Beef tacos - 5.2/10
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#tacohunt #mobsfoodcritic #halal #dfw Less

At Bar School we were made to listen to recordings of ourselves failing.

No praise. No participation trophies. Just a room full of people explaining what needed fixing.

It steels you. It was also one of the most useful things I’ve ever done. There is good reason, supported by research, why that approach not only works but often prepares people better for success.

Years later, I found myself thinking about that while eating dinner at The Devonshire, one of London’s most celebrated restaurants and arguably the city’s most talked-about pub.

Not because The Devonshire is bad. Far from it.

But because I increasingly wonder what happens when a restaurant is praised so enthusiastically, and for so long, that criticism starts to feel impolite.

Does consensus eventually become truth?

Do we stop assessing a restaurant on its own merits and instead inherit the judgement of everyone who came before us?

My latest London restaurant review is now live on Substack. Less