Atlanta's Best Quesadilla

Warning:  The following may not be suitable for children under the age of 13 or people that consider "Chinese Democracy" a legitimate Guns n' Roses Album

I’ve been pestered to do a “best of list.”  Haven’t they all been done?  Best BBQ, Burgers, Chinese, Mexican, Steak lists have all been done.  Why replicate the same monotony?  (Hypocritically, I still plan on doing a “Burger Week")  

We at “The Dry Rub” would rather feature great places with great (or not so great) food with some mild humor in the middle.  Not unlike Anthony Bourdain’s “The Layover” which just aired for Atlanta.  Kudo’s to my favorite restaurant Miller Union for getting the most airtime outside of the Clermont Lounge.

So I’m going to give my best of list for one of the one of the more underutilized of Mexican Foods, the Quesadilla.  Hopefully this will quench the thirst of those who want my "Best of List."  The reason there may not be a Quesadilla list is that nobody gives a shit.  So if you don’t care, please go about your day.

The quesadilla always gets second billing on the menu, but every member of the team is just as important as the next, right? 

Would “The Usual Suspects” have completely flopped without Gabrielle Byrne?  I think so.   Would Gun’s n’ Roses would just have been Hanoi Rocks without Slash?  Oh wait, I’m still trying to pretend Chinese Democracy doesn’t exist.  Much like every Police Academy after #2 or any American Pie after American Pie or any Highlander Movie or TV Show after the original.
  

Now would the Highlander movie been any good without Sean Connery?  I think not considering.  But the Kurgan may be one of my favorite characters ever as well.  So this move had ALOT going for it though Christopher Lambert may be the most god awful actor this side of Nicolas Cage or Keanu Reeves.

The Kurgan, the best villain since Darth Vader.  If you haven't seen the ORIGINAL Highlander, please do it.
Here's a Lambert clip, just embarrassing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op6AeXNWG50
I present Keanu Reeves, James Liptons worst nightmare:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzNh1fyn19o

And the Grandaddy of them all.  Ladies and Gentlemen, Nicolas Cage:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A23TuxKex_w

My favorite Quesadilla?  The Adobo Quesadilla at Bone Garden Cantina in Atlanta’s Westside (and very off the beaten path).  It’s grilled adobo steak, with cheese, sautéed onions and peppers, with sour cream and tomatillo guac on the side.  It’s not even my favorite thing on the menu, but it’s absolutely delicious.  If you haven’t been to Bone Garden, you need to go.  It has one of the most unique interiors of any restaurant you will ever go to and EVERYTHING on the menu is good. 

http://www.bonegardencantina.com/index.php

A close 2^nd?  Pretty much any Quesadilla at Nuevo Laredo.  But for arguments purpose, their Shrimp Quesadilla is there best.  The sauté it in their Chipotle “Crack” sauce with cheese, onions and peppers.  It’s truly delicious.  But again, everything here is.  But, unlike Bone Garden, you may have to wait 45 minutes to get in. 

Another Quesadilla I love is Verde’s Black &  Blue.  Grilled steak with bleu cheese, caramelized onions and chihuahua cheese.  There is a reason Verde gets tons of great press, their food is delicious and always fresh and original.  Also try the Calamari taco, my personal favorite. Well maybe the Buffalo Shrimp is.  So get both!

http://verdetacos.com/tacos/

Honorable Mention?  La Fonda’s Con Espinaca Y Camrones with cheese, fresh spinach, red onions and fresh sautéed shrimp.  Also, La Fonda is one of the few places in Atlanta to get good Paella. 

If you are craving Quesadilla’s, have at it!

Today’s Very Important Footnote:  I have finally found good pizza in Buckhead!  It’s only been 13 friggin’ years people. 

Tartufo Pizza isn’t Antico, but dammit it’s by far the best pie I’ve had in Buckhead.  The Parma, Tartufo and Calabrase pizza's were all delicious.  Truffles on a pizza?  Who the hell knew?  The key is the brick oven which gives the thin pizza that unique taste you don’t get at other pizza joints.  They are also on Scoutmob.  You’re welcome.

http://tartufopizza.com/

Dim Sum at the Canton House

Warning:  The following may be inappropriate for Children under the age of 13 and those who don’t appreciate the genius of Bruce Lee

The Perfect Fall Sunday:  Get up in the morning, have a cup of coffee, get the kids up for a very light breakfast.  Then head to the Canton House on Buford at 10a and return home for the 1p NFL Kickoff.  Then of course a Redskins win.

Bruce Lee was the Hands Down Greatest Badass of All Time.  The dude was Sugar Ray Leonard and Roy Jones combined, but faster and bolder. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtKesvqAzuI

These are some great fight scenes, you just have to get over the fact Chuck Norris has some serious shoulder hair.

The brilliance of Dim Sum is everyone wins.  There is no menu to bellyache over.  There are dozens of small dishes to choose from. 
You can eat the second you sit down since the carts are rolling around you like sharks stalking Roy Scheider in Jaws.  Except this time YOU eat the Sharks!  

Har Gow is one of my Dim Sum staples, it’s a steamed shrimp dumpling, topped with Soy Sauce and some hot peppers, its magic in rice paper.  Another great variation is the Shark Dumplings, which if you like the Har Gow, you must try.

Shaomai is another dumpling with pork AND shrimp usually topped with a mushroom, in this case three is not a crowd.  Meat lovers have to try the steamed meatballs.  It’s a unique twist to any beef ball (insert your own joke here) you have ever tried and it has a sweet after taste.  Sticky Rice is wrapped in a lotus leaf where it is steamed and boiled.  There is usually some delicious beef and Chinese cured pork inside as well.  But the true genius is the rice, which truly “sticks” and gives the dish some true texture.

My boy Blake LOVES to house down some Dim Sum

The Char Siu Baau is Cantonese BBQ Pork in a fluffy steamed bun.  Yum Buns is supposed to Master these when they open this spring on the Westside.  I can’t wait.  Rice Noodles with Shrimp is a must have.  And I LOVE the Raddish cakes made with pork and shrimp and then pan fried for a both unique and delicious combination.

                                                    https://www.facebook.com/YumBunz

The brilliance of Dim Sum is the fluidity of the meal.  Hungry?  Attack the carts.  Want to spend some time with friends over a leisurely brunch?  Take your time and spread your meal out over two hours.  Regardless of your intentions, go have an adventure on Buford Highway and experience a great, fun and HEALTHY Meal.

http://www.cantonhouserestaurant.com/

As I am writing this, I just heard the Lance Armstrongs team had untraceable “burner” phones to keep their doping and drug use under wraps?  

Did these guys get this idea from the Barksdale Crew on “The Wire?”  The GREATEST show ever on television?  If you don’t believe me as my friend Moe!  So if you don’t get anything out of this blog, please go and watch “The Wire.”  You’re welcome, again.

Nuevo Laredo- Atlanta's Best Mexican

Warning:  The following may be unsuitable for children under 13 and people don’t appreciate the genius that is Sly Stallone

People say you can’t f*ck up Mexican Food.  They also used to say Sly Stallone couldn’t make a bad movie in the 80’s, but then “Rhinestone” and “Over the Top” came out and blew that theory out of the water.  Then the rest of his career unfolded ("Stop or My Mom Will Shoot," "Oscar) and the wheels came completely off until the new Rocky and Rambo movies came out only to be followed up by “The Expendables” and guess what?  Sly’s back baby! 

Stallone:  “Hey Yo, Trucks and Arm Wrestling?  I don’t see how this can’t work?!?!?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GZjXVe7GhY

Did anybody ever notice that in Rambo III, he actually teams up with the Taliban to defeat the Evil Russians?  I bet those Producers wish they could take that one back.  The other “cinematic mulligan” that comes to mind is OJ Simpson as Officer Nordberg in the “Naked Gun.”  I'm still not sure if either of these are worse than Sofia Coppola in the Godfather III.

A pic of OJ’s relentless pursuit of the true killer.  Oh wait…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n08mNz9f0FQ

Nuevo Laredo is the best Mexican in the City.  Thursday thru Saturday, the line’s not out the door, people are tailgating to wait for a table.  Personally, I’ve been there way too many times since it’s close to where I live.  They are famous for their Chicken Mole sauce which is delicious, but not my favorite.  The apps are good, but they don’t differentiate themselves from other restaurants.

In the era of “Taqueria’s,” they may actually have my favorite tacos.  With all due respect to Hankook and Taqueria Del Sol.  Their Tacos de Carne Asada are real meat cooked medium in a delicious chipotle sauce that packs a nice punch.  But I LOVE their Tacos de Cameron, the Shrimp is almost blackened which provides a great smoky taste.  If you’re not too hungry, this is what I’d recommend. 

Their Barbacoa Brisket is delicious too and has a great smoky taste, but I don’t think the mashed potatoes is the best companion for these.  Now the Steak Diablo is to die for.  It’s lean strips of steak in their homemade red chili sauce.  This is the definition of flavor.  But fair warning, your stomach will be burning for hours.  But it’s worth it.  The same goes for their Shrimp Diablo as well.

They also have my favorite Chili Relleno’s in the ATL as well.  The Poblano pepper dish is one of the more generous portions of this dish you would ever see as well.  Prior to meeting my friend Dan Martinez, I had never had a “true” tamale until I came here.  This is actually how they are supposed to be made.  And their red tamale sauce is the perfect compliment (kind of like Carl Weathers in Rocky 1 and 2).

Their Shrimp Tampico is another delicious and generously portioned dish as well.  But, I will digress and say I do not care for their “Cadillac Crab Cakes” or “Lobster Taco’s.”  I think they are reaching a little here.  By the way, I have a new favorite Atlanta Lobster Roll.  Check out the Big Ketch on Roswell Road in Buckhead.  You’re welcome.

And if you make it on a Saturday morning, check out the Huevos Mexicano and Huevos Con Chorizo.  One of the best twists to breakfast since “Kegs and Eggs.”

I do love the irony of when they say “Mexican Food Prepared by Mexican Cooks.”  Um, yea that’s unique.

The point is not all Mexican is created equally.  If you don’t know, now you know.

Valenza Italian- Brookhaven

Warning:  The following may be unsuitable for children under 13 and bad waiters

Who said the local Tratorria was a thing of the past?  Last night we went to Valenza in Brookhaven and had a wonderful meal (and even better company).  You can tell they are zeroed in on quality, service and giving you the lost art of the "personal touch. "

It’s nice to have a neighborhood joint where everyone knows your name.  By the way, has there ever been a better sitcom character than Cliff Clavin?

Valenza is owned by the same people that own Haven, another phenomenal restaurant. 

 Shockingly their best appetizer was the brussel sprouts, called the Cavolini.  My wife HATES brussel sprouts and LOVED them baked with Pancetta.  But as the saying goes, bacon makes everything better.

Then there was another “sneak up and hit you” moment with the apps.  Fried Capers.  I’m not a big fried food fan, but this was pure magic.  It was part of the fritto misto appy, which I also have to say the calamari was average.  Nothing this small has packed a punch since mini me was genetically engineered by the one and only Dr. Evil.

The biggest hit at the table, was the simple yet delicious Capellini.  Angel Hair pasta tossed with a light tomato sauce, basil and parmesan.  If you have an unadventurous sort in your group, you have a go to dish. 

Personally, I had the Saltimbocca, heritage pork tenderloin, wrapped in prosciutto with sage and rabe.  Again, meat on top of meat is a big winner.  And the sauce was delicious.  The portion was generous, but the potato’s were a little much (maybe it’s just me getting OD’d by potatoes during the holidays).  The presentation was the best thing I’ve seen since Ted was doing Bong Hits with his harem of hookers.  If you haven’t seen Ted, please do.  It’s some of Seth McFarlane’s best work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF8qg1OXAxo

The fish special was a Snapper in a light white wine sauce and was really good.  We also ordered the Gnocchi, which I personally though was decent, but not great. 

We had a unique dessert, the crostata- Blueberry crostata with rosemary balsamic gelato.  Very unique and the rosemary is a delicious touch.

I will mention again the service was great.  Jose (I’m not sure what part of Italy he’s from) was perfect and I would recommend him to be your server.  Jose had great suggestions on food and wine (we would have missed the brussel sprouts without him) and the GM and Executive Chef made appearances at our table as well.  Service has become such a enormous part of how much I like a restaurant these days. 

About every three months I end up at that damn Loco’s in Buckhead and the service is always horrific and even worse ungodly slow.  It could be from the whiffs of the cronic smell emanating from the kitchen.  But they have the worst and consistently worst service I have experienced in Buckhead.  The the Einstein Bagels on Howell Mill is giving them a run for their money these days though.  Do yourself a favor and go to Goldbergs on Northside and Paces Ferry.

I also have to thank my Mentee from the University of Georgia, Maria (last name omitted to protect the innocent, you know, just in case one of my 5 readers is a stalker).  This is her favorite restaurant and she pushed me to come here, so here it is Maria!

I’m sure you’ll email me or tell me your thoughts on the venue and/ or great TV Sitcom Characters.  I dare you to beat Cliff.  Here are a couple of videos to give you today’s moment of Zen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6GTZrcoWEM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=botdmsQilnU

http://www.valenzarestaurant.com/menu_wine.htm

The Heart of Rock n Roll is in Cleveland

Warning:  The following may not be suitable for children under the age of 13 or Cleveland Browns Fans

As a Redskins fan, I try to make a road game every year to see them play and to check out a different city.  This year it was Cleveland.  Not my first time there, but my first time as a “food blogger.” 

I found out Cleveland is more than just the “Heart of Rock n’ Roll” and Michael Symon.  Though, if you can make it to Lola’s, do it (which I didn’t do this trip). 

Huey Lewis “Sports” came out during the greatest year in Music, 1984.  But I’ll lay out that irrefutable evidence later.

After we landed, we went up to Cleveland’s relatively new bar/ restaurant district on East 4^thStreet.  We started with a “few” pints at Flanery’s and then made our way down to La Strada, not to be confused with my old friend Al Strada.

It’s not Italian, but “Mediterranean” and we split a couple of flatbreads.  The Americana was ironically just like a pizza you would get in Italy with delicious Pancetta and the Braised Lamb flatbread with lamb, hummus, tamarind, cumin and cilantro.  But the Rack of Lamb was fall off the bone delicious.  I would highly recommend La Strada (though Café Agora’s hummus is still the best).

Sunday Morning Tailgating in Cleveland consists of Bar Hopping up and down West 6^th Street.  We started at the Barley House and unbelievably they were out of Bloody Mary mix at 10am.  Or they lied to me because I was wearing an RGIII jersey.  Whatever.  So Red Bulls and Vodka’s it is.

Eat your heart out NFC East for the next 12 years!

Then we went to Panini’s, the famous Sandwich Shop/ Bar on West Sixth.  And of course we split a large sandwich with our newfound Canadian friends!  It was delicious and surprisingly fat free.  Okay, maybe not.

Then of course we went to the game and watched the Redskins whoop some Brown ass!

 This just in, the Browns suck.

For dinner we went to the Cleveland Chop House.  This is the only bar I’ve ever been to where they have a frozen section of the bar to put your beer on and it will never get warm.  It’s one of the most brilliant ideas I’ve ever seen and for some reason, I haven’t seen it anywhere else.  And I’ve been to a bar or two. Then the heartbreaking news came, they are closing the Chophouse on 12/31.  They make a solid steak and a mean drink.  And they will be missed.

Bottom line, the Cleveland Culinary scene is not to be overlooked.

Now back to 1984.  There were only FIVE #1 albums the entire year.  Michael Jackson’s (pre-complete freak MJ) “Thriller,” the Footloose Soundtrack, Huey Lewis and the News “Sports,” Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” and Prince’s “Purple Rain.”  4 out of 5 are Iconic Albums and still hold up.

I would argue nobody in modern history under 5 feet tall has had as much game as Prince.

The argument could end there, BUT obviously Van Halen’s “1984” came out as well as Madonna’s “Like a Virgin.”

Then you had a third tier of great music.  The Scorpions “Love at First Sting,” Ratt's “Our of the Cellar,” Run DMC’s “Run DMC,” Tina Turner's “Private Dancer,” Metallica's “Ride the Lightening,” The Red Hot Chili Peppers Debut, U2’s “The Unforgettable Fire” and Wham's “Make it Big."  No way another year competes with 1984.  And it was an unrivaled year for mullets.

And I was suprised when George Michael came out?

Fox Bros BBQ

Warning:  The following may not be suitable for children under the age of 13 and definitely vegans

Fox Bros is without question the Barbeque King of Atlanta.  It’s such an easy and obvious write, so why do it?  I’ll tell you, I still have many friends that haven’t been there.  And if they don’t go soon they may no longer be friends. 

You have to start with the wings.  They are flat down, the best damn wings in Atlanta.  They are Hickory smoked and sauced to perfection.  And they’re messy, very messy.  This is not the place to bring a first date.  Probably not a second or third date either.  But if she like Fox Bros, you probably have a keeper.

The rest of their appetizers deserve their own blog.  The Tomminator and Lopez are Tator Tots smothered in Brunswick Stew and Brisket Chili, in that order.  They are unbelievable and unfortunately don’t leave room for much else.  Fox Bros is meant for large groups , sharing and definitely not for the smoothie/ salad crowd.  And if the groups large enough (and you don’t have anything to do later because you will later be “occupied”) get the Sutffed Jalapeno Poppers, they are deep fried with BBQ pork and cream cheese.  The Poppers are a virtual party in your mouth.

Did I mention don’t bring a first date here?  Unless you are looking to come across as a slovenly pig (no pun intended).

Fox Bros is comfort food at its best.  It’s like that Movie, TV Show or Album (yes I use the term “Album”) that comes on and almost no matter what, you keep it on.

Personally my comfort movies are (in no particular order):  The Naked Gun, any Rocky (outside of 5, with all due respect to the deceased Tommy Gunn, wait is he dead?), Old School (the first 2/3’s), Kingpin, Wall Street and Anchorman.  I said “comfort movies,” not best movies.  And I’m sure I’m leaving some out.  But what the hell. 

Comfort TV Shows?  The Wire, Cheers, Seinfeld and Miami Vice.  Comfort Albums?  Led Zep IV, Beatles Rubber Soul, Van Halen 1984, The Joshua Tree/ Achtung Baby, Arcade Fires The Suburbs, Foo’s Wasting Light and lately The Nationals High Violet.  Again, not saying they are the best, but I gravitate to these when I’m not looking to be highly engaged. 

"That's Diamond to you!"

Like all BBQ joints, they have the pulled pork plates and blah, blah, blah.  But for the love of god try the Fox Bros “Burger.”  It’s chopped brisket with tomato, red onion, pickles, pimento cheese, jalapeno mayonnaise, but the greatest thing is the caramelized bacon that is literally out of this world.  If they sold this bacon a la carte, it would be worth the bi monthly angioplasty I would require. 

They often have a Short Rib Special.  If they do, get it.  It’s delicious and may be the best brisket I’ve had outside of Austin, Texas. 

And the sides are delicious.  They have a Frito Pie that is Frito’s in the bag, baked with chili, onion and cheese.  It’s not going to be the top choice in Men’s Health, but you’re at goddamn Fox Bros, so order it.  The Jalapeño Cornbread is great, the Okra and Mac & Cheese are worth it too. 

I was driving near there the other day and just stopped in to get wings to go.  It’s day three and I’m still eating them. 

So get a large group of good friends together and go.  Prepare to be pleased.  Just don’t prepare to do anything else that night.

Alfredo's on Cheshire Bridge

Warning:  The following may not be suitable for children under the age of 13 or people who are offended by veal as an entrée

Alfredo’s is another Atlanta Culinary institution that for some reason, I have never been too.  So the “Dry Rub 4,” made this our destination this week!

The purpose of this blog is not just to find the new cutting edge “hip” restaurants, but to rediscover some of the gems that have been local cornerstones for multiple generations. 

It is suprsingly an Italian Restaurant owned and run by Cubans.  And I have to say it’s the best Italian Cuban collaboration since Al Pacino starred as Tony Montana.

 "Say hello to my Veal Padrino!"

The only thing that was older than the restaurant was the Wait Staff.  But they were knowledgeable and very personable.  Though our waiter Oscar could have been the Cuban Wayne Newton.

Their “signature” dish is Veal Padrino.  It’s Veal  Medallions prepared as Francese, Marsala and Parmigian and it’s just downright delicious.   I am partial to the Francese with a glass of Syrah.  Thanks to Jeff for bringing the great Falcone wine as usual.

We started out with the Fresh Roast Peppers, Anchovies in Olive Oil and the Fried Mozzarella all Marinara.  The Anchovies were fresh and delicious, almost like they just came out of the Mediterranean in Cinque Terre (quite possibly the most beautiful place I have ever been).

For Salads, we had the Caesar and Caprese.  Both solid, but not spectacular.   The other main dishes we split were the Penne Salmon, which was in a cream sauce with generous pieces of salmon. Very, very good. 

But my favorite dish was the Scallops Al Pesto.  Large Scallops cooked in a cream sauce, with basil, pine nuts, butter and garlic, served over angel hair pasta. The pine nuts were the surprise ingredient and were a great touch. 

The desserts we had, a Cannoli and Tiramisu were good, but not outstanding.  Will I be back?  Definitely.  It was really good and priced reasonably and it's tough to get good Anchioves in this town!

As an Atlanta institution, it’s been open for 35 years.  And just like the Colonnade, there hasn’t been a lot of aesthetic improvements made over that period of time (which is part of the charm).  And also like the Colonnade, we were by far the youngest bunch in the place.  And to maneuver in the bathroom, you either have to be a midget or a contortionist.  Preferably both.  I also found out you should never google image “midget bathroom” either.  Please just trust me on this one.

A quick note on the "special."  Leslie told me on our way in, the special will be Sea Bass.  So when we got the rundown, guess what the special was?  Sea Bass.  Leslie said that's ALWAYS their special.  A little suspect, right?

So the “Dry Rub 4” is going to move on from Cheshire Bridge and move onto a new Indian Restaurant on the “Westside” called Cardamom Hill.  There will hopefully be a Fox Bros post in between as well.  And I still want to do my "best burgers" blog.  Fortunatley, some research still needs to be done.