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| Café Tu Tu Tango ~ casual ***1/2 220 Pharr Road Atlanta, Georgia 30305 (404) 841-6222 Menu *** The multi-ethnic menu of small plates includes Spanish, Asian and Mediterranean influences with enough choices to satisfy the most obscure tastes. Though extensive, the menu tends towards fried, cheesy fare. Food Quality *** The quality varies from plate to plate. The chicken skewers were grilled to perfection while the salmon tasted like frozen fish stick -- overly fishy but otherwise bland. The smoked salmon spread, however, was of excellent caliber and I could clearly taste the fresh shrimp in the pot stickers. Food Presentation **** In keeping with the restaurant’s theme, the presentation is artistic with colorful garnish, creative serving plates and aesthetic arrangement. Pizzas are served on thin wooden painter’s pallets and drinks come with smaller, cardboard coaster versions. I especially liked the crispy shrimp’s teepee style presentation with skewers standing on end. Atmosphere **** Café Tu Tu Tango’s wild color scheme, upbeat soundtrack, bright atmosphere and eclectic menu scream PARTY! Get ready for an interactive, anything-goes eating experience where artists busily attack their canvases amidst the flurry of a bustling restaurant. A conga line may spontaneously spring from the table next to you while tango dancers, salsa lessons or a puppeteer provide planned entertainment. In addition to handmade jewelry and mosaic-style pottery displayed throughout, the walls are covered with 300-400 paintings. Cleanliness *** The “busy” decoration would easily disguise any dirt, although the place appeared quite clean. Service **** Every member of the staff is an artist of one form or another and their performance skills come in handy as they cheerfully initiate first-timers to the energetic scene. (Even the executive chef started out as an aspiring actor in New York City.) Menu Recommendations: The tuna tartare and smoked salmon spread is spectacular and, by far, my favorite item on the menu. We also gave top honors to the dijon chicken skewers and the pot stickers. Be sure to peruse the “weekly additions,” a rotating list of specials unique to each Tango restaurant, for something new and exciting. It was here that I found the frozen lemon souffle, a creamy lemon tower frozen solid with raspberry sauce and a fortune cookie on top. Overall ***1/2 Whether you’re celebrating an event or just looking for a party on your plate, Café Tu Tu Tango is an ideal diversion from mundane dining. If you need a special reason, look for events like open easel Sunday, Monday night salsa lessons and monthly art shows benefiting the artist’s charity of choice. critique by Christine Woodhouse |
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| above: Mussels and Seared scallops are just a few of the many small plates offered at this creative bistro in Buckhead. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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