Don Felder, Foreigner and Styx at the Encore Amphitheater in Alpharetta

(also a shorter version published on Yelp)
My first trip to the Amphitheater at Encore Park and I was pleasantly surprised. The venue is much like other amphitheaters (Lakewood/Aaron's comes to mind) but less of a sprawl - I'm not sure of the size difference but probably about half or a bit more of the size so it's a bit cozier and most of the seats are quite good. For this first experience I sat on the lawn and could still see most of the movement on the stage - this was enhanced once it got dark by the two "jumbotron" projection screens to each side.

The best greeting while arriving for a concert!

We arrived and met our friends who supplied us with the tickets - seems he won 3 pairs doing a drawing for the Amphitheater on Facebook. Included were some Lot C parking passes but I had already left for parking and was stuck in the Lot A line of cars so I decided to just park and walk. Lot A was some distance away - it wouldn't have been so long but I had to walk around to the main entrance (Lot A enters through the opposite side gate) to pick up the ticket, which required that I walk outside the park and enter through the main entrance - better planning would have improved the experience).

Don Felder on Stage

Positives:

1. The sound quality is quite good, much better than I expected. I've experience other amphitheater-like settings that were horrible - whomever designed the acoustics for this place knew what they were doing.
2. Overall setup - there are several tiers that service the restrooms and concessions to either side of the amphitheater so the lines, even during breaks and intermissions, weren't terrible. I hate having to anticipate the end of a set at larger venues to hope to get a beer without missing the next act - typical at Lakewood/Aaron's, for example.
3. The beer selection is better than most - sure they have your typical swag domestics, but there was also a selection of craft beers - my favorite is/was the Fat Tire 22 oz - it filled most of the jumbo cup and kept me busy for most of each act.

Negatives (and why the place doesn't merit 5 stars):

1. The "jumbotron" screens are inferior to most that these venues use - the projection is worn and during daylight hours you can't see the images at all (pretty much useless). Either the technology needs to be updated or an alternate method needs to be explored and implemented.
2. The cost of those jumbo beers is rather exorbitant - maybe it's just me but paying $12 for a beer, even if it's a craft beer, seems a bit much. The other problem is that they ran out of those craft beers - first the Fat Tire so I switched to Shock Top, then by the time I went for my third they were down to the swag beers. I think the venue needs to understand that most paying $100 or so for a seat probably want something of a bit higher perceived quality - sure there are those that are going to drink Budweiser, but I'd imagine that there are many that would pay the extra two bucks for something better.
3. The parking situation is a bit weird - the "A" lot (free parking) is way-around the park - you actually go through a neighborhood to get to it - I'm sure that this is very irritating to those who have homes there. I have the Silverback stadium near me (adjacent to my neighborhood) and with overflow parking and traffic, I'm not pleased). Think about a bunch of buzzed concert goers riding through your neighborhood in the late hours and I believe you'll commiserate.

We did have a very good time - the bands this night were your typical retro rock bands from the late 70's/early 80's: Don Felder of the Eagles; Foreigner; and Styx. I've seen Styx in the past but had never seen the Eagles or Foreigner so my expectations were low. I did enjoy all three bands in my formative years, before I discovered punk rock, new wave and SKA, so I had more than a familiarity with the songs and more importantly the song lyrics.

Don Felder

Felder was surprisingly good, belting out the classic Eagles tunes (one friend said "it's like a mini-Eagles concert!").  I rate the performance a "strong B"...

Besides the classics Felder performed perhaps his nominal hit for my generation, the them for "Heavy Metal"...

Foreigner

I was simply blown away by Foreigner - the new lead singer, Kelly Hansen, does a really fantastic job belting out these classic tunes. I hadn't seen the original group in the past but this guy hits every lyric, sounding much like the original lead, Lou Graghm. I was very impressed by Hansen's energy and the overall sound of the band. It also had an excellent "classic rock" light show. I rate them a solid "A"!!

Foreigner's appearance ended with their seminal hit, "I wanna know what love is"...

Styx

I was actually a bit disappointed with Styx - I had high hopes and they certainly were one of the bands that shaped my listening in high school. I think I expected more of the music to be sung by Tommy Shaw so it was a bit disappointing - as with all of us aging rockers, the chords start to go and they must be saved for the more important songs. I was very happy that JY was still doing his thing and his voice certainly could be heard through the occasional harmonies. The new lead, Lawrence Gowan, while hitting most of the sounds of Dennis DeYoung, still seemed to stress a bit on some of the highs, especially during transitions. He reminded me of Dudley Moore for some reason, especially while spinning around on that rotating keyboard (which started to irritate me after the initial "wow" of the keyboard camera on the "jumbotrons" - which started to look better when it got dark - see the photos below). Overall some of the band's timing seemed a bit off and the sound balance was all over the place - they really need a new sound guy. The stage graphic, while technically astute (large high-def panels with rotating and timed imagery) and interesting, seemed to be a bit lackluster after the "big stage" graphics and laser-lights of Foreigner. Overall I'd rate this a solid "B" as a performance.

Sorry no video - it was getting so dark that everything in my iphone camera was washing too much so I forwent taking more movies. I did manage to shoot this wonderful "Grand Illusion" T-Shirt in the concessions area, though...

So to summarize - this is a good venue, especially for the sound but it does require some planning - especially for the parking and carrying extra cash if you're going to drink beer. I still really enjoyed myself, even on the lawn, much more than I had anticipated. The trio-of-bands in general ere very good with me being completely surprised by Don Felder and Foreigner, a bit less so by Styx.

-- John

Royal Oak Pub in Sandy Springs

(also posted to Yelp, in a much shorter version)
The Royal Oak Pub is one of those places that I don't think about too much - it's not so much a destination spot for me as a regular place to grab a beer on the way to someplace else. I think this is more due to it's location than anything else - it's the perfect spot to hit leaving work and needing a place to hole-up to wait out traffic. Royal Oak is located across from the MARTA parking garage on the corner of Perimeter Center West (turns into Abernathy a couple of blocks West) and Mt Vernon - it's really centrally located and less than a half a mile away from where I work (behind Perimeter Mall). Yes there are many other places to fetch-a-drink around there, but this one provides a nice pub ambiance that I feel the most comfortable in.

Royal Oak exterior from the deck entrance

A few notes about Irish pubs - they need to be dark-and-woody, with an old-world feel. I expect to see old beer signs and wood paneling on the walls, a big long wooden bar with brass rails, wooden stools and chairs and many tap handles. The food needs to have an assortment of British pub food - basically if there isn't at least an order of fish and chips to be hand on the menu then I'm probably not coming back. That isn't to say that some of the "pubs" I've been in are very authentic - case in point, the fish and chips on many "Irish" pub menus is made from tilapia - frankly I probably won't order them if they're tilapia. The other thing that I look for in a pub is the feel of a neighborhood, featuring many locals and familiar faces. Over the years the Royal Oak hasn't failed to provide that to me - there are new faces, but many of the folks who frequent this location I recognize going back years.

Facing the Royal Oak bar from one of the booths along the East side.

This place isn't massive - a bit on the smaller size and it really becomes noticeable when you're in a large party or are seated in the single row of tables between the bar and the booths lining the East side (the bar lines the West side). Most nights it's this coziness that I like the most - after a hectic day of work who wants to bump elbows in a crowded bar? I've already mentioned that the pub is great as an intermediate point - we love coming here for a pint or three before attending a feature at the Regal Perimeter Pointe, nearly next door (there's a Starbucks and a smoothie place in between, but less than a 5 minute walk). Royal Oak also has a tiny area for outside seating (3-4 smallish tables) where you can people watch as the sun goes down - these tables get filled quickly though so best if you get an early start.

Royal Oak - sitting outside on the deck

On to the food, as I've already mentioned the fish-n-chips (note that I don't in general have anything against tilapia, the fish-n-chips thing is more of a pet peeve of mine), but I do want them to be both cod and not the cod tail piece and the Royal Oak does deliver - I usually get two pieces. My favorite thing on the menu is the Ahi Tuna Tacos - these are frankly delicious - rare seared ahi tuna bedded on "Korean" slaw, in a flour tortilla with a wasabi drizzle. Savory, spicy, and blasts your sinuses simultaneously - what more can you ask for? It's also a bit lighter than some of the other fried-pub food. For more Irish pub-ish food you can also have the Bangers and Mash or the Shepherd's Pie - I'm glad that the Royal Oak (and actually the entire chain - more on this below) is at least trying. There are also a handful of traditional farm plates that are great for sharing (Highland Scotch Eggs & Sausage Rolls, Ploughman's plate, Cornish Pasties, Triple Dip and my favorite - the Market Meat and Cheese - seems it's becoming more common to serve appetizers like these and it certainly adds to the communal feel of the place.

Royal Oak Menu 2014.05.15

Most recently the Pub has offered up some "tapas" style plates so you can enjoy small apps as you drink your pints. From what I recall the last time I was there (couple of days ago but the memory is a bit fuzzy), I think you get either one of these plates for free or two-for-one during happy hour. They also have some beer specials.

Royal Oak Market Meat & Cheese Board

Of the rest, over the years I've had most of the appetizers, several variations of the burgers and sandwiches, a handful of the salads and a couple of the main courses. I think everything here is palatable, well presented, fresh and reasonably priced (would someone please put their Rueben's on Rye bread though?). I do wish there were a few more options on the beer menu, especially for craft brews and they do seem to be edging more into that directions. They do have my favorite standby, Sweetwater 420 on draft, as well as Blue Moon and what you would expect in an Irish pub: Guiness, Harp, Bass and the usual US mass-market beers. Recently they've added bottled Fat Tire and just a couple of days ago I enjoyed a Terrapin Hoppsicutioner on draft as a surprise. You know it's all about the Beer for me, right?

Royal Oak Team Trivia Monday Nights

Royal Oak is part of a small chain of pubs in the area including: Dunwoody Tavern, the Iron Horse Tavern, the Ship and Anchor, the Bat and Ball, and O'Brian's. Somehow I've managed to visit all except the last of these - my favorites are the Royal Oak and the Iron Horse (the former is close to work and the latter is close to my home). They also are part of the Team Trivia group (Monday nights at Royal Oak) which can be amusing or annoying, depending on your personality.

-- John

Roasters Sandy Springs on Roswell Road

Roasters Sandy Springs on Roswell Road

This is a two-part review, as I had originally reviewed Roasters on 2013.02.27 on Yelp. The original review follows my current comments.

Roasters (originally Roaster's Rotisserie Chicken) is one of the first restaurants I was introduced to in Atlanta (the location was off on 400 at Northridge Rd - which has been closed for many years so most of you won't remember it). I then became a fan of the Lenox Rd location and now this location on Roswell Rd near where I work (Perimeter Mall area). As with the other locations, this one is very busy serving locals for lunch and dinner.

This location has become very popular to my co-workers, since I introduced it to them about three years ago. The menu from 10 or so years in the past has changed quite a but - back when Roasters meant rotisserie chicken, the focus was on the chicken - ironically I thought the best item on the menu was the full rack of pork ribs - these aren't the smoky ribs you find at most BBQ joints, but rather the fall-off-the-bone kind - the original prices for a full rack was around $13 - it was quite the deal, but of course those days have long gone bye.

The menu now has reasonable prices, a lot of variety, tons of veggie options and large portions. You also come to Roaster's for the bread (the cornbread muffins are exceptional, in my opinion, and the yeasty rolls aren't too bad either!)

I went through most of my favorite options in my original post on Yelp (see below) so I won't spend any additional time on those comments - unfortunately we were ravenous so I didn't get any photos of the food as it hit the table - the selections included: Fried Chicken Finger Platter, Turkey and Dressing, Salad with Rotisserie Chicken and a Veggie Plate.

Please read the rest of my comments below. The only thing I have to add, this location is fantastic in accommodating larger parties - I think the most we've brought from the office is around 11. Service was super fast, even at that size and the wait wasn't more than about 10 minutes (we did hit the restaurant at 11:30 so if you want to do something similar, time it right and call ahead like we did).

-- John

(Previous Yelp Posting)
If you've read my review for the original location, you'll know I'm a big fan of Roasters, having been a regular at the Lenox Rd location going on 20 years. Roasters is simply a mainstay for me and I would highly recommend it for anyone who likes convenient rotisserie chicken, pork ribs, comfort food and cooked fresh vegetables. This location in Sandy Springs (same shopping center as Trader Joes, Penzy's Spices, Rockler, etc) is not only conveniently located, but offers up good food and great service.

The core of their food choices is their chicken - succulent rotisserie on or off bone (ask for the latter) served up with two sides. Choose light, dark or mixed in quarter or half portions. I particularly like their combo offerings - my choice is quarter-white with the pork ribs. Now I love BBQ and this isn't what I would call that - rather these are fall-off-the bone ribs with a slight smoke flavor. Their BBQ sauce works particularly well with both the chicken and the ribs - sweet/sour and savory with a little kick and the consistency of good ketchup.

Roasters has an awesome veggie menu so even my vegan friends are happy - they put little piggies next to those items cooked with pork and pretty much the rest qualifies as vegetarian. With over 20 options, most made with fresh vegetables (make sure you ask if in doubt) it's worth coming here just for the green beans, broccoli and cauliflower casserole and the collard greens. These are cooked Southern style so a bit to the over-cooked side, but still delicious - slather on some pepper vinegar or Tobasco and you're gold. I'm also a big fan of the turkey plate (a little bit of Thanksgiving anytime of the year) with dressing, gravy and cranberry sauce - add a baked sweet potato and something green and you're in heaven.

Finally, Roasters has some of the best chicken fingers I've ever had - these crunchy tenders are fantastic, even on a salad. I'll sometimes swap the fingers for the rotisserie chicken on the combo plate I mentioned above.

And since I haven't mentioned the bread, I feel like I must. You get these fresh yeasty rolls and slightly sweet cornbread muffins that are some of my favorites. You'll want to try these for sure and ideally, sprinkle some of that corn bread on your black eye peas. Get you a 4-veg plate with some bread and you've got a really inexpensive lunch that's very satisfying.

I'm not done without talking about the desserts - I'm not much of a sweets guy, I typically go for a carrot cake rather than something chocolate - I'm actually a huge fan of ice cream or gelato. That being said, I really like the cobblers they offer here, especially the peach. Basically a bowl of filling covered in hot baked dough with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top - the perfect finish to a great meal.

This is a very busy shopping center but there's usually parking towards the edges. It also can be hard to get out of as there's a one-way street on the South side - you can cross over using the alley and hit the opposite one-way on the other side if you need to go East. I avoid Roswell Rd like the plague - even the locals know to use the side streets as it gets so backed-up. Lunch can be particularly crowded so it's best to come early - the wait can get long at peak times. There are a couple of TVs but they aren't too obnoxious, usually showing the latest on ESPN.

-- John

La Botana Mexican on Savoy Near Dunwoody

La Botana Mexican on Savoy Near Dunwoody

(also posted to Yelp)
This is my first visit to La Botana, a local Tex-Mex business I've seen for many years, that can be found along the Chamblee-Dunwoody/N Peachtree Rd/N Shallowford Rd access road (Savoy Rd on the South side of I285) at the intersection of Savoy and N Shallowford. This place always seems to be busy - I would say it's a favorite among locals looking for the typical Americanized Mexican food that acted as an introduction into a whole country's cuisine. I have a nickname for this type of Mex food - I call it "schwag Mexican" - not because it's either good or bad, but rather due to its rather limited flavors and "safe" heat levels which only hint at authentic Mexican food. If you're looking for the real thing, then drive on to Buford Hwy and sample any of the limitless number of restaurants along that corridor, especially those where you see Latinos lining up at the door. If you're looking for a bit of nostalgic Tex-Mex cooking accompanied by a cerveza or three (or a salt crusted margarita!), the La Botana  will certainly fit the bill.

La Botana Entryway

The building sits in a fairly well traveled corner with an entrance from either road - there's plenty of parking so don't let that throw you off. I think it was originally a gas station (like a Magic Market or 7-Eleven) so there's parking all around.

La Botana Menu Cover

The menu features all the schwag Mexican you could want with all the usual suspects and various combinations of tacos, enchiladas, burritos etc served with mushy-beans and red rice. I don't think you'll find anything "special" here but you'll see many familiar items. It's always amazed me that so many of the schwag-Mex restaurants in this town have the same Combination Dinners - when I'm inclined my favorite is the Burrito, Enchelada and Taco (I get them "con pollo") - and I've found that in Atlanta this is usually either the #11 or the #21 if the combo menu is larger. In this case it's the number 11 - it's like all the restaurants have copied the same menu going back through the years - I wonder what two restaurants started it all? It would be an interesting study to see how far back it can be traced (yeah I know, the geek in me just keeps coming out). La Botana also has the ubiquitous lunch menu on the back.

La Botana Menu Page 1 Especialidades

La Botana Menu Page 2 Combination Dinners

La Botana Menu Page 3 Lunch Specials

La Botana Menu Quesadilla Lunch Special

I always try to call-out the salsa in these places - I rather liked this incarnation. A bit more spice that the bland red stuff that's most commonly served, this salsa also had a bit more cilantro present. I didn't try the alcohol since I was headed back to work (this was a late lunch - I had errands to run then hit it with my dining companion about 2:00 PM - the place only had a couple of tables and the servers were obviously bored). The interior still had the remnants of Cinco de Mayo decorationsSpeaking of service, I thought the servers were good in general if a bit slow (but that was probably due to the time of day). Once the food was ordered the food came out within just a few minutes.

La Botana Chips and Salsa

La Botana Lunch Chicken Fajita

La Botana Poblano (con pollo)

I ordered my usual lunch portion chicken fajitas and my dining companion the poblano con pollo (the pre-baked stuff poblano had chicken poured over it). The food was blistering hot and in general good if a bit bland, but it met my expectations.

La Botana Interior

In general La Botana was good if not great. I think it's a great location for meeting friends, particularly after work or to get a quick bite when the traffic along I285 is so bad it's not worth sitting in it.  I did like that there were a couple of local brews available on the menu - that's always a good sign - on this day they had Sweetwater 420 and Terrapin's Hopsecutioner along with a rather extensive list of Mexican beers. Blue Moon was also available as a draft and there was a call-out for Fat Tire. The next time I'm going for the margaritas - love me some tequila!

La Botana Beer Menu

-- John