While reading Chef Acheson’s blog on the finale of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters Season 4 (congrats btw to Chris Cosentino!), he made a mention of how there is a dish that is similar to the beef tartar dish Chris served. I’ve always wanted to check out ESS and figured this past weekend was the opportunity to do so. After a few back/forth tweets between myself and both Chef Acheson/Chef Smith, knew exactly what to order for the group! Chef Ryan Smith mentioned Steak and Eggs with the oats and hot sauce; while Chef Hugh Acheson just said anything with pork and coffee. Also during some researching around the net, saw that the Pimento Cheese with bacon marmalade was a must have. Just reading it made me salavate.
Favorite dishes: Steak and Eggs with the oats and hot sauce; also, the Pimento cheese w/ bacon marmalade (it was better than the name sounds, which is pretty freaking awesome!!).
Empire State South (information gathered 10/2012)
999 Peachtree Street Northeast #140
Atlanta, GA 30309
404.541.1105
Hours
Breakfast
Mon – Fri 7:00am – 10:00am
Lunch
Mon – Fri 11:00am – 3:00pm
Dinner
Mon – Sun 5:30pm – 11:00pm
Brunch
Sat & Sun 10:30am – 3:00pm.
Parking
Parking is bountiful! Either the parking deck in the Taco Mac deck or there are a good bit of meters that you can pay via cash/change/credit card.
Please be advised, all images and content are copyrighted and may not be used without permission. Got questions? Email me: mweats <dot> info <at> gmail <dot> com
References:
Thanks to Ryan Smith / Hugh Acheson for the recommended dishes and the delicious food. |
Oh my goodness.. The combination of service, attention to detail, quality of food, and presentation were all top notch and worth every penny! I even got to enjoy Pappy Van Winkle!! I’ve been looking everywhere for that guy!! 🙂
Upon arriving and looking at the menu, I knew immediately what I was going to have. The Chef’s Tasting Journey. When a chef has such respect and understanding of the ingredients, there should be no doubt that the meal will be amazing. No substitutions, no allergies. I’m all in! And wow, when each dish is gorgeous, it makes for shooting food so easy! As you know, I’m all about showcasing the food as you would see it at the restaurant and wow.. you’re definitely in for a treat. Favorite dish was definitely the farm egg custard as the flavor was just superb! A special mention goes out to the intermezzo.; such a pleasant way to cleanse the palate. Honestly, all the dishes were fabulous.
A must try.
Fun fact: I was the first to enter the restaurant and one of the last to leave. Total dining time = 5 hours; a true journey that I would gladly do again!
L’ESPALIER (information gathered 9/2012)
774 Boylston Street
Boston Massachusetts 02199
617.262.3023
Hours
Lunch
Mon – Fri 11:30am – 2:30pm
Sat & Sun 12:00pm – 1:45pm
Dinner
Daily 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Tea
Sat & Sun 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Salon – Cocktails & small bites
Sun – Thur 5:00pm -10:30pm
Fri & Sat 5:00pm – 11:30pm
Parking
Parking anywhere in Boston is rather tough; ended up parking at the a deck off of Massachusetts Ave and Newbury. I’m sure there is somewhere closer but I actually wanted to do some walking along Newbury St. Would recommend just doing valet. They can give you details at the number above.
Please be advised, all images and content are copyrighted and may not be used without permission. Got questions? Email me: mweats <dot> info <at> gmail <dot> com
References:L’ESPALIER lespalier.com | facebook | twitter |
There were many BBQ vendors at the festival but shown here is what I deemed as the best eats. The ribs, funnel cake, and avocado pop was my favorite. Try the Avocado pop, I know it sounds strange but its like ice cream on a stick. It’s phenomenal!
Atlanta Bar-B-Q (information gathered 9/2012)
Please be advised, all images and content are copyrighted and may not be used without permission. Got questions? Email me: mweats <dot> info <at> gmail <dot> com
References: Thanks Christine / Xteeener for coming with me 🙂 Atlanta Bar-B-Q http://www.atlbbqfest.com/home.php |
Another place Bang and I checked out during our walk about in Houston, Texas. Fried rice cakes in an omelette?! Not the strangest cuisine I’ve ever had, an interesting combination. Definitely can’t eat too many of these though. The rice cakes are indeed crispy, but they’ve also soaked up a good bit of oil. Super heavy.
Don Cafe & Sandwich (information gathered 9/2012)
9300 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77036
713.777.9500
Hours
Sun – Fri 10:00am – 12:00am
Sat 10:00am – 3:00am
Parking
Good bit of parking available.
Please be advised, all images and content are copyrighted and may not be used without permission. Got questions? Email me: mweats <dot> info <at> gmail <dot> com
References:
Thanks to Bang Ho for the walk around Houston. |