by Todd P. on I have friends who are Top Chef stalkers. They're from Northern Virginia and even fenagled getting an invite to one of the TC events filmed for the DC season. It was with this couple that I visited Brian Voltaggio's VOLT in Frederick, Maryland several months ago. So when they planned a trip to Atlanta, I expected the stalking to continue. The one "to do" item they had specifically added to my list was to get us a table for dinner at Woodfire Grill. Mission...accomplished. Since I've been on somewhat of a reviewing hiatis the past month or so, suffice it to say my memory on the specifics of our dinner have escaped me. However the image of our ear-to-ear smiles as we enjoyed our meal is still burned into my memory. We had the 7-course chef's blind tasting menu. There's something decadent and exciting about spending a chunk of change on a meal that's a complete surprise through and through. Definitely worth the splurge for the experience. Not one dish disappointed. And with a creative cocktail list and vast selection of wine, there's plenty of help available to keep the smiles coming. And if you're a stalker, like my friends, you might even be able to convince the busy chef to pose for a picture (which I'm sure he just *loves* doing).
by Marylee Boning on You're considering going to the Blue Note? Stop, check out who's playing at the Village Vanguard and go there instead. Even if you LOVE the artist you're considering going to see at the Blue Note - reconsider. I've been sucked in by great artists a handful of times and am now determined never to go back. There are a lot of bad seats at this venue. The one I had last night to "see" Bill Frisell, Ron Carter and Paul Motian afforded me no view of the stage at all. I might as well have been listening to the radio. A few months ago I was there for a Billie Holiday tribute with Madeleine Peyroux. Peyroux was on stage for about half the show and unannouced guests took the lead the rest of the time. I felt tricked. If you really can't possibly see the scheduled artist anywhere else ever again, consider the Blue Note. Otherwise skip it. It's trading on history - the present-day experience is not worthy of its name.
