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| Vine ~ upscale casual ***** 1190B N. Highland Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-892-2393 www.vinerestaurant.com Menu ***** Relying heavily on seasonal, regional ingredients, Chef David Maini has created a very innovative and refreshing menu at Vine. He has mastered the blending of prominent Southern flavors while remaining subtle and complimentary. The entrée selections are varied, carefully chosen and just the right combination to require a second and third look before making a decision. Food Quality ***** First glance at the menu shows how much Chef Maini cares about culinary arts. He has chosen distinct flavors to accentuate the extensive wine list and offer guests the freedom to order whatever they are in the mood for. Because the menu changes with the season and highlights Southern tastes, it requires considerable attention to maintain the level of service that guests require. Vine delivers brilliantly in the quality of their food. And they gladly take suggestions from patrons and frequent diners. Now, that is customer service! Food Presentation **** Appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts are all presented in a clean, appealing manner. No visual tricks are used to disguise small portions or distract from the food. Instead, the ample-sized portions are beautifully arranged in a way that would compliment their natural ingredients while displaying exactly what you ordered…no guesswork required. Atmosphere ***** Don't let the hidden location or cramped parking fool you, it is well worth a little effort. An open and airy dining room and patio await you, giving off a flirty European flare. Without a doubt, the restaurant is also cozy enough for a special evening out. Featuring the artwork of wine artist, Thomas Arvid, the deep, rich colors offset the cream walls and tile beautifully. And the dark, hard wood floors and bar provide the balance of warmth in the room. For those who require a little seclusion, there is also a little nook located between the dining room and patio with a see-through fireplace connecting to the dining area. If the weather is suitable, I heartily recommend the patio for its covered seating and flourishing greenery. You'll feel private enough to talk, but also have a great view for people watching at the shops across the way. Cleanliness ***** The restaurant over-impresses by understating itself. No gaudy or ornament-cladden décor can be found. Therefore, any cleanliness issues would be noticed immediately. However, from the dining room to the patio to even the bathroom, Vine maintains a clean, fresh appearance. Service ***** Congeniality is a credo here. We were welcomed with warm smiles from the host, the bartender, servers, and any other staff that passed by. Our friendly, well-versed server was only too happy to make us feel right at home. High standards are expected and met here. Vine strives to be a place were guests feel like part of the family. In fact if you are curious about the members of this family, head on over to their web page where you can view pictures of the enitre serving staff! Menu Recommendations: Without a doubt, the Fried Green Tomatoes are a must try. Thick cut and fried crispy, they were layered with arugula, goat cheese, spiced pecans and remoulade sauce. But pace yourself or you won’t have room for the rest of the meal. And all salads are pretty much the same, aren’t they? Not so. The Micro Greens with Heirloom Tomatoes, Toasted Pine Nuts, Goat Cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette proved to be a refreshing change from the produce department. The right combination of ingredients provided a light change in direction and the perfect precursor to the entrees. Though I substituted the Wild Mushroom Risotto onto my Rack of Lamb, the word on the street is that the Sweet Potato Mash is excellent and a rich, Southern favorite. If you are in a meat mood, the lamb is tender and delicious. Seafood lovers will not be able to resist the Fried Maine Lobster Tail and Papparadelle Pasta. The lobster is broiled and lightly dipped in the fryer to lock in all natural juices without being too heavy or tasteless. And the Pappardelle pasta was the highlight of the meal with a tarragon mustard sauce that was both creamy and tangy, begging for one more bite. Though we weren’t able to try the fall menu, beginning October 1st, enticing selections including Crispy Point Judith Calamari with Lime Ginger Aioli and Mint Oil, Grilled Polenta with Golden Raisins and Pine Nuts, Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese, Grilled Quail with Pomegranate Sauce and Snapper Livorness are enough to warrant another trip – SOON! Overall Rating: ***** Overall, the Vine is an absolute delight. From the front door service to the table service to the atmosphere and cuisine, the restaurant is a deal. And the prices are quite a steal, too. With Sunday night 3-course wine dinner for $28 dollars and $5 martinis, it will quickly make its way up on your list of favorites. The Virginia-Highlands are famous for their stylish boutiques and remarkable restaurants, and Vine only serves to set the bar higher. review by Kristi Porter |
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| above: An assortment of artisanal cheeses and Chef David Maini. Vine is Virginia-Highland's new gem. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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