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

My four vegetable plate was just the right lunch to start my trip. The fried okra was just out of the fryer, giving superb flavor and texture. The staff was welcoming as always. Thanks, folks!

Prime 120 was a random selection that turned out to provide a perfect evening: great food, wonderful service, elegant atmosphere. The charcuterie board selection included savory meat and several different types of cheeses. My roast chicken was juicy snd flavorful. I couldn't resist ordreing the baked alaska. Not only was the flaming spectacular, the combination of pistachio and cherry ice cream inside was outstanding. Thanks, folks!

Hearty and satisfying food, welcoming service. Thanks, folks!

I ate dinner outside for the first time at Petite Violette. The staff was wonderfully gracious. My onion soup, duck, and cake were all superb. Thanks, folks!

Our lunch was tasty and great fuel for conversation. The staff was great. Thanks, folks!

My chicken rollatini was perfect, as always. The proprietor was welcoming, as always. Thank you!

A delicious steak on a beautiful evening. I am grateful.

I found these huge, tasty strawberries at Super Saver. A touch of Nutella underneath enhances the experience. I am grateful.

Delicious and nourishing. I am grateful.

Delicious! I am grateful.

This is a great combination of dishes, perfect for discussion. The proprietor is always very welcoming. Thanks, folks!

I made chicken etouffee using Emeril Lagasse's recipe . In addition to chicken, I used andouille sausage from Loeffel Meat Shoppe. The chicken stock came from my freezer. The result was wonderfully flavorful and very satisfying. I am grateful for the process and the result.

Some pork sausage pulled from the freezer let me make a great sausage gravy. Biscuits have been on my mind lately and they were great. I am grateful for simple pleasures.

I haven't made caramels in quite some time. I used my standard pure cream, otherwise following the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook recipe. The result came out just a tad firmer than typical for me. But I think that the effect was beneficial. I managed to do a decent job of tempering my chocolate for a change. These candies were great, particularly when I ate one along with a capuccino. I am grateful for the time and money to be able to make these treats.

Wonderful food, superb service. Thanks, folks!

My steak sizzles on the grill on a warm summer evening. I am grateful for such pleasures.

Deep introduced me to Fattoush on 27th Street. When I ordered, the proprietor explained that each dish was cooked to order and that my meal would take about 20 minutes later. When the time arrived, this delicious plate came out. The meat was supremely flavorful, clearly prepared with the greatest care. I can see why this became one of Deep's favorites. Thanks, folks!

I returned from Europe with chocolate and decided to try several projects. The first was ice cream sandwiches inspired by San Francisco's Its It . I made oatmeal cookies from the King Arthur Baking recipe. Their pliable texture, created by the oil in the recipe, was perfect for this application. I melted some chocolate and first dipped the cookies. Once they had hardened, I sliced Breyer's ice cream, assembled, then quickly drizzled chocolate around the middle. I didn't perrfectly cover the middle because my main concern was getting them back in the freezer. Nonetheless, the effect was great. The chocolate coating was just the right thinness. High-quality chocolate really makes a difference. I am grateful for such delicious treats and the time to be able to make them myself.

Great food, gracious service, a great way to start the drive home. Thanks, folks!

Another breakfast first for me in the Valley. Great food, great staff, a great way to start my morning. Thanks, folks!

Porillo's gave me the old school dinner experience that I wanted. The staff was very welcoming, my eggplant parm was just right. And that bread was just out of the oven---wow! Thanks, folks!

Birk's is a long-time Silicon Valley favorite but I think this was my first visit. The food was great and the staff provided a great atmosphere for discussion. Thanks, folks!

This was my first visit to Pacific Catch. My salmon was tasty and the staff welcoming. Thanks, folks!

Penninsula Creamery is a reminder of a simpler time in Palo Alto, a great place for old friends to reconnect and reminisce about our simpler times. My chili was comforting, just as was the sunny dining room and smiling staff. And who could resist a milkshake? Thanks, folks!

Great food, gracious service, comfortably elegant atmosphere. Who could ask for more? Thanks, folks!

This was my first time at Bill's Cafe and it won't be my last. My steak rancheros was superb with great spices in the sauce. The staff was very welcoming. The atmosphere was from an earlier, simpler time in Silicon Valley. Thanks, folks!