Foodle

“I want old Salon but my girl wants big Salon,” says the highroller from Shanghai — who rolls in at 10 pm with friends, pondering life’s epicurean travails over a magnum of champagne that costs about a month’s rent of a studio in Brooklyn. But not all appetites here are maximalist; not in this six-seat Kiso-hinoki counter in a serene Aoyama enclave that could double as an (unmarked) safehouse for the culinary cognoscenti.

In fact, the most homespun thing you might eat at Suetomi, depending on the season, is a large, deep-fried fin of pufferfish, served with sudachi and a square of parchment so you can pull the meat apart by hand while shielding yourself from the hot juices of the prized fish. It might be one of the best things you eat all night, though 11 other courses equally showcase the chef Yasuo Suetomi’s skill at coaxing deep, nuanced flavors from very little.

Consider the broth of hamaguri clam, which resembles the contents of the Pensieve — the misty, mythical well in Harry Potter where wizards clear their excess thoughts and relive old memories. This is the bivalve in its sweetest, most swollen form, and the broth that carries an almost unadulterated expression of it. Yes, there are other prized ingredients too, like fatty, supremely juicy nodoguro, whose gently scorched skin barely holds everything together until you prod at it and it trembles.

But I don’t remember the last time bamboo shoots moved me — the last one was at Akasaka Eigetsu, half a decade ago — and here, at Suetomi, they eclipse the Wagyu course: darkly caramel-forward, with a flavor that recalled the first time I had movie-theater popcorn as a child. When these bamboo shoots return again, as the focal point of the donabe course, it may matter even more.

Because if Suetomi’s philosophy is about the removal of excess, then what remains is his gift of letting ingredients speak loudly, and beautifully, for themselves. Here’s to one of my new favorite restaurants in Tokyo.

📍Suetomi (末富), Tokyo. 🍽️ Feb ‘26. Less

Discovering Garlik Grill: New Hidden Gem in Johns Creek

I recently stumbled upon @garlik_grill, nestled in the Rivermont shopping center on Holcomb Bridge Road, thanks to some buzz on my favorite local entertainment site, Nextdoor. As a longtime fan of @samadgrill in Sandy Springs, I was intrigued when I realized that Garlik Grill is a delightful spin-off of the beloved Samad, from Jamal and the charming @lesanna3

Back in the day, when my son attended North Springs Charter High School, I frequently visited Samad Mediterranean. It quickly became my go-to spot for its authentic flavors and welcoming atmosphere. Fast forward to today, and while I haven’t been a regular at Samad for a while, my recent visit to Garlik Grill brought back fond memories.

The menu at Garlik Grill features some familiar offerings, and I couldn’t resist trying the lamb soup, gyro off the spit, and fries with their signature garlic sauce. The quality was excellent, rivaling its sister restaurant in Sandy Springs. If you’re a garlic lover like Mrs. Grubber, the sauce is an absolute must-try!

For those in search of a taste of the Mediterranean right here on the tip Johns Creek that’s essentially East Roswell, Garlik Grill is definitely worth a visit. They’ve managed to capture the essence of what made Samad a favorite.
Have you been to Garlik Grill yet? Share your thoughts below!

#JohnsCreekEats #GarlikGrill #MediterraneanFlavors #AtlantaFoodies #FoodReview #NextdoorFinds Less

Discovering the Best BBQ at Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach
If you're a barbecue enthusiast exploring Florida's culinary scene, Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach is a must-visit. Widely regarded as one of the state's premier BBQ spots, this restaurant is helmed by James Beard Best semifinalist chef Rick Mace. I love its distinctive Latin fusion twist, @tropical_smokehouse, which also just opened in Delray Beach, delivers a barbecue experience that's both authentic and innovative.

A Culinary Journey Through Smokehouse Delights
The prime brisket at Tropical Smokehouse is a nod to traditional Texas style, boasting a rich, smoky flavor. Opting for the fatty cut, I found it to be nothing short of excellent. The pork, infused with mojo sauce, offers a unique blend reminiscent of barbecue and lechon asada, providing a delightful and unique culinary experience.

Florida's Unique BBQ Offerings
What sets Tropical Smokehouse apart are the menu items that give a nod to Florida's diverse culinary landscape. In addition to the mojo sauce mentioned above, the brisket empanadas and smoked black beans are offerings not found in most BBQ joints. Regardless, these dishes highlight the restaurant's commitment to blending traditional barbecue with local influences.

A Highlight: The Pork Spareribs
While brisket and pork are typically my go-to choices, the pork spareribs at Tropical Smokehouse were perhaps the most memorable. They were softer and more tender than others I've tried, with a subtle seasoning that allowed the natural flavors of the meat to shine through.

A Long-Awaited Discovery
Having tasted highly-rated barbecue in several states, I can confidently say that Tropical Smokehouse is in the class with some of the best I've encountered. After nearly three decades of visiting family in Tampa and Boynton Beach, I've finally found a place in Florida that offers genuine, mouth-watering barbecue.

For those on a quest for remarkable BBQ in the Sunshine State, Tropical Smokehouse is a destination worth exploring.

Hashtags: #TropicalSmokehouse #WestPalmBeachBBQ #FloridaEats #BBQLovers #LatinFusionBBQ #ChefRickMace #BBQJourney #FloridaFoodie Less

Unveiling a Burger Gem: No Idea in Norcross

Discovering the perfect burger can be an adventure, and @noidea_burger in Norcross is a destination worth exploring. Located on Indian Trail Road, this spot serves up a "very good" unloaded burger that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. For just $11.50, you can indulge in a massive creation that's ready to challenge your appetite. My version came loaded with four patties, though two would be ample for most burger enthusiasts.

A Contender in Atlanta's Burger Scene
Metro Atlanta boasts an impressive array of burgers, making the competition fierce. While I can't place No Idea in my top five—Good Word still holds the title of Best in Gwinnett County—this should not dissuade you. When Eater curates a burger map or when Steak Shapiro’s Atlanta Eats highlights top burgers, No Idea deserves a spot in the conversation.

A Taste of Diversity
No Idea is proudly Asian-owned, and their menu reflects a delightful fusion of flavors. Their Korean fried chicken sandwiches are tempting, and I’m eager to try one... or maybe two!

Sides That Steal the Show
Don’t overlook the sides when you visit. The corn ribs, paired with cilantro ranch dressing, are a must-try. These grilled corn strips, still on the cob, are seasoned with spices and butter, creating a delicious complement to your burger experience.

Join the culinary conversation and share your thoughts after visiting No Idea. Even if we aren’t talking NFA, H&F, Chez Butter Jonez, this is still a must-visit for all burger hounds!

Hashtags: #AtlantaEats #BurgerLovers #NorcrossEats #KoreanFriedChicken #FoodieFinds #GwinnettCountyEats #CornRibs #AtlantaGrubber Less

Review of Roux on Canton: An Objective Look
Nestled on the bustling Canton Street, Roux on Canton has been a spot I've heard about but never quite felt the urge to visit—until now. After finally dining there, my experience aligns with the mixed feedback I’d previously encountered. Here’s an objective review of my visit:

Culinary Highlights

Lemon Pepper Wings
Mrs. Grub’s choice, the lemon pepper wings, turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The wings, sourced from Springer Mountain, were requested extra crispy and did not disappoint. The dry rub added a flavorful punch, and the accompanying blue cheese dressing was notably better than average.

Gumbo and Fried Shrimp Po’boy
While I momentarily forgot its name, the most memorable aspect of the gumbo was indeed its gravy. As for the fried shrimp po’boy, it was just fine. However, it suffered from an excess of dressing, and the shrimp were slightly overcooked. Despite chicken being sourced from Springer Mountain, it left me wondering if the shrimp supplier was not quite Inland Seafood. My taste buds registered more of a politely muted approval than any strong disfavor.

Service and Atmosphere
Haley, our server, was a standout. She juggled duties at the bar and on the floor with impressive hustle and enthusiasm, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Conclusion
Roux on Canton offers a solid dining option but doesn’t top my list of favorites along Canton Street. It’s a decent spot to visit if you’re in the area, but perhaps not one to make a special trip for.

Overall, if you’re exploring Canton Street, Roux on Canton is worth a try, especially for their lemon pepper wings. But it’s important to manage expectations.

Hashtags
#RouxOnCanton #CantonStreetEats #AtlantaDining #FoodReview #AtlantaGrubber #ObjectiveReview Less

🥩🍟DINNER FOR 2 @theferry_cookham [INVITE]

The Ferry in Cookham have recently had a makeover and very kindly invited me and a plus 1 for a 3 course meal to celebrate!

It was such a lovely evening with great food and company. The staff were so lovely and nothing was too much trouble. I cant wait to pop in during the summer and have a drink on the terrace by the river!! 🍟🥩 Less

Giving this “eggs Guerrero” a permanent spot on my Instagram wall because I think @sunnysidebroscafe might be a gem! Just give me a few more visits and I will let you know, but the verde sauce on here was delicious. After a week in Phoenix, I came back to frigid cold weather and no running water, but at least the Mexican food was good. Thanks guys, you saved the day!!!!

#sunnysidequeens #queensmexicanfood #queenseats Less

Here I was obsessing for all these years about “water-boiled fish,” when in reality I didn’t even really know what that was. And the whole time I was really waiting for #maoxuewang , a Sichuan mountain stew that looks at water boiled fish and is like, hold my beer.

Does any of this make sense? Hold my beer water boiled fish?! I think I’ve been sitting in my house for too long. The more time I spend alone, amusing myself by ordering hellfire stews like this, the crazier I become. Am I a genius? Or is my brain permanently damaged by beef organs and fiery chile water. Anyway, seek out this stew at a Sichuan restaurant if you want to get close to the edge. Damn!

@jinglinyc

*update: Happy Chinese new year 🧧

#maoxuewang #sichuanfood #longislandcity #nycchinesefood Less

Need some new recommendations? Check out Coniglio’s in Morristown where they have delectable Italian food 🇮🇹 The type of food that is comforting to eat 🤤👏🏻 Be sure to check this spot and hit the bio link for more 🔥

#bestiebites #goldentastyfoodie #favglobalfoodies #instasitiophile #dailyfoodiechat Less