Best Steak in Atlanta?

We've eaten twice now at Room, Nick Oltarsh's newest restaurant in the new Twelve Centennial Park, a condo/hotel by Novare Group at Allen Plaza. The first time we went, we started off with an appetizer of sushi...California rolls and spicy tuna rolls. Both were delicious, fresh and crisp. For out main course, we both got the 7 oz petite filet. Are you kidding me?? This steak was so incredible that I'm not exaggerating when I say it's far and away the best steak we've both ever had...better than Bone's, better than Chops, better than Capital Grille. It was absolutely perfect in texture, taste and freshness. It was so good that I could have eaten a 28 oz filet. That would have put me in the poorhouse, though my tastebuds would have been in paradise. The sides were good as well, particularly the three little pigs macaroni...mac n' cheese with pancetta. Overall, a delicious experience and one that is a can't miss.

...and the dining room looks pretty nice, too. You should make your reservation today.

Cuerno's menu is now online!

...and I can't wait to eat there. It looks tremendous, having received great reviews from Creative Loafing. It's Riccardo's newest restaurant and we can't wait to try their paellas. The FIDEUÀ DE SETAS Y CIGALAS ALL I OLI sounds delicious, with golden vermicelli, jumbo prawns, forest mushroom, aioli. Yum!

An Ode to Riccardo

The first post on this blog appropriately gives recognition to a man who has done so much...perhaps as much as anyone else, in our opinion, to raise the standard for southern European dining in Atlanta. Riccardo Ullio, founder and owner of the U Group of restaurants, is an amazing chef and restauranteur. His four restaurants, Sotto Sotto and Fritti (Italian), Beleza (Portuguese/Brazilian), and Cuerno (Spanish) are all spectacular. In the case of each restaurant, the atmosphere is laid-back and very hip, not stuffy as one might expect at restaurants selling this level of cuisine.

Sotto Sotto is the flagship Italian restaurant and is delicious. In the case of each dish, the ingredients he uses are the absolute freshest available. Our favorite dishes include the Cape Sante - Jumbo Sea Scallops with cannelini beans and truffle oil - what a combination of tastes! The Caesar Salad is an absolute must - the perfect flavor of the homemade croutons work to make this perhaps the best caesar salad we've had in the city. For pasta/risotto entrees (primi), try the Tortelli di Michangelo - ravioli made of veal, chicken and pork in a perfectly smooth and satisfying butter/sage sauce. The Lasagnette alla Bolognese is a perfect combination of flavors, tomatoey with a tiny bit of sweetness. For dessert, try the Panna Cotta, which is an eggless flan custard drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar. Sotto Sotto features a great all-Italian wine list and the waitstaff is always very knowledgeable, though at times is a bit too efficient at moving your meal along, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.

If you're looking for a delicious Italian meal in Atlanta, Sotto Sotto should not be missed.

Riccardo's restaurants are all significant in their own right and will be covered in separate posts. Photo of Riccardo courtesy of Georgia Tech.

Your Life Just Got Better

That's right. As of reading this blog, your life will never be the same. Gone are the days of going to crapplebee's, olive garden, dead lobster or friday's because you want to go out and you can't think of anywhere else to go. Now you can rely on us to point you in the direction of delicious, more original food. If you already live ITP chances are you have heard of (or been to) our recommendations. If you live OTP however, will you be daring enough to cross the Chattahoochee River and join the dark side? We hope so- your taste buds will thank you!