***** (5 stars)
Intimate, clubby space with a great menu and impressive cocktails! The service was very friendly. Great relaxed atmosphere. Everything we had was delicious, from charcuterie plate to Ceasar salad to filet. The Pineapple Express cocktail, their own creation, is one of the best cocktails I've ever had, not too sweet due to the inclusion of Amaro. I'm so glad we decided to dine here rather than in Market Square!
The Drawing Room
531 Henley St
Knoxville, TN 37902
***** (5 stars)
Excellent spot with a large open air eating area under cover.
The pizza was terrific, with a thin crust and just the right amount of chew.
The Little Debbie Harry desert was fantastic, a great combination of hot and cold, crisp and chewy, bitter and sweet.
Very extensive selection of Amaros.
Argosy
470 Flat Shoals Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
**** (4 stars)
This place is certainly aptly named, as it’s hard to pin down the cuisine. On the one hand a lot of items are Peruvian influenced, but Mexico and New Orleans are also amply represented.
The Peruvian Lettuce Wraps came with minced chicken filling. Combined with the lettuce, there wasn’t a lot of flavor, but eaten straight, the minced chicken had a delightful flavor imparted–I think–by yellow Peruvian peppers.
“Peruvian” guacamole was good, and essential just guacamole, except for the inclusion of plantain chips.
Opinions were split on the Savory Monkey Bread. It was okay, but not a lot of cheese flavor.
Wood Fires Steak Skewers were the biggest disappointment. Not a lot of steak, and not really the claimed rib eye quality. In fact, when the server placed it down she said “skirt steak” which is more what it tasted like. The accompanying confusion potatoes were quite good, though.
Shrimp Po’boy sandwich was wholly authentic, and as good as any I’ve had in New Orleans.
The house margaritas are good, as is the “Ranch Water” which is substantially less sweet.
The place is large, but very busy, so go at an odd time or with a reservation.
Great large outside area for dogs.
State Of Confusion
301 E Main St
Chattanooga, TN 37408
**** (4 stars)
SOS has a dramatic and beautiful interior design, and a very pleasant outside patio. I like the emphasis on classic tiki drinks, which are well-prepared, served in traditional glassware, and nicely garnished. The menu gives a brief historical note for each drink. There is also an extensive Rum list.
The food is less impressive than the drinks. I suggest sticking with the Cauliflower Bang Bang appetizer, and having dinner elsewhere.
Service was friendly and fast.
The SOS Tiki Bar
340 Church St
Decatur, GA 30030
***** (5 stars)
What a great variety of Asian foods, all on the longest menu I've ever seen. This menu is a book!, literally.
The garlic noodles with crab were a standout, but my absolute favorite was the crispy bar sandwich with lemon grass pork. It was essentially the best banh mi I've ever had. I almost ordered a six pack to go!
Nice outside eating area (although the road is noisy) and friendly service.
Food Terminal
1000 Marietta St NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
***** (5 stars)
Expansive visitor center with tons of great Coke history and collectibles. The new aroma exhibit is interesting. I always like to taste the international brands, all of which are tastier than the US varieties. Great shop as you exit.
World of Coca-Cola
121 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
***** (5 stars)
Wow, what an amazing aquarium. Very "immersive" exhibits (sorry). The whale shark tank that surrounds you is literally jaw dropping.
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St
Atlanta, GA 30313
***** (5 stars)
Great inventive burgers in a fun indoor/outdoor location that was a service station. Now appropriately outfitted with antique trucks and motorcycles. Excellent and friendly service. The Grumps burger is particularly tasty.
Espresso 41
1811 US 41 N
Tifton, GA 31794
**** (4 stars)
I’m not sure whether Orlando is ready for an $18 sandwich, but if it is, this is the place to get an excellent one. The “Surf and Turf” is a Lobster Roll plus Filet Mignon, and the quality of the ingredients do, indeed, justify the price. The lobster was fresh and flavorful, and the filet mignon was tender and juicy. Add a perfectly butter-grilled and toasted roll, a bit of mayo, and you’ve got a scrumptious sandwich.
In all fairness, there are other selections featuring just filet or lobster, but they’re $12, so you may as well go all-in and get the Surf and Turf.
Sides of fries or Tater Tots are available, either plain, with Old Bay seasoning, or with truffle and cheese. I had the Old Bay Tater Tots, and they were WAY too salty. Note that the “mini” size is actually quite generous, so unless you’re serving a group, don’t get anything larger.
Service was friendly, and fairly quick, even though the place was fairly busy–certainly busier than the former occupants of this space. If you’re concerned about masks, note that none of the customers or staff were wearing any.
Nick Filet
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
*** (3 stars)
This is a nice but non-traditional tiki bar. There’s no particular tiki related sub-theme, but there are some games and karaoke, and a spacious decor.
The menu is also atypical, with original drinks that often emphasize tequila. The limited food menu consists mainly of sliders served on Hawaiian buns.
Aloha Beautiful
69 East Pine St
Orlando, FL 32801