My mom took me out to a surprise (very) early birthday dinner after a great day to Craftbar at the Mansion hotel and residences. I was so excited to try something new - I tend to resort to places where I know I will like my meal on special occasions. The atmosphere was perfect for one of the first cold nights in Atlanta. The warmth of the fire from the open grill makes an otherwise stiff bar and restaurant have a much more homey feel. We stopped at the bar for a drink and even with a crowd waiting for drinks the bartender was very attentive.
One downside - we were sat in a corner by the doors to the closed patio next to a couple with a young child (around 2) wearing the shoes that have built in squeakers....this is cute at home or Ryan's steakhouse, not so much at a nice meal at 8:30 at night! Once they left there a few odd hiccups with the service around us (building table for a large party looked like Jenga and sounded like nails on a chalkboard) but our server herself was great.
Deviled eggs with crispy prosciutto and Crispy Porkbelly. Yuuuuuummmmmmyyyy.
My mom is not an adventurous eater and ever since I tasted my first eel she has wondered if I was abducted by aliens. But she tried the pork belly and was very pleased with the southern staple of deviled eggs. I am not a huge d.e. fan being that I abhor mayonnaise, but they were so finely whipped and smooth I ate 3!
Second Course:
Beef short rib ravioli with charred onions and peppers.
So hearty and good, perfect portion.
That's about it. I had no complaints, but I wasn't head over heels.....
Mom's burger. I ate half. So juicy and the bun was to die for. Tillamook Cheddar, tomato jam, applewood bacon. And fries. Oh the fries. I love salt so much. when it's correctly applied. And homemade fries. My dear mother also likes to order her burger medium well or well done. They didn't listen thank God and it was pink and juicy and delicious. She claimed it was the best burger she'd ever had, but this was after 2 cocktails and a bottle of Torbreck Juveniles.
Then, dessert:
I do not love dessert. I would typically rather have a second helping of appetizers, never chocolate and I don't much care for ice cream unless it's a la mode. But I love apple/crumb/pastry stuff. SO this dessert made my night. Apple Almond tart with cream cheese ice cream and salty caramel sauce. Really. I was overheard saying "I think I just saw Jesus." It was such a perfect pairing and really really delicious. Kudos to their pastry chef!
All in all a great evening, used our scoutmob coupon which happened to expire that night and got out for way less than expected. Definitely will return!
