L5P: The Porter, Synchronicity and betrothal

I love Little 5 Points and Candler Park. My great grandparents lived off Moreland for over 30 years, raised 10 children with one bathroom, and then my great uncle lived there until he passed away about 5 years ago. The original Flying Biscuit, Fellini's, Zesto's, and all the people watching of Little 5 is something I fondly remember from my (not too much) younger days, and now I appreciate the neighborhood for totally different reasons. I will never forget walking to Junkman's daughter with my mom at 16 years old and being offered a "dime bag" and my mom reminding them that "back in the day" it actually cost a dime....

My dear friend Veronika, who I have known since before puberty, is an amazing actress and was performing in Exit, Pursued by a Bear this past weekend at 7 Stages. Knowing that the traffic and parking were going to be outrageous I went down early and enjoyed dinner and drinks at The Porter Beer Bar. I am eating more organic and vegan these days, and was excited to eat here for my cheat day, but still not go too crazy.

I had this salad:

                                                          Prosciutto Fava Bean Salad

                                        compressed melon, parmesan, frisee, bacon vinaigrette served over proscuitto

Plus we had goat cheese fritters in local honey and beer and beer and beer. The front has a tiny communal patio, there's a loooong bar but then you keep on going into a light, airy room with a communal feel, old suitcases, beer, beer and more beer. The beer menu is a novella and the food is great. They use a lot of local ingredients and organic veggies, but aren't the least bit stuffy about it and the beignets, which I skipped this time, are to die for. Great option if you're in the 'hood.

The show was awesome. It's a 4 person cast and they were great. I laughed though most of it but it was really meaningful to me at the same time. After I was able to celebrate V's monumental 30th birthday and engagement, so it rounded out the weekend very nicely. Plus I discovered I can make it from my house to L5P on backroads in 35 minutes!

Nancy G's Cafe

My dear friend Jenn and I have been trying to find places to meet for dinner where we can let our dogs tag along. Typically we end up at my house on the patio, but resourceful Jenn located a great little neighborhood restaurant with a very dog-friendly patio. We have only been twice - once with dogs on the patio and once without on a rainy Tuesday at the bar. Both times the food was good, Tuesdays the bottles of wine are half price, and the service was friendly. I love to support any local non-chain restaurant that cares about ingredients, customers and has good special offers - this one definately does.

The  menu is eclectic southern - both times we have split the burger but the Greek salad was great (and huge) and the fried green tomatos were not bad. We plan to visit again and try more of the menu and the brunch looks great. My friend Jan is hosting a charity fundraiser there tonight, and they have live music and a small private event space. Moreover, the dining room has such a cozy, comfortable vibe it's like being in someone's home - and with 5 years under their belt it looks like it may be home for many neighborhood regulars for years to come.

NYC: wd~50

I was lucky enough to spend several days in Manhattan and Williamsburg a few weekends ago. I spent my first night there at WD50 - owned by renowned chef Wylie Dufresne. Widely known as one of the best restaurants around, but it's unassuming and cozy in appearance. Our reservation was at 10:30 on a Thursday - it was all they had over a week in advance. We had a drink at the bar - J Rose and a "Kum all Ye" kumquat infused cocktail.

Our server was amazing - very funny, knowledgeable and even gave us several ideas of other places to visit to eat. We lingered and ordered appetizers, entrees and he allowed us a dessert of the tasting menu - which I regret not having in the first place....

SO the food.

Aerated foie, pickled beet, mashad plum, brioche

The lightest best texture for the flavor of fois gras EVER. Beets were amazing, plum was amazing - best bite ever as far as I am concerned. I could have eaten 3 times the amount. It was so rich and velvety and delicious.

Cold fried chicken, buttermilk-ricotta, Tabasco, caviar  

Such a refined take on traditional Southern fare. Not my favorite dish of the night, but inspired nonetheless.

Duck breast, apple, cheddar, kimchee-cous cous  

Melt in your mouth delicious comfort food - I love how every dish has something familiar but is so unique at the same time. The ideas from WD are like a kick in the pants to any aspiring chef - or diner - to go outside the box but always respect flavors that we know mesh.

Pork loin, smoked paprika spaetzle, peach, marcona almond  

I am so glad I ordered this. It was cooked perfectly and had just the right amount of each component for each bite. Good amount of fat in the pork but the flavor was perfect.

I apologize for the camera pics - they're from my iPhone as my regular camera was dead.

The food was impeccable, as was the service. I only wish I lived closer and had unending supplies of cash to visit time and time again.

More to come!