Well, for those of you who like the finer things in life and only eat the finest we got you covered. However, everyone can use a little savings tip during these economic downtimes. I ran across an article by Christiane Lauterbach
over at Atlanta Magazine that I thought everybody should read.
You see Lauterbach checked out where to find “Twenty Great Meals Under $25” in metro Atlanta and gave us the 411. I must admit Lauterbach absolutely nailed it. For that reason I want to pass these hot tips on to Top Atlanta Luxury readers.
Christiane’s Picks:
ASAM HOUSE Your budget will buy you a feast in this sweet little Malaysian cafe decorated in modern style.What to order: roti canai, a crisp Indian-style pancake served with a small bowl of chicken curry ($2.50); archat—Malaysian pickled vegetables ($3.95); beef rendang simmered in a thick coconut curry sauce with chili paste and lemongrass ($12.95); ais kacang, a festive Malaysian dessert of shaved ice topped with fruit cocktail, beans, and syrup ($2.95).5283 Buford Highway, in Pinetree Plaza, Doraville, 770-452-5100
BELEZA Resisting the inventive cocktails will be tricky in this splendid little lounge, where both the food and design promote radiant health.What to order: heirloom organic quinoa salad with avocado and raw cocoa puree ($7) and prawn moqueca—a spicy Bahian stew with coconut milk, red palm extract, and cashews ($16).905 Juniper Street, 678-904-4582,
http://www.belezarestaurant.com/ BLUEFIN The futuristic decor and large portions attract an eager young crowd to this new Pan-Asian cafe and sushi lounge in South Buckhead.What to order: soft-shell crab sushi roll ($10); okonomi yaki—a thick, savory Japanese crepe topped with “dancing” bonito flakes ($12); green tea ice cream ($3).1829 Peachtree Road, 404-963-5291,
http://www.bluefinatlanta.com/
CAFE 101 You can’t afford not to have a bubble tea ($2.75) or mango smoothie ($3.95) in this authentic new Szechuan-Taiwanese restaurant located in a groovy circular building.What to order: bitter melon and pork ribs soup ($5.95) and half a smoked duck ($11.95).5412 Buford Highway, 770-458-8883
THE CHOCOLATE BAR While we suggest a sampling from across the menu, if you skip the savories entirely you can enjoy the world-class three-course dessert menu prepared by the former pastry chef at Seeger’s in this deceptively casual establishment. Come back with more money and get wine pairings or culinary cocktails with your sweets.What to order: Madras curry popcorn ($3); cheese plate with seasonal preserves and raisin bread ($13); chocolate pot de crème with Szechuan cocoa nib crisps ($5).201 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, 404-378-0630,
http://www.thechocolatebardecatur.com/
DYNAMIC DISH Now that it is open three nights a week, this inspired restaurant has an incredibly refined menu based on local organic produce.What to order: beet, apple, and horseradish soup with crème fraîche, served with fresh bread and butter ($4); collard wraps stuffed with raw vegetables in ginger-sesame tahini sauce ($12.95); dandelion salad with Granny Smith apple and roasted walnuts with balsamic agave vinaigrette ($7.95) or organic chocolate cake with fresh berries ($4.95).427 Edgewood Avenue, 404-688-4344
FRENCH AMERICAN BRASSERIE Forget the euro and disastrous exchange rates. Stay in Atlanta and eat like the French do in this pedigreed grande brasserie with suave decor.What to order: white bean soup with truffle oil ($7); duck confit with haricot verts, glazed baby carrots, garlic frites, and roasted garlic jus (one leg, $15); espresso ($2.75).30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, 404-266-1440,
http://www.fabatlanta.com/ GIMZA Discover Polish cuisine in this attractive, modern cafe run by young newcomers to Atlanta who like to share their culture.What to order: white bean stew with kielbasa, carrots, celery, tomato sauce, and onions ($5); pierogi filled with buckwheat and ground meat topped with sour cream ($8); apple crepes with sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest ($7).3435 Medlock Bridge Road, Norcross, 770-441-2268,
http://www.gimzapolishrestaurant.com/
THE GLENWOOD Discover the meaning of the term “gastropub” in a place that feels like a bar but serves seriously delicious food prepared by an ambitious young chef.What to order: pimento cheese plate with jalapeño apple jelly and fried pickles ($6.50); grilled organic Scottish salmon with white sweet potato waffles, spinach, and candied baby carrots ($15.50); and a (shared) plate of fried Oreos with homemade vanilla ice cream ($4.50).1263 Glenwood Avenue, 404-622-6066
THE GLOBE Though the prices have crept up, there are still some great bargains on the menu of this young-thinking, date-worthy restaurant.What to order: lentils du Puy soup with toasted cumin ($6); spaghetti carbonara with guanciale, Tellicherry peppercorns, and quail egg ($16 at lunch). If you want to have dessert and stay close to your budget, share a pineapple upside-down cake with vanilla ice cream ($7).75 Fifth Street, in Technology Square, 404-541-1487,
http://www.globeatlanta.com/
LIME Consider this light meal your introduction to a great new chef, Oscar Mendivil. If you like, use your drink budget to order one of the many tequila selections and come back when you have more money to sample the entrees.What to order: consomme de pollo—Mexican chicken soup with strips of corn tortillas and smoked pasilla peppers ($4.99); taco de langosta, made with grilled lobster, avocado cream, and chile poblano oil ($4.50); asado de panela—a sizeable piece of grilled Mexican cheese in a rich corn cream sauce with strips of poblano pepper ($6.99); guava flan ($6.50).4600 West Village Place, Smyrna, 678-309-1113
LITTLE EUROPE FOOD AND DELI The decor is hardly the main draw, but there are a few tables and chairs and astonishingly good Russian food in this simple storefront that functions mostly as a take-out stop. Stock up on soups and dumplings to enjoy later at home.What to order: cheburek—a beef pie from the other Georgia ($2.99); lecho—sweet peppers and tomato soup ($4.99); beet salad ($3.49); beef and rice pilaf ($5.99).8420 Holcomb Bridge Road, in Ellard Plaza, Alpharetta, 678-461-7931
LOLA Come early—and on a Sunday—to get a bargain in this glam Buckhead Italian restaurant.What to order: the Sunday-night-only, when-it’s-gone-it’s-gone lasagne with salad bowl ($15). End your meal on a sweet note with three gelato cones ($6) or your choice from the loaded dessert cart ($9).3280 Peachtree Road, 404-892-9292,
http://www.h2sr.com/ NADIA'S RESTAURANT Not only can you have a feast of Liberian home-cooked dishes, but the proprietress will let you taste all of her soups, stews, and gravies to help you make up your mind in this West African charmer.What to order: eddo soup made with taro ($6.50); collard greens without meat ($3.25); palava sauce—jute leaves cooked down with beef, chicken, or seafood and served with fufu (here, a thick paste of cassava or plantains) or rice ($9.50); coconut tart ($2.50).5245 Langford Road, Norcross, 770-582-9994,
http://www.nadiarestaurant.com/
PORTO BRASIL While not nearly as fancy as a deluxe Brazilian steakhouse, the food here is stunningly fresh, authentic, and abundant. Walk to the counter buffet to pile sirloin steak, sausages, chicken hearts (a delicacy), and more on your plate for as long as you wish.What to order: the all-you-can-eat lunch or dinner buffet ($7.99 during the week; $8.99 on weekends) with passion fruit mousse ($1.99) for dessert.7887 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, 770-390-2280
REPAST You won’t regret not having a meat entree in this bold, chef-run restaurant.What to order: chef Mihoko Obunai’s daily macrobiotic composition ($18); if you’ve brought someone to share it with, chef Joe Truex’s exquisite banana pecan bread pudding ($8).620 North Glen Iris Drive, in Ponce Springs Lofts, 404-870-8707,
http://www.repastrestaurant.com/ SABA This pasta joint near Emory has gourmet potential, and the kids menu ($3 spaghetti; add meatballs for $2) is a real attraction for young families.What to order: fried artichoke hearts with spicy mayo and chili sauce ($5.75); zuppa di pesce with salmon, shrimp, scallops, and calamari in a spicy tomato broth ($13.95); lemon sorbet ($5).1451 Oxford Road, 404-377-7786,
http://www.saba-restaurant.com/ SHAUN'S While dinner may stretch your budget, brunch at one of Atlanta’s hottest restaurants is within your reach.What to order: chopped liver with watercress ($6); white shrimp and grits with bacon and a poached egg ($14); organic milk smoothie with papaya and Tahitian vanilla ($5).1029 Edgewood Avenue, 404-577-4358,
http://www.shauns-restaurant.com/ TAP You’ll find way-above-average pub grub in this always crowded and noisy taproom with a fun terrace near the High Museum.What to order: chorizo, chocolate, and extra virgin olive oil on toast ($3); organic “Freebird” chicken with artichoke stew ($18); the bowl of brown bread ice cream is $5 but is big enough for two.1180 Peachtree Street, 404-347-2220,
http://www.tapat1180.com/ TOP FLRT here should be a dozen more places like this hip neighborhood restaurant opened by young people who know how their contemporaries like to eat and hang out. Killer bartenders will pour you a good glass of wine.What to order: mussels in coconut lime soy broth ($9) and grilled hanger steak with shallot demi-glace ($12). If you want dessert, split a bitterweet chocolate terrine with lemon olive oil and fleur de sel ($7).674 Myrtle Street, 404-685-3110,
http://www.topflr.com/
Celebrities will be out in full force to attend the 
Thanks to 
If you don’t have a pair of shoes from OKA b. you are missing out on a real treat. This affordable luxury brand is actually manufactured just outside of metro Atlanta. Typically this blog only covers metro Atlanta but we had to tell you about these shoes! They have been featured on Ellen and in O “The Oprah Winfrey Magazine” plus more.
ATLart[09] January 22- February 8, 2009 18 Days Citywide Gallery Openings Museum Exhibitions Lectures 
Posts
