Willy's Mexicana Grill - Druid Hills - Atlanta Georgia

You can find this location of Willy's Mexicana Grill at 2566 Briarcliff Rd, Atlanta, GA 30329 - this is in the shopping center across from Loemann's Plaza at the Northwestern corner of the Briarcliff Rd and North Druid Hills Rd. There's parking out front but the negative is that the shopping center can be a bit tough to get into and out-of due to the proximity to the shopping center, etc. For instance, if you're approaching from I85 you need to head north on Briarcliff to enter the shopping center.

We were on our way to a concert at Lakewood Amphitheater and needed something to eat before the show so we just pulled off on North Druid Hills and looked out the window - I know, very scientific but it is "Old School" and you know I'm def in that category. We spotted this Willy's which I hadn't known about prior to the random search, so you see, sometimes things just work. As people that have known me for long know, I'm a big fan of the Willy's Burrito over just about any other chain. I think they do the best job with ingredients and portions and I just like the flavors. The only downside is that the various branches (my go-to is the one near the Concourse on Hammond, by the way) tend to loose a bit of food quality and consistency. Also I've eaten in a few where the service wasn't what I was used to - but I guess that happens.

This particular location is practically new, with all new equipment, industrialized furnishings, wood, ceramic and glass interiors and well-positioned menu boards. This is fast-casual from before it was called that, so you get in line and order at the counter. The guys behind the line assemble however you tell them to make your items. On this day I ordered a Willy's Salad with Adobe Chicken - my wife ordered a chicken burrito with black beans. My other favorites here are the nachos - these are some of the best in Atlanta and an amazing value - comes with choice of meat, sour cream, pico and guac salad.

I've since eaten at this location a few times and the service in general has been good, with enthusiastic people behind the register and taking your custom order. I like this Willy's but I wish the parking situation was better. After you get a burrito go next door to Sublime Doughnuts and enjoy an Orange Dreamstar doughnut (only one - more and you'll fall asleep in the car) - you can thank me later.

(also posted to Yelp)
 

Sublime Doughnuts - Druid Hills Atlanta Georgia

You can find this location of Sublime Doughnuts at 2566 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 - this is the shopping center across from Loemann's Plaza at the Northwestern corner of the Briarcliff Rd and North Druid Hills Rd. There's parking out front but the negative is that the shopping center can be a bit tough to get into and out-of due to the proximity to the shopping center, etc. For instance, if you're approaching from I85 you need to head north on Briarcliff to enter the shopping center. I believe this is the nearest Sublime to my Northcrest neighborhood.

As memory serves, Sublime Doughnuts was probably the first of the "gourmet" doughnut shops to enter the Atlanta market - or at least the first that I became aware of. These aren't your run-of-the-mill Krispy Kremes or Duncan's (not that there's anything wrong with them but I believe most of you have sampled what they offer). Sublime takes things up a notch by offering unusual confectionaries with some higher value ingredients. It was at the 10th St location where I had my first bacon and maple donut - it's been a downhill from there. 

This satellite location is a bit easier to get to by car, in my opinion, even with the wonky shopping center layout. Of the donuts, my favorite is the Orange Dreamstar but I also like the Butter Toffee and the previously mentioned Bacon and Maple (which seems to be gone from their menu for some reason). One unusual thing that Sublime does is if you want to spell out something like a Birthday or someone's name, you can call ahead (day previous) and pick up a box or boxes . It makes for a special something for your favorite donut-loving person.

The service at this location is top-notch. I've popped in for a donut and/or ice cream (yes they have that too) and was quickly greeted and promptly served. Note that later in the day the selection (from about 30 specialty donuts) starts to diminish, as you would expect.

Some would argue that Revolution is better (actually I think it is - love the peach slider) but then again, if you don't live in Inman Park it can be a bit tough to get to - plus you have to deal with parking. For convenience this location of Sublime is much, much easier.

(also posted to Yelp)

The General Muir - Druid Hills - Emory Village - Atlanta Georgia

You can find The General Muir at 1540 Avenue PlI'm, Ste B-230, Emory Point, Atlanta, GA 30329 in the heart of Emory Village. Parking is along the streets (a bit limited) or there are a few lots if you don't mind walking (I'd advise this as the area is quite busy).

I had heard about The General Muir from a few friends and have been wanting to visit - unfortunately it's in a part of town where I don't frequent. I had an opportunity (wife out of town) and a craving for an exquisite burger in mind so made the Muir my destination one late afternoon. I had heard and read about the General Muir taking general menu queues from a traditional New York style Jewish deli so I had a specific image in mind at the outset. I was literally blown away by the interior of this place on arrival - much more upscale than any deli I've visited - this place would make an awesome date-night destination (but note that they do close by 9:00 PM during the week).

 

The place was winding down a bit when I arrived and I was asked if I'd like to be immediately seated at the bar - which I gladly did (doesn't make much sense sitting at a table) especially as I was able to observe the bar and staff. I don't know if all the bartenders are as skilled as the one that was in front of me - if so then this place is really special. There was a couple at the bar who ordered several classic specialty drinks and the bartender pulled all stops using chill, stir and garnishing techniques that would fulfill the pickiest of cocktail aficionados. It was quite entertaining and better than most of the dinner theaters I've attended.

For dinner I first ordered my favorite local craft, the wonderful Creature Comforts Tropicalia in my favorite form, draft. Looking over the rest of the menu I ordered what I came to the Muir to experience - the Pastrami Bacon Cheeseburger. Continuing to take its queues from the Jewish Deli, the bacon on this burger is actually thin sliced Pastrami crisped up to texture of bacon. The burger was served with American cheese, shaved Vidalia onion, b7b pickle slabs and traditional hand-cut fries (so they still have the skins on them). This plate was massive and quite filling - also delicious and one of the best burgers I've had in Atlanta, to me surpassing the acclaimed H&F burger.

The staff at the Muir was quite wonderful, checking on me frequently and speaking to me when they passed by my seat at the bar. Combine the service with the great food and bartending entertainment, and you have a winner all around. This was an awesome experience and I can't wait to go again to see if it can be repeated.

(also posted to Yelp)

Carnitas Michoacan - Druid Hills - Emory - Atlanta Georgia

You can find Carnitas Michoacan at 4166 Buford Hwy NE Ste 1050, Atlanta, GA 30345 about in the middle of the Plaza Fiesta shopping center/mall. Plenty of parking out front provided one of the frequent carnivals isn't taking up half the lot (even then there's space on the ends and other side).

John F and I hit this place Thursday night as part of our regular weekly Buford Highway Restaurant Crawl - this is a couple of shops over from Asian Pearl Buffet. This is your typical Latino restaurant where you order from large wall-mounted menus at the counter. After about 10 minutes you get your food hot, so there's really minimal service. I got the impression that the people working here aren't used to your typical American diners, but fortunately there are plenty of photos available to help you make your selections.

Carnitas are a particularly tasty version of roasted pork - the chunks of pork are slow roasted in lard until tender. I've had good and bad versions of this dish - I've read that it originated in the state of
Michoacán so I had high expectations. Unfortunately it appears that I've been jaded as the pork dish here (which is really reasonable, comes with rice, beans, corn tortillas and a drink for $10.49) was a bit dry - nothing like my favorite restaurant for this dish, Los Bravos (which serves huge chunks and a delicious roasted red pepper sauce). Other than the meal being fairly cheap and filling, I'd call the food here "average" and nothing special.

The restaurant was clean and well lit with only a handful of customers - we did get here at 8 which was near the usual closing time. The people behind the counter were very efficient and did a good job answering questions. I'm giving this place 3/5.

(also posted to Yelp)