Krispy Kreme Doughnuts - Old Fourth Ward on Ponce

This is one of the oldest Atlanta area Krispy Kreme Doughnut locations still standing and viable. It can be found at 295 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta GA 30308. It's also the first Krispy Kreme that I ever visited during a short stay in Atlanta before moving here in the mid-80s. Until I had my first hot donut, I had no idea what I've been missing, growing up with the likes of cake donuts found at my local, small-town bakery. We'll have none of that now - the Krispy Kreme doughnut (and yes they use the proper spelling here - none of that do-nut label you find at other, inferior establishments) is produced with dough that expands when heated, providing a delicate, less-cake interior texture. Add the hot glaze and you have something really special.

Full of neon lights and brilliant graphics, this KK still have its classic facade - none of that current Dwell-modern look here! This is still an ongoing operation where you can see huge conveyer-belt equipment that moves the doughnuts through various stages until purchase. It's quite a treat to stand on the other side of the glass partition and watch the skilled workers make magic in milled-flour and confectioners sugar! From what I recall, it originally had more equipment, but like so many restaurants much of the Krispy Kreme operations have moved to dedicated production facilities where the doughnuts can be made in massive bulk (it's also where the doughnuts sold in grocery stores comes from). No issues with those doughnuts, however you do miss out on the hot glaze experience that no microwave can reproduce.

Old Fourth Ward can be a little sketchy, especially at night - it's not uncommon to have someone in the evenings ask for a handout - if you intend to visit this delightful location plan your outing during the day, or better yet, near twilight so you can enjoy the incredible light show. On weekends the interior is often full of balloons and free paper hats - do partake as it's another way they make the visit special. Or better yet, take a trip to the Varsity first and down a couple of flattened chili dogs before coming here for dessert (don't forget the onion rights or frosty orange for the trifecta!) and ask for a paper hat. You can then swap hats and have two keepsakes!

Service here is very good although at times the lines can get fairly long. I like to get a dozen (make sure you bring friends!) of the glazed (and maybe a second dozen of the specialty doughnuts as they often have a 2-for-one special on the boxed dozen) but really, the glazed are where-it's-at. Or better yet, get whatever flavor is coming off the conveyer belt - which brings me to the "hot doughnuts now" sign - look for that fabulous red beacon to ensure you're getting-the-goods.

For the glazed - I can do 2, maybe 3 before my sugar levels spike to atmospheric levels (one isn't quite  enough and three may be a bit too much). Bite into a hot doughnut and allow it to melt in your mouth. If there's a heaven on earth, this might just be a brief taste. Are there better doughnuts in Atlanta? That's a tough one - if you haven't tried Sublime or Revolution then you are indeed missing out. Let's just say that these are a different type of goodness, with variety being the spice of life!

(shorter review also posted on Yelp)

Cafe Sunflower - Sandy Springs GA

This location of Cafe Sunflower can be found at 5975 Roswell Rd NE, STE 353, Atlanta GA 30328 in the South-Eastern side of Roswell Rd and Hammond Dr. It's located in the inside of an elbow formed by the building in the lower lot, close to Ship and Anchor Pub. There's a second location that I know about in Buckhead with a similar menu. Cafe Sunflower makes up one of the anchor points to Atlanta vegetarians due to its great success and longevity. I've eaten at this location several times as I have several friends that are vegan or vegan+

The interior is nicely decorated and well maintained - the restaurant seemed very clean had had just a touch of patchouli aroma (but that may have been the dirty hippies at the next table - actually I'm joking about the hippies but not about the scent - leftovers from prior diners, perhaps?). As with most vegetarian restaurants, there were a few hipsters scattered about the place, otherwise it was all locals.

Specials can be found on a blackboard - I'll try the organic kale next time I think. The menu is fairly extensive with many options and different styles of cooking. I do like the use of tofu rather than some meat-flavored substitute. I've never understood why anyone would eat vegetarian and order something that tastes like chicken instead of chicken, but that's a subject to explore another day.

I'm no stranger to veggies and for the most part I think Sunflower does a good job, however I think there are much better vegetarian restaurants nearby. Please don't take this the wrong way, but for an established omnivore like myself, I want my veg-only meals to be a bit special - this usually translates into foods that are heavily seasoned and probably why I'm so fond of Asian and Indian cuisine. Alas, for the most part my vegetarian friends like this place so I'm sure I'll visit again - heck those guys put up with my explorations into heavy-meat-content restaurants so I'm willing to make concessions.

First a bit about my own eating habits. You would think that as a former professional cook I would make fancy meals at home - in reality I cook very simply, making most of our meals using the grill for meats and the occasional veggie, and simple steamed vegetables as an accompaniment. I use almost no salt at home favoring fresh ground black pepper, spices and herbs. So when I eat at restaurants, I gravitate towards very strong flavors and spices, especially when eating vegetarian. For the most part, when I eat at vegan or vegetarian restaurants I look for the spicier items on the menu - and for some reason everything I order at Cafe Sunflower tastes bland. I don't know if it's a failing of my expectations or if I'm being unreasonable, but with the exception of the salads the food here tastes very under-seasoned. Give me a nice veggie biryani any day over this stuff or a hot veggie vindaloo.

As I've already mentioned, I've eaten at this location several times. Most recently, I had the veggie stir-fry with tofu on brown rice. It was filling if nothing else.

My dining companion ordered the veggie chili (which was offered up for a taste) - even this dish seemed vapid.

Perhaps the next time I order I'll specifically ask for the food "extra spicy" - not sure if they'll make it thus, but it's worth a try.

Service was very good and the lunch crowd was busy. I think this is a good meeting location as it's fairly laid-back.

(shorter review also posted to Yelp).

Boneheads Seafood - Perimeter Mall Area - Dunwoody GA

Boneheads Seafood is located at 4511 Olde Perimeter Way, Atlanta GA 30346 in the shopping center that's anchored by Target but that also contains many other restaurants like Outback Steaks, Taco Mac and the great new Your Pie pizza joint. There used to be quite a few locations but many seem to have closed or been replaced by Fishbone (not sure if they're related but they seem very similar). The restaurant is located on the right of rows of buildings to either side (rather Death Star Trench style) when you pull-in from Perimeter Center West.

While Boneheads may not appeal to everyone, I've had many good meals here (it's within walking distance from my old office) - I think of it a s a step-up from fast food. You order at the counter and the food is brought to the table. Make sure you grab a bottle of the extra spicy piri piri sauce. Generally I either get the half-chicken or a piece of fish, with the grilled zucchini side. I've tried both the fish tacos (tasty!) and the shrimp-and-grits and have liked them both. I've also ordered take-out from Boneheads and the food arrives relatively hot, fresh and quickly.

Half-Piri Piri Chicken with rice and grilled zucchini

Portabello Mushroom Sandwich with grilled zucchini

Fish Tacos with Asian Citrus Slaw

Shrimp and Grits

I think they do a good job on the grilled fish - the chicken has been slightly inconsistent, sometimes over/under-done but still very passable. I usually pull off the skin then add more piri piri - love the flavors in that stuff. I pass on most of the sides (have had the salad, the Asian slaw and a citrus salsa - all were passable but be careful of the cilantro if that's not your flavor). Oh and the rice of course - it's pretty good.

I think they do the best job on the salmon and tuna - haven't had very good luck on the mahi (tends to be dry). Also, the portabella mushroom sandwich was tasty if you're looking for a veggie option. Or they have a veggie wrap that my veggie friend Sid thinks is pretty good.

Veggie Wrap with Fries

About Piri Piri seasoning - this is on the spicy side with distinct flavors of hot pepper (Scotch Bonnet or Habenero) and a bit of earthiness - the Extra Hot seems to be the real deal, while the others are pared down versions. Even if you don't like it that hot try a bit of the extra hot - the overall flavors are just better.

XXX Hot Piri Piri Sauce

 Since you order at the counter there isn't much to speak of regarding service - sometimes ordering takes a long time, sometimes it's fairly quick. They cook everything to order so when it's busy it may take a bit longer to get the food delivered to your table. The people here are very nice and they've been very accommodating when we've catered.

Parking is off the "street" that flows between this large complex's buildings and can be a bit of a challenge. There are many spaces across the street and behind that building, in front of the bank - there's also a deck in the back corner near Outback Steakhouse if you don't mind walking. The rest of the restaurants in this complex are a bit iffy - nothing to write home about (with the exception of Flemings if you want to spend the bucks) but if you're nearby and need a bit at least there's some variety.

My apologies on the crappy photos - I didn't realize a filter was turned on.

(a bit shorter review previously posted to Yelp)

Aladdin's Mediterranean Grill and Deli - Between Sandy Springs and Roswell

Aladdin's Mediterranean Grill and Deli is located at 8725 Roswell Rd, Atlanta GA 30350 near 400 and the Northridge Dr exit (take the right fork driving West onto Dunwoody Pl and enter the shopping center on your left before you hit Roswell Rd). There's a Starbucks in the same lot as well as an Arby's you can see from Roswell Rd. This is the same shopping center as Circle Sushi (to the left side of the building, closest to Dunwoody Pl). I'm not sure what to call this location - it's South of Roswell and north of Sandy Springs - Northridge?

The word for Aladdin is Terrific - actually if I could have two words, I'd say Terrific and Delicious. Three words your say? Terrific, Delicious and Generous! Usually when I'm feeling like Mediterranean I hit Mediterranean Bakery near my home - or if I'm at work (I work at Northpark near 400 and Abernathy), I head over to Cafe Sababa. If it's a special occasion, I seek Rumi's Kitchen on Roswell Rd (still consistently the best Persian I've found in Atlanta). I feel a bit like a turncoat saying this and no, Aladdin is no Rumi's, but I think the food is better than my usual standbys. Sorry Sababa, but Aladdin just has better food, hands-down.

The restaurant is rather unassuming, with a small room facing the sidewalk to the right of the door for hookah enthusiasts. You walk in and a blackboard to the left lists menu items. Specials can be found to the right of the register where you order, usually on a stand-up board. You can walk down and watch them assembling your food but you may as well get seated and wait for your number to be called. Make sure you grab utensils and your drink (try some of the flavorings to add to your tea - the mint and rosewater create something refreshing and unique).

Speaking of the soup - make sure you try the lentil soup for a great cold-weather treat. It's a great, low-fat way to get your meal started.

I'm also rather fond of the felafel at Aladdin's...

For the pita pocket sandwiches, I've tried the chicken and beef shawarma and the falafel. These come with a side, so every time you come you can try something different!

If you're feeling really hungry, the meals are huge - they come with your meat, a cup of really delicious rice, hummus, Jerusalem salad (tomatoes and cukes in a delicious yogurt with dill) and pita. Prices range from $9.95 for the falafel to $14.95 for the Kabob Sampler. They usually have some rather remarkable lamb chops that I've yet to order, but I've seen the dish and it smells divine! The prices at Aladdin are slightly higher than Mediterranean Bakery and Sababa, but they more than make up for the price with the quantity of food - the portions here are ginormous! When you pick up your food make sure you get a side of their really great hot sauce...

More plates:

The Chicken Shawarma Plate - delicious and what shawarma is all about.

The Aladdin's Kabob Sampler - if you're like me, you want to try everything!

The Shish Tawook Plate - this is my favorite, marinated chicken tenders grilled to perfection!

I've now had lunch at Aladdin a half dozen times and I'm happy to report that they are consistently good and very generous. The staff are very good and happy to accommodate your needs. You get so much that it's fairly easy to split one of the meals between two people - or the pitas are so stuffed that getting a pocket sandwich is an easy choice, especially when paired with the delicious green-lentil soup.

-- John

(shorter review also posted to Yelp)