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| Antica Posta ~ upscale casual ***** 519 E. Paces Ferry Road Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 22-7112 www.anticaposta.com Menu: ***** The owner of Antica Posta, Marco Betti, and house chef, Alessandro, are brothers who grew up in Reggello, Italy (between Florence and Agrezzo in Tuscany). So it’s no surprise that they have a tight grasp of typical Tuscan food. It’s the ability to successfully translate their native cuisine within a different climate using different native ingredients that amazed me. The brothers have assembled a satisfyingly wide range of authentic dishes to suit both connoisseurs and everyday eaters. Expect the traditional Italian courses of antipasti, primi and secondi piatti, capped off with dolci, frutta or formaggi (sweets, fruit and cheese). Food Quality: ***** A true Italian chef would never think of using a fruit or vegetable out of season, and that same allegiance to freshness is paid to all ingredients at Antica Posta. Necessities, like olive oil, that do not occur naturally in the states are imported from premium sources. Food Presentation: **** It’s more about generous portions piled high than fine art at this Tuscan bistro. Food is served on pretty yellow china of mismatched patterns, reinforcing the restaurant’s rustic, homey feel. Atmosphere: ***** Antica Posta is located in an old, restored home, which promotes a close-knit family environment in the main dining room especially. Low ceilings painted white contrast with dark, wood beams and muted red walls. The color pallet and the antique-style décor invite old-world comfort and relaxation. A set of white trimmed windows offers a silent view of the busy kitchen staff at work, while big band music takes you back in time. There is also an expansive bar area with plenty of seating, as well as two more dining areas (one upstairs and one down). My favorite spots were the alcoves in various corners, outfitted with a half circle booth or a semi-private dining table. Cleanliness: ***** It looks like Nonna just gave the whole place a fresh scrub down. Not a crumb to be found or a fork out of place. Service: ***** Our servers were doting but not overwhelming, offering just the right combination of hospitality and privacy. Recommendations: Try their version of the Insalata Caprese. It comes with thick slabs of creamy buffalo mozzarella and, instead of basil, shredded arugula, which provides the perfect peppery contrast to the creamy, soft cheese and juicy, ripe tomatoes. The ravioli al ragu toscano combines a heart-warming meat sauce of ground beef, lamb and duck with green chard and ricotta ravioli. It should be a controlled substance it’s so good. And the farfalle alla polpa di granchio is just as delicious with huge chunks of crab dominating the soft, homemade pasta. I also recommend the carre d’agnello “scottadito,” which loosely translates to grilled rack of lamb in a killer Chianti sauce. And for dessert, you can’t go wrong with a slice of chocolate torte delivered perfectly on a graham cracker crust with just a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Overall Rating: ***** Everything about Antica Posta is stellar, from the warm, fresh artisan breads (baked daily) to the imported olive oil and house-made desserts. Their ability to serve fresh bread and pasta every single day of the week is amazing, especially after you taste their efforts. They stay true to the simplicity of their Tuscan roots while appeasing the sometimes fickle American taste bud. And everything about the atmosphere is inviting and comfortable. I still miss Italy, but with Antica Posta nearby, at least I’ll be well nourished. ~ review by Christine Woodhouse |
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| from top: Insalata; Ossobuco; Panna Cotta. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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