A Taste of Smyrna

For four years now, I've seen the "Taste of Smyrna" festival advertised.  And for four years I've had one reason or another not to attend.  { Though now none of them come to mind.  What was I doing that was so important? }

But this year... we finally made it!

Held on Saturday at the Village Green, there were nearly 18,000 people in attendance.  The weather was positively perfect.  And now I know what we were missing these last few years... we had a blast!

There were the usual inflatable kid's games and several live bands, but for us the highlight was definitely the food.  { Are you surprised? } We can vouch that they don't call it the "Festival of Delectable" without good reason.

We went with a group of Spencer's college friends, which worked out really well.  Everyone was able to get a little of everything from most of the more than 25 exhibitors.

We cut right to the chase and started with deep fried brownies.  Ohmyword.  Not sure I could pull this off in my kitchen.  Mostly because I lack a deep fryer. And that's probably a good thing.  Otherwise I'd be frying everything I could find.

Atkins Park Tavern was there, and since they had my favorite Fried Green Tomatoes with Pimento Cheese, how could I resist? The vendor next door was hawking "Brisket on a Biscuit" like deranged auctioneer,  but my love for the FGT won out.

But by far the favorite of the entire group was Williamson Brothers Bar-B-Q.  Between the intoxicating smell of the wood-burning pit and the long line, we knew we were in for a treat.

We got a pulled pork sandwich with quite possibly the best BBQ sauce I've ever had.

Spencer was in hog heaven. { Pardon the pun. }

And then there were the ribs.  Fall-off-the-bone.  Why they came with a bun...?  We're not exactly sure.  But it did soak up the sauce quite nicely.

And we finished it all off with Cake Batter Ice Cream from the Cold Stone booth.  Did you know that September 27, between 5:00 - 8:00, you can join in on the world's largest ice cream social and get a free 3-ounce "Sprinkled With Wishes"?  All to raise money for Make-A-Wish.

All that to say... I will not be making any excuses for missing the Taste of Smyrna next year!  Maybe one day I'll have my own little booth and sell cupcakes. : )

A Sublime Saturday Morning

Kates came to visit this morning, which meant we had the perfect excuse to return to our new favorite

{ indulgent } breakfast spot: Sublime Doughnuts.  Spencer and I have been there on a breakfast date, I've been with my team from the office, I went back with another group from the office... mention breakfast meeting and I've got the perfect spot.

If you live in Atlanta and haven't been, you are seriously missing out.  This place is to doughnuts what Flip is to burgers.  You won't find any ordinary jelly doughnuts at Sublime.  More along the lines of deliciousness like their A-Town Cream { shown above }, a custard-filled Belgian dark chocolate-topped confection.  Or the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.  No explanation necessary there.  And the Orange Dream Star, which made Creative Loafing's list of "100 Things To Eat Before You Die."

Where is this list?  And how do I start eating my way through it?

Back to this morning.  Sublime is nestled between a sandwich place and a tattoo parlor on 10th Street near Georgia Tech and Rocky Mountain Pizza.  It doesn't look like much from the outside.  In fact, the sign only says "DONUT".  { Just one. }  We, however, shared seven.

I know, I know.  But we could have easily gotten 12.  You try going in there and practicing restraint.  Besides, seven is the Biblical number of completion.

Actually, we started with six and they brought out a bacon one.  So we made it seven.  Who says no to bacon?

Behold, our breakfast.

First, there's my favorite.  The fresh Strawberries 'N Cream.  And I don't even like filled doughnuts.

When they say fresh strawberries, they mean fresh.  The doughnut is light and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness.

Then there's the S'mores { below left } and Spencer's favorite, the Maple Bacon Cheddar { below right }.  He would like the bacon one.

Check out the gooey toasted marshmallow goodness.  Holy jeez.

This isn't just any bacon either.  It's candied bacon.  When you thought bacon couldn't get any better.

Here's the famous Orange Dream Star { below left } and the White Chocolate Peach Fritter { below right }.

Now, I wasn't sure if the Orange Dream Star would live up to the hype.  I'm not a big orange-flavored person.  Orange juice?  Yes.  Orange flavor?  Usually not so much.  Growing up in Florida makes you an orange snob.  But this was delicious with sunny, bright flavor.  Not orange Tang like I was expecting.

This little plaque on the shelf really sums it all up.

So... Sublime Doughnuts.  They're closed entirely on Mondays and early on Sundays.  But by all means, go!

Sublime Doughnuts

535 10th Street Northwest

Atlanta, GA 30318

www.sublimedoughnuts.com

Concentrics Summer Swag

It's that time again... Concentrics Restaurants has issued their Summer Swag!  From Monday, June 6, to Thursday, September 1, you can enjoy 50% off at any of their seven Atlanta-area restaurants.  The hard part is choosing which one to try first!



{ Just a photo, not the actual coupon.  Get yours here! }

 There are a few restrictions, but not many.  Details, terms, conditions and the actual certificate to print are on their website.  { Can you tell I occasionally write legal copy at work? }

Now.  Go get your swag on.  "Take a look in the mirror, say what's up..."

{ That means you, Maude. }

There's a first time for everything.

Not gonna lie, I love me a cheeseburger.  Usually of the turkey variety, but occasionally beef. { Don't tell the Chick-fil-A cows. }

Earlier this month on my trip to the Pacific northwest, I had the opportunity to eat at Burgerville.   It's a pretty unique concept.  Their motto is simple { Fresh.  Local.  Sustainable. } and their menu is stellar.

With choices like their classic Tillamook Cheeseburger, the Echo Mountain Blue Burger, a Wild Smoked Salmon & Hazelnut Salad, and a Rosemary Chicken Sandwich... I had a hard time making up my mind.  Sweet Potato Fries were a no-brainer, but the entree selection was more difficult.  Beef?  Turkey?  Chicken?  Veggie?  { Wait.  I'm sorry.  Veggie?!? }

Now, I am not a veggie burger eater.  They look so processed and I've always thought it was something I wouldn't like.  Up there with things like sweetbread and escargot.  But then again I didn't think I'd like guacamole, and it rocked my world the day I tried it.

{ Yes, veggie! }

So... I went for it.  They have two bean options and I chose the  Yukon & White Bean Basil Burger with Tillamook cheddar cheese.  It was delicious!  As were the sweet potato fries and the fresh, hand-spun Pumpkin Milkshake I split with Amy.  Their seasonal menu changes unbelievably frequently, with some items only being available for a few short weeks while a key ingredient is at season's peak!



{ Click to enlarge }

One more surprise was in store, though.  Burgerville uses a system called Nutricate to print the nutrition information for the exact meal that you ordered on your receipt.  Granted, the bean burger and the sweet potato fries weren't as healthy as I had hoped, and it would've been nice to see the calorie count before placing my order, but the functionality is still pretty cool!

If you're ever the Oregon/Washington area, check out one of their nearly 40 locations.  And maybe give the Yukon & White Bean Basil Burger a try!