Cheap Eats 2009 :: Midtown

Midtown Restaurant's Featured in Atlanta Magazine's Cheap Eats 2009

(picture of MetroFresh from www.metrofreshatl.com)

http://www.atlantamagazine.com/channels/cheapeats/Story.aspx?id=1097505

MIDTOWN Hall of Fame

Las Palmeras

The recent closing of fellow Cuban eatery Kool Korners Grocery and the OTP relocation of Havana Sandwich Shop make hard-to-spot Las Palmeras an even more beloved neighborhood landmark. Mustard and pickles rev the classic Cuban sandwich ($6.95), but longtime fans also love the mojo-marinated rotisserie chicken ($12.95) and masitas de puerco ($12.95), or pork in lemony sauce. 366 Fifth Street, 404-872-0846.

New Classic: MetroFresh

Mitchell Anderson—the actor-turned-cook who gives the term “celebrity chef” a new twist—and his crew whip up a daily-changing spread of soups, sandwiches, and salads. We’re especially drawn to the colorful, perky-flavored salads such as sweet potato and apple with grapefruit vinaigrette or gingery soba noodles ($4.50 each). Keep an eye out for creative dinner specials. 931 Monroe Drive, 404-724-0151, metrofreshatl.com.

Surprise: Green Sprout Vegetarian

File this one under the tastes-way-better-than-it-sounds category: Dishes such as stir-fried Yukon gold potatoes with garlic and preserved greens ($8.50) and dry-fried string beans with spicy fermented tofu ($8.50) exemplify what’s best about Buddhist-style vegetarian Chinese cooking. Kind servers make up for the austere digs. 1529 Piedmont Avenue, 404-874-7373, greensproutga.com.

Midtown Review: Ra Sushi

(First Picture- Viva Las Vegas Roll ::: Second Picture: Spicy Tuna Roll from my lunch)

Wow, where do I begin??? I pretty much have been obsessed with Ra Sushi ever since it opened! Whether you are going for lunch or dinner, the restaurant atmosphere is unreal. Everyday around noon they will open the giant wall windows that open up to the patio and 11th Street. The open air feeling gives the restaurant a refreshing feeling and a GREAT break from work. The lunch specials that Ra Sushi offers are incredible.The giant bento box includes chicken teriyaki, shrimp or vegetable tempura, miso soup, salad, rice, and a couple different kinds of spring rolls. Other lunch specials include all different kinds of sushi and sushi bowls which includes rice topped with a variety of vegetables and spicy tuna. These are just a couple of the MANY astounding lunch specials that Ra Sushi has to offer. I personally enjoy the Spicy Tuna Roll (pictured above from lunch)! Another popular menu item is the Viva Las Vegas Roll. This roll is beautifully designed to make your mouth water (pictured above). Ra Sushi also has an incredible happy hour which includes half off pretty much all the sushi rolls along with $2 Hot Sake, $3 PBR, $4 Chang Lager, $5 Uchi Red and White Wine, and $6 Chang Lager and Sake! The atmosphere for dinner/late night is pretty much a giant party. With the open air restaurant, the half indoor/half outdoor bar, the music hits pumping through the speakers, your favorite sporting events playing on one of their many televisions, the good looking waitstaff, the fabulous food, and the countless good-looking people eating throughout the restaurant, this place turns into one exciting curbside party on 11th Street and Crescent. The food is unbelievable and is definitely one of the best sushi restaurants in town!

Everything Midtown Week: 11.9.09 - 11.15.09

(picture of Ra Sushi)


What's happening this week in Midtown Atlanta?!?! I will add additional events and specials as the week progresses!



*Monday*
::Tijuana Garage - Muchas Gracias Monday
::OTerrills - Today’s $5.99 Lunch Special is "The Worlds Largest kosher Hotdog!" Top it with Chili & Coleslaw!

::Noon - At Noon:Smoky Tomato Soup & Butternut Squash Soup;Grilled Cheese w/Monterey Jack & Provolone;Potato Salad w/Bacon;Cauliflower Salad

*Tuesday*
::Einsteins - 1/2 price bottle wine all day

::Marlow's Tavern - $2 Tuesdays with $2 tacos and $2 beers
::Steamhouse Lounge - $1 Beers All Night
::The Highlander - All You Can Eat Crab Legs for $19.95
::Twisted Taco - 1/2 off Quesadillas
::Tijuana Garage - 8:30-10:30pm Team Trivia
::Little Azio - Pastafest! Any pasta $6.99!
::Uncle Julio's Mexican Food- Appetizer of The Day: Queso Flameado con Chorizo

::Noon - Soups: Smoky Tom; Butternut Squash. Sammies: Gruyere & Goat Grilled Chz; Pastrami & Swiss. Side: Cauliflower w/Almonds & Raisins

::Park Tavern - $1 Draft Beer (When It Rains, They Pour)

*Wednesday (Veteran's Day)*

::TAP 1180 - Industry Night in Midtown! $3 #`s Ale, $3 Jager, $3 Grand Marnier and half off plates at TAP! Soo many beers to choose from and personally recommend getting the grilled cheese!! yummmy!
::Gordon Biersch - $1 off lagers all day! Pair that with a $10 lunch or happy hour!
::Twisted Taco - Karaoke Wednesdays! Buy 1 get 1 FREE appetizers! $4 margaritas!! Eat, Drink, Get Twisted!!
::Steel Restaurant - 5-7pm complementary sushi and signature cocktails
::O'Terrills - Girls' Night Out - $5 Martinis & Cosmopolitans. $2 Soft Tacos; Veterans’ Day at O’Terrill’s, We’re Buying Every Veteran/Activity Duty Personnel A Beer. Thank You For Your Service. Rufus O Terrill
::Park Tavern- 1/2 off bottles of wine! $1 Draft Beer (When It Rains, They Pour)
::Front Page News - 5:00pm – 8:00pm Facebook/Twitter Happy Hour (will post password when it is given)
::Uncle Julio's Mexican Food - Appetizer of The Day: Shrimp Quesidillas

*Thursday*

::Gordon Biersch - "Thursday Night Live" tonight! Get to Einsteins for great live music and the best patio in town! Show starts at 7pm! $2 off glasses of wine (yep, even the pricey ones) and $5 margaritas, mojitos and martinis.
::Front Page News - 8:30pm - 9:30pm Troy Cono
::Uncle Julio's Mexican Food - Appetizer of The Day: Calamari
::Steel Restaurant - $1 Sake Thursday – Come sample Sake and Sushi.
::OTerrills - $5.99 Lunch Special Is French Dip. Our Soup Is Spicy-Italian-Wedding. Makes You Want To Surrender To Amore!

::Noon - Soups-Smoky Tomato & Rst. Butternut Squash; Sammies-Gruyere & Goat Grilled Chz & Pastrami on Rye w/Swiss

*Friday*

::Midtown Atlanta Shop and Dine Week 11.13.09 - 11.22.09 - More information at www.midtownatlantashopanddineweek.com
::Front Page News - 10pm - 11pm Justin- Full Band
::Uncle Julio's Mexican Food - Appetizer of The Day: Chipotle Barbeque Chicken Quesidillas

::Noon - Smoky Tomato Soup; Sammies-Gruyere & Goat Grilled Cheese; Grilled Ham & Brie; Sides-Spicy Slaw; Pasta w/SD Tomatoes & Olives

*Saturday*
::Marlow's Tavern - To All The Midtown AUBURN Fans:: We will be watching the game at Marlow's Tavern in Midtown at 7pm! See you there! WAR EAGLE!

::Tijuana Garage - 9pm - 12am Chynna Fox
::Front Page News - 10pm - 2am Block Party Band
::Uncle Julio's Mexican Food - Appetizer of The Day: Shrimp Quesadillas
::Vickery's - Brunch; $10 All you can eat brunch buffet, $15 Bottomless mimosas or bloodies, $1 Miller High Life; 11am-2:30pm
::Piedmont Park - Come to "Operation Boot Camp -FREE Preview Workout " Saturday, November 14 from 8:15 am to 9:30 am

*Sunday*
::Gordon Biersch - NFL Sunday Ticket, $4.95 Appetizers, $1.00 Off Beers, Live Jazz, Bloody Mary Bar
::Marlow's Tavern-Sunday brunch from 10am-3pm. Brunch Buffet is only $14.99 and bottomless Mimosas for $15.
::Uncle Julio's Mexican Food - Appetizer of The Day: Calmari
::The Highlander - Trivia Night! Have a bunch of useless knowledge? Turn that into a bar tab!
::One Midtown Kitchen - Make Sunday a ONEday! Come enjoy a very special menu for only $25!
::Vickery's - Brunch; $10 All you can eat brunch buffet, $15 Bottomless mimosas or bloodies, $1 Miller High Life; 11am-2:30pm


*General*

::Midtown Atlanta Shop and Dine Week 11.13.09 - 11.22.09 - More information at http://www.midtownatlantashopanddineweek.com/

::Whole Foods on Ponce - http://twitpic.com/p0mf2 - Sign up now for our next wine-pairing dinner, A Taste of The Holidays, on Tues, Nov 17, 7pm! http://tinyurl.com/9
::Midtown store @fabrikatlanta is looking for fashion addicts for sales positions. Bring your resume in at any GA location.
::Veni Vidi Vici - All Bar Menu Selections $4 Monday- Friday from 4-6:30pm
::Fuego Spanish Grill - $1 Tapas Every Week Night From 4-6pm, $2 Lunch Tacos
::Park Tavern- 1/2 off Sushi 10pm-Midnight Every Week Night
::One Midtown Kitchen - Bottomless Glass of Wine Daily at 5:30pm
::November 20th - Midtown Women of UGA lunch at Noon in Midtown. It is about 1/2 full - don't miss out! http://bit.ly/ZKYlB

Midtown Review: Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food

Unfortunately, I wish I had more positive things to say about Uncle Julio's than negatives. Personally, I enjoy a mexican restaurant that doesn't shout neon orange and green colors in your face to advertise it is a mexican restaurant like Uncle Julio's does. I usually enjoy the suttle, authentic, non-tourist mexican finds in the city. This place is located on Peachtree St. near Collier Rd. and you cannot miss it. Uncle Julio's is probably the brightest restaurant on the block. I went for lunch and was positively greeted by everyone including the bartender from behind the bar. This was very refreshing and welcoming. We were seated at a table that was wobbly, and instead of having to deal with the table moving during lunch, our waitress Carol reseated us without us having to complain or stuff napkins underneath one of the legs to even the table. Carol was amazing. She provided incredible service and attendance to our needs. I never had my drink glass or chip basket empty. This is definitely the positive of Uncle Julio's. Their service is astounding with even the manager walking around refilling glasses. I ordered the cheese dip since I personally consider myself to be a cheese dip connesuir. I usually order the white cheese dip as my meal with a couple tortillas for dipping. When the cheese dip came my first thought was thank God I only ordered the cup and not the bowl! The cheese dip (pictured above) looked like velveeta and rotel cheese dip, but tasted worse. It was way to heavy to dip a chip into, let alone a tortilla. I couldn't eat much of it without feeling sick. I ordered the chicken quesadillas lunch special (pictured above). It included fruit on the side as well. The chicken was very well flavored, but still was not the best authentic mexican I have ever had. Seemed like the dishes did just enough to "get by" without providing any special flavors or additions to the dish. The food did not nearly match the incredible service, so I would not recommend this place for Mexican food to anyone visiting Midtown. Uncle Julio's is definitely a "tourist" spot for those who don't know all that Midtown has to offer. Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food is just what the name says it is: just Fine.

Midtown Review: Mint Salon

I am not one to get facials every few months, but after noticing the "Hawt on Yelp" special of 50% off facials at select salons, I decided it was the perfect opportunity! After reading the reviews of the different salons offered, I settled on Mint Salon in Midtown. This salon is set at the intersection of 10th Street and Monroe Dr. The Mint Salon is a funky looking salon from the outside with a vibrant beat of Midtown on the inside. It is hip, refreshing, welcoming, and entertaining. The only downside of my experience was having to wait about 5 minutes to be greeted, since the front receptionist was on the phone. But that is a small downside compared to the incredible experience I had. After checking in, I was quickly greeted by a young lady named Ania who did my facial. She made me completely comfortable and relaxed. I didn't feel like I had to "make conversation" throughout the facial as I have some other places when getting services done. She wanted me to relax quietly and use all of my senses to get the full experience of the facial. On top of the facial, Ania also massaged my shoulders and arms while my face rested under a warm towel and exfoliating face mask. After the hour long facial, she did not try to push any products on me or sell me anything I did not need. This is a big positive for me! I do not like when I go somewhere and they push unnecessary products that they think you need. It puts an uncomfortable pressure on me and often keeps me from going back. Ania did not try to sell me anything, and politely gave me her card as I left. My skin is now glowing and is incredibly soft! Ania at Mint Salon definitely did not just give me a facial, but an incredible overall experience as well.

Visit their website http://www.mintsalon.net/ to see all of the services they offer!

In The News: Ra Sushi

*Do it in the raw - Ra Sushi stimulates the senses*

By Katie Kelly Bell

http://www.thesundaypaper.com/More/Archives/tabid/98/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4661/Do-it-in-the-raw.aspx

Sexy and sleek, accented with loud, pulsating music, Ra Sushi sounds like a club but acts like a restaurant. That’s the point: Come for the scene, stay for the food or come for the food, stay for the scene. The folks at Ra are not apologizing for that. Having a good time, meeting with friends and enjoying some sushi are what Ra is all about.The concept started in 1997 as the brainchild of three Arizona-based friends who wanted to offer sushi lovers a completely different dining experience. Rich Howland, Scott Kilpatrick and Tai Obata wanted to emphasize youth, energy and value (happy hour prices are some of the best in town; more on that later). In 2002, after great success, the current owners created a partnership with Benihana and the concept expanded to 24 locations nationwide. Located just a click off of Peachtree in Midtown’s shiny new 1010 development, Ra is definitely a busy place. During our Tuesday evening visit, the tables were full and the guests kept piling in. Our server told us it’s like this most every night. The main dining room is a lofty, massive space decked out in black and red lacquer with loads of dark woods to trim things out and plump rice bags suspended from the ceiling for dramatic effect. The best seat in the house has to be the al fresco tables just inside the dining room; you get fresh air, great people-watching and the added benefit of still being inside. A mighty bar opens directly onto the street, serving as an indoor/outdoor bar. The patio is expansive and a great place to dine if you prefer a quieter setting. This is no doubt a great late-night scene when the weather is seasonable. For sushi purists, the standard nigiri and sashimi work well enough, but to really let Ra flex its culinary muscles, be sure to order from their signature sushi and sashimi menu. It’s a serious playlist of specialty rolls that merit attention. Even with ingredients such as eel sauce, Kochjan chili ponzu and lotus root, the options are quite user-friendly. One of the most popular (and truly lovely to look at) sashimi plates is the chili ponzu yellowtail. Presented carpaccio style, the fish is peppered with jalapeno, sautéed nuts, cilantro and chili ponzu sauce, along with a heap of daikon radish. It may sound like a lot of fuss, but the dish is really quite refreshing and simple. The Viva Las Vegas roll (another fave) features a tempura-battered roll of kani kama and cream cheese topped with spicy tuna, crab and shaved lotus root. Again with the fuss, but this is a delicious roll, not to mention an enormous one. If uncooked fish just isn't your thing, the dinner menu also offers a range of salads, noodle dishes, beef and chicken teriyaki, and seared ahi tuna. While you’re eagerly sampling everything, be sure to wash some of it down with sake. Ra offers more than a dozen selections worth noting. The sparkling sake, Kizakura “Pure,” is a good place to start. Pair it with the pork gyoza appetizer for a pleasing starter. Appetizers are fairly mainstream. You can’t go wrong with the tempura selections: coconut shrimp, vegetable and calamari. There's also great temptation in the dazzling line-up of signature cocktails. It’s an easy place to order a roll or two of sushi and wash everything down with a fruity, fun Ra Pleasure (vodka, melon, black raspberry, sake and fruit juices on ice). Beer, wine, shooters and dessert drinks round out the offerings. A late-night menu and great happy hour specials (half-off sushi and appetizers, along with drinks under $5) keep the scene buzzing all evening long. Dinner draws from a diverse crowd, but the vibe is distinctly young, hip and urban, and the message is clear: Come for the scene, stay for the food. SP

_______________________________

Read The Article : Ra Sushi Executive Chef Spices Up The Menu - http://connectextra.com/?p=502

Everything Midtown Week: 11.2.09 - 11.8.09

Here are some of the great specials, daily menus, and events for this week from Monday 11.2.09 to Sunday 11.8.09! I will be updating as the days go on, so keep checking throughout the day for any updates!

(Picture of Front Page News Midtown Patio)


*Tuesday*

::Noon- Smoky Tomato Soup & Tortilla Soup;Grilled Cheese w/Gruyere & Fontal;Sweet Potato Salad;Coleslaw
::Einsteins - Georgia Voters stop in with your "I voted" sticker and have a dessert on Einsteins, 1/2 price bottle wine all day
::Steamhouse Lounge - $1 Beers All Night
::The Highlander - All You Can Eat Crab Legs for $19.95
::Twisted Taco - 1/2 off Quesadillas
::Tijuana Garage - 8:30-10:30pm Team Trivia
::Little Azio - Pastafest! Any pasta $6.99!
::All Metrotainment Cafes- Free Dessert! Wear your Georgia voting sticker to any Metrotainment Cafes property & get a free dessert! Offer good all day! See website for destinations! http://www.metrocafes.com/

::Uncle Julio's Mexican Food- Appetizer of The Day: Queso Flameado con Chorizo

*Wednesday*

::TAP 1180 - Industry Night in Midtown! $3 #`s Ale, $3 Jager, $3 Grand Marnier and half off plates at TAP! Soo many beers to choose from and personally recommend getting the grilled cheese!! yummmy!
::Gordon Biersch - $1 off lagers all day! Pair that with a $10 lunch or happy hour!
::Twisted Taco - Karaoke Wednesdays! Buy 1 get 1 FREE appetizers! $4 margaritas!! Eat, Drink, Get Twisted!!
::Steel Restaurant - 5-7pm complementary sushi and signature cocktails
::O'Terrills - Girls' Night Out - $5 Martinis & Cosmopolitans. $2 Soft Tacos.
::Park Tavern- 1/2 off bottles of wine!
::Front Page News - 5:00pm – 8:00pm Facebook/Twitter Happy Hour (password is CRAWFISH) $4 Hump Day well cocktails and BOGO apps <$8.99

::Uncle Julio's Mexican Food - Appetizer of The Day: Shrimp Quesidillas



*Thursday*

::Gordon Biersch - "Thursday Night Live" tonight! Get to Einsteins for great live music and the best patio in town! Show starts at 7pm! $2 off glasses of wine (yep, even the pricey ones) and $5 margaritas, mojitos and martinis.
::Front Page News - 8:30pm - 9:30pm Justin - Acoustic Jam

::Uncle Julio's Mexican Food - Appetizer of The Day: Calamari

::Steel Restaurant - $1 Sake Thursday – Come sample Sake and Sushi.

::Twisted Taco - Halfway to Cinco De Mayo! Come celebrate with 1/2 off food 4-7pm and $4 margaritas!

::Noon - At Noon:Smoky Tomato Soup & Tortilla Soup;Grilled Cheese w/Gruyere & Fontal;Beet Salad w/Fennel & Goat Cheese;Potato Salad w/Bacon

::The Artmore Hotel - Party tonight! We are unveiling our new fire feature! Complimentary cocktails, free valet! Don't miss out!

*Friday*

::Front Page News - 10pm - 12am Hills Rolling

::Uncle Julio's Mexican Food - Appetizer of The Day: Chipotle Barbeque Chicken Quesidillas

::Twisted Taco - Ruffus Rescue benefit; save more shelter dogs from euthanization. $10 for drink & raffle ticket and app's. 7-10 pm!

::Noon - Tortilla Soup; Cauliflower Salad w/Raisins & Almonds; Med. Veg. w/Goat Chz; Sammie-Kobe Rst Beef w/Horseradish & Crispy Onions


*Saturday*

::Come to "Operation Boot Camp - Piedmont Park FREE Preview Workout " Saturday, November 7 from 8:15 am to 9:30 am.... http://bit.ly/1M00mV
::High Museaum of Art - FREE ADMISSION for Residents and Students of Fulton County! This Saturday ONLY!
::Tijuana Garage - 9pm - 12am Chynna Fox
::Front Page News - 10pm - 11pm Shark Fighter

::Uncle Julio's Mexican Food - Appetizer of The Day: Shrimp Quesadillas
::Vickery's - Brunch; $10 All you can eat brunch buffet, $15 Bottomless mimosas or bloodies, $1 Miller High Life; 11am-2:30pm


*Sunday*
::Gordon Biersch - NFL Sunday Ticket, $4.95 Appetizers, $1.00 Off Beers, Live Jazz, Bloody Mary Bar
::Marlow's Tavern-Sunday brunch from 10am-3pm. Brunch Buffet is only $14.99 and bottomless Mimosas for $15.
::Park Tavern - Come to "Barre2Bar" Sunday, November 8 from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Come out and support the Atlanta Ballet Dancers

::Uncle Julio's Mexican Food - Appetizer of The Day: Calmari

::The Highlander - Trivia Night! Have a bunch of useless knowledge? Turn that into a bar tab!

::One Midtown Kitchen - Make Sunday a ONEday! Come enjoy a very special menu for only $25!

::Vickery's - Brunch; $10 All you can eat brunch buffet, $15 Bottomless mimosas or bloodies, $1 Miller High Life; 11am-2:30pm




*General*

::Midtown store @fabrikatlanta is looking for fashion addicts for sales positions. Bring your resume in at any GA location.
::Veni Vidi Vici - All Bar Menu Selections $4 Monday- Friday from 4-6:30pm
::Fuego Spanish Grill - $1 Tapas Every Week Night From 4-6pm, $2 Lunch Tacos
::Park Tavern- 1/2 off Sushi 10pm-Midnight Every Week Night

::Fox Theatre: In The Heights Musical Playing All Week; go to http://www.foxtheatre.org/ for tickets!
::One Midtown Kitchen - Bottomless Glass of Wine Daily at 5:30pm

More updates to come!! Have a great week :)