So, it’s been more than four months since I posted last on this blog. That’s a lot of meals. At least 240, I’d guess. And, of course, many of those were in some dining establishments outside of my own kitchen.
I cannot report on all the finds I have discovered in 120+ days, but here’s a start. There’s some good, fair, and not-so-great in the mix. Enjoy!
Creekside Tavern – Kennesaw, GA – Lots of selections, and some unique items. Large portions, and moderate prices. For lunch, you can get a sandwich/burger plus a side item and drink for $6.99. The mac & cheese is KILLER! Jury is still out, but for now, I’d give it a solid B.
Dickey’s BBQ – Kennesaw, GA – This place just opened off Barrett Pwky near Ridenour. The night we went inside, the kids ate free, and we had coupons, so all four of us at for only $13. The BBQ was fair, but a little dry. They have waffle fries, which the kids liked. Free large dill pickles in a jar, as well as free ice cream (one of the soft serve machines). Mac & cheese was terrible. Probably won’t go back. I can’t go higher than a C.
Nuevo Laredo Cantina – Atlanta, GA – Amy and I went before a concert recently, and had a good time. It’s a small house that has been added to over the years. We went in at 6:20 p.m. on a Friday, and sat down immediately. By the time we left at 7:35 p.m., there were more than 50 people waiting outside. Pretty interesting place. Cheese dip was great, and both our meals were good. Amy got steak quesadillas, and I got one of the house specialties, which is described on the menu in this way: Tampiqueña Steak Our famous lean, trimmed beef steak marinated, charbroiled and served with beans,cheese enchilada, hot tortillas y pico de gallo. Amy also loved the premium margarita. A bit off the beaten path, which can be a great thing! I’d give it an A.
Baraonda – Atlanta, GA (nextdoor to Fox Theater) – It was highly rated on UrbanSpoon, and some claim they have the best brick-oven pizza in Atlanta. Anyhoo, I will admit the place has a great vibe. It’s a “happenin’” place, particularly before a show at the Fox. Prices are reasonable, but a tad higher than a suburbanite might expect. Portion sizes were modest, but entrees were fresh. Pizzas were nothing to write home about – reminded me of a Boboli pizza. If you want AMAZING pizza, go to the next place on my list below. I give Baraonda a B overall: an “A” for the look/feel, and a B- for the food.
Antico Pizza Napoletana – Atlanta, GA (near Georgia Tech) – Without question the BEST pizza I have 
ever had! I’ve had some of the finest in New York and Boston, and those pale in comparison to Antico. I was a little surprised that a medium pizza would cost $21, but it was MORE than worth every penny! Amy and I ordered the San Gennaro (pictured), which had sweet red peppers, sweet sausage, Italian pearl onions, and dollops of buffalo mozzarella cheese. Everything is imported from a specific region in Southern Italy. They cook all the pizzas in one of three large ovens, which are made of Refractory Sorrento Stone, which heats up to 900 degrees! You gotta experience this place. Everything is legit – including the modest, but oh so perfect dining area, where you can watch them make the pizzas while you sit on massive picnic tables. This gets an A+!
