The last two weekends have been quite nice. While slightly chilly, the sun has been shining and it feels like a time to go out and do something. Maybe the belt line? Have you been to the belt line? OMG stampede on the belt line towards Krog Street Market!?!? God help the children trying to buy ice cream at Jeni’s, though the poor souls in the hour long Yalla line look prepared for dispatchment.
We decided to try Spice to Table just up the road at the Studioplex. It’s a small space, more approachable than Asha’s former restaurant on Northside, with a smattering of limited small plates to be ordered counter-service style. I missed out on the fried chicken, but ordered some small plates to share with the family. I really enjoyed it. It made me think of Dynamic Dish – soulful food, alive with flavor and zero guilt. I look forward to my return.
potato cake with chickpeas
our spread – roast vegetables, vegetable samosa, Kerala vegetable stew
btw – the broth is nearly identical to the Kerala beef stew Asha had published in Bon Appetit a while back, and I made it twice and it’s fantastic.
the stew
Fast forward to this weekend, and I’m kiddo free as the son is spending time with grandparents. After a long week or two of travel and work, we enjoyed a brisk day in Decatur, walking around from Leon’s, to Cakes & Ale’s new wine and coffee shop, a little impromptu shopping (got some nice Frye boots for 60% off), and another beer at Brickstore. The appeal of Decatur is strong, wish I could make it over there more often from the Westside.
I forget about Leon’s too and it’s quite solid. Great beers and a varied menu with many options for vegetarians like my wife. I had the rueben special and it hit the spot with a Creature Comforts Tropicalia.
Massive pile of crunchy frites!
vegetarian pot pie with lentil puree
Mocha (for her) and espresso (for me) at C&A while we chatted it up with a regular whom I’ve interacted with on social media for years. We’d never met but we ended up talking for thirty minutes, about travel and food and wine. Food blogging and social media is a funny game, but I’ve met some real nice people.