VENI VIDI VICI… “Handcrafted Pastas In the Heart of Atlanta!”

When in Atlanta, you simply cannot pass up a dining experience at Veni Vidi Vici. Located in Atlanta’s theater and Midtown Business District, this eatery has developed itself into one of the finest Italian hot spots in the city. The name, Veni Vidi Vici was seemingly penned by Julius Caesar around 49 BC which translates to, “I came, I saw, I conquered.”  Supposedly a statement of opinion pertaining to a brief battle he was engaged in with Pharnaces II of Pontus. (A little history for those of our readers who appreciate a little background!) Originally opened in 1990, Executive Chef Jamie Adams joined the culinary team at Veni Vidi Vici in 1993, and has since been delighting anticipating patrons with his impassioned love of culinary creativity.

As a major feature in the line-up of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group’s extremely successful eateries throughout Atlanta, Veni Vidi Vici owns the rights to a plethora of awards and accreditations spanning from the likes of Gourmet Magazine, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine, Wine Spectator, and many more. We can attempt to convince our readers all day of this restaurant’s many reasons for its numerous accolades, but until you try it for yourself, you won’t truly comprehend the many reasons why this establishment is loved by so many.

Above, the entrance to the restaurant shows off a stand displaying empty wine bottles beside a table of the venue’s business cars and literature. And we especially enjoyed the wreaths of garlic hanging from the chandeliers overhead as we dined, the Veni Vidi Vici menu proclaiming its excellent tantalizing Italian offerings, and the preview kitchen where all the action occurs in the main dining room of the establishment.

Expertly hand-shaken martinis are prepared and dispersed from the bar, while the wine options here are numerous. We enjoyed a few martinis, a little red wine, and a little white wine with our meal on this particular occasion. In fact, the restaurant prides itself on its ’40 Under $40′ wine promotion…daily from 5 PM – 10 PM, you can choose from forty select bottles of Vini Vidi Vici’s wine collection, each one under $40! Additionally, you can opt for the quartino (a glass and a half) of a select wine during the same hours every day for the price of one glass!

We enjoyed the Agnolotti dish, which was a ravioli creation of rotisserie meats and delicious Fontina cheese with brown sugar and pecans. Not light, but definitely well worth the additional calories to indulge in this savory, hearty pasta entree.

Wood roasted stuffed salmon, roasted tomato risotto, crispy onions, balsamic syrup…all the ingredients for the makings of a sensational salmon entree. The sweet crispy onions, zesty and wholesome flavor of the tomatoes and perfectly prepared tasteful fresh salmon came together in a symphony of melodic and memorable tastes.

Salmone

Time for a little something sweet and savory…time for a little dessert for the table! Below, this stunning and delectable trio of crisp cookies was fashioned into a sandwich layered with a savory creamy filling then topped with a berry compote, a sprinkling of confectioner’s sugar then garnished with a bright green sprig of mint.

Triple Cookie Dessert

Veni Vidi Vici is one of our Top Ten venues to dine in Atlanta. We know you will enjoy your experience as well. Don’t forget, there’s also weekend jazz Fridays and Sundays from 7 PM – 10 PM by local musician Sal Gentile.  And on’t forget about the ’40 Under $40′ wine promotion offering any of a list of select bottles under $40, or simply choose a quartino (glass and 1/2) for the price of a single serving! Wine specials, tasting options, fine quality Italian cuisine and specialty service is what you’ll find at Veni Vidi Vici in the heart of Atlanta, with a heart of its own in terms of fantastic Italian dishes, creative culinary presentation, exemplary service and a memorable experience.

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR:  Upscale elegance is displayed by means of most everything at Veni Vidi Vici. From the open preview kitchen with its viewable exposed stainless steel kitchen vent climbing up the wall above the open area to the fashionable immense welcoming bar area to the comforting seating selection..there’s nothing that was forgotten in terms of comfort, decor or ambiance at this establishment.
  • FOOD / DRINK: Chef Jamie Adams excels in the Veni Vidi Vici kitchen preparing handcrafted sensational pastas, rotisserie fare and exemplary confections all focused around the flavorsome and visual pleasure of his dining patrons.
  • LOCATION: Veni Vidi Vici is located in Atlanta’s Midtown Business District at 41 14th Street in Atlanta, GA 30309.
  • HOURS: Restaurant hours of operation include lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM – 3 PM. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday from 3 PM – 10 PM, Fridays from 3 PM – 11 PM, Saturdays from 5 PM – 11 PM, and on Sundays from 5 PM – 10 PM.
  • SERVICE / STAFF: Each visit to Veni Vidi Vici, we were honored with kind, friendly, knowledgeable servers with cheerful attitudes and a gracious demeanor.
  • PRICE / VALUE: Depending on what is ordered and the number of diners in your party, the price, of course, will vary. However, we have always felt satisfied with the quality of the service, cuisine, and overall ambiance this restaurant offers.
  • CORKAGE FEE: $15 per 750mL bottle.
  • PARKING: Self and Valet parking is available in the One Atlantic Building Parking Deck nearby.
  • TOTAL BILL: Our final bill came in just a hair over $120 for four glasses of wine, a martini, two entrees and a dessert. A certain deal, a definite spot for a terrific dinner, and all the quality and value one could expect to receive from such a fine Italian eatery in the heart of Atlanta.

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Veni Vidi Vici on Restaurantica

Veni Vidi Vici  Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

 

 

 

CANOE RESTAURANT… “Romance & Culinary Excellence Amidst the Chattahoochee River!”

Built along the serene banks of the Chattahoochee River in Georgia subsists the hailed restaurant, Canoe. With the property’s roaming paths and polished beautiful natural scenery, patrons can breathe in the fresh air, take a relaxing saunter along beautified meandering walkways, then settle in for a commendable and memorable dining experience. Our last visit to Canoe proved to be one such experience.

Having recently been awarded Zagat’s 2012 / 2013 Atlanta Restaurants Top 20 Food Ratings Survey accreditation, the establishment also received acclamations for the #2 Top Decor, #4 Top Service and #4 Most Popular. All of this out of 471 restaurants the metro Atlanta region. Pretty impressive!

An eye-catching bar with coffered ceilings and artist-sculpted wrought iron details is a main attraction in this area of the restaurant above.

The elegant dining area shows off Canoe’s red leather chairs, white-clothed tables and brick details throughout.

Petite Beef Short Ribs

Above, the Petite Beef Short Ribs were a perfect starter complimented with seared vegetables and joined by a trio of sauces.

Breaded Herbed Goat Cheese

The Breaded Herbed Goat Cheese above was devoured quickly and presented on a bed of vegetable slaw accompanied by an olive and basil oil blend.

Dressed Lemon Sole

I selected the Dressed Lemon Sole with fingerling potatoes, French green beans and a succulent and savory lemon-butter sauce that complimented all the flavors of the dish.

Slow-Roasted Beef Brisket

My husband chose the Slow-Roasted Beef Brisket over a palate of celery root whipped potatoes and a vegetable slaw in a savory beef jus.

Raspberry Torte 

The raspberry, chocolate and vanilla torte was topped with a crumbled cookie crown. This was a scrumptious delight after such a wonderful meal.

Since we arrived after nightfall for dinner on this particular evening, we were unable to photograph the beautiful lawns and gardens on the property. However, on our return to Atlanta, we will update this post with those photos when we revisit the restaurant during the day.

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Charming, romantic, upscale and welcoming.
  • FOOD / DRINK: This popular eatery offers pleasing dishes, an array of choices to suit most anyone’s taste and a commanding wine list.
  • LOCATION: The restaurant is located in the Vinings community at 4199 Paces Ferry Road, SE in Atlanta, GA 30339.
  • HOURS: Canoe offers Lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Dinner Monday through Thursday from 5:30 PM – 10 PM, then Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 PM – 11 PM, and on Sundays from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Brunch is available Sundays from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
  • SERVICE / STAFF: Exceptional attention was given to us by our server and the staff of Canoe. The customer service alone will have us returning.
  • PRICE / VALUE: For what we received at Canoe, including the precise execution of excellent service by our waiter and attention to detail, we feel Canoe is priced fairly, and we will return again in the future.
  • CORKAGE FEE: $15 per bottle any time, any day.
  • PARKING: Valet parking is available for your convenience.
  • TOTAL BILL: Our final bill totaled over $85, which included a few glasses of wine with dinner. However, we must recommend Canoe due to the worthiness of the cuisine, excellence of the service and tranquility of the establishment as a whole.

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Canoe on Restaurantica

Canoe  Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

ECCO RESTAURANT… “Atlanta’s Midtown Culinary Hot Spot!”

In the heart of Midtown in Atlanta, Georgia, Ecco exists. With its distinct marble floors, huge bar and lounge area, open-view kitchen and modern sophistication, this upscale casual establishment offers delectable cuisine with a heavy European influence that you will wish you had experienced before this moment…

Upon entering Ecco’s massive glass entry, we could see the open exhibition kitchen with its staff rushing around behind the counter as they prepared excellent culinary creations for their attending patrons for the evening…

Huge slices of freshly-baked crusty bread are supplied to the table shortly after guests are seated. A square porcelain container of chilled butter is served to accompany that…

The below photo is of Ecco’s Fried Goat Cheese. Orbs of lightly-fried heaps of creamy goat cheese coated in drizzles of sweet honey and cracked black pepper. It just melts in your mouth…

Fried Goat Cheese

This refreshing salad with cucumbers, green and red tomatoes, yellow bell pepper and fresh herbs was marinated in a delicious olive oil along with the scrumptious crunchy croutons mixed in. What a lovely idea to mix everything together, toss in a few crunchy croutons, then marinate it all in olive oil. The result…crunchy, happy goodness on a plate. I almost recreated this dish at home…in fact, I got pretty close, but it’s always better at Ecco!

Marinated Salad With Garlic Croutons & Vegetables In a Succulent Olive Oil Coating

If you get the chance to dine at Ecco, this is a must-have…the Roasted Piquillo Peppers stuffed with braised short rib and a succulent sauce that will make you desire more…

Roasted Piquillo Peppers

A favorite among locals at Ecco, (oh wait…they’re all favorites), is their Wood-Fired San Marzano Pizza with fresh tomatoes, house-made mozzarella and flavorsome basil…

Wood-Fired San Marzano Pizza

The next photo is of Ecco’s incredible Roasted Beets With Orange and Thyme. My husband loved it, and me…well, I’m not a lover of beets, but this dish changed my mind. Sweetened by fresh seasonal oranges and topped with pistachios, I almost forgot there were beets in this wonderful offering. The vibrant bold color of this selection was stunning…

Roasted Beets With Orange and Thyme

Fine ribbons of Fettuccine created the base for the below pasta dish topped with a kale and tomato mixture marinated in a delicious savory flavorful sauce that tied everything together in a perfect package…

Fettuccine Special With a Kale and Tomato Marinade

I loved the presentation of the tender chicken breast dish below…

Roasted Free-Range Chicken Breast

The Roasted Free-Range Chicken Breast served with steamed greenbeans was tender and succulent, and was presented in its own savory juices. No need for creamy sauces with this dish! It’s natural flavor enhanced by fresh herbs in the kitchen was just perfect.

Blueberry Mint Sorbet

For a simple and light dessert above, we shared a bowl of Ecco’s sweet and tangy Blueberry-Mint Sorbet.

As you can see in the photo above, we wound up closing the place down. We were the very last customers to leave!

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Ecco’s soaring glass entry invites you into it’s upscale modern motif inside. Casual, yet chic and elegant, this is a “must-do” in the Midtown section of Atlanta!
  • FOOD / DRINK: Refreshing sips and indulgent bites! Extremely creative conglomerations of flavors and visual satisfaction in every dish.
  • LOCATION: Ecco is located at 40 7th Street NE in Midtown in Atlanta, GA 30308.
  • HOURS: The bar and patio open at 4 PM daily, while dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 PM – 10 PM, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 PM – 11 PM.
  • SERVICE / STAFF: Courteous, efficient, professional and friendly.
  • PRICE / VALUE: Amazing-amazing-amazing! Ecco is on our list of restaurants to visit on every trip we take to the city! Outstanding value and prices for what is offered.
  • CORKAGE: $20 per bottle.
  • PARKING: Metered street parking is available surrounding the restaurant.
  • TOTAL BILL: Our total bill was over $100 (including tax), but it was so worth the additional expenditure for the quality of the meal and beverages, the creative flair of the cuisine, the modern-chic atmosphere and the attentive staff.

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Ecco on Restaurantica

Ecco  Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

KYMA PSAROTAVERNA & OYZERI… “A Modern ‘Wave’ of Traditional Greek Cuisine!”

Often frequenting the city of Atlanta, GA for business, my husband and I felt we had to include Kyma (pronounced KEY-MA) to our list of recommened eateries for your reading enjoyment and information. If you are ever in the Buckhead area of the city, you simply must visit Kyma, a Greek seafood tavern with deep Mediterranean roots, beautifully decorated interior design with hints of silvers and blues everywhere (including the mosaic-mirrored bar), and a modern spin on classic Greek and seafood fare that will make you wonder why you never stopped here before. Executive Chef Pano Karatassos, an Atlanta native , insists on obtaining the restaurant’s seafood fresh from the Aegean Sea. Kyma, in Greek, means ‘wave’. And a wave has certainly been created with Kyma and Chef Karatassos at the helm…

Below, the freshly-prepared sparkling Kyma Mojito and Mykonos Martini made with vodka, Marie Brizard Watermelon Liqueur and a sour mix were sensational and a terrific prelude to dinner…

Kyma Mojito and Mykonos Martini

Our view from the white leather booth where we were seated showed off one of the many areas customers may dine below…

Starting with traditional Greek spreads, we ordered the Tzatziki (yougurt, cucumber and dill) and the Htipiti (roasted red peppers and feta) served with warm pita bread below…

Tzatziki, Hitpiti and Pita Bread

Next, we had one of our favorite Greek selections, the Dolmades (grapevine leaves stuffed with tomato and bulgar) with a cumin yogurt…delicious!

Dolamdes and Pita Bread

Following the Dolmades, we shared a plate of the Cheese Pies (four Greek cheeses baked in country filo dough), which was creamy, savory and the light crunch of the baked filo pastry was very satisfactory…

Kyma Cheese Pies

My husband chose the Royal Dorade (a medium flavor, semi firm Grecian fish similar to Red Snapper). For their fresh fish entrees, Kyma bastes the entire fish in olive oil, lemon and oregano, then cooks it on a wood grill before serving it fillet style with a side of cooked spinach and capers…tender, bursting with savory flavors…I almost forgot about my entree after first tasting this…

Royal Dorade

I decided upon the Whole Prawns dish (Mayan, wood-grilled giant shrimp cooked with olive oil, lemon and dill and topped with capers and served with a side of cooked spinach. Once my husband tried these, neither of us could decide if we liked the prawns or the fish better..they were both so incredible!

Whole Mayan Prawns

And for a bit of something sweet, we chose a dessert tasting, which consisted of three of their popular sweet treats. We chose the Loukoumades (a Greek-style doughnut topped with honey, chopped walnuts and cinnamon), the Kyma ice cream served in a filo pastry shell, and the ‘Boureki’ Baklava (a rolled version of traditional Baklava with candied pistachios and presented with pistachio ice cream). All amazing flavor sensations for the palate, all perfectly portioned so as not to tack on too much weight to the waistline!

Kyma Dessert Sampling

A culinary must-do if you are visiting the Buckhead neighborhood in the city of Atlanta. We will most certainly return to this ‘wave’ of Greek-style perfection on our next trip to the east coast!

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Intricate placement of deep blues and silvers reflect the restaurant’s Aegean Sea motif, bright Grecian whites abound as well as the entry columns at the front door, and a coved deep blue ceiling shows off its sparkling white lights paying homage to the dark blue evening sky on the coastline of Greece.
  • FOOD / DRINK: Fresh seafood flown in from the Aegean Sea, wood-grilled whole fish and other delectable entrees, a terrific and nicely-priced menu, and refreshing crisp cocktails.
  • LOCATION: Kyma is located in the Buckhead neighborhood at 3085 Piedmont Road Northeast in Atlanta, GA 30305.
  • HOURS: Kyma is available for dining Monday through thursday from 5:30 Pm – 10 PM, Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 PM – 11 PM, and on Sundays from 4:30 PM – 10 PM.
  • SERVICE / STAFF: We received top notch service from our attentive and charasmatic waiter. No complaints, just two extremely satisfied customers here!
  • PRICE / VALUE: Very reasonable price for the incredible value and service received at this location.
  • CORKAGE FEE: $15 per 750mL bottle.
  • PARKING: Valet parking is available for your convenience at Kyma.
  • TOTAL BILL: For just over $70 (including tax), we enjoyed cocktails, traditional Greek starters, fresh seafood from the Aegean Sea, and even a small tasting of some of Kyma’s more popular desserts.

Kyma on Urbanspoon

kyma on Restaurantica

Kyma  Restaurant Reviews

* Menus and prices subject to change without notice.