Beth gets asked a lot about where she eats on the weekends, so she put together a loose itinerary of what a weekend’s worth of dining might look like for her. Most weekends feature a mix of Beth’s personal restaurant choices as well as research for Rough Draft stories.
This mainly ITP version of Beth’s weekend dining guide includes old reliables with a couple of new additions to the Atlanta restaurant scene.
The Diavola from É Ke Pizza. (Photo by Beth McKibben)
Friday night
After a long week, it’s nice to walk over to coffee and wine bar Larakin on 12th Street for wine with friends on the patio.
Some Friday nights call for pizza and a movie at home. My husband and I occasionally get delivery from É Ke Pizza in Vinings, owned by the team behind Baraonda. Order the Diavola ($22) topped with spicy salami, ham, Italian sausage, bacon, and Calabrese peppers, or the Rustica ($19) with fontina cheese, mushrooms, black olives, diced tomatoes, and garlic.
Yogurt parfait at Sun in My Belly. (Photo by Beth McKibben)
Chef’s Tableware in Chamblee. (Photo by Beth McKibben)
Saturday morning
Saturday morning means a trip to the Piedmont Park Green Market for produce, bread, and other weekly supplies.
Pro tip: Grab a cappuccino ($5) or latte from A Curated Coffee Co. The stall, owned by Stephanie Scibilia and her family, features handmade coffee and tea syrups like rose and saffron, made from rose petals from the family’s garden.
If I haven’t eaten something at the market, late breakfast at Sun in My Belly in Kirkwood often includes a yogurt, granola and seasonal fruit bowl. Listed as a yogurt parfait ($14), I always get a lavender biscuit ($5) as a sidekick.
Dinner parties occur on the regular at my home. I’ve lost count of the number of glasses and dishes broken over the years. While vintage shopping is my go-to for replacements, I also like to shop at Chef’s Tableware in Chamblee. Some dishes are handmade by the owners, and everything is super affordable for purchasing in bulk.
Misfitsss BBQ barbecue tray. (Photo by Beth McKibben)
Saturday afternoon
I’m a sucker for barbecue and beer. Thankfully, Misfitsss BBQ (formerly Secret Pint) has a setup at Round Trip Brewing in Underwood Hills.
My husband and I recently ordered a barbecue platter ($24) that easily fed two. It comes with a choice of meat (we ordered pork steak made from the same cut as pulled pork), coleslaw, and some of the best hash I’ve had in years. We added a hot havarti cheese sausage link for $7. Misfitsss is known for its hot sausages. Pair it with an Instant Krüsch (extra pale Kölsch).
You might find me wandering around the High Museum (I’m a member) or MODA (Museum of Design Atlanta) for an hour on a Saturday afternoon, before heading to Momo Cafe on 8th Street for a matcha latte ($6).
Dinner at Gigi’s Italian Kitchen. (Photo by Beth McKibben)
Saturday night
For a pre-dinner drink, nothing beats the views from the rooftop terrace at Celestia on Spring Street in Midtown. I like to take in the sunset with a martini. Drinks average around $17.
Dinner at Gigi’s Italian Kitchen in Candler Park never disappoints, from the chill, cozy neighborhood vibe to the food. It’s aces.
The Dirty Gigi is the move for dirty martini lovers. I’m also partial to the Americano. Wines by the glass are nice and affordable, as are wines by the bottle. Split a carafe for $20.
Order the beans and greens (gigante beans, bok choy, escarole tossed with
smoked sausage and green garlic salmoriglio) and the fish or chicken entree listed on Gigi’s seasonal menu to share.
Commune may not seem like the sort of place for evening tea service, but it is, and you should go if you’re looking for tea sipped to a soundtrack that hits.
While most folks come to the Avondale Estates listening bar for wine and cocktails, the tea service is a great option for people like me who want to wind down the night with something low-key and non-alcoholic, while listening to music.
Spicy skillet at Highland Tap. (Photo by Beth McKibben)
Sunday brunch
If I’m not enjoying breakfast at home, Sunday mornings call for brunch at The Tap – with or without a Bloody Mary.
For many people, Highland Tap in Virginia-Highland is a nighttime spot for steak and martinis. But regulars know lunch and brunch go hard here.
I typically order the spicy skillet comprising potatoes, andouille sausage, and poblano peppers served in a piping hot cast iron skillet ($15) paired with bottomless coffee. And yes, people are drinking martinis at noon on a Sunday.
Before heading home, I like popping into Virginia-Highland Books just down the street. Afterwards, it’s off to Tuscany at My Table to pick up a few Italian pantry supplies, or to grab an espresso and scoop of gelato.
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Dining and Cooking