Atlanta certainly lives up to its “Hotlanta” nickname when award-winning chefs heat up the kitchens. You’ll need a cocktail to simmer down. Good thing this city is known both for delicious foods and distinctive drinks. Consider these five flavorful picks to sample some of the finest selections in the city.
Retro Georgia Peach Daiquiri
According to the locals, nothing is more delightful than a Georgia peach especially when there are so many ways to enjoy this heavenly nectar. As a mix blended with smooth rum and ice is one of our faves. We’re talking about the Georgia peach daiquiri. If you are a connoisseur of unique drinks you can’t resist this one. Sip it at one of the most famous places serving up this throwback cocktail – the historic Polaris in the Hyatt Regency. Let your daiquiri dangle in-hand as you take in the panoramic view of Atlanta from this trendy revolving restaurant. That’s right, the architectural design allows the entire 22nd-floor lounge to spin serenely, offering a view as beautiful as its cocktail concoctions.
High-End Southern Soul Food
No trip to Atlanta is complete without sampling true Southern soul food. One of the most classic flavor combos that blends breakfast and dinner is chicken and waffles. Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles is one top-rated option for this combo. Other must-try culinary sensations include chicken and dumplings, fried okra, blackened catfish and Georgia peach cobbler. We recommend these down-home delights over at Mary Mac’s Tea Room. It’s the only remaining tea room in Atlanta.
Crab Fritters
When it comes to bold flavor, blue crab is a winner. One of the best ways to enjoy this delicious crustacean is in a fritter. Crab fritters are popular fried treats in Atlanta and make an excellent prelude to any meal. If you want to try these sensations, Bacchanalia is famous for serving them with Thai peppers, pears and avocados for a well-rounded combination.
Mountain Trout
Blue Ridge Mountain trout is a treat in Atlanta. The best way to eat this fish is seared to perfection. When you can eat both the meat and skin, the juicy combination is out of this world. One venue that is famous for cooking it this way is the elegant black-and-white themed Aria. Try their mouth-watering crab mashed potatoes to complement the trout.
Fried Chicken
As one of the most iconic foods of Atlanta and the South, fried chicken is something every restaurant strives to perfect. A few have succeeded in their endeavors. If you want to enjoy fried chicken that is the perfect blend of melt-in-your-mouth crispiness and Southern spices, the Watershed on Peachtree is a good choice. If you visit on a Sunday, you can also enjoy live jazz music there. The chicken at historic Paschal’s has also been consistently rated as the best fried chicken in the state.
When you try any of these foods, you are sure to become a fan of Southern fare. The great part about Atlanta’s fine-dining venues is that they can maintain the wholesome deliciousness of down-home favorites while adding elegant twists in flavor and presentation. What foods do you want to try in Atlanta? Let us know in the comment section below.
