Foodle

Thoughtful servers, a stunning renovation, giant meatballs, martinis and a huge crème brûlée help make the 360-seat Big Rock Italian Chophouse in Birmingham one of the top debuts of the year 🍝🍷 Full review is live at DetroitNews.com @bigrockitalianchophouse #restaurantreview #birminghammi #bigrockitalianchophouse Slides 1-2 by Katy Kildee / The Detroit News Less

“Unwashed shirako” sounds a little vulgar for a sparsely elegant, hinoki-lined nine-seat sushi counter perched six stories over Cochrane street, in Hong Kong. But that’s how the chef, Kenichi Fujimoto, may introduce cod milt in season. At higher-end counters, “unwashed” means no heavy salt rubs and long deodorizing soaks that firm the milt’s texture and extend its shelf life. At Fujimoto’s namesake restaurant, the shirako will last 48 hrs, tops. He smokes it briefly so the surface bronzes, like ‘smores — bringing its clean sweetness into focus, while the interior stays as lush and silken as custard beneath a delicate membrane that yields at the slightest nudge. It’s profoundly good.

The otsumami progression at many pricey sushi-ya exists to show range, and at some, to justify a $3,000 (HKD) omakase. There are no showy overtures at Fujimoto, and neither caviar nor the truffles this season are missed. In their places are lightly-chewy, gently-scored Shimane abalone and its liver sauce; katsuo with its paper-thin, crackling skin, dimpled with welts; and a yuzu-glittered ankimo so fatty that it spreads like gelato.

Nigiri is served, too: twelve or so pieces through a narrower, more familiar aperture, with a neutral shari — with many delivering the workhorse pleasures expected by a chef from the Saito and Kanesaka orbit. Yes, both toros are meltingly soft and sinew-free, while the akami glows like a slab of red liquorice, but the finger-length kuruma ebi has an inviting texture — cooked to a rebellious mi-cuit — and the early-winter kawahagi (thread-sail filefish) has the kind of richness that could eclipse sawara on a good day.

Fujimoto comes at a time when prices have surged; when diners here know they can fly to Tokyo in about the time it takes to drive from New York to Boston. But the top dollar it commands ($1,580 HKD for lunch; $2,980 HKD for dinner) feels earned when you submit to the chef and stop asking for spectacle. Bravo, Fujimoto.

🙏 @kenichifujimoto_sushi, @geoffreywu and @theforksandspoons852 for the hospitality. Less

Mauro Colagreco’s talent is boundless, and so, it seems, are his ambitions beyond the French Riviera. Though I never made it to Mirazur, once crowned the #1 restaurant in the world, I didn’t expect the ingenuity — as in salt-baked beetroot with caviar; or oysters with shallot cream and pear — to travel 6,000 miles intact. I also didn’t expect how soft the landing would be in Hong Kong.

At Plaisance, which Colagreco opened two years ago, the tells of a neglected child are there before the food arrives: a menu frayed at the spine; random stools cluttering the entrance; loud marine motifs throughout the restaurant; and a wide bank of windows staring at a sterile light installation. On better days, the restaurant’s decor may recall a rec lounge at a Royal Caribbean; on others, a Delta club designed by someone who’s spent too much time near, or under, the ocean. If your mind wanders, the studied menu reels it back with prized names, like Racan Pigeon, making few concessions to the local palate.

You’ll also find a menu that fixates on fruit in nearly every dish. Sweet Botan ebi is flanked by little curls of sweet carrot in a pool of even sweeter vinaigrette; an otherwise pristine Hokkaido scallop blighted by nondescript tropical fruit; beautiful persimmons brûléed until their sugars steamroll everything in its wake — pigeon, in this case.

To Plaisance’s credit, the execution is rarely at fault: except for gritty shortcrust pastry, beetroot ‘caviar’ that promises brightness that never comes, and underseasoned jus, that silky pigeon was a ruddy pink shielded by well-browned, well-rendered skin. And while their Spanish mackerel makes an unfortunate case that the safer overtures land better (i.e. fatty fish over a sauce rammed with butter and roe), the cooking is precise, and I swooned over dessert, which was (gently) sweet Jerusalem artichoke under a bloom of vanilla espuma.

The dessert convinces me that there are bright spots beyond the hospitality, which is kind and earnest and refreshingly devoid of airs. I’ll return when there are fewer plates sitting between the ideas. Less

Suite 200 in Crabapple: Potential, But, But…

Our recent visit to @suite200grille in Crabapple was much like our first visit: some good, some swings and misses. Having previously dined here, we were intrigued by the owner, Anthony's decision to incorporate Italian influences into the menu, inspired by their successful restaurant in Blue Ridge.

Appetizers & Entrees
We started with the cheesesteak egg rolls. The presentation was inviting with cheese sprinkled on top. The egg rolls were crispy, meaty, and flavorful. It was the fave item in two trips here. However, they could have been served hotter for that perfect bite.
For the main course, my wife chose here standards Caesar salad and chicken parmesan, while I opted for the chicken piccata. The quality of the ingredients are there; the pasta was notably good, and the freshly grated cheese added a delightful touch. While they didn’t blow our minds, they delivered pretty good taste, making them a reliable choice for locals.

Service & Ambiance
Our server, Braden, was a highlight of the evening. His friendly demeanor and hustle were commendable despite being clearly understaffed. Unfortunately, the management's focus seemed skewed. The manager was noticeably attentive to a VIP table, spending extensive time with them, while other tables, like ours, could have benefited from her support.

Overall Impression
Suite 200 has potential but staffing issues hold it back. If you're in the area, it's worth a visit for the solid food and the hope the leadership improves. But I know of one four-top that got impeccable service. Problem is the restaurant had several other tables occupied.

#AtlantaEats #CrabappleDining #ItalianFlavors #RestaurantReview #SupportLocalEats #FoodieFinds #HonestReview Less

Review: Town Like Taco in Woodstock

Met Woodstock's very own Leo Shafto at @townelaketacoco, a spot he's been raving about. As someone who enjoys exploring local food gems, I had to check it out for myself.

The Experience
The vibe is distinctly American, with a menu that offers a variety of proteins. I tried the shrimp, chicken, beef, and pork options, and I must say, the Kickin’ Chicken stood out. The chicken, sourced from Springer Mountain, is grilled but with a satisfying crunch.

What I Loved
• Sauces: The sauces here are quite impressive, adding a flavorful punch to every bite.
• Fresh Ingredients: You can really taste the freshness in everything they serve.

Final Thoughts
While it may not be the kind of place I'd drive across town for, it's a solid choice if you're in the area. The food is tasty, and it's a spot my daughter would enjoy, especially with their burrito options. If you reside in the Town Lake area, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Hashtags: #TownLikeTaco #WoodstockEats #KickinChicken #LocalEats #FoodieAdventures #FamilyFriendlyDining #AtlantaGrubber Less

Promising Debut at Dhansiri Bangladeshi Restaurant 🌟

Had the pleasure of trying out Dhansiri Bangladeshi Restaurant, tucked beside Al Zabiha Halal Meat Grocery at Beaver Ruin and Indian Trail in Norcross. Here's my unbossed and unbought take:

Duck Bhuna: The duck is organic and the flavors are rich and memorable. A must-try for anyone who loves a well-cooked duck dish!

Spicy Aloo Chop: This dish has earned a spot in my top 4 potato dishes of the year, and it's the best I’ve had in Georgia so far. The spice blend is spot on, making it a delightful treat.

The restaurant keeps it simple with a no-frills setup, focusing on delivering authentic Bangladeshi flavors. If you're in the area, it's worth checking out!

#DhansiriBangladeshi #NorcrossEats #DuckDelight #AlooChopMagic #AtlantaGrubber #FoodieFinds Less

Discover Peachtree Corners: A Dining Gem

A few years ago, I wrote an article for ScoopOTP, predicting Peachtree Corners would emerge as the next Alpharetta or Roswell in the suburban dining scene. While it hasn't fully reached that level, Peachtree Corners has undeniably made significant progress.

Stage Kitchen & Bar: A Must-Visit Date Night Spot
Our recent visit to Stage Kitchen & Bar confirmed its reputation as the premier date night location in Peachtree Corners. This restaurant offers a diverse menu, featuring everything from sushi to pasta, and a wide array of seafood, chicken, and steak options.

Highlights from Our Visit
Even on a Monday night, the restaurant was bustling, a testament to its popularity. The oxtail dumplings stood out, with a delightful fusion of flavors from parmesan and gruyere cheese. Meanwhile, the lobster and shrimp spaghetti impressed with a generous, Alfredo-like sauce, perfectly complemented by pancetta.

My wife chose the Caesar salad, and we both appreciated the flavorful dressing and the unique addition of crispy chickpeas. Stage Kitchen & Bar consistently delivers creative and unique takes on classic dishes, a quality we admire.

While we also enjoy their sister restaurant, Peche, Stage Kitchen & Bar remains our top choice for a fancier sit-down meal in Norcross or Peachtree Corners.

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