Festival Season in Atlanta

Warning:  The following may not be appropriate for children under the age of 13 or vampires

One of my favorite things about Atlanta in the Spring is what we call "Festival Season."  

Growing up, I loved festivals, the funnel cakes, freedom from your parents and of course shoddily maintained carnival rides.  You remember those teacups that were last inspected during the Nixon administration.  I remember going to the fair as a child in Rockville, MD and riding a pop up roller coaster.  I mean, who the hell throws a roller coaster right off of Rockville Pike in 12 hours and think it's safe to ride?  It must be the same parents that let us ride in the car without a seatbelt on.

Now, you get arrested if the car seat is slightly off center.  Is this the pussification of America or common sense?  I thought is was somewhere in the middle until I noticed athletic leagues giving kids trophies for "trying."  Yea, that will prepare little Johnny for the real world.

As I child, this was my perception of festivals. 

Then I grew up and viewed festivals like this:

Exhibit 1a, why I could never work retail.

But Atlanta somehow gets it right.

Atlanta's Dogwood Festival is a perfect balance of  what makes a festival great.  There is something for everyone.  Piedmont Park is a great setting, for all the activities they offer.  Art vendors, food vendors, music, great children's activities, INCREDIBLE dog contests and most of all, accessible parking.  The older I get, the more important parking is to me.  And it's pretty good here.  Just get there early.  If you missed it, go next year.  You're welcome.

My favorite festival is the Inman Park Festival.  I'm biased since I happened to live there for 5 years, but their backdrop is in stark contrast to the Dogwood Festival.  It's nestled in to Atlanta's most eclectic and gorgeous neighborhood.  And it's highly shaded.  Very important to those of us whom are pigmentally challenged, yea I just made that word up.

I'm not quite this pale, but you get the picture.  How absolutely horrendous was this movie?

If you live in Atlanta, check out the Inman Park Festival.  This year it's April 28th and 29th, which is THIS WEEKEND.  The only issue?  Parking can be a challenge.  But it's well worth it.  There is a parade at 2 pm on Saturday that is ALOT of fun as well.  They do a great job of having many types of vendors.  From painters, to photographers, to lawn chairs, to someone who sold me a great painting of Redskins Fed Ex field last year. You can really find some pretty cool stuff.

There is also a tour of homes that highlights some of the classic southern architecture that is unique to this part of Atlanta.  Though it is right in the city, Inman Park was Atlanta's first suburbs.
http://inmanparkfestival.org/
So go and enjoy.

Today's Footnotes:  There are some great things coming soon for "The Dry Rub"

The "Dry Rub 4" got into former "Top Chef" contestant Kevin Gillespie's new highly anticipated restaurant "Gunshow" for their opening in two weeks!  There's about as much buzz for this restaurant as any I've seen in Atlanta. They are saying Gunshow is inspired by “Brazilian churrascaria-style dining and Chinese dim sum.”  I truly couldn't be any more confused by that statement.
https://www.facebook.com/gunshowatl
Then, I am going to maybe the legacy of legacy restaurants in May, Peter Luger's Steakhouse in Brooklyn.  May is going to be a big month for the Dry Rub.
http://www.peterluger.com/
We are also going to start our "Best Burger in Atlanta" tournament soon as well.  I am putting together a great group of panelists, because I couldn't do a tournament like this justice on my own.  I guess I could, but my arteries wouldn't appreciate it.  Stay tuned!

The Masters: A Culinary Tradition Like No Other

Warning:  The following maybe inappropriate for children under the age of 13 and those who protested with Martha Burke (You know who you 5 people were)

Beauty and tradition both come full circle at Augusta National.  The course looks much like it did 30 years ago.  And surprisingly so does the menu choices and price.

What I love about Augusta National is that they do things things their own way.  Limited commercials, limited ators and most importantly a Chris Berman ban.  Thank friggin' god.

Is there a worse event in major sports than the Home Run Derby?  There was a time in the 80's when I enjoyed Berman, but then he bought into his own press and became the characature he currently is today.

I would also argue the The Masters is the greatest sporting event of the year.  The Superbowl has become the Disneyworld of events, March Madness in theory is great, but the one and done kids have ruined college hoops and the World Series ends at 1230a!  Now the NFC/ AFC Championship Day may have something to say about this and I can see that point as well.  I have attended each one of these events at some point in time and I would say the Masters is my favorite.

My wife and I were here for this amazing moment.  I'm not talking about Phil's 3 inch vertical, I'm talking about his 1st Major of course!

We also witnessed that BS catch by David Tyree at Superbowl XLII.  So I've been lucky to be able to attend a number of great events and there is something about Augusta that makes it #1 on the list.

I truly believe the simplicity of The Masters is what makes it special.  They do what they do well and perfect it.  We'll call it the "anti Cheesecake Factory" mentality.

This goes for their food too.  Their basic sandwiches are $1.50!!!  And they are good, but for the price could you really complain?  I love their Pimento Cheese and Egg Salad Sandwiches.  $1.50 for a Sausage Biscuit?  Done and done.  Imported beer for $4?  What is this college?  The BBQ sandwich isn't bad either.

Ah,college.

Let's just forget that it may cost you a semester of college to get admission into The Masters for a minute and appreciate the simplicity and ironically masterly handle of how to throw a golf tournament.  Of course ridiculous Broadcast rights from CBS and selling your own advertising gives you some flexibility.

I would tell you that if you ever get the chance to go, please do.  It is the hardest ticket in sports to get, but if you get the opportunity, drop whatever you are doing and hop on I-20 east.  Oh and another piece of advice?  Clariton D, trust me.

Of any sporting event, is there another event where a commentator is attached to an event so closely? Maybe Mel Kiper and the NFL Draft? The ratings aren't close. When I was a kid, I always felt Pat Summerall's voice meant this was BIG NFL game.

This was a great booth before Madden became a parody of himself. We'll call it the "Pre Favre" era.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smo1tnW60Z4

Jim Nantz is to the Masters as Tiger Woods is to Denny's, er I mean golf.  Denny's where more than the eggs come "over easy."  I'm here all week.  I know many people can't stand Nantz, but I think he's perfect for The Masters.  Not so much with Phil Simms, but here?  Perfect.

So turn on the Masters, grab some Pimento Cheese this weekend and enjoy the Masters this weekend.

NEW Footnote:

Unfortunately and ironically, I wrote this blog and paid a little homage to Pat Summerall.  As you know he passed away yesterday.  There are certain things in life that bring you to a comfortable place in time.  PPJ's, canoeing always reminds me of visiting my Uncle Elbert and summer camp where I went for 8 years and Pat Summerall's voice always brings me back to my youth.  Whether he was calling The Masters, John McEnroe winning the US Open, or just saying Thiesmann to Monk, Touchdown, I am can remember it like it was yesterday.  Summerrall and Jon Miller (whom called the Orioles when I was young) will always be the two voices that helped flame my unhealthy love of sport.  RIP Pat and thanks.

Fox Bros Burger is the March Madness Champion: Best Sandwich in Atlanta!

Warning:  The following may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13 or parents that think every one should get a trophy for just "showing up."

The Dry Rub has determined The Fox Bros Burger as the "Best Sandwich in Atlanta!"  This after many hours and tireless field work by The Dry Rub crew.  A deep congratulations to the folks at Fox Bros and also congratulations to The Highland Taps French Dip for making it to the finals.  (updated brackets are at the bottom of the article).

First, a few notes about The Highland Tap.  I was there Tuesday and I have to tell you, if there was an award for "Best Ambiance" they would win.  They have suggested we do a Best Burger contest, which I think will happen this year.  Just don't tell my doctor.  Their Steak Burger is without question one of the best (if not the best) in the city.
http://www.nnnwcorp.com/highlandtapmain.html

But you cannot duplicate the dungeon like feel of their timeless bar.  It's the kind of feel that would accommodate any patron.  And of course Donna is one of the best bartenders in town and they provide not just impeccable service, but add a great personal touch as well.  It's the kind of place Jay-Z, Newt Gingrich and Justin Timberlake could all fit into.  Personally, I think I could see the Magnum PI cast  a tree in the forest here.

The greatest mustache of all time?  I believe Magnum PI is one of the great underrated shows of the 80's.  At the very least, Magnum had the best job ever.  Free Room and Board at a Hawaiin estate and his was given free use of a Ferrari 308 GTS?  Where do I apply?

My man Josh just got to hang with Rick and TC!  I'm not a big celebrity guy, but this is pretty cool considering they just refurbished the Island Hopper Chopper!

Josh is the real life TC (except smaller and white) and a great helicopter pilot in Hawaii.  If you want an adventure while in Hawaii check out his company:

Paradisecopters.com

But back to the Champions. Queue up the music!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdCrZfTkG1c

I love that Freddy Mercury has a Heineken and multiple drinks on the piano and can still belt out one hell of a song.  He is unquestionably one of the greatest lead singers of all time.  Excluding the short shorts.

I previously described the sandwich as such:

Fox Bros "take" on a burger is the sum of it's parts. By itself, I would thoroughly enjoy the Brisket, the Bacon (best bacon I've had) and the Pimento Cheese are all delicious. Add the Jalapeno Mayo and the Buttered Sesame Bun and it's sandwich magic. I remember the first time I saw this on the menu, thinking, "Do these things go together?" and BAM, without a question they do. I can only imagine that it was just like when the creators of the Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich put them together. Or when Simon and Garfunkel first met and harmonized.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTCNwgzM2rQ

Not only were they a great duo, Art Garfunkel may have had the greatest "Jew Fro" of all time. If not, he is the godfather of Jew Fro's.

The other great benefit of Fox Bros are their great sides. I suggest going all in and getting the Frito Pie. Trust me on this one. If you like Frito's and you like Cheese and Chili (if you don't I don't know who you are), you will fall in love with this original number.

Word on the street is the Fox Bros is SO ecstatic that they won the tournament that they tore the restaurant down! Oh wait, they are just remodeling....

Congrats again to the Fox Bros Burger!  We at The Dry Rub put a lot of work into this and couldn't feel better about the results.  If you haven't had it, get in the car IMMEDIATELY and go have one!

As Ric Flair, the16 Time World Heavyeight Champion and the Greatest Champion of All Time would say:

"To be the best, you have to beat the best!"  "Whether you like it or not, learn to love it, because its the best thing going. Wooooo!"

A few Flair videos for your enjoyment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKDj_E0QLNs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Yinr7RVSdM

Today's Footnote:
I wanted to recognize my friend Dan who put together a lot of the technical aspects of the tournament.  Dan really was squarely in the corner of the French Dip and Original Cuban, the weeks they went out as well.  Thanks for your help Dan.
AND it's Final Four Weekend in Atlanta! Which means 30-40 year old white guys walking around in basketball jerseys.  Come'on fellas, it's time to take a hard look in the mirror.

Click to Enlarge

Antico Pizza- The Best Pizza in Atlanta PERIOD

Warning:  The following may not be suitable for children under the age of 13 or people that frequent Pizza Hut

Antico is such a layup as the best pizza in Atlanta, I almost feel guilty writing this, almost.  They have the highest Zagat rating for any Pizzeria in the ENTIRE Country.

So why write blog?  Because if you haven't been there go!  If you don't go after reading this I truly feel that there could be something innately wrong with you.

These guys make their dough by hand with the finest sea salts and fresh water.  They use San Marzo DOP Tomatoes that are hand crushed.  Also used are fresh Mozzarella di Bufala from Campania (that's in Italy, not near Conyers for the geographically challenged) and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  They stay TRUE to the Neapolitan style.

Hell they shipped 3 10,000 lb Hand Made Grande Forni Ovens from Naples!

I think it's time for The Dry Rub to do some field research in Naples.

The 900 degree oven heat is contained by ancient Santa Maria brick and Volcanic Rock from Mt. Vesuivius is underlaid beneath the cooking chamber.  Get me a goat hauling a wagon of rocks and I'd feel like I was in the Godfather!

I've lived in the ATL for almost sixteen years, pretty much since poor Richard Jewel (RIP) was falsely accused of the Olympic Park bombing.

Does this guy look like the Mastermind behind one of the most egregious domestic acts of terrorism?  Hell no, he looks like a guy that lived in his mothers basement playing Dungeons and Dragons.  I bet he could take down a pizza pretty quick too.

In those sixteen years, the best pizza I've probably had prior to Antico is Fritti.  And Fritti is pretty damn good, though the quality has declined the last few times I've been there.  Mellow Mushroom and Johnny's are passable.  Blue Moon has the carmalized onions that are a great touch that nobody else here does.  But nothing tops Antico.

Antico's crust is delicious and thin and the toppings are just about perfect.  There is not a bad pizza on their entire menu.  The Diavola is the only one I'll warn you about.  It's spicy as all hell, but delicious.  Admittedly, I'm sweating profusely by the end of the finishing the Diavola.  Even if you don't like anchovies, their Marinara pizza is also very tasty.

So if you live in Atlanta, or are just visiting, put Antico on your "to do" list.

http://www.anticoatl.com/

But there are some negatives that may turn people off as well.  First, it's almost always packed and there can be very long lines.  Second, the parking can really be difficult, Thu-Sat, they have cops outside helping though.  And then for the more difficult of the human species, seating can be tough to get and sometimes you have to share (god forbid you have to meet somebody new) a table!  Mother of Ramses!  If you can get past those things, you will enjoy one of the best pizzas that you will ever have. Oh yea, the service isn't always the "friendliest" either.

But if you have the best product, you can get away with certain things.  For example, Lambeau Field is about the most inconvenient place to see football, but it's an unbelievable experience.  Cameron Indoor is about the size of a high school gym and until not too long ago didn't have air conditioning, but you couldn't find a better atmosphere for college hoops.  I'm sure Gisele Bundchen is a complete bitch, but she's Gisele, so who gives a damn.

Also, the crust is very thin, but don't let that deter you.  Personally, I'm a Chicago Style Pizza guy all the way.  I am partial to Lou Malnati's and Gino's East.  I'll be there this fall and can't wait to dive into one of these places.

If you find yourself in the "Windy City," get a slice of their pie.

That's right, the sauce is on the top of the pie.  Take your preconceptions about pizza and thrown them out the window when you go to Chicago.

Today's Footnote:
Stay tuned for the Champion of the March Madness Sandwich Tournament.  It's undeniably been the most fun I've had writing this blog.  I've had all sorts of feedback that has made writing this blog extremely fun.

Also, I welcome guest bloggers.  I should have my first coming in the next few weeks.  This will be a very different perspective from mine.  She's and OTP'er, whom feel way under represented in my blog, though I would argue Muss and Turners and Canton Cooks are OTP, though only by a couple of blocks each.

For those non Atlantan's OTP stands for "Outside the Perimeter" which is the highway that surrounds the city.

Championship Match- Atlanta's Best Sandwich

Warning:  The following may not be suitable for children under 13 and people that think the French Dip was originated in the South of France

We are down to the two best sandwiches in Atlanta!  We are truly doing gods work here at The Dry Rub.  It is Easter Weekend after all!  And of course Passover to my Jewish brethren.

I am happy to announce the committee has met and deliberated for hours upon hours.  And the Best Two Sandwiches in Atlanta are..........Fox Bros Burger and The French Dip at the Highland Tap!

Click to Enlarge

First I will tell you it was a difficult decision.  I am a little concerned about what may happen to me after leaving the Original Cuban from the Havana in the Final Four.  Let's hope my Cuban experience ends a little better than Fredo's.

"I know is was you Fredo, you broke my heart."  Let's just say I won't be going fishing anytime soon.  Also, has Al Pacino become to the Dry Rub what Jonah Hill and Paul Rudd have become to Judd Apatow?

The toughest decision was the Lobster Roll at The Big Ketch.  I LOVE this sandwich.  You combine this sandwich with their hush puppies and you will feel like you have died and gone to heaven.  I couldn't recommend the sandwich anymore than I already have.

Yesterday we went to the Highland Tap and everytime I walk into here, I feel like I'm going into a true Man Cave.  It's where the men are men and the women berate them for it.

They let us behind the infamous bar, but don't let anybody know.  I f*cking love this place.  It's a great lunch spot, dinner spot and even a better bar scene at night.  Hell, I was next to someone that OD'd here and they knew exactly what to do.  True story, long time ago though.

My friend Jason asked me how long I've been coming here and I was surprised to say 16 years.  And you know what's changed?  NOTHING.  That's what I love.  Hell they were even playing Kansas, REO Speedwagon and Styx.  And they meant it dammit.

This is what a 70's AOR band should look like.  And sound of course look like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBi61pgDUP8

If you have NEVER been here, you must make it a point and stop by.  The Highland Tap is a true Atlanta Institution. Also, the service is always top notch.  Donna did a wonderful job behind the bar.  I'll see you Tuesday for 1/2 Steakburgers!  Also, get your sandwich with 1/2 fries and 1/2 onion rings, you won't be disappointed.

Jason and I, I included this because he looks like he was doing bong hits in the bathroom.  NOT TRUE.

http://www.nnnwcorp.com/highlandtapmain.html

And of course that leaves the Fox Bros Burger.  Fox Bros is actually going under a renovation now, but are STILL OPEN with limited seating and of course a full to go menu.

We were there last week prior to the renovations and it was a little sad knowing that it's all going to change.  But I'm sure it's for the better.

Can I make one small request?  Can we have more than one toilet for the men? Isn't one of the greatest things about being a man is that we don't have to wait in line to go to the bathroom?  I don't ask for much in this world, but let's start there.

I'm still a little surprised how much I like this sandwich.  When it comes to BBQ, I'm a pork guy all they way.  But this is some DAMN good brisket they put in this thing.  It is well deserving of it's shot for the title.

So we at "The Dry Rub" are rolling up our sleeves and are going to go into some serious deliberations to come up with Atlanta's Best Sandwich.  I will tell you that all the participants are incredible in their own right.  And I will enjoy everyone of those again in time.  But first things first.

Final 4- Atlanta's Best Sandwiches

Warning:  The following may not be appropriate for children under the age of 13 or people that enjoy bean sprouts in their sandwich

Choosing the field was tough, but getting down to the Final 4? That has been exponentially tougher.  In fact, many people have not been happy with our choices.  For them I have three words.  GET. OVER. IT. The fact of the matter is these are all delicious options.  Here are the updated brackets with commentary below:

Click to Enlarge:

This is a subjective exercise.  Much like the people whom argue that in Philadelphia, either Pat's or Gino's is the better cheesesteak.  And these crazy Philly Fanatics are bat sh*t crazy about this!  My take on that argument?  I think I'm winning if I get out of that damn neighborhood without getting mugged.  Sometimes you have to set the bar low.

But I've consulted my "prestigious panel" on this journey and I thank them for their opinions and company while eating these wonderful meals.  I get my physical next week and I am fairly certain they are going to draw Au Jus from my veins. Lipitor may come to Atlanta to do a study on me.  The sacrifices we make for The Dry Rub!

On to the Final Four:

The first winner is the Havana Original Cuban.  And let me tell you we are lucky to still have serving Cuban Sandwiches.  The original restaurant pictured above burnt down in 2008 and they mercifully reopened down the street on Buford Highway and they continue to put out the best cuban sandwich in Atlanta.  And you know why?  They stick to what they know and perfect it.

The Havana is an Atlanta institution that has been serving the Original Cuban since 1976.

http://www.havanarestaurantatlanta.com/

You know the Top 3 songs of 1976?  Rod Stewarts "Tonights the Night" ended the year with SEVEN weeks at #1

Were the '70's this creepy?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZr6AE-u2UM

Paul McCartney's band Wings "Silly Little Love Songs" was #1 for four weeks.  Wings of course was the band that defined Sir Paul.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQgUPxgqnfA

Then Elton John and Kiki Dee were #1 with "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart."  Who the f*ck is Kiki Dee?  Did Sir Elton have her killed after this song?  Did she go into the One Hit Wonder relocation program with Soft Cell and Bobby McFerrin?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd8R21lWHFI

Um, yea the 70's were that creepy.

Their opponent?  The French Dip from the Highland Tap.  The Highland Tap is not just the darkest bar in Atlanta, it's also a really good restaurant.  If you haven't been go for happy hour at this iconic basement setting.  They are famous for their Prime Rib and their French Dip is a great lunch extension of thinly sliced slow roasted Prime Rib with horseradish and, of course, au jus.  I love their French Onion Soup as well with all due respect to my friend Joe Carroll.

http://www.nnnwcorp.com/highlandtapmain.html

On the other side of the bracket we have the Lobster Roll from The Big Ketch.

I just had this sandwich yesterday and it's better than it's sister sandwiches at the Steamhouse and The Optimist.  It's a slice of Maine in Buckhead.  It's brilliant in it's simplicity.  Generous portions of lobster, a buttered roll and melted butter.  Minimum spices are put on the meat.  The price point is $17, but the lobster is fresh and you can absolutely tell.

Aesthetically, these guys did a great job with their restaurant.  The previous inhabitant was a dump.  The Crab Dip is also delicious here.  As are the Bloody Mary's.

www.thebigketch.com/

Unfortunately, they have a tough matchup against the Fox Bros Burger at where else?  Fox Bros!

Their "take" on a burger is the sum of it's parts.  By itself, I would thoroughly enjoy the Brisket, the Bacon (best bacon I've had) and the Pimento Cheese are all delicious.  Add the Jalapeno Mayo and the Buttered Sesame Bun and it's incredible.

http://www.foxbrosbbq.com/

So here we go!  Two tough matchups that I want YOUR input on.

So thanks for coming out to the Banh Mi @ Lee's Bakery, The Heart Attack @ Jack's NY Deli (undisputed #1 breakfast sandwich), The Insult to Philly @ Muss and Turners and The Blackened Grouper @ The Steamhouse.  You were all noble competitors.

We'll let Sir Elton serenade you on your way out the door.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7wwZVB4yMI