South City Kitchen

South City Kitchen is without a doubt one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta.  It’s familiar, comfortable, always welcoming.

South City Kitchen (SCK) is an old standard and I've eaten here many times, although, oddly enough I’ve never had a dinner here, [note to self - change that :-) ], only brunch or lunch.

Located in Atlanta’s Midtown neighborhood, SCK, is an old school bungalow retrofitted and made into an open concept two level restaurant.  SCK is a all around casual restaurant, so you can feel comfortable dining here whether it  be a first date, a business meal, special occasion or group celebration.

 

 

The crowd is eclectic - you get a mix of young family's, sexy singles and single dinners. The space is filled with a good amount of natural lighting and the open kitchen provides a great focal point.  They also have a nice patio that provides some space when the restaurant gets a bit crowded.  Although open air, the restaurant never seems to get to noisy or crowded.  Downstairs some tables can be close together but not to the point you where your neighbors are encroaching your table.  If you want a little more privacy, just sit at my favorite table right in front of the fireplace.  

Billed as contemporary southern, SCK hits it right on every mark.  

As I mentioned earlier I’ve eaten here several times and recommend trying the following:

• Grits
• Crab Cake
• New Orleans style BBQ Shrimp
• She Crab Soup
• Pancakes
• Fried Chicken - you will get the “itis” after eating it!
• The STONE GROUND GRITS - Damn it I cannot explain how much I love the grits!

My most recent visit was a late brunch with one of my good friends who lives in Atlanta.

We started of with a couple of cocktails.  I ordered an Orange Blossom.  I’m a lightweight drinker and this was out of this world fantastic.  It was light and refreshing and sweet - just enough to mask the alcohol.  The peach martini was ok, but not as good as the Orange Blossom.

We both ordered the South City Breakfast two eggs any style, applewood bacon, stone ground grits, skillet potatoes.  I also ordered an extra customary side of grits.  Did I mention I love their grits?

My severer was on point, attentive without being obtrusive and stop by with

The bill for two is right around $40 bucks. The value for the quality of food, portion size and presentation is spot on.

I love SCK because it’s like my favorite pair of jeans.  You know exactly how they are suppose to fit.

I’ve taken friends who live in Atlanta to SCK and now they’re hooked.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

....that’s all.

South City Kitchen

1144 Crescent Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 873-7358

Web:  www.southcitykitchen.com/midtown

Tamarind Seed Thai Bistro

Stopped by Tamarid Seed for a quick bite to eat before heading out, for a night on the town.  The restaurant is located in the Colony Square development, at the corner of Peachtree and 14 Street, in Midtown Atlanta.

This is a small casual restaurant that offers indoor and outdoor seating.  

Upon entering I was immediately greeted and offered a table as I there were only 2 tables seated.  The restaurant is pretty tame and generic when it comes to decor.  It looks like a low budget Thai inspired restaurant.  It’s not the worse, but in no way does the decor set the place apart from any other Thai restaurant.

Ordered the Ka Nom Jeb, shrimp and pork dumpling and Kung Thod, shrimp rolls.  The items were presented to me in less than five minutes.  The presentation was nice but nothing special.  

The dumpling were delicious, but the rolls were a bit dry.  Not the worst items I’ve eaten but far from the worse.

As I only ordered apps, my server was really not interested in me but not rude.  I chalked it up to being a disgruntled employee.

The price for the location, quality of food and portion size was great.

Overall I wouldn’t return unless I had no other options.


Tamarind Seed                                        

1197 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30361
404-873-4888
www.tamarindseed.com

W Atlanta - Downtown

The W Atlanta - Downtown a sleek 28 story tower with approximately 230 rooms, located in the Allen Plaza development in Downtown Atlanta. Located on the north end of Downtown above the 75/85 connector, the development includes W hotel, W hotel residencies, office and retail space.

Due to the economy the development has slow considerably and the building which houses the W and it’s residencies nearly went into foreclosure and almost auctioned off. The area has a way to go before becoming a truly seamless walking/urban neighborhood.

RANKINGS
Exterior Common Areas [4] 

Driving up to the hotel you drive into the Wheels motor court, indicated by the trademark “W” most properties have outside. Due to Atlanta’s traffic, it’s pure hell getting in and out. 

Interior Common Areas [5]

 

 

Once you enter the building, you can go left to check-in area or right to the living room. Although oddly shaped and space planned, I really love the decor of the living. It’s bright and lively and is definitely a conversation piece unto itself. Definitely a good spot to start of the night! You can be in the middle of the action while at the same time having some privacy. The check-in area borrows a bit of the same feeling yet is a bit darker. 

Check-in/Check-out [0 out of 5]

I was “greeted” if you can call it that, by one of the nastiest check-in agents I’ve even encountered. She was dismissive and super condescending. She appeared unhelpful, unmoved and as though she didn’t want her job. As a HUGE W Fan, this individual is not what I've come to expect when checking in. I was given a small room that was not clean. Went downstairs and was handled by someone else and given a much better room. I have to wonder why wasn’t I given this room to begin with? I don’t throw “I’m a Platinum member” or the “do you know who I am” BS lines about, but in this instance, I felt like the agent could have placed me in a better room. I’m sure this room is not apart of the upgrade pool, but at least the agent could have tried to place me in a better room than the tiny and more importantly, dirty room I was initially assigned.

I noticed the elevator at this property didn’t have the whimsy of some of the older properties, it was really bland. 

Guest Rooms [3] 
I wish I could rate this room higher but despite the size and view, there nothing spectacular about the room.

Parlor [2]
Your enter an “L” shaped parlor that overlooks the connector and gives you full views of midtown.

 

 

• Overall First Impression: Great - this is what I what I’m accustomed to in regards to size.
• Furniture & Decor: I think it’s hideous. It’s like Barney and Grimace collaborated on the design scheme. Not to my taste. My friend Richard would love it though :o)
• TV: 40” HD TV with good channel coverage. However, the TV is not adjustable so you can only see it from one side of the room.
• Lighting: Lighting over the dining table and two table lamps. During the day it’s not needed but at night, its a challenge to balance the lighting.
• Workspace: There is no designated or functional work space in the parlor. If needed one could work at the dining table. 
• View: View north of midtown

Bedroom [4]

• Overall First Impression: Nice and spacious. City views continue around the corner.
• Bed: Inviting, very firm & nice linens. If you’re a person who chooses to work in bed, you’ll need to unplug several devices so that you can get to an outlet
• Furniture & Decor: same as the parlor, but I do like the feature wall behind the bed.
• Closet Space: One small closet that houses the safe and iron/ironing board.
• TV: Identical to the parlor
• Lighting: Lots of lighting on either side of the bed.
• Workspace: Desk is opposite bed and faces building across the street. Good lighting and electrical sockets near the desk. 
• View: The bed and desk face the apartment building and the view is of that buildings recreation deck. 

Guest Room Bathroom [4]

 

• Sink: Residential feel with good counter space. Enough working space for multiple people to prepare without causing any issues.
• Shower: Nice sized shower with rain shower head. Good pressure and water temperature.
• Tub: No tub
• Toiletries: Typical bliss toiletries and lots of towels 

Housekeeping [0]

I only spent one night in the hotel but there are some major issues from housekeeping. My room was so dusty my asthma flared up and I’ve never seen so many dust bunnies. There was dust all over the desk and the W snack tray, night stands and lamps. How can one room have so much dust?  In addition, the mirrored top of the coffee table was not secure and as I brushed up against the table to reach for a book, it nearly fell off. 

I encountered more issues with housekeeping. I usually walk around the property and take picture early in the morning when most people are sleep. I was on the floor where meetings take place. I checked in on Saturday afternoon and in the hallway, Sunday Morning, there was food left from a meeting on Thursday.  

Club Level/Lounge [N/A]
W Hotels don't have a club lounge or Club level 

Fitness Center [5] 

Large room with amazing equipment, cardio machines and free weights. Room is well planned and spaced.

Pool [3]

Infinity pool and deck but super tiny. If you’re looking for tranquility, you wont find it here. Pool provides views of downtown. Personally I think they should have planned better for a pool in a downtown property in a warm climate city. Seems like they could have taken space away from the Wet Bar area and made the layout of the pool better.

Business Center [N/A] 

There is one on site, but I did not use. 

Concierge [N/A] 

There is one on site, but I did not use. 

High Speed Wired/Wireless Internet Access [4] 
There is free wireless in the living room. There is a $14 fee in rooms. Rooms are also wired. The signal was very strong and quite fast & I was never dropped. 

Parking/Valet [5]
Very fast. I called for the car prior to going out and it was there before I got downstairs. This was approximately 5-7 minutes. 

Dining [N/A] 

BLT Restaurant on site but didn’t dine there

Miscellaneous
Hotel offers Acura service to surrounding area. Be sure to make reservations in advance.


FINAL IMPRESSION
Overall hotel cleanliness
Doesn’t appear housekeeping department is on staff nor accountable.

Staff attitude, conduct & support
The initial room assignment was inexcusable. Agents at a top notch property should know the loyalty program benefits, so top level elite members don't have to, “work” for published benefits. The other employees were nice, especially the Valet staff.

Location
Good location if you need to be downtown or southern midtown. Easy access to downtown and midtown restaurants, venues and highway access. The major problem is getting in and out of the property.

Would I return?
Maybe. The property doesn't seem clean and check in staff needs to be more receptive to loyal members and break from the “I can only do so much” script. Based on my experiences at other W hotels and comparing this property to the other W hotels in Atlanta, this experience was bad. I like the physical plant more than the W Atlanta - Buckhead, but the service at that Buckhead property is fantastic with good restaurants and shopping closeby. Comparing to the W Atlanta - Midtown, the Midtown property has a better location, nearby restaurants, nicer decor, more suites and the staff is super accommodating and well versed in the SPG program

Would I recommend this as family friendly?  
No. W hotels are not family hotels 

Good for business travelers?  
Yes. Property is located in the CBD 

Good for a romantic get away?  
No.

Would I recommend for someone looking for Dining/Nightlife?  
Yes. As it’s in the heart of the city and Atlanta is a city where one needs to drive to get anywhere.

Would I recommend restaurant?  
NA

Value for price paid?  
Good

Overall property rating on a scale from 1 to 10 = 5

W Atlanta - Downtown
45 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Phone: (404) 582-5800
Web: www.watlantadowntown.com

Sazon

Having eaten at Sofrito uptown we decided to it’s sister restaurant Sazon in downtown Manhattan.   They share man similarities, such as the executive chef and being “cumpleanos” headquarters for Tribeca.

Placed a 9 PM reservation and as soon as I walked through the door I was greeted by a loud music!  I step up to the attended hosts stand and after a few minutes, one of the hostesses broke away from flirting with a guy to ask  “have you been helped?”  I gave her the “Obviously not, if you’re ass is not doing your job!” look.  She got the message.   Although we have a reservation, we’re told we need to wait.  So we step over to the bar which is 2/3 deep and the staff seems a bit overwhelmed.  We order a couple glasses of red Sangria, which are pretty good.

The space has a modern design with a mosaic bar against a reclaimed wood wall.  At the back of the space there is a pink tufted feature wall and chandelier throughout the dining space.  It’s eclectic but fits the vibe of the restaurant.  After 20 minutes we’re finally seated.

Seated in the nicely designed dining room.  Our waiter introduced himself, but had trouble with English.  We ordered the Carne Frita and Willie orders the Alcapurrias and Tostone appetizers.  We had to request water and bread.  In less than five minutes, our appetizers appeared.  The portions, here, like Sofrito, are huge.  The pork was over cooked and dry, not at all what I was expecting.  I love pork and under normal circumstances would have scarfed those down.  This time I left half on the plate.  The Alcupurrias was tasty and moist.  The tostones never arrived.

For entrees I ordered the Garlic Shrimp in white wine sauce and Willie ordered the Seafood Cazuela.  My entree was “OK” not the best nor the worse.  The shrimp was well cooked, but not remarkable.  The presentation was “blah”.  Willie’s stew on the other hand smelled and taste great.  It was extremely robust, flavorful and filling.  Oh....and the tostones showed up!

We didn’t have any dessert as we were both stuffed and couldn’t sit through another chorus of feliz cumpleanos.

Sason has potential, but right now I see this as a meeting place for a group or friends starting out their night.  Cramped bar but good drinks.  The portions are large so plan prior meals accordingly.  It’s loud and racous and in no way intimate, so I would not recommend this as a “date” restaurant.  The service is spotty and if you don’t speak Spanish the service level drops further.

Thats my take on Sazon, check it out and let me know your experience


Sazon
105 Reade Street
New York, NY 10013-3840
Phone:  (212) 406-1900
WEB:  www.sazonnyc.com

The Fast and the Flurry-ous

The first real storm of 2010 has hit NYC.  

The storm has slowed New York City down to a glacial pace....and you know who that thrills me!

Offices are half empty, retail establishment never opened or opened late.  The Airports are at a standstill.  Mass transit is .... Oh hell, in in NYC mass transit can't get any worse.

The day started off crappy as I was snowed in my apartment.  Don't even ask!   In Harlem, the walk to the train wasn't to bad the streets were pretty darn clear.  Once I got to work...the weather went bananas!

I can barely see the Empire State Building

 

About an hour later the snow was coming down so hard I could barely see out the window.

After spending a few hours in the office I left.  

NYC sanitation trucks fitted with snow removal equipment

Our tax dollars at work...but will all that union overtime bankrupt us?

So I make home to Harlem.

The intersection of Lenox and 125 Street isn't bad at all

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays

these delivery folks at the corner Chinese joint 

from the swift completion of their deliveries.  :-)

 

I decided to check out Marcus Garvey Park before going in.

The blocks around the park are quite pretty.  If you like snow.

What is this? Harlem or Canada?

I've been on a snow man kick this Winter.  

Harlem is full of some creative kids who really pull out all the stops when creating snow people!

 

He's a little "dirty", he must be from Jersey. 

A carrot toped snowman in harlem.

I love the attention to detail!

I wonder if those are suppose to be dreds or cornrows?

 

Maybe I'll walk to the top and take a few pics

Oh Hell to THEE naw!

It's cold and I'm going home!

Stay warm!!

Oh wait....those are giant balls of snow.

Can't wait to see the finished product.