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| OFF THE BEATEN TRACK WITH CHEF HILLY It is my pleasure to introduce you to some of Atlanta’s best-kept secret eateries each month that are “off the beaten track.” Places you have probably snubbed your nose at and never considered adding to your favorites list. But these are places that, once you find them, you will find yourself defending them to your friends. This month, I’m taking you to Citgo gas station at the bottom of the Armour Drive exit off I-85 in midtown. Yes, the one with the bars on the windows and the best homemade biscuits in town. Two years ago, I was going out of town and needed to fill up on gas. Since there is no paying at the pump, I went in. That’s when the scent of bacon hit me, and I started to drool. Intrigued, I saw this Mel’s Diner-type breakfast counter with a griddle, fryers and steaming hot food protected by glass partitions. People were lined up waiting to eat. I ordered a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit, paid for gas and breakfast, and left. I never thought it would be good. To my surprise, it was the best-tasting biscuit I had ever had! The newly owned Citgo and eatery opened on December 1, 1997 by Hyun Kwon and her husband. When they took over the gas station, Hyun wanted to add a food counter that served simple food at a simple price, which is exactly what you get. The breakfast menu consists of items like eggs and bacon, grits, smoked hot link and patty sausage, bacon and to-die-for biscuits. The lunch menu ranges from things like cheeseburgers and Philly cheese steaks to fried chicken, egg rolls and corn dogs. As I was standing talking to Hyun, her regular customers were walking through the door saying hello to her and her husband. I asked if she knew everyone by name, and she said, “There are so many people. I don’t know all their names, but I do know all their faces. I even know their cars.” Everyone, from businessmen to contractors covered in mud, was there on a food break. Everyone was laughing and saying good morning to each other. The businessman asked the contractor how his family was. I felt like I was on the set of “Cheers” waiting for Norm to walk through the door, so everyone could chant “NORRRMMMM.” Randy Herring and friend Gar DeGeer said they have been coming to the Citgo to get their eggs and bacon everyday since they started their no carb diets in January. Together they have lost over 20 lbs. Valerie Norman, who works for Project Open Hand right across the street from the Citgo, thought, “Something must be really good in there for it to be constantly packed for breakfast and lunch.” And Steve Holwell, owner/contractor of Nickel and Dime construction, said, while eating his bacon egg and cheese biscuit and pumping gas, “I first got hooked on this place when I saw a line out the front door at 9:30 a.m. I thought they were in line to buy lotto tickets, but I soon found out they were in line for the biscuits.” Wake up, Atlanta, and get over to Citgo for food your grandmother used to make, interesting people engaging in interesting conversation, food at a great price and a place where, eventually, everybody knows your name – or at least your face and the car you drive. Menu: *** Basic and no frills. Food Quality: **** The biscuits deserve five stars. Food Presentation: *** No frills. Atmosphere: ***** It’s is a fun place to be. Cleanliness: **** Dining area, bathroom and kitchen are spotless. Service: ***** It seems to take an average of 45 seconds for biscuits. Until we meet again, enjoy. Chef Hilly www.chefhillyskitchen.com |
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