Hob Nob Opens in Atlanta

A brand new gastro-pub opens up today on the corner of Piedmont and Monroe...Hob Nob Neighborhood Tavern. Due to the close proximity to my house, I have been seeing the daily development of the space from what used to be an old Caribou Coffee into a Restaurant and bar. I have to say, I have been intrigued this entire time. It is not often that you see a coffee shop get turned into a bar and grill. That fact alone intrigues me because I just want to see how the designers re-organized the space. The decor inside consists of orange-ish walls, chandeliers with candles, a full fireplace, stacked stone, full bar, outdoor heated patio, private party space, and free valet parking. The food seems to be interesting enough and, although I have not tried it, I have a feeling its going to be your average (or maybe slightly above average) bar/snack food. A couple of the things I don't like; Their colors are black and orange on a shield shaped sign that says hob nob with silhouettes of people. The color scheme and logo does nothing for me. Actually, it makes me think of Halloween and I keep wanting to say hob goblin not hob nob because of the Halloween specific colors and old chandeliers with candles and all of that. Also, the location is strange. What was once a gas station, then coffee shop, and now restaurant is plopped right on the corner between other gas stations and absolutely zero parking. Its also a little difficult to actually turn into. Lastly, its right across the street from an Atlanta staple in the music and bar scene..Smith's Old Bar. Smiths is a place I enjoy frequenting and I just cant see myself heading over to Hob Nob as opposed to smiths. I love the restaurant industry and all that it has to offer and I hope for nothing but success for Hob Nob but my prediction is that its not going to last. Confusing concept, design, and location lends itself to some weaknesses. If your looking for a drink your probably going to head to Smiths, not Hob Nob

The Worst Valentines Day Idea Ever

It is just as important to stay tuned into all things un-gentlemanly as it is to stay abreast on all the great things that there are out there to experience. This is one of those stories that is completely UN-gentlemanly and I cant believe it even exists.

Do you have Valentines day plans yet? Well don’t worry if you don’t because White Castle (kind of like Krystal’s for all you true southerners out there) has got you covered. Yes the fast food establishment serving up undersized frozen patties on rolls offers a candle lit dinner complete with flowers and table side service. I am guessing the table side service consists of, “another squeeze of your ketchup packet ma’am”? This "candle lit dinner" takes place inside of the fast food establishment so you can enjoy the fine atmosphere that White Castle has to offer. Apparently, this event books up so they require you to call ahead and make reservations…HA! I wonder if they will serve Boone's Farm or Franzia boxed wines with dinner? That would make for a great pairing.......RIDICULOUS

I don’t think I have to go into detail on this one of why it is the most un-gentlemanly things I have heard of in a long time. You know I guess theres the saying, “to each his own” but I cant let this one slide and accept that this is an acceptable thing to be a part of. I mean, come on. I think that for one day a year you can elevate your situation a little bit and go without fast food for one night

Eat Great At Home: The Underrated Meal

Unless you are a huge culinary fan and enjoy cooking at home ( which many people are due to the popularity of shows like Top Chef and avid viewers of the cooking channel) making meals for yourself can seem like a huge undertaking. What should you buy? Where should you buy it from? Do you have the time to cook and clean up the kitchen after a long day at work? All these questions tend to lead people to settling for a quick fast food meal or spending tons of money eating out. Well, I have a great solution for those who get intimidated by the simple task of cooking a meal for themselves. Enter the Flat Iron Steak. This cut of meat is often overlooked by those that feel the Filet is the only way to go and that eating a steak is only for special occasions. The Flat Iron steak is more similar to a Ribeye in nature. Meaning it has a higher fat content and while, not being as tender, provides more flavor (in my opinion). Anyways, the Flat Iron doesn’t look like your typical steak and you don’t eat it in the typical way either. You slice it against the grain so you have flavorful strips of steak to enjoy. Furthermore, you don’t need a grill to cook it up. I live in the city and don’t have the luxury of a grill but this steak does great in the oven. Broil it at a temperature of 500 degrees for about six minutes on each side for a nice medium rare. I recommend medium rare because this steak is not as tender as other cuts. Also, one Flat Iron can easily serve two people however if its just you then save what you don’t eat and throw the strips on a sandwich for lunch the next day. If you are going to be enjoying this underrated cut of meat for dinner, than I recommend pairing it with a few red potatoes and some mushrooms, both of which are extremely easy to prepare. Not only is this meal easy to prepare but it is also cost effective. Your local grocer probably offers the Flat Iron for between seven and twelve bucks and mushrooms and potatoes together will cost you, at most, six bucks. One last note, no seasoning is necessary on this meat. Salt, pepper and cook is all you have to do. Eat great at home, don’t be intimidated. Washing it down with an ice cold beer never hurt anyone either…..

Quick Buy List for Your Convenience:

Flat Iron Steak
Red Potatoes
Mushrooms
Salt/Pepper
Butter (for cooking the shrooms).
Beer (optional, but not really…)