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| Carpe Diem ~ casual **** 105 Sycamore Street Decatur, GA (404) 687-969 Menu **** Carpe Diem offers standard options from sandwiches to pasta to traditional entrees of meat with vegetable side. However, there is nothing standard about how Carpe Diem interprets seemingly ordinary food. With choices ranging from the “Croque Monseiur” sandwich to Aussie lamb chops and bison strip steak, the menu is a feast of fascinations. And if my experience is any indication, the specials are a best bet. Carpe Diem also boasts an extremely eclectic wine list and hard-to-find aperitifs to complement or serve as dessert. Food Quality **** Although the menu does not change seasonally, ingredients may be substituted according to what is available and fresh. Bread is delivered daily and desserts are brought in from several nearby bakeries, but the pizza is made from scratch, along with everything else. Food Presentation **** The appetizers and desserts are most noticeably arranged in artistic patterns, such as the star formation of meats and cheeses in the charcuterie and the dots of chocolate sauce around a piece of cake. However, all of the food is arranged in an appetizing manner. Atmosphere ***** This is what Carpe Diem does best, and they know it. Owner Andy Alikbash and his staff put serious effort into the relaxed ambiance. The DJ literally changes his tune according to time of day and patron age range. Outside, the patio promotes alfresco dining while, just inside, the bar area offers a more intimate opportunity to imbibe. The dining room is a giant loft-style space with overstuffed, half-circle booths and local artwork displayed on exposed brick walls. It is every kind of café you could want, all at one address. Cleanliness ***** Decatur’s best patio is noticeably pristine and every surface inside appears cleanly scrubbed as well. Service ***** Many staff members don’t leave, even when their shift is over, opting to stay and enjoy a meal with friends and/or family instead. In other words, they are quite happy to be here and it shows in how well they take care of their guests. Menu Recommendations: A regularly occurring appetizer special at Carpe Diem is the fried alligator appetizer. If you’re going to indulge in something fried, reward yourself with this Cajun delicacy. The sandwiches are legendary among regular patrons and the specials are excellent as well. (I was recently treated to pan fried flounder with grilled shrimp and tomato basil sauce.) The lamb chops are deservedly popular, dry rubbed with rosemary and mustard, then wood grilled and served with mint orange marmalade. Don’t bother to resist the heavenly pastries beckoning from the lighted case out front. Many are from Alon’s and they’re all worth the calories. review by Christine Woodhouse |
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| above: Charcuterie; Rosemary Lamb Chops. |
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