by Ren M. on For Christmas this year, my grandmother bought me the most awesome/ridiculous dress I've ever owned. It's this little black dress covered with shiny reflective rectangles, and I look like a disco ball every time I wear it. I had worn it for New Years, but was searching for an opportunity again. Knowing that, and being a big innovative design enthusiast himself, my boyfriend chose Pod for our anniversary. The place definitely has atmosphere down. The bar stools were the squishiest, most comfortable backless chairs I've ever sat upon. The lighting was neat-o with the led's everywhere. I didn't personally notice any color changing except in the larger group pods, but maybe that was causing too many seizures to the majority of guests and was phased out. Honestly, it felt like I showed up to the party a little late. The restaurant has been open for a while and it didn't have quite the zing I imagine it once had. The bathroom pods were getting a little decrepit, and more like their more commonly used counter parts (port-a-potties). I also didn't like being unable to cross my legs under the table. For that much money I like to have some freedom of mobility. As for the food: Kobe dim sum was obviously tasty, the food runner cooked it for us on a hot stone, which was kind of exciting, wasabi and teriyaki on the side. Are teriyaki, soy sauce, and wasabi the only asian condiments though? I mean, it's fusion, right, any other ideas? Crab fried rice was tasty. Make sure you like onion. I do. Small sushi plate was more than enough for two people. But I mean...it's sushi. I prefer Vic in rittenhouse, for half the price... Macadamia chicken was good. But it was just like any other chinese place's cashew chicken, just with macadamia nuts instead. And dessert was fluffernutter spring rolls. Very clever, Pod. Those were good too. Dark chocolate dipping sauce on the side. To sum up, if you're going to Pod, you're paying for a hyped up atmosphere and excellent service. I love having 6 different people keeping my space clean and ready for more food. And everyone was friendly and good at their job. But the food is definitely not worth the price. It was not bad, but it definitely wasn't great. The food at Pod just lacks the WOW factor. I'd say save your money, and head over to the Barbary if you really want the light show. My dress matched their disco ball perfectly too, and the bottles of Yuengling are a $1.50 cheaper.
by Rosario Eichmann on This place used to be the hot spot for 80's music w/ DJ Vinny. Things have been taking a turn to 90's & now music which is kinda disappointing to me. If I wanted to listen to eveything I would go elsewhere. Don't advertise as 80's music night if there is not going to be any. Definitely a good place to watch sports as well. I have watched Penn State & the Mets on 2 different tv's.
by Gabrielle S. on When Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus announced he wanted to spend a portion of his millions building an Aquarium for Atlanta, something that would draw tourists from miles around, and a place for Atlantans to visit too, one of the largest Aquaria in the world, because some people just like things BIGGER and BETTER, I guess, I admit I was on the naysayer's bandwagon. Too much money, could be better spent on better things, and it didn't seem Atlanta needed an Aquarium, nor really wanted one. Well, turns out Atlanta didn't need it, but it's a great place to visit, and I, not so sheepishly, admit that I'm a member, I have my little annual pass card, two years in a row now, and I've been for maybe ten or more visits - I have mixed feelings about animals held in captivity, but feel that once they're there, they "enjoy" visitors. I got on the Annual Pass bandwagon as soon as I jumped off the naysayer's bandwagon, and instantly compared the Georgia Aquarium to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which I first visited only two years after its opening, in 1986, and again later in 1990. Monterey has the added perk of being right ON THE OCEAN, so they can even add ocean water to their exhibits. Landlocked Atlanta has no such luck. Thus making what Atlanta DOES have pretty special. Leave your comparisons at the door. Yes, there is a large atrium inside, just after you enter past those crazy silvery fish (are they tuna or what?) swimming like their lives depend on it on both walls surrounding your entry. But it's a nice atrium, as atria go. And beyond it, before you even get to the Galleries, is the Cafe Aquaria, where the food was all developed by Wolfgang Puck! This means it's good, trust me on this, and this means it's super expensive, but if you don't mind spending $5.95 for a Veggie Burger, and $2.95 for a side of French Fries, and another $3.95 for a yummy Seasonal Tart, and $2.25 for a Minute Maid Juice, well then... you'd be ME! There are fancy deli sandwiches and salads, grill items (of the actual "meat" variety), other desserts, even Ben & Jerry's ice cream. But this is more than a restaurant, this is an Aquarium! After I take my tray with my goodies on it out into the atrium seating area (skip the Cafe tables, too crowded!), and eat while I watch the people of all different nationalities, shapes, sizes, and modes of transport, i.e. strollers, wheelchairs, and harnesses holding the toddlers to parents, I check out the viewing galleries. You can pick and choose, of course. If you prefer colorful little tropical fish in relatively small tanks, aside from the re-created coral reef (outstanding, truly), there's the Tropical Diver gallery. Or if you want to see the kinds of critters you might find in the Amazon, there's the River Scout gallery (I love the Asian Small-Clawed Otters!). If cold water creatures are your favorite, there are still a few Beluga Whales (RIP, Gasper, you are missed), and penguins, of course, sea lions, and some rescued California sea otters in the Cold Water Quest gallery. New Age-y music abounds in front of these exhibits, which you can hear if you arrive at a quiet time. Be sure to check out the Leafy Sea Dragons in the Cold Water Quest gallery - they are amazing, and "No Flash Photography" means no flash photography, people. The Georgia Explorer gallery has some interactive stuff for the kids, or kids at heart, i.e. touch pools where you can feel what a live shrimp feels like (they're not just for dinner anymore!), or a big horseshoe crab, and of course the cow-nosed rays and baby sharks. There is also a big sea turtle, but no touching. My favorite gallery is the Ocean Voyager, the big tank which recently played a part in the deaths of the largest fish on Earth, two wonderful whale sharks named Ralph and Norton (after "The Honeymooners"). These are the statistics: It contains more than six million gallons of saltwater, with 4,574 square feet of viewing windows, a 100-foot-long underwater tunnel, 185 tons of acrylic windows and the second largest viewing window in the world at 23 feet tall by 61 feet wide and 2 feet thick. In other words, it's mighty impressive. And there is gallery-style seating where you can plant yourself for hours, if you like. Personally, I'd like to set up a couch with a mini-fridge, microwave, the bare essentials, and live in this viewing room. If you're not inclined to buy the annual member's pass for some sixty dollars and change, the one day admission is $24/adult, $20/age 55 and up, and $18/children 3-12. I love the Aquarium, despite the recent animal failings, and I think the cost of admission (and food) is highly worth it. This has now become one of my Best of Atlanta destinations.
