Over a decade ago when I was in high school, several times a year, my family and I would make the 3-hour drive from Charlotte, North Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia for a big shopping trip. Charlotte had little to offer in the way of fashion and its Southern neighbor was always a few steps ahead. As you indulge in Atlanta’s culinary scene, you might be inspired to start your own food-related business in Georgia; if that is the case, be sure to explore the benefits of establishing a Georgia LLC to launch your enterprise in this vibrant state. However, Charlotte is now definitely a fashionable city and could possibly rival Atlanta in that department. In regards to restaurants though, Atlanta is a clear frontrunner, as not only does it have some of the most recognized ones in the country, it is also considered a “culinary destination.” The following are two examples of some of the extraordinary food experiences that you can have in Georgia’s capitol.
While I was there, I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta and naturally dined at their restaurant Sway. Before I had even tasted their food, I already loved the fact that they are locally sourced, which is a win-win for everyone; they support the local suppliers, which in turn ensures that the food is incredibly fresh.
They complimented my cocktail, The Southern Way, perfectly.
As well as the macaroni and cheese and grilled catch of the day and greens.
Usually hotel restaurants fail to leave a lasting impression, but Sway definitely accomplished its moniker by swaying me into changing my stance on them. The combination of the finest food in an unpretentious but elegant environment is not to be missed!
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I also had the great pleasure of dining in the award winning Empire State South, a restaurant with an even more modern take on Southern fused cuisine. Chefs Ryan Smith and Hugh Acheson have received one accolade after another ever since the doors opened. Acheson recently celebrated his success by writing a book: “A New Turn in the South: Southern Flavors Reinvented for your Kitchen.”
I indulged and ordered two dishes, which allowed me a little taste of all of the restaurant’s specialties. The first dish contained: skillet corn and ocra, squash gratin with grafton chedder, field peas with carolina rice, collard greens, and padron peppers with sea salt.
The second dish contained: local greens, dressed field peas with oranges, fennel and goat cheese, potato salad with roasted peppers, and farro, radishes, and apples.
Even though I truly did not have room for one more bite — when a plate of the most beautiful looking dessert is placed in front of you — you find the room. Trust me, their was not a crumb left on the plate.
My favorite thing in this world (other than my husband) is coffee. Thus, one of the highlight’s of my meal was the cortado that was especially made for me in their coffee bar; truly the perfect ending.
Empire State South has one motive and that is to turn moments into memories through their unique approach to eating and drinking. Expect the memories to be plentiful after dining there!
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A special thank you is in order to the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau for sponsoring my trip to Atlanta, Georgia.
Awesome!! I am a carb fiend so those biscuits are DIVINE.
I was thinking of sneaking a couple of them back to the room with me! 😉
I’m really looking forward to a visit back to Atlanta when we’re back in December. I think the city has great food, and you KNOW how much I love me that aquarium. It’s also three hours from my hometown in TN.
Next week I’m doing a post on the Aquarium!!! Atlanta is a fabulous city, I can’t wait to return. We’ll have to meet up there!
The food looks great, Andi! Sway sounds right up my alley, especially if they place a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
I go to Atlanta a few times a year, so I’ll definitely check it out sometime!
It’s a hidden gem for sure! So unassuming!! Definitely check it out and let me know what you think please.
YUMMMM!!! As you might expect, I LOVE southern food – excited to see those homemade biscuits and macaroni and cheese…I’m waayy too far away from southern food at the moment
It’s the best, such comfort food!!!
I think I could eat homemade mac ‘n cheese every day… of course, I’d have to buy a new wardrobe every few weeks, but it might be worth it.
I easily gained 5 pds in 3 days while I was in Atlanta, but it was totally worth it like you said! 😉
Mmm, everything looks so delicious! Atlanta really is a foodie destination. I have friends in NC that are constantly driving down to Georgia just for the restaurants!!! 😀
Where do your friends live in NC? It’s such a foodie destination now, I love it!!!
Oh, wow! I have lived in Atlanta for so long and have never tried Empire State South. We were going to try Pitty Pat’s Porch last weekend. However, we ended up going to a Cajun restaurant. I am an Indonesian girl married to a Southern boy, so I’m learning to eat Southern food.
I’ve been reading your blog on and off for the past few months, and I really love it!
I always love reading blogs about places that I’ve live in, as I inevitably discover something new about my city! When you go back to ATL try Empire State South — you’ll LOVE it!!!
I’m delighted that you enjoy my blog, that makes my heart fill with joy! 🙂
I’m looking forward to read more posts from your Atlanta trip!
I went to Charlotte a couple of times back when I used to live in SC. I even spent a week for summer camp there, waaaaaaaaay back in high school, hahaha….
Where in SC did you live? I went to CofC for Uni! Charlotte has changed so much, it’s truly incredible. I can’t wait to share the rest of my trip in ATL.
Wow, did you really? That’s awesome! I know quite a few people from my high schools (I went to two different high schools) who went to CofC. I actually passed by the school last year when I went to Charleston. I love Charleston! In SC, I used to live in Anderson and Columbia. I used to have to go to Charleston (and Charlotte) to get fingerprinted for my citizenship application. Last year was the first time I went to Charleston purely for fun. In Charlotte, I remember going to Carowinds and the Science Center with friends from summer camp. When you get a chance, I would love for you to give me a few suggestions of new places to visit in Charlotte.
My brother goes to USC! He lives in Hong Kong now (for a year), but will be returning to Columbia in July for his next year of school. Such a small world right? Charleston is one of my favorite cities in the entire world!!! Looove that place, minus the humidity. I’d be happy to provide you with Charlotte tips any time! Shoot me an email before your next trip. 🙂
Oh boy, I could happily tuck into that divine looking mac and cheese. 🙂
I’d be write behind you with an even bigger fork hahaha!
The food look absolutely yummy!
Super de duper yummy!!!
One word : DROOL! haha everything looks tasty :]
Trust me, I was drooling while taking the pics!!! 😉
Atlanta is one of my favorite US cities. I’d love to live there but it’s landlocked.
Agree! I really love Charlotte too, but again it’s landlocked!!! If we had an ocean I’d be crazy about Charlotte! But yeah, Atlanta is such a fabulous city!!!
That looks wonderfully delicious!
Oh it was I promise!!! 🙂
I didn’t live in the south but OH MY do I miss southern food from the states. Asia hasn’t quite caught on to that cuisine yet 🙂
Yeah I can imagine they haven’t caught on yet haha! I LOVE Asian food, but I also LOVE breads and sweets — 2 things they have yet to really embrace, which is probably for the best!
Fabulous food photos! Everything looks so DELICIOUS!!!! It’s making me hungry!
Xx
http://chelseasgirl.wordpress.com/
Thanks a million dear!!! Isn’t everything just drool worthy?
Love your photos! What camera are you using?
Thanks so much, I shoot with a Canon 30-D.
Yummy pictures! What a trip to enjoy some great food.
I’m glad you enjoy the pics!!! Was definitely a fun trip!
My god next time I’m in Atlanta I’m trying BOTH places!
Yay!!!
In a few weeks, I’ll be in Atlanta for about two hours as I await my plane to Philadelphia. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll find food like this in the airport. The dishes all sound amazing, and I could really go for one of those cocktails–I love girly drinks. lol
Oh gosh, I wish you had more than 2 hours! 6-8 would have been enough to hit up the Aquarium and a restaurant!!!
Wonderfully delicious!
Yeeeeeeep!
Amazing and insightful look into the Atlanta cuisine!
I’m glad you enjoyed the post!!!
Oh my, a spectacular write-up!!!
So glad you enjoyed it!!!
Incredible post! WOW!!!
THANK YOU!!!
Now I’m dying to eat in ATL!!!!!!!!!!!
AWESOME! That means it was a good post hahaha.
GREAT PICS!!!
THANKS!!!
Yum!
Super yum!!!!!!!!!!