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

Big Changes at the Smoke House, one of my favorite stops. The old dining room and buffet are gone to be replaced with a new building. Although they have hosted music for quite some time, it is now center stage. I heard live music during my visit. The menu is greatly simplified. The staff is still great. Thanks, folks!

My drive to Atlanta gave me a chance to visit the National Corvette Museum, next to the Corvette assembly line in Bowling Green KY. Before I could enjoy this truly excellent museum, I needed some lunch. The Corvette Grill was very busy but the staff was very welcoming and helpful. My chili and grilled cheese was just what I needed to enjoy some great cars. Thanks, folks!

Breakfast is my typical meal at Bob Evans. I eat there when I am traveling and a good breakfast helps for a good day of driving. My dinner there was a nice change of pace. The staff was welcoming, as always, and my pot roast dinner was delicious and hearty. Thanks, folks!

Bennie's is a reliable choice for dinner in Marion with hearty food and friendly staff. My eggplant parm was very tasty. Most of the delicious cake disappeared for breakfast the next morning. Thanks, folks!

I ate lunch at Panera several times during my trip to Marion. Always the same: half salad, half tomato soup. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Thanks, folks!

The Vault, in the central square of Marion, comes by its name honestly. The old bank vault is an integral part of the restaurant. The proprietor and staff were very friendly and welcoming. My breakfast was hearty and delicious. Thanks, folks!

A mid-day drive gave me a chance to enjoy lunch at Morello's. My calzone was tasty: great sauce, nice crust, hearty filling. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. Thanks, folks!

I didn't need a donut and coffee but it sure was good. The staff was great. Thanks, folks!

Don't let the 20's Hideout's low-key location next to the interstate fool you---it is a hideout, after all. The staff provides a casually elegant service and the food is outstanding. The beef comes from a local producer and is truly excellent. I will be back. Thanks, folks!

The vegetarian enchilada at Don Sol has become a reliable dinner for my arrival at Marion: tasty, hearty. The staff during my visit was friendly and helpful, as always. Thanks, folks!

Jiffy Burger is a great lunch stop on I-24. Their burgers are outstanding, very beefy and clearly homemade. Their onion rings are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. The staff is great. The speaker system is the best way to eat in a car. Thanks, folks!

The staff was, as always, very gracious and welcoming for my dinner. My eggplant parm dinner was, as always, superbly comforting. Thanks, folks!

I needed a little bit to eat when I arrived at ATL. A slice at Sbarro was just what I needed. They make a classic New York slice of pizza, very enjoyable. The staff was very helpful and efficient. Thanks, folks!

Another great lunch at my favorite food truck in Lincoln. THe proprietor is always friendly and welcoming. My corn cup and bean and cheese pupusas tasted great, even better in the noontime sun. Thanks, folks!

Sorry, no photos of my caramel corn. It was a great evening to sit out and enjoy. Thanks, folks!

Drew's Chocolates in Dexter is a favorite stop on the Des Moines-Lincoln road. This is a multi-generational chocolatier family who clearly take pride in their work. Not all of these chocolates made it all the way home...

I've been to El Fogon before and enjoyed it. On this visit, they gave me a very enjoyable and satisfying lunch. My tamales were great. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. Thanks, folks!

I visited VanDee's on a beautiful fall evening. This ice cream stand is a local mainstay in Urbandale, located here for decades. I managed to catch them on the last day of their season. People crowded around to enjoy ice cream and their evening. The staff was very friendly and managed the crowds very well. I sat on the ledge with my hot fudge sunday and enjoyed. Thanks, folks!

Dinner at Marino's is a wonderful favorite. The proprietor is warm and welcoming. My eggplant rollatini is perfectly satisfying. Thanks, folks!

Lunch at Rizen was a great way to kick off a road trip. The proprietor was very gracious, as always. My tonkatsu was nourishing and delicious. Thanks, folks!

What a pleasure! I am grateful.

My sourdough starter is doing well and my loaves of bread are turning out nicely. I am grateful for such delicious, healthy food.

Kung pao tofu is a great comfort lunch. The staff is always very friendly and welcoming. Thanks, folks!

Grits and Gravy is a great Southern breakfast spot. The staff and proprietor were very welcoming. The atmosphere was homey. My chicken and waffles made an outstanding breakfast. Thanks, folks!

I first walked by Q and wasn't sure what kind of food it served. Later, it came highly recommended and turned out to be a great choice. Their casually elegant room, wonderful staff, and great food was just right. My osso bucco was the best I've had since New Jersey. The chocolate dessert plate was full of variety but not overwhelming. Thanks, folks! Mo

My dinner at Mama Mia was just right after a day of travel. tTgecstaff was great, the poest acreal treat. Thanks, folks!

Short ribs make a great, hearty dinner. And they aren't too hard to prepare. I marinated the short ribs in red wine, then used some of my rich beef stock along with mirepoix. The result was delicious. I am grateful for such a wonderful meal.

Saray Kos put out a great spread for us to enjoy. The staff was very gracious. The food was full of flavor and very satisfying. Thanks, folks!

Nagel is a century-old restaurant and beer hall near the Hamburg main train station. My schnitzel was very satisfying. My server was very nice, particularly given my complete lack of German. Thanks, folks!