Atlanta etc.: Marilyn Wolf's Food Blog and Restaurant Blog

I've driven past Wild Ginger a thousand times but this is my first visit. I enjoyed the rich flavors and nourishing food. Wild Ginger is takeout/delivery. I picked up from their window and enjoyed from home. Thanks, folks!

I haven't bern to Meatballerz in awhile and I am glad they are doing well. Their Roma meatball-in-a-hole is a favorite. Thanks, folks!

Spudnuts were a big treat when I was a kid. I made a batch using a recipe based on mashed potatoes. I used my sourdough starter rather than factory yeast. My shaping skills could use some work. Carefully fried for just the right amount of crust. Dipped in powdered sugar and water. The result was truly delicious. The interior was dense and rich but not heavy. The crust was firm but not hard. Simple pleasures are the best.

This was my first visit to Venue in south Lincoln. The food was great, atmosphere was upscale, service was very gracious. Thanks, folks!

Some fine Nebraska beef, a few brussel sprouts, and some corn pudding from the freezer is plenty for a satisfying meal. I am grateful.

Always a favorite... Breakfast started with the trademark huge sweet roll. My veggie omelet was a comforting treat. Thanks, ladies!

My spinach lasagne was comforting: smooth ricotta, rich mozzarella, firm boxed noodles. I am grateful.

This yeasted apple cake from Classic German Baking is a favorite breakfast treat. Thank you to Luisa Weiss for her wonderful cookbook!

I was interested in a change of pace in my bread. I baked two small rustic loafs based on The Bread Baker's Apprentice. I should have let them rise a little longer at room temperature. But I enjoyed them and I am grateful.

I was in the mood for a winter breakfast treat. An apple dutch baby fits the bill. The batter went over the apple slices in the hot pan. Bake it and voila! Delicious and hearty. I am grateful.

Neither rain nor snow nor heat nor darkness of night prevents me from enjoying a steak.

Pizza at Panera turned out to be a great dinner option: tasty, convenient, satisfying. Thanks, folks!

It was good to see the Original Pancake House busy. The staff was very friendly, the food was delicious. The enzymes they use in their pancake batter gives a special taste. Thanks, folks!

I tried Vintage Pizzeria's cheesecake for the first time. I am a cheesecake purist and went for the plain cheesecake. It exhibited all the virtues of classic cheescake: rich, dense, moist. Excellent work, thanks very much!

Deep and I met for lunch at Lan Zhou Ramen on Buford Highway. The place was hopping, the service welcoming, and the food excellent.

I have visited First Watch in other cities but this was my first time at the location in Chamblee's Whole Foods shopping center. Service was very friendly and the food was very enjoyable. The garden omelet is my go-to breakfast at First Watch and this one did not disappoint. The potatoes were hearty and a great complement to the soft protein of the omelet. Thanks, folks!

No zatar bread or baklava this time, just my basic falafel lunch. Delicious and hearty. Thanks, folks!

I haven't had Bojangle's beans for quite some time. I wanted a small snack during the day and this turned out to be the right treat---very satisfying. Thanks, folks!

I haven't eaten at Bambinelli's and it was good to enjoy one of their meals. My eggplant parm was rich with flavor, savory, and very satisfying. Thanks, folks!

I haven't visited Viceroy in quite some time and I am glad to see that they are doing well. My food was pleasantly spicy and very hearty. The service was very gracious. Thanks, folks!

The Old Brick Pit is a favorite of mine and of the entire Chamblee community. Delicious and comforting---thank you once again!

The food truck base station at Spaghetti Junction has turned out to be a destination for northeast Atlanta eaters. The Farmhouse is a sit-down restaurant with a gracious atmosphere and great food. My veggie omelet really showed off The Farmhouse's emphasis on local sourcing. The vegetables were all full of flavor and with great texture as well. The biscuit was hearty. Thanks, folks, for the great breakfast!

The vegetarian dumplings from Gu's have become a lunchtime favorite. Sit in the car, enjoy the day. Thanks, folks!

Blue Ribbon Grill is a mainstay of the Northlake neighborhood. I'm glad to see that they are doing well. My meal started with a crispy salad. My salmon was tender and moist, very enjoyable. Thanks, folks!

I always enjoy my visits to Los Rancheros. The friendly atmosphere and hearty, friendly food make for a comforting evening. Chips and salsa are a great way to start. My chicken fajitas were juicy and tasty. Thanks, folks!

The Blue Door is at the start of the commuter concourses in MSP, a great location to stop for lunch if one has time. Food and service are always great and some seats offer a good view of the tarmac operations. I ordered by bleu cheese burger without a bun, with the fried green beans. A hearty, tasty combo. Thanks, folks!

Potato soup is a winter pleasure. I started with Alton Brown's recipe but added more potatoes than he recommends to yield a rich soup. The potatoes were Yukon Golds. I used my homemade chicken stock and vegetable stocks as a base. The result was rich and satisfying, another reason for gratefulness.

A friend deserved a treat and I thought that a banana cream pie with a chocolate-lined crust was appropriate. I used a commercial graham cracker crust and coated the inside with chocolate ganache. While that cooled, I made the custard. Once the pie interior was assembled I made the meringue. Onto the pie and into the oven. Out came a wonderfully browned meringue---sorry for the photo. Reports tell me that this pie didn't last long.