Athens, Georgia

On a recent trip to Athens for a GASFAA conference, I was able to enjoy the delectable and delightful local flavor. I was impressed with myself and how much my palate has changed in the mere 6 years since college graduation (it's not that long ago, right?!). Perhaps the draught of people was due to the summer time, but I couldn't help but think I was making more mature restaurant choices that avoided the staples of college life. There were after all people walking everywhere through out the city. I arrived Tuesday evening after a full day of work in the city.

Tired, hungry I pulled on jeans and walked to The Globe as recommended by Hotel Indigo. Void of Greek life, I noticed a couple on a first date, 2 hipster dudes and a solo guy with his computer -- whom I can only imagine to be a teacher. The Globe had tons of character. It was a great, seemingly authentic pub. I was shocked at the prices. A Kobe beef burger for only $12! I must be in a college town. Plus $2 10oz pours of Bells Heart. Sold.


It was prepared as wonderfully as you could expect a Kobe Beef burger in a college to be prepared. It certainly satisfied my hunger. I was slightly disappointed at first that the place wasn't crawling with college co-eds. Then I quickly rationalized, despite my age and maturity, I may have been embarrassed to be dining alone in a dining room full of judging students with ample friends to dine with in their college town.


Day Two, I ventured to The National. Foursquare posted that they opened at 11, though it was actually 11:30. However, an A++ for customer service they allowed me to sit at the bar until they opened with a cup of coffee, complete with fresh creamer and raw brown sugar.


I ordered the power lunch and it may be the best tasting purely healthy meal I've ever had. Their menus are printed on a daily basis which I have always taken to be a sign of a great restaurant. The power lunch included: heirloom bean and aromatic rice salad with feta, tomato, basil, and pecan, kale slaw with celery and mustard seed, grilled artichoke and fava salad with garlic, chili and sesame, roasted baby carrots with pumpkin seeds and sorrel for $12.

Stay tuned for Wednesday evening's dining choice and the remainder of Athen's dining choices.

Saturday Night and Jilly's Cupcakes

Saturday evening J and I decided to through a small dinner party. I made my speciality: chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese, spinach and wrapped in bacon. Dirty mashed potatoes and sister shubert rolls. But what to have for dessert?

J recommended a small cupcakery in Roswell called Jilly's Cupcakery. The cupcakes looked great! We bought six; cookies and cream, cookie dough, honey lavender, margarita, strawberry cream and caramel. The cupcakes were rich and fun to share. Everyone enjoyed tasting the different flavors and were happy to share. 

 J was able to use his decanter for the first time. We used our Malbec Bota Box to fill the decanter. We discovered that Bota Box is only $13.99 at Total Wine where as Publix and Kroger sell the wine for $23.99 each. We bought 3 boxes because the wine was $10 cheaper. We also learned an interesting tip. In the state of Georgia they cannot give coupons or discounts for alcohol. This is part of the reason there are so few happy hours in Atlanta. J and I had received a coupon for Total Wine Virginia for $15 off a purchase of $100 or more. If you live in Virginia, grab the coupon here.

All in all I think we had a great night! We even had 5 full sized adults at our little table. What's a little closeness among friends? I will be happy once we have a true dinning room, but for the time being, this is perfect for our needs. 

To find a similar recipe for goat cheese stuff chicken, check it out here.