Last Call: The Comfort Of Winter
For a while there, with snow storm after snowstorm, it seemed like winter might not ever end. But with daffodils in full bloom, last weekend's time change and the rising of temperatures outdoors, it's just about time to bid farewell to winter menus as chefs all over town prepare for new menu arrivals in April. But if you missed a good soup, stew or hearty braised meat, there's still time to make the mad dash for some culinary decadence.
Kale Soup
About 30-minutes outside of Atlanta, or 20-minutes south of Hartsfield-Atlanta airport is the sustainable community of Serene, in Palmetto, Georgia. The "Be-serene," community is also be the home of the Blue Eyed Daisy — the bakeshop that in 2012 became the winner of The Food Network series, Cupcake Wars.
With a rotating menu of more than 50 flavors of cupcakes, including signature specials — Spiced Maple Bacon and Dulce de Leche, the breakfast, lunch and snack eatery features a daily menu of soups. Of them, the Kale Soup is an absolute sell out every Friday. A savory vegetable broth, with a touch of heavy cream provides the base for organic kale and pork sausage creating a soup that is simply insatiable.
One of a Kind White Bean
Two blocks from Atlanta's central shopping district of Buckhead, home to Lenox Mall (Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Macy's) and Phipps Plaza (Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom), is F&B Atlanta — home of the renowned White Bean Soup.
Pureed with a touch of heavy cream to add further depth, and enhanced by white truffle oil as well as the decadence of crispy bacon and golden croutons, it is a lusciously satisfying soup that will forever change your thoughts of what it means to be a bean soup.
Other signature soups include a rich Thai Lobster Soup with coconut milk, lemongrass and ginger, and a Roasted Butternut Squash Soup creamed with toasted almonds.
Braised to Perfection
And for those Thursdays when something a bit more hearty comes to mind, Murphy's — one of Atlanta's premiere weekend brunch spots in the heart of Atlanta's pedestrian friendly community of Virginia-Highlands, is THE spot for Apple Braised Pork Shank. Served for dinner only on Thursday's menu, the slow roasted shank is served with hearty root vegetables in a puddle of au jus that might just challenge your grandma'!
Finally, if you're lucky enough on Sunday, you might luck up into a Beef Short Rib on the Supper Menu at Serpas. Chef/owner Scott Serpas, the creator of the renowned Salmon Chips—a fun item of smoked salmon served on thick cut potato chip and one of the best Tuna Tartar's in town (done with a kicking chili sesame dressing and green apple accompaniment, served also with thick potato chips), creates a three course meal every Sunday for around $24. Main entrees might include a tender braised, boneless short rib, with a choice of a Seafood Stew or Boneless Quail. Such family style sides accompanying each main entrée might include collard greens, whipped potatoes and roasted vegetables in a bustling open environment conducive to neighborly socializing.
While there, explore the tastes of the south with Eggplant Hushpuppies for a unique experience. The savory crispy fried treats with a side of bleu cheese will become totally addictive before you know it. And the cocktail list is pretty inventive as well.