Rapper Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges is now following in the footsteps of many other celebrities...he's decided to diversify! With the opening of Straits Atlanta Restaurant, Bridges has succeeded. I have never been afraid to try new things, but when I heard that Luda's venture would be serving up Singaporean cuisine I was more than a little apprehensive. I did not even know what this type of food would entail. This being said, I held off on visiting until I received an opportunity I could not pass up. A client of mine was throwing a surprise birthday/signing party (Oakland Raiders) for her husband so I decided to attended.
Throughout the night I had the privilege of experiencing a wide array of the menus 'small plate' offerings as well as my favorite cocktails. For those finicky eaters I would suggest you prepare to take a risk or stay home. The menu features options for the most ravenous meat eaters as well as vegetarians. My favorites of the night were the Roti Prata, Crispy Wontons and Crab Cakes. Roti Prata is a soft Indian flat bread coupled with a warm Yellow Curry dipping sauce. The Crispy Wontons are filled with fried shrimp and accompanied by sweet and sour sauce, but the wontons are fab with or without. The Crab Cakes, magnificent with a special twist provided by the Indian spices.
The atmosphere is chic but not cold. The staff is gracious and accommodating. The menu is moderately priced, with the most expensive item topping out at $39. There are three other locations all found in California. For more information and a complete menu click on the title to be linked to the restaurant homepage.
Straits Atlanta Restaurant
793 Juniper St. NE
(corner of 5th & Juniper St. NE)
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404)877.1283
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Flatiron Restaurant & Bar
On the corner of Flat Shoals Ave. and Glenwood Rd. in the East Atlanta Village neighborhood is a quaint restaurant breathing life into the casual dining scene in Atlanta. Think Little 5 Points without the over exposure. Flatiron Restaurant & Bar is unpretentious and delicious. There is indoor and patio seating which is perfect to enjoy Atlanta's summer weather. The food is simple, delicious, and reasonably priced. I suggest trying the buffalo shrimp salad.
Since I am all about the truth I must confess that the food has received some mixed reviews. Some don't like the food, specifically the felafel. Others say the service is slow, but this was not my experience at all. Flatiron also boasts great drink specials and a wide selection of beer. There is no better way to see which reviews are true and which are false than to try it out for yourself!
Flatiron Restaurant & Bar
520 Flat Shoals Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
(404)688.8864
Since I am all about the truth I must confess that the food has received some mixed reviews. Some don't like the food, specifically the felafel. Others say the service is slow, but this was not my experience at all. Flatiron also boasts great drink specials and a wide selection of beer. There is no better way to see which reviews are true and which are false than to try it out for yourself!
Flatiron Restaurant & Bar
520 Flat Shoals Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
(404)688.8864
Screen on the Green
If you have had the pleasure of living in Atlanta for at least one sweltering summer then I am sure you have at least heard murmurings of 'Screen on the Green.' In case you have never taken the time to inquire into the details of this Atlanta summer staple, never fear, Jas is hear. This is my third summer attending this film series that takes place in the park every Thursday in the month of June. Formerly held at Piedmont Park, the Atlanta drought of this past year have caused it to find a new home at Centennial Olympic Park.
'Screen on the Green' allows Atlantans the opportunity to enjoy a great movie in a beautiful park, surrounded by the picturesque cityscape. Whenever I attend with friends we make it an event to enjoy and remember. We usually do this by packing a picnic and blanket. While I love love love this summer tradition the move to Centennial Park has brought some changes to a pretty perfect outing.
Pro: The series now provides a wider variety of movies that appeal to a broader audience.
Pro: The series is now held in the heart of the city.
Pro: Fun for the entire family, with its proximity to the fountains in the park.
Con: The series is now held in the heart of downtown Atlanta, making parking an absolute NIGHTMARE. This is opposed to Piedmont Park that was littered with loads of free parking along the streets and Midtown neighborhood. Con: The park seems a bit cramped as opposed to Piedmont Park, if you don't get there early you're almost guaranteed to be sitting on top of your neighbor...literally.
Con: Maybe I was just not aware before, but the park and the movie is littered with children running through the grass and in between blankets. I appreciate the family atmosphere but I really wish there were a few less noisy children making the event less enjoyable for the masses. On another note, because of the fountains many of them are wet from playing in them.
Con: Liquor has been prohibited from the festivities! My friends and I ALWAYS brought a bottle of wine to enjoy throughout the night. The security, park officials, and Atlanta police search bags upon entry, putting an end to this tradition. This is mostly because they are now charging for liquor with a make-shift bar service.
***A secret tip for all my readers who would like to enjoy the movie with a bottle of wine or other alcoholic beverage (like myself) without the added expense...wrap it in your blanket and put it in the bottom of your tote bag. Live dangerously...LoL!
For all the details and schedule of movies click on the title for a link to the 'Screen on the Green' web page.
'Screen on the Green' allows Atlantans the opportunity to enjoy a great movie in a beautiful park, surrounded by the picturesque cityscape. Whenever I attend with friends we make it an event to enjoy and remember. We usually do this by packing a picnic and blanket. While I love love love this summer tradition the move to Centennial Park has brought some changes to a pretty perfect outing.
Pro: The series now provides a wider variety of movies that appeal to a broader audience.
Pro: The series is now held in the heart of the city.
Pro: Fun for the entire family, with its proximity to the fountains in the park.
Con: The series is now held in the heart of downtown Atlanta, making parking an absolute NIGHTMARE. This is opposed to Piedmont Park that was littered with loads of free parking along the streets and Midtown neighborhood. Con: The park seems a bit cramped as opposed to Piedmont Park, if you don't get there early you're almost guaranteed to be sitting on top of your neighbor...literally.
Con: Maybe I was just not aware before, but the park and the movie is littered with children running through the grass and in between blankets. I appreciate the family atmosphere but I really wish there were a few less noisy children making the event less enjoyable for the masses. On another note, because of the fountains many of them are wet from playing in them.
Con: Liquor has been prohibited from the festivities! My friends and I ALWAYS brought a bottle of wine to enjoy throughout the night. The security, park officials, and Atlanta police search bags upon entry, putting an end to this tradition. This is mostly because they are now charging for liquor with a make-shift bar service.
***A secret tip for all my readers who would like to enjoy the movie with a bottle of wine or other alcoholic beverage (like myself) without the added expense...wrap it in your blanket and put it in the bottom of your tote bag. Live dangerously...LoL!
For all the details and schedule of movies click on the title for a link to the 'Screen on the Green' web page.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Perfect Attendance Required
The weather may be getting warmer but class is still in session and Perfect Attendance is a necessity. This bi-monthly concert series is guaranteed to be like no class you have ever attended, bringing together the best in up-and-coming talent as well as nationally known artists for a true lesson in real musicianship. The roll is being called, please respond.
The last Perfect Attendance show was held on April 17th and I am keeping my eyes and ears open for the next. April's show featured Jaspects, Proton, Will May, Amanda Diva, Universal Recording Artist Anthony David, The Redland, Jessica Tonder and Yelawolf at Smith's Olde Bar. I have included a few notes about some of the performers so you can step up your music game.
JASPECTS. Phenomenal. They are the ideal fusion of jazz and hip hop. If you are looking for true musicianship look no further than this sextet. Jaye, Dwayne, James, Henry, Jon-Christopher and T.Brown are talented instrumentalists, growing lyricists and not at all bad to look at.
ANTHONY DAVID. I must have been living under a rock...how else could my keen ear have been hidden from this musical renaissance man? He is skilled and soulful like an old school crooner.
PROTON. They 'love girls and ghetto shit!' (hilarious...ha!) You will not be able to stop bobbing your head, to every song. Don't be confused because their flow is absolutely SICK! I say this with extreme caution but they may just be the second coming of Outkast...the Hipster version...yeah! Serious stage presence.
JESSICA TONDER. Distinctive voice that is most definitely unexpected. Proton and Jessica have an amazing song together, intriguing is the only way to describe it.
YELAWOLF. He is my new new fav. His musical approach is similar to the Beastie Boys. Think southern rapper wrapped in southern rocker. Once he steps on the stage you will not be able to turn away.
The last Perfect Attendance show was held on April 17th and I am keeping my eyes and ears open for the next. April's show featured Jaspects, Proton, Will May, Amanda Diva, Universal Recording Artist Anthony David, The Redland, Jessica Tonder and Yelawolf at Smith's Olde Bar. I have included a few notes about some of the performers so you can step up your music game.
JASPECTS. Phenomenal. They are the ideal fusion of jazz and hip hop. If you are looking for true musicianship look no further than this sextet. Jaye, Dwayne, James, Henry, Jon-Christopher and T.Brown are talented instrumentalists, growing lyricists and not at all bad to look at.
ANTHONY DAVID. I must have been living under a rock...how else could my keen ear have been hidden from this musical renaissance man? He is skilled and soulful like an old school crooner.
PROTON. They 'love girls and ghetto shit!' (hilarious...ha!) You will not be able to stop bobbing your head, to every song. Don't be confused because their flow is absolutely SICK! I say this with extreme caution but they may just be the second coming of Outkast...the Hipster version...yeah! Serious stage presence.
JESSICA TONDER. Distinctive voice that is most definitely unexpected. Proton and Jessica have an amazing song together, intriguing is the only way to describe it.
YELAWOLF. He is my new new fav. His musical approach is similar to the Beastie Boys. Think southern rapper wrapped in southern rocker. Once he steps on the stage you will not be able to turn away.
Coming Soon!
Sooo...I have been wanting to do this exact thing for about a year I just wasn't sure what format to do it in. Well today I decided to write a blog, I know, pretty random but trust me...it WILL be quality! Stay tuned because the content is coming soon...I checking out the first HOT5 thing tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
