It’s summertime, and the livin’ is easy — at least for those of us who love the vegetables and fruits that come with its bounty. Georgia peaches are in stores now, and some tomatoes are showing up at local farm stands. Corn is here, too. Okra can’t be far away … Try these spots on for vegetables that smack of summer.
Rumi’s Kitchen ***
6152 Roswell Road, Atlanta, 404-477-2100
The wheaty aroma of Rumi’s house-made flatbread permeates the foyer, the air on the patio and the restaurant’s small, attentively decorated dining area. Served in modern spiral baskets, it is the center of attention at each table, and wonderfully soft and pliable. Why? It’s the perfect mate to smear through kashk badenjoon, an eggplant dish stewed with tomatoes and onions and topped with a tart cream of whey, caramelized onions and dried mint. This is the vegetable version of crack, and once you get started, you won’t stop.
Abattoir not rated
1170 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. 404-892-3335, www.starprovisions.com
Heralded chefs Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison have added to their stable of restaurants that includes Bacchanalia and Floataway Cafe with this casual spot that isn’t so “meat centric” after all. Sure, the menu definitely operates around four-legged things, with an emphasis on the full use of animal products, including goodies such as lamb liver fritters and tripe stew. But hold on a minute: The veggies here could make a meal, especially the summer crisp salad crowned with a poached farm egg and crispy bacon. Or a fabulously simple heirloom tomato sliced and served with, yes … salt and pepper. Nothing short of genius.
Waterhaven not rated
75 5th St., Atlanta, 404-214-6740
Don’t be so shy: the Globe’s former space hasn’t changed as much as was first touted, so don’t be afraid to venture in, especially if it’s to try a plate of veggies full of Italian greens done up Southern or sweet, slightly salty seasoned (I like ‘em that way) lady peas. Heck, you might even find a stuffed, lightly fried squash blossom lurking under a stack of sliced-and-grilled eggplant. New owner Joe McCarthy has stated that he’s committed to using local, sustainable ingredients in the kitchen and it’s starting to show.
4th & Swift ****
621 North Ave. N.E., Atlanta, 678-904-0160
Nothing about chef Jay Swift’s food is affected. In fact, he may be one of the subtlest chefs in the city. At this lovely restaurant inside a sweeping loft of the old Southern Dairies building, everything is fresh, simply prepared and arrives happily at the table from a young staff eager to please. His summery corn soup will put you in your happy place: Cream and corn collide in a bowl of velvety wonder, crowned with a bit of crabmeat. It tastes like a bowl of summer, minus the mosquito bites.
Watershed ****
406 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-378-4900, www.watershedrestaurant.com
Executive chef Scott Peacock’s upscale Southern classics conjure after-church-on-Sunday food, the kind we sat around the table and said grace over. The vegetable plate is plenty reason to say thanks: Heaps of fried okra, summer squash, green beans, simple corn off-the-cob, field peas (pictured) and sliced tomatoes. Oh, and luscious spoon bread, inspired by Edna Lewis.
23 comments Add your comment
Rickster
July 10th, 2009
4:07 pm
For those of us who eat real food, try Matthew’s Cafeteria & Mary Macs.
Scott
July 10th, 2009
4:11 pm
Ann & Bill’s in Forest Park or Buckners in Jackson.
The Truth
July 10th, 2009
5:17 pm
I agree with Mary Mac’s but I have also loved the OK Cafe.
GaNative
July 10th, 2009
5:42 pm
Our Way Cafe in Avondale Estates, GA
ebwinn@bellsouth.net
July 10th, 2009
10:43 pm
Quinnies on LaVista Rd at Oak Grove has yummy veggies,chicken,cornbread and great unsweetened ice tea.
Collard Green Man
July 10th, 2009
10:52 pm
There are probably a great deal of places one might prefer to go. But, if you are downtown, and hungry, the BBQ Works at Underground has surprisingly good veggies The line can be long, but the wait is worth it. The Collards are heavenly. The meats . . well this is a veggie thing.
Karen
July 11th, 2009
8:23 am
Recently ate at Cakes & Ale in City of Decatur. Food, especially the fresh organic vegetables, was creatively prepared and delicious. My first tasting of a fresh olive was a revelation!
Skeet Dawg
July 11th, 2009
12:49 pm
Tiffany’s Soul Food in Locust Grove, GA
mg
July 11th, 2009
1:02 pm
John Boys (Canton Hwy, Marietta). Buffet; Country cooking; Fried and baked meats; lots of vegetables; soup; breads; desserts. And all for $7.00 (don’t forget to tip well – the service is excellent)
Mark
July 11th, 2009
1:04 pm
Rickster got it right.
Where is the best place to get produce in and around Atlanta? | Best Of The Big A
July 13th, 2009
7:30 am
[...] To many of us, summer means a bevy of fresh produce. It’s a bonanza of cantaloupe, watermelon, peaches, berries, cherries, okra, summer squash, beans and tomatoes. And for some Southerners, that last juicy beauty stars in a simple delicacy that is a highlight of the season. Check out this great Southern summertime treat that our food blogger John Kessler discovered in recent days. For those who’d rather let someone else prepare summer’s bounty, take a look at dining critic Meridith Ford Goldman’s list of five restaurants with great seasonal veggies. [...]
Adam
July 13th, 2009
10:36 am
In an article about veggies, the salad is marketed with bacon?
Barbara
July 13th, 2009
11:03 am
Matthews Cafeteria in Tucker and the Rexall Grill in Duluth. Good home cooking!!!
banana
July 13th, 2009
11:47 am
*mg* – John Boys? That place is disgusting! Yeah, it’s great if you want cheap, mass produced, institutional quality canned vegetables. For that, I’ll go to Picadilly!
sharon
July 13th, 2009
12:45 pm
Annie Lauries on Highway 85 in Riverdale. The yams are “to die for”
Tea
July 13th, 2009
1:13 pm
May Macs, for vegetables? Are you kidding? They gave up all their nutrients after the first 2 hours of cooking. Then the final 3 hours just cooks in enough fat and salt to put them in the same nutritional category as fast food.
trudi
July 13th, 2009
1:34 pm
I always find creative cooking ideas and a wide range of veggie choices at the DeKalb Farmer’s Market cafeteria.
Bayou Connoisseur
July 13th, 2009
3:57 pm
Yes, I second ebwinn’s comments: Quinnie’s in Vista Grove shopping center on LaVista Rd. near Oak Grove Rd. –Traditional Southern soul food style vegetables.
Bayou Connoisseur
July 13th, 2009
3:59 pm
As for raw produce, I suggest the Municipal Market or, at the other extreme, Whole Foods on Briarcliff at LaVista.
James
July 13th, 2009
4:25 pm
Lov’n It Live (www.loviingitlive.com) in East Pointe, GA is where you’ll find the most comtemporary ideas of food preparation and presentation of tastefully and delectable combinations of Mother Earth’s vegetable and fruit surprises. The creativity and imagination is boundless when considering the adventures available. And with todays’ health conscious connoisseurs spinning the various myths about what’s the best experience and/or encounter around town, I would imagine the adventures provided by Lov’n It Live (raw like you would never believe) would be unmatched. Dare to be adventurous and “Try It” with ample time and patience.
candy
July 13th, 2009
4:36 pm
John Boy’s should be closed down!!.. Anyone seeking veggies should seek elsewhere. My mother’s and grandmother’s kitchens service up the best veggie dishes. I know you all wanted to know of a place where the masses could go but honestly I can’t think of one.
Gville Resident
July 13th, 2009
4:44 pm
It was the Georgianna Restraunt in Gainesville back in the day. Everything was homemade and it was gooooood!
Nothing compares.
JDJ
July 13th, 2009
5:04 pm
The Colonnade on Cheshire Bridge — been going there for about 50 years now and the veggies keep us coming back. (Not to mention the fried chicken)