The Atlanta You Haven’t Met

Atlanta has long been attracting mobs of tourists at places like World of Coca Cola, Tuner Field, the CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park. Sure, these spots are worth a stop during your visit but there is more that should mark up your itinerary.  Here are three spots not to miss.

College Football Hall Of Fame:

I have never been a college football fanatic.  I graduated from Colorado State University where students were bribed to go to games with promises of free t-shirts to amp up attendance and school spirit. So I was a tough sell on the College Football Hall of Fame. When you walk in, expect to see a massive wall featuring 765 helmets to represent each college football team. When you register the helmet of your favorite team or Alma matter lights up. My enthusiasm stayed on track with different interactive exhibits- like singing along to your teams fight song and watching in play back and joining ESPN analysts on the desk (virtually) to read a broadcast. My favorite part wrapped up at the 45-yard replica playing field where you can take your shot at a filed goal and run through a ladder drill before catching a pass. I biffed the punt straight into the ground but finally caught the football (on the third attempt). This is far from a museum and I am glad that each college team is represented in different exhibits.

 

Gunshow:

This restaurant bucks the norm. Top Chef Finalist and Atlanta Native, Kevin Gillespie nixes the idea of one chef, line cooks and a menu that seldom changes. Instead seven chefs peddle the floor to entice guests with their specialty dish of the evening. With this approach, there is no need to order from a menu. Which is good in the sense that you can see the plate of food before you commit but beware it will be tough to say no once it’s presented to you. If you want it (which you will want all of them) they put a tally on your menu and the total is added at the end of the night. Cooks are basically the head chefs of their own mini kitchens specializing in one meal. Menu items change weekly allowing chefs to constantly create, focus on what they know best and cook with ingredients that are in season and fresh with no limitation.

Some sample menu items (which change out weekly) include a Japanese Style Pancake with Shrimp and Bacon, a slider a la In ‘N Out Style with creamy sauce, melty cheese and grilled onions and Berkshire Pork Belly in a skillet of roasted cabbage. For dessert, don’t say no to the banana pudding- it is a take from Gillespie’s grandmother’s recipe with thick homemade pound cake at the bottom. The pastry chef offers a platter featuring Little Debbie’s Greatest Hits. Finally, Zebra Cakes are back and taste even fluffier than the pre packaged treat.

When it comes to the atmosphere, expect long wooden community tables held together with vise grips, cement floors in a no frills setting. The music is pumped up so customers focus on the food over conversation. The restaurant is located in the Glenwood neighborhood, about 3 miles from downtown.

Did you know? Kevin Gillespie turned down a full ride scholarship to MIT to attend culinary school. Lucky us!

Empire State South

Southern dishes are made modern at Empire State South in the Midtown neighborhood of Atlanta. For a light dinner, try the asparagus soup with pickled rhubarb, crème fraiche, fried sourdough and the cashew salad topped with smoked catfish. Local beers include the Tart Plum Saison from Orpheus Brewing.

Grab a seat on the courtyard and challenge friends to a game of bocce ball. Or, take a seat inside where deep navy walls and woodwork from pine trees make for a rustic atmosphere.

Come morning, why not return for pour over coffee and a biscuit topped with the good stuff. Our favorite is the biscuit for breakfast- served with a friend egg, bacon, lettuce, caramelized onion and honey. The Biscuit with pimento cheese and B&B pickles is also a top seller.