by Megan S. on LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER- PARISH FOODS & GOODS Located in the happening dining community of Inman Park, Bob Amick and Todd Rushing have restored the abandoned historic Atlanta Pipe and Foundry Terminal Building to bring to life Parish Foods & Goods where New Orleans-like cuisine meets down home Southern living. Eating at Parish under the direction of a previous chef, I walked away uninspired, BUT after hearing from other local chefs that I had to taste Chef Nick Melvin's (Farmhouse at Serenbe) cooking, I decided to give it a try and WOW I am glad I did. Chef Melvin brings his foods to life by blending his New Orleans upbringing with his passion to preserve food's pure essence. In an effort to support the local farmers, foods are purchased to provide the ultimate in freshness and taste. A win-win for all... The downstairs is a classic New Orleans market which serves a variety of sandwiches, po' boys, throw-back desserts (nutter butters/ whoopie pies), and of course Abita beer. The outrageous muffuletta with its olive salad is every bit as good as the one served at Central Grocery in New Orleans. It is large enough to share, but it's too good, so why? Upstairs, the main dining room is a throw back to a time when food and comfort went hand in hand, and at Parish comfort begins at the bar. The Georgia Peach is a perfect blend of Sweet Tea Vodka from Wadmalaw Island, SC, with house-made peach Bellini, and Lemonade. Ask for it to be made as a martini. The other comforting drink is Parish's version of the Bermuda classic, Dark & Stormy- Gosling's dark rum, Rhum Clément Créole Shrubb, Ginger Beer, and lime; sip, relax, and enjoy the smile. The appetizer list is loaded with so many bayou-inspired creations that it makes choosing an enjoyable task. The otherworldly lump blue crab and avocado with pickled yellow beets and bits of a slightly salty ricotta salata is dressed with a vanilla bean sherry-infused vinaigrette is simply divine. The silky flavors are precisely balanced so that no one flavor takes dominance over another- amazing stuff. The oh-so different but carefully crafted savory cheesecake, with its pecan crust lives up to its sassy name. The components change weekly and the version tasted was crawfish tails with a Vidalia onion puree that's folded into the custard and served with a rich meuniere sauce, and a pickled onion salad. Of all the starters the one that left me breathless is the New Orleans BBQ shrimp. The heads-on Georgia white shrimp are perfectly cooked and are bathing in a robust sauce that's a reduction of house made Worcestershire, heavy cream, and rosemary. Chef Melvin cleverly adds a bruleed lemon to give this dish some sweet tangy lovin'. The larger plate entrees are meant for sharing. Gumcreek Farm is the source of the recently added Pork and Dumpling. The pork shoulder is braised in buttermilk, white wine, and garlic for 26 hours. The tender morsels of pulled pork are served with a seasonal succotash and Parmesan Dumplings. This dish redefines the meaning of comfort food. There are only a few places in this city that truly master the art of roasting a whole fish to achieve a crispy crust with a moist pearlescent finish on the inside- so delicious. At Parish, the whole fish (Beeline Red Snapper) is seared then slow roasted with lemons and thyme with a dash of Creole seasoning and is served with an aromatic Carolina rice salad dressed with a zesty lemon parsley vinaigrette. The fish selection changes depending on what the freshest catch of the day that's available. I can't forget the classic spin on the TV dinner: for $15 you get a meat, three delicious veggies, and a surprise dessert. The house-made Twinkie was the best Twinkie I ever had; fluffy, creamy, and out-right yummy. After the taste buds were jumping with joy, it was time to send them crazy. Pastry Chef, Chris Marconi, has created some beauties. Besides the throwback desserts, there is the Sweet Potato Bread Pudding, which is a Korean sweet potato custard that has buttermilk biscuits and croissants folded in, and served with a house-made sweet potato ice cream and topped with a salty caramel. Can life really get any better? The defining character of Parish Foods & Goods is to feel easy, so "Let The Good Times Roll." LGTG FRIENDLY ***** (Laid Back Setting) FOOD ***** (Saturday/ Sunday Brunch) PRICE ***** (10% Off to Residents of 30307) AMBIENCE ***** (Patio Dining/ Live Music/ Great Bar) DRINKS ***** (Fantastic Drink/ Wine Selection) WHERE WOMEN COME OUT | http://www.labrysatl.com
by Carey Mcumber on Columbus 72's distinction as the best (and only) nightclub in the UWS is akin to being the best Italian restaurant in Iowa or funniest person in Germany - it's a compliment that doesn't require being Andre Agassi to successfully backhand. I came here for a party that promised (and delivered on) open bar from 10-11PM w/ no cover. Can't beat that! But just b/c they paid for me to get drunk doesn't mean I'm gonna put out.....a good review. You enter at street level and then descend a flight of stairs into a modest-sized club. The front 'club' reminded me of Mannahatta - popular 70's/80's/90's songs that are mashed and mixed to be more danceable. The average age seemed to go from 30ish to 20ish as the night went on. Seemed like a mix of Manhattanites and B&T. The back portion of the club was smaller and played hip-hop/reggae. I'd only recommend this place for girls or mixed girl/guy groups that are content to just dance and have a good time together. Maybe even for a party (if you have everyone come at 10PM). If you go in w/ modest expectations, you might actually be pleasantly surprised. But if you're expecting a great club experience....oh, who am I kidding, it's a club on the UWS....how could one have high expectations for it? As for me, it takes a special alchemy of people, mood, and alcohol to genuinely enjoy dancing to crap music (now watching someone try to dance to Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" mashed with the Billie Jean opening was a treat). I didn't feel it this last visit but maybe the next time...(which will probably be never...) Other notes: I don't think they are open very often. The nightclub might only be open on Saturdays. They also have comedy shows some nights and swing dancing on Wednesdays according to their site...
