For Every Action There is a Reaction: Great New Spots to Dine In Atlanta

Recently I have been thinking alot about the cause and effect factor that helps to stimulate and create a demand for new business and the exciting new products and services that result. For the purposes of this piece, Iam referring specifically to the hospitality industry (restaurants, bars, hotels, etc...). Many people reject large Corporations and prefer to do business with only local producers and service organizations. That is all well and good but we cannot forget what large Corporations or Franchisors do for the communities that we live in. The presence of calculated, formulated operations that provide a repetitive dining, drinking or lodging experience are what allow independent, "Mom and Pop" organizations to thrive. The more we are inundated with chain operations and their, somewhat, mundane experiences we are presented with fresh innovative ideas. The increased production of these large operations spurr a desire out of us to find unique, one of a kind experiences that we can enjoy and make our own. There are two great examples of this in Atlanta right now that I think people will truly enjoy.

1. Dinner Party Atlanta
Brought to you by the same guys who operate Top Flr (a great spot to enjoy some interesting cuisine and cocktails located off Ponce on Myrtle St.) Dinner Party allows its patrons to experience unique one of a kind cuisine. You can expect a fantastic five course menu created by an Executive Chef that blends French and Vietnamese flavors. The most interesting part about this dinning experience? Its completely exclusive. They don't operate out of your typical brick and mortar establishment. The locations change for every dinner and some of these locations have included airplane hangars, empty office buildings, barns and locations for the future will include the Federal Reserve building off of Peachtree Street (tentatively). The only way to experience this supper club is to get on their waiting list on the website (click on Dinner Party Atlanta at the top of this section). The dinning experience is fantastic because the locations are constantly changing, a sommelier is present at every event and you can meet people you would have never met otherwise. A great example of the entrepreneurship that stems out of a response to the mundane corporately owned experience.

2. Lunacy Black Market
A creation of Chef Paul Luna, Lunacy Black Market offers affordable food in a unique space full of antiques and local art (that is actually available for purchase). The space looks like an average family room of an "artsy" speak-easy type of house but the eating experience is fresh and exciting. As Thrilllist reported this week the menu has items such as "Asian-style pork w/ ginger soy sesame sauce; chicken w/ spinach, tomato & goat cheese; braised beef w/ roasted peppers and Ricotta". This is just another great way to break of the normal, boring dining experience and get into something new. Plus it doesn't hurt to support your local entrepreneurs and idea starters.

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…)