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| The Joys of Comfort Food by Jenny Levison If the quest for fabulous food is high on your list of priorities in life, then I am the perfect gal to pal around with on a lazy Monday afternoon, my day off from the world of my restaurant, Souper Jenny. When I’m not cooking for others, there is no greater pleasure than the pursuit of good food that makes your mouth water. This time of year I’m on the prowl for tastes that give me that warm fuzzy feeling -- comfort foods. Food that reminds me of childhood, when I didn’t care about carbohydrates, didn’t look at fat grams and never, ever considered that one-day I might not fit in my size six jeans. (Boy, did that day come all too soon!) Getting back to my story, finding comfort food in Atlanta can be a great adventure, so rip out this list, wear your stretch pants and enjoy! Let’s start with breakfast. I have forever been on the search for the perfect hot cocoa and Mondo still remains my favorite. Rich and creamy and made with Valrhona chocolate, you won’t be disappointed. Jane Thompson makes wonderful, whimsical treats that bring back memories of being well taken care of. After a long stressful week, a big homey breakfast is a must, but I have to say fancy and complicated is not for me. I love places where the waiters are often older than my parents, sometimes grouchy, but always willing to give you what you need including a little attention and advice if you’re a little foggy in the morning. Try the Silver Skillet for wonderful biscuits, The White House for grits and attentive waitresses and Thomas’ Restaurant at The Farmers Market past the airport for just about anything. I love this place at 5:00 a.m., when all the truckers are there, but it is always bustling and a great find. Definitely worth the drive. I’m embarrassed to say that I just tried Atlanta’s ode to comfort, Agnes & Muriel’s for the first time. Oh my God! Great Challah French toast and fluffy omelet's with the atmosphere to match. They offer all the expected reassuring meals, Fried chicken; meatloaf with mashed potatoes, Mac & cheese & awesome Banana pudding straight from Aunt Bee’s kitchen! Next time I’m in a blue funk and need a quick fix, Agnes & Muriel’s will do the trick. It’s very popular so hitting it at the off times is your best bet. If you’re a fried green tomato fan, South City Kitchen can’t be beat. The dash of goat cheese under the light, crunchy crust is a delicious surprise and there’s just enough roasted pepper coulis to make you consider a second order. I can’t pass up a good grilled cheese and tomato soup special and once again Mondo gets my vote. Ok, I promised I wouldn’t wax poetic about soup, but is there any better soothing repast than a steaming bowl of homemade soup? When you can’t get to Souper Jenny try a few of my favorites. White bean soup with a touch of truffle oil at Brasserie le Coze, Chicken Matzoh Ball at Goldberg’s and any Pho soup at Pho 79 on Buford Highway. For Fried Chicken, there are going to be a zillion choices here in the south, but step out of the box for Scott Peacocks perfection at Watershed. Only available on Tuesday nights. Go. Sometimes staying at home and indulging in a couch potato picnic is my kind of comfort and that’s when I head to Salumeria inside the Sweet Auburn Farmer’s Market. An authentic Old World Italian market chocked full of tantalizing treats like fresh pastas, imported cheeses, fresh anchovies and other hard to find delicacies. There’s nothing as consoling and soothing as a homemade dessert and Atlanta is particularly good with sugar. Among the city’s beloved is absolutely any dessert at Greenwood’s in Roswell. The best homemade fruit pies with homemade ice cream I’ve ever had. For cookies don’t pass up anything from Alon’s and a lesser-known favorite, The Bread Garden in Virginia Highlands. Cathryn Krasnow’s ginger shortbread and home-style chocolate chip cookies are perfect for your next intimate gathering. The banana cream pie at Buckhead Diner is delicious and will send you into a wonderful sugar coma. Once in awhile a piece of good chocolate will do the trick and Lexington Chocolatier on Monroe is the bomb for hand dipped strawberries and other chocolate covered morsels made by James Califoux, a local chocolate artisan. I also find taking tea a great way to unwind and my latest #1 place is TeaSpace in Little Five Points. I know what you’re thinking, Little Five? Believe me, this is a little gem that’s quiet and serene and you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the passion fruit bubble tea! So, there you have it! A quick list to start you on your journey towards treats that will leave a smile on your face. Don’t forget the stretch pants, they’re really important. Jenny Levison is the owner of Souper Jenny’s. A delicious respite in Buckhead, open for lunch only, where you can find all the soup your heart desires (and great homemade sandwiches and salads too.) The following is a list of comforts Foods To Live By: Salumeria Taggiasca 209 Edgewood Ave. 404 524-0006 The Silver Skillet 200 14th St. 404-874-1388 The White House 3172 Peachtree Rd. 404 237-7601 Thomas Restaurant 16 Forest Parkway 404 361-1367 Agnes & Muriels 1514 Monroe Drive 404 885-1000 South City Kitchen 1144Crescent Avenue 404 873-7358 Mondo 750 Huff Rd 404 603-9995 Souper Jenny’s 56 East Andrews Drive 404-239-9023 Goldberg’s 1272 West Paces Ferry Rd. 404 256-3751 Pho 79 4166 Buford Highway 404 728-9129 The Bread Garden 549 Amsterdam Ave. 404 875-1166 Lexington Chocolatier 931 Monroe Dr 404 875-0111 |
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