Fortune Cookie - North Druid Hills and Briarcliff Rd

Fortune Cookie is located at 2480 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta GA 30329 in the shopping center at the South-Western quadrant of the intersection of Briarcliff and North Druid Hills - this used to be called Loehmann's Plaza but with that retailer gone I'm not quite sure what the complex is now called. The easiest access is from Briarcliff coming down the hill - you'll see a Dollar Tree - Fortune Cookie is almost right next to it.

This venerable Chinese restaurant has been a local favorite for many years. I would place this in the Americanized Chinese food category - sort of old-school make-what-Americans-think-Chinese-food-should-be style through the use of a lot of sweet flavors and wok fried meats. Don't expect the regional Chinese labels to apply in authentic fashion - even those entrees marked as spicy are mild. If you're older, you'll appreciate Fortune Cookie's flavors as reminiscent of Chinese Cooking you had growing up (unless you had access to a real China Town in NYC or California or similar). This place is very popular among locals, especially from the Druid Hills area - every time I've gone I've noticed an older crowd of diners (and often the place is full-up, sometimes with a wait) - this is indeed an old-school crowd that appreciates the food for what it is - some of the best Americanized-Chinese classics around.

There's a long line of fish tanks, both salt and fresh water, alternating, dividing the room in two. Once seated you'll notice a very extensive menu - most of the items are very self-explanatory - no "weird" foods here - mostly it's stuff familiar to most Americans.

There are a couple of things that make Fortune Cookie special - the first that is very noticeable, even with the first appetizer, is the freshness of all the ingredients - no left-over, reformed hash here. The veggies are very crisp and the sauces aren't gummy through the over-use of corn starch. I recommend the spring rolls, steamed pot-stickers and the won-ton soup (this last is probably one of the best I've had in Atlanta, with fresh spinach leaves and diced smoky pork - it's a very nice soup). The hot-and-sour soup is passable, however I like it with meat and the use of white-pepper - Fortune Cookie uses black-pepper with a darker, starchy broth. While passable, there are many places with better - stick with the won-ton and you'll be happy.

I've tried many entrees but usually end up either getting the spicy chicken (it's basically General Tso's served fried, sauced with a side of steamed broccoli) or Phoenix and Dragon (chicken and shrimp in white sauce with veggies - the latter you'll want to spice up with some chili sauce) - at around $11 not a bad deal. The chicken is very tender (bit of corn-starch expansion there) and soft enough to gum if you're older (heh) - the shrimp are larger and cooked to firm (not rubbery). Part of the veggie mix is fresh bamboo shoot when they are in season - the delicate and fragrant shoot is much better than your typical canned version used in many "schwag" Chinese places and worth ordering on it's own if offered as a special - it has a flavor like no other. Order the hot tea and you're ready to go.

Chinese Chicken with String Bean (Hot) - this is a classic dish that has flavor, texture and a good sustaining sauce.

Shrimp with Hot Gaelic Sauce (Hot) - one of my favorites. This is a delicious, spicy shrimp dish that's sure to satisfy most sea food lovers (it's actually not that hot - I ask for it "extra spicy" as I do in most places - I can't imagine what it would be like if I didn't).

Chow Ma Mein - this is my favorite dish here, hands-down, and I order it frequently, usually in the summer - I also order this one extra-spicy. It's basically a low-mein soup with fresh seafood and super, super good. I haven't found anything quite like it elsewhere - I asked one of my Chinese friends about it and she explained that it should be familiar to me as it was more of a Korean dish (not that I recognize it even there but yea, the flavors do harken that cuisine).

Meals can be adjusted with a bit of homemade chili paste - they also have the common pastiche of hot mustard and sweet duck sauce on the table (good with the egg rolls). At the end of the meal you get, what else? Fortune Cookies (and a few slices of sweet orange).

While I absolutely love the real flavors found in authentic cooking, there's absolutely nothing wrong with solid, traditional Americanized Chinese cooking - just know what to expect and you'll do fine. This is a good meeting place restaurant for when you have people included that haven't experimented with authentic cooking. The other thing that Fortune Cookie does well is their take-out. You can view their menu and order online - something I wish other restaurants would offer as it's a real winner. If you're in the North Druid Hills area they also deliver.

(shorter review originally posted on Yelp)

Pho Bac - Buford Hwy at Chamblee Tucker Rd

Pho Bac is located at 4897 Buford Hwy NE, Chamblee GA 30341 (about a block from the intersection of Buford Hwy and Chamblee-Tucker Rd) in the same shopping center as some other Asian favorites, Penang, Harmony Vegetarian and Mini Hot Pot. The restaurant is unassuming with lots of glass, bright lights and the fantastic smell of broth. Parking is extensive but you may need to park across the lot during busy times.

 The menu is extensive with many Vietnamese favorites - variations of meats, broths and vegetables. This is one of my favorite cuisines, with a purity of flavors and an obvious appreciation of freshness. While there are some better pho restaurants nearby, this is the closest to my home and is extremely convenient from I285 or I85.

Pho Ga is still my go-to place for pho, especially for pho ga (white meat chicken). At one time I had some issues with inconsistency and downgraded my review, but I'm happy to say that during the last few years, both at lunch and dinner, I've had a great experience. The staff is very attentive here with very kind servers - even if you've just had something hotter than expected and drained your water glass, raising your hand at any employee with an empty cup will get you a quick refill. The food was excellent.

I went once again last week during lunch and it was very busy with only a few unoccupied tables. They still close relatively early (make sure you get there before 8:45 or so or they may turn you away). Prices have gone up about a buck per bowl, but don't let that dissuade you, especially if you're looking for chicken (and who doesn't want a bowl of delicious chicken soup when it's cold outside?). The medium bowl was enough to fill me, even with a huge appetite. The "salad" was appropriately fresh with jalapenos, Asian cilantro, Asian basil and sprouts. The white meat chicken was juicy with thick slices, the broth perfect and the noodles very filling and delicious.

We started with the shrimp and pork spring rolls (these are called something different in just about every place you go but if you specify "shrimp and pork spring roll" you'll get the right thing just about anywhere). These were really good, served with a peanut Hoisin dip - you can basically make a meal out of these if inclined as they come three to an order. If you think you might want to try a smoothie, check out the Caribbean coconut - not too sweet but with a slightly citrus, coconut flavor - tapioca optional. My other favorite and this might sound weird if you've never had it, is the avocado smoothy - the fatty avocado is perfect when blended and provides a less-sweet treat that's simply delicious.

When I come here with friends from work they often do a "soup and sandwich" - basically the small bowl of pho with a Banh Mi sandwich - while there are better sandwiches in the neighborhood (Lee's Bakery comes to mind), these are quite good, very filling and super cheap. Another dish worth trying (and really, everything on the menu is quite good) is the Banh Hoi (Tiny Rice Stick) - it's a real treat with a variety of meats.

As usual no AmEx at the checkout (you pay at the counter), but that's fairly consistent with Asian restaurants, especially on Buford Hwy and in Duluth. I like that they don't have an annoying TV blasting at you and the mirrored ends of the dining room make the place look much bigger than it is (don't be fooled though, they can handle a fairly large party if you're thinking about having one, just make sure you call ahead).

(much shorter, similar review posted in 2013 to Yelp)

Zoe's Kitchen - Dunwoody GA

Zoe's is located at 1165 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta, GA 30338 in the same shopping center anchored by REI (this location is in the strip along Perimeter Center West in front of the stores in back). Parking is a bit sparse in front of the restaurant, however there's plenty in the lot along the side.

Not your usual Mediterranean restaurant, walking into Zoës Kitchen provides a visual mid-century modernist treat from first approach, featuring modernist orange colors and hanging white-sphere pendant lights right at the entrance (it's very "fresh and hip"). At Zoës you order at the counter from several items on a menu board that include most of what you would expect from a good Greek restaurant (not to say that the flavors are strictly Greek, but rather a more casual mix of Mediterranean with many more fresh salad and fruit offerings). The people at the counter are very knowledgeable about the food they serve, and if you're watching your calories they have an "Under 500" menu with selections calculated to be under 500 calories.

Prices are reasonable if not downright cheap and your food is delivered by the very nice staff in record time (at least at lunch - I've eaten there several times at lunch and the service was extremely fast - your experience could vary at other times). Drink dispensers are readily available to the right of the counter along with utensils and napkins.

I've mostly stuck with a single item while eating here, the Under 500 Chicken Kabobs (white meat chicken on skewers with cherry tomatoes), served with a dry Greek salad (romaine, feta, red onion, Kalamata olives - I add fresh squeezed lemon) and a cup of fresh fruit.

Another dish I'm fond of is the Grüben Sandwich - this is made up of sliced turkey, Swiss cheese, slaw and a spicy mustard on a nice blended rye.

Also, if you're watching your salt content then Zoës Kitchen seems to be on the very-low salt content side of things - that might be why there are some comments about the food lacking flavor. If you're used to most of the Greek restaurants you find in Atlanta you find a flavor-shift here due to the low sodium. Taste the food, not the salt, I say.

My dining companions have gotten a variety of dishes ranging from pasta salad, soup, hummus, other salads and meats including the gyro wrap and have all raved about the quality and inexpensive pricing. Actually, we like Zoes so much at work that we regularly order food from their terrific catering service. They also have a nifty app that allows you to win treats!

The restaurant offers exactly what the busy lunch-time crowd who work nearby needs - good healthy food served quickly. The only negative I've found is the parking situation right in front is rather competitive - however there's usually plenty of parking to the right of the short-strip in front of REI. I could see many from REI visiting this place, as well as members of the LA Fitness across the street (I frequent both). The ceilings are high so you would think it would be noisier when full, but I've found it still quiet enough for casual conversation. I don't remember any alcohol on the menu. The lunch line can appear long during peak times (pretty much to the door), but it seems to move quickly. Overflow for seating can sit outside at covered tables.

(Shorter review posted some time back on Yelp)
 

Little Bangkok - Cheshire Bridge Rd at Lavista

Little Bangkok is located at 2225 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta GA 30325 about a block past Lavista Rd when driving from I85 and existing onto the Cheshire Bridge Rd (South if you're paying attention). You'll see the Tara Theater on your left, pass the Landmark Diner and just pass Lenox Rd before seeing Little Bangkok on your left. Typically the parking is all crazy with diners double-parked, but you can park across the street at Kong's Body Shop or Gail K Fabrics.

I've been eating at this location for many years - it was a convenient meeting spot for me when I lived in Little Five Points - convenient to meet with friends who were living in Chamblee and other points further North. Alas I had forgotten about it since moving to points north myself. When suggested, once again as a meeting spot for an early dinner I jumped at the chance. Luckily the food is still as good as I remembered. I've since come here for Thai about a half dozen times and it's amazingly consistent - both a product and a justification of being in existence for so many years.

The worst thing about this restaurant, as I've already noted, is the parking. Inside it they have about two dozen tables but outside they have about 6-8 parking spaces. Due to this diners frequently double park - if you're lucky enough to get a space expect to be blocked and factor that in. They also provide parking at a lot across the street (Kong's Body Shop and Gail K Fabrics). You used to also be able to park at the lot to the right but apparently those guys are now towing - beware and do not park there! The local towing companies are notorious for booting or towing and make great sport of it.

Once inside you'll see that the space is a bit cramped - if you focus a bit on the many items crammed into nooks and along walls there's quite a bit of Thai nostalgia to catch your eye. Also in the foyer you'll see the many awards and food critic notices this venerable restaurant has attained over the years. In any case, on with the food.

Crispy Spring Roll - there's something quite magical about these deep-fried spring rolls. More like a large egg-roll, the extra crispy wrapper, fresh ingredients and accompanying sauce makes this one of the best I've had. Order two (you receive two rolls per order) to make sure everyone at the table gets at least two pieces. Delicious!

Pad Kee Mao with Chicken - this is one of my favorite dishes here - wide soft noodles with plenty of veggies - get this one extra spicy (at least 1 pepper hot). This Drunken Stir Fry indeed foots-the-bill when you've imbibed a bit too much earlier in the day. It's a bit like the post-soccer-pub curry my friends in the UK like so much.

Pad See Ew with Tofu - of course you should try at least one vegetarian dish - the crispy pan-seared tofu is a great change-of-pace on this classic wide-noodle dish.

Spicy Shrimp - love this one! Get this at least 1 pepper hot as well.

Pad Kee Mao with Shrimp - as above but with your favorite little bobbers

Any of the curries would also work - try the Penang with Chicken. I also recommend the Pad See Ew with Beef - you'll be glad you did!

As usual, the service is exceptional with a very attentive staff and quick check-out. Until next time...

-- John

(also published in shorter form to Yelp)