5 Seasons Brewing

Atlanta, Georgia
(404) 255-5911
Price: $20-$30

By Kim Malawy

The 5 Seasons Brewing is intriguing, intimate, casual and is the new hot spot in Roswell. This restaurant has combined its dimmed and cool winter like surroundings with food that is as warm and majestical as summer.

Combining handcrafted beers, organic inspired meals, and a casual dining atmosphere gives 5 Seasons Brewing an edge over its competitors. It reminded me of being at a mountain lodge with open windows engulfed by trees, dark wood furniture, and a candlelit room. The casual dress and exquisite food made me feel so comfortable that I forgot I was in a restaurant.

Partners David Larkworthy, the executive chef, and Dennis Lange certainly accomplished their goal of creating a casual welcoming surrounding, handcrafted beer on demand, continuously changing menu that reflects the local growing season, and authenticity rules, with everything prepared in-house.

Larkworthy really puts a Napa-like culinary touch into every bite. Together they created a dining experience that was elegant in its simplicity- real food paired with real beer.

5 Season Brewing offers a variety of menu items. The “Little Plates” appetizer section consists of items that range from the Seasonal Soup du Jour to grilled rice balls, calamari, Bratwurst and even more. I chose the Kari Kari for my “Little Plate.” It was a delectable mix of crab and cream cheese in a dumpling dipped in a brownish ponzu sauce. The texture was that of a thinly sliced bread that was translucent. The crab and cream cheese mix filled in your mouth in just one bite.

After that enjoyable item I was off to my organic salad. I chose the iceberg wedge with Danish blue cheese, spicy pecans, Bermuda onions and tomatoes. The cool crisp lettuce was as fresh as fresh could be, crunching in my mouth bite after bite. Drizzled on top was the sweet flowing blue cheese dressing. Surrounding the lettuce were big chunks of fresh blue cheese that were my favorite part of the dish. The fruit and pecans added a nice touch of color to the dish and many different sensations in my mouth.

The dinner entrees were split into two different sections. One being grilled pizzas and the other being meat dishes. I was lucky enough to go with five other people so I got a good grasp on a variety of meals.

First and foremost was my meal, the grilled ravioli. The mere presentation was astonishing. A stack of Louisiana crawfish, sausage, onions, asparagus, and red peppers were bundled in fried tortilla stacks surrounded by a beautiful orange cream sauce that resembled a setting sun. Each piece melted in my mouth so fast I barely had time to chew. This spicy and succulent meal was enhanced by the fresh taste of the crabmeat.

Number two on my list was definitely the kobe hanging tender. The knowledgeable waiter informed us that a kobe is the meat on the chest bone of a cow. The kobe is so tender that you do not even need a knife to cut through it. Its surroundings consisted of baby shitake mushrooms and sweet onions that added a unique spice to the meat.

Another good meal was the filet au poivre(with pepper). But watch out; if you don’t like pepper do not get this meal because it seems to overpower the steak. Other than that, it was tender and grilled to perfection. Its side of smashed potatoes was a nice compliment to the steak.

The house-cured salmon pizza was one I did not like because I am not a fish fan. This pizza was topped with avocado, cilantro, and Bermuda onions. There are plenty to choose from and are a perfect size to fill up one person, and hey, you might even have a little to take home.

Whatever you do, don’t miss out on tasting 5 Seasons’ handcrafted beer. There are varieties to choose from for dark beer lovers and light beer lovers.

The great ambiance, the great eating, and great company will put you right into the fifth season!

Eastside DePalma's Italian Café

Athens, Georgia
(706) 369-0085
Price: $10-$20

By Amy Chance

With a classy atmosphere and a wide range of boldly flavored, authentic dishes, it is no surprise that Eastside DePalma’s Italian Café is an Athens hotspot.

One of three locations of the Athens signature restaurant, the warm and inviting Eastside location is constantly bustling with an excited energy.

DePalma’s dimly lit dining room and bar coupled with its sophisticated art decorations make this restaurant an excellent destination for a romantic dinner for two or a casual night out with friends.

The menu boasts an impressive variety of antipastas (appetizers), pizzas, calzones, pasta dishes and other traditional entrees that set this charming establishment apart from other chain Italian restaurants. And dining at Depalma’s won’t demolish your pocketbook with most dinner menu items under $20 and lunch dishes under $10.

With the most elaborate appetizer dish, the antipasta plate, comes an assortment of traditional Italian favorites. Exquisite pepperoni, thick bruschetta and three distinct cheeses blend together to create a pre-meal feast that has a little something for everybody. The plate even houses a mixture of Greek olives, banana peppers, and pepper salami. Other appetizers include crab cakes, breadsticks and stuffed mushrooms, with prices ranging from $5 to $10.

Offering an assortment of over 10 different salads, the salad portion of Depalma’s menu is impressively large and diverse. Selections include the apple walnut salad, which combines romaine lettuce with red onions, capers, walnuts, fresh green apples, gorgonzola and smoked bacon. Also available is the grilled salmon salad, which mixes field greens with red and yellow peppers, capers and a salmon filet.

An interesting and unusual component of DePalma’s menu is its outrageous selection of pizzas and calzones. Pizzas are available in 14 inch and an 18 inch pie. Traditional topping favorites such as pepperoni, black olives, sausage and pineapple are available along with several unusual options such as artichoke hearts, pesto sauce and sun dried tomatoes.

For a bold dish that is full of flavor and pizzazz, the Shrimp Charmaine is your best bet. Shrimp and sea scallops on a bed of fettuccini are smothered with a spicy spinach, basil, tomato and jalapeno cream sauce. These well-balanced, yet distinct flavors fuse together to form a fascinating entrée with a powerful kick.

The popular rosemary chicken dish consists of prosciutto and mushroom stuffed chicken breast medallions drenched in a sharp roasted lemon and rosemary sauce. The dish’s intense flavor is just a tad too tangy and overwhelming. However, the meat selections are superb and the side items of broccoli and garlic, parsley and cheese mashed potatoes are wonderful.

Patrons searching for the perfect beverage to complement their meal will have no trouble finding something to suit their fancy. DePalma’s offers a wide selection of red and white wines and beers imported from all over the world, as well as standard soft drinks and coffee.

Boasting plentiful and filling portions, exquisite cuisine, a lively, yet comfortable atmosphere, Eastside DePalma’s Italian Café is an incredible place for a one-of-a-kind dining experience any patron can enjoy.

Speakeasy

Athens, Georgia
(706) 546-5556
Price: $10-$15

By Jo Lee

With its tapas style menu and energetic but laid-back atmosphere, Speakeasy is the perfect overture to a night on the town. If you’re ever looking for a great place to bring a group of people and have an enjoyable meal at a reasonable price, Speakeasy is the place to go.

Speakeasy is not the restaurant where at precisely 7 p.m., the lights dim in an effort to create a romantic mood. On the contrary, the low lighting, posters of 1930s era paintings and jazz music create the right combination of liveliness and sophistication for any occasion, even on a random Wednesday night.

The first order of business was, of course, drinks. On Monday and Tuesday nights, Speakeasy serves bottomless wine for $14.95, but since it was Wednesday, my friends and I decided to try some of the restaurant’s specialty martinis. The berry martini is deliciously frothy, due to the coulis, (a puree made with raspberries), sugar and limejuice. The Georgia Peach Martini isn’t overly sweet as the unorthodox addition of mint gave it a lighter, more refreshing flavor. Though these martinis come in five-ounce glasses for $5, it is only $8 for the 10-ounce, so that’s what we ordered.

Tapas evolved from the Spanish tradition of meals consisting of foods like calamari and olives. People in Spain would be given these small appetizers for free to accompany a drink before a meal later at night. However, the tradition at today’s Americanized version is to order lots of different dishes and share them among a group as a meal in itself.

We started off with a delicious, creamy spinach dip in a bread bowl. Though it only comes with four toast points for dipping, once those were devoured we divided the rest of the honey wheat bread bowl amongst ourselves.

The second appetizer was my favorite dish of the night. Beer battered coconut shrimp are fried but not at all heavy or greasy. And the delectable Asian dipping sauce, equal parts salty and sweet with soy and pineapple, is the perfect addition to the large shrimp. At $7 for four shrimp, it is slightly expensive but definitely worth the price.

For the main course, we had ravioli and sesame tuna. Chef Pat Anderson, who has been at the restaurant since its opening in 2001 presents a unique twist on the Italian classic, ravioli. The cheese-filled ravioli are lightly fried instead of boiled. Smothered with a cheesy cream sauce and sliced onions, this dish is best shared among a group, as it was the heaviest and richest of the night.

The sesame tuna is seared to perfection, with a delectable spicy rub on the outside and the right shade of deep pink on the inside. A scrumptious sweet and sour Thai dipping sauce complements the ahi tuna, rounding out the flavor of the dish. These entrees cost around $11, which is comparable to the rest of the entrees on the menu.

Our sugar cookies may have seemed a basic choice for dessert. However, they are warm and soft and are a great way to end a meal. Fresh out of the oven and topped with maraschino cherries and cream cheese icing, these cookies are anything but boring.

The only downside to the evening was the service. Though we received our food in a timely manner, once our table was packed with food, we were left to our own devices. Empty plates, martini glasses and the water pitcher sat unnoticed for nearly ten minutes as our server tended to the large birthday party near us. However, this did not dampen our dining experience.

Though much of the traditional Spanish tapas has changed in its voyage across the Atlantic, the tradition of going out afterwards has not. Because it’s ideally located on Broad Street and serves food until 11 p.m., Speakeasy is a great place to grab a cocktail and everything from appetizers to a full meal as a prelude to a fun night out in the Classic City.

Calí-N-Tito's

Athens, Georgia
(706) 227-9979
Price: $5-$10
(cash or check only)

By Jeff McLennan

Upon entering this Latin oasis on South Lumpkin Street, I felt I had been transported from Athens, Georgia to Havana, Cuba. Its décor, packed full of colorful nostalgic memorabilia from all over the Latin world, instantly takes you somewhere far away.

Located on the edge of the University of Georgia’s campus, Calì-N-Tito’s offers Athenians an escape from the fast-paced campus experience and provides an alternative to the vast amount of chains and fast food places in town.

All orders are taken inside at the quaint but cramped counter. When taking your order, the bilingual staff is eager to help out by explaining the dishes to newcomers. The kitchen staff is visible from the counter and appears to be in good spirits, even during this Sunday lunch rush.

After ordering, you are given a number and your food is delivered to your table by an attentive wait staff. Indoor seating is optional for cold days, but I recommend the outdoor tables.

Don’t forget to stop and look around before heading outside. Owner Bruno Rubio knows a thing or two about ambiance. The small indoor area seats about 30-40 people and is intricately decorated everywhere you look. Posters of various South American products adorn the brightly painted walls. Overhead is a random assortment of Latin knick-knacks like old guitars, wooden parrots, soccer balls, canned food items and decorative coconuts. Beat-up televisions playing MTV Latin America add to the upbeat Cuban/Peruvian vibe.

The outside patio brings to mind a Caribbean beach. Large palm trees are planted throughout the pebbled area and umbrellas accent the simple wooden tables. An old wooden fishing boat has been transformed into a unique fountain surrounded by colorful chairs for little kids. Festive lights hang over most of the place. Ceramic fire pits have also recently been added for colder days.

All the dishes are brought out in about 10 minutes, at the same time. Try the tostones for a perfect appetizer. These are green plantains sliced and fried to a golden brown, almost like a sweet and salty potato chip. This order was slightly over-fried, but the side of sauce (think Zax sauce from Zaxby’s) more than made up for it. The veggie and beef empanadas are fried pastries packed with corn, broccoli, cauliflower and cheese and served with a lime wedge. They are possibly the best little snacks in town. I recommend trying the veggie rather than the beef. They are guaranteed to be gone in no more than four satisfying bites.

For experimental types, the Cubano Especial has a little bit of everything. The grilled cuban bread is loaded with steak, hotdogs, ham, eggs, cheese, jalapenos, onions, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. The hotdogs have a distinct taste enhanced by the aroma of jalapenos. It’s not exactly the healthiest choice on the menu, but this massive sandwich can turn into two meals with a to-go box.

The fish taco is made with catfish and topped with cilantro, red onions, lettuce and tomato. It is served on a corn tortilla (flour is optional upon request) with a side of verde sauce. The taco was sadly more full of red onions and lettuce than fish. What fish it did contain was fresh, flavorful and fried in a light crispy batter.

Tito’s Big Burrito is served with chicken or steak and comes with lettuce, tomato, red and green peppers, mushrooms, rice and cheese. At $6.50, it is by far one of the best deals on the menu. The combination of ingredients is a delight to the senses.

The counter also offers a large variety of Latin sodas, from pineapple to guava. For dessert, there are hand-made fruit milkshakes. Try the mango, you won’t be disappointed.

For a Sunday afternoon, the chance to escape the Athens scene and be transported to the sights and smells of a Cuban beach is irresistible. Such a place brings much needed culture and unique cuisine to a market saturated with chain restaurants. It is an ideal place to get away with friends or a significant other. For romantic dates, I recommend visiting at night. It won’t disappoint. Where else can you truly feel transported in the midst of a college town?

Eat Hibachi!

Athens, Georgia
Phone Number Not Available
Price: $5-$10

By Anna Fry

Eat Hibachi! proclaims a new, bright yellow sign on Broad Street in downtown Athens, Ga. I would encourage University of Georgia students to obey. Judging by the relatively small number of patrons, it seems most have yet to discover this new Korean/Japanese treasure that is entering its third week of business.

Unlike more upscale Athens eateries like DePalma’s Italian Cafe and East-West Bistro, which are geared more toward visitors willing to shell out more money, Eat Hibachi has targeted a specific clientele with its cheap prices: students.

Speaking as a student who, while experiencing a budget crunch has eaten more Spaghetti-O’s and Ramen Noodles than most people eat in a lifetime, I can say that the low prices for such quality, fresh food are amazing; the most expensive menu item costs $6.49. Not to mention that the generous portion sizes are big enough to provide two meals.

Rather than attempting to create an elegant atmosphere, the tone of the restaurant is one of convenience and efficiency, two more attractive qualities to busy students. To speed up the ordering process, take-out and dine-in customers order at a single cash register from bright picture menus posted on the wall and then file down a counter line.

The menus are slightly frustrating because although they have appetizing pictures, no listed description of the dishes is included. My guess is the majority of the restaurant’s customers (me included) would not know what dishes such as Yakisoba and Job-chae contain.

In all fairness, I didn’t get a chance to see if the printed menu includes descriptions because the restaurant had run out. Fortunately, the employee at the register was friendly and enthusiastically helpful, patiently enduring my ignorant American interrogation about the Korean food.

From the line, the namesake hibachi grill is visible. Customers can watch their order being freshly prepared in front of them.
Most customers opted for take-out, which is unfortunate because sitting at the beautiful mahogany tables watching the passers-by on Broad Street was enjoyable. Side-walk seating is also available.

I am quite possibly the world’s most impatient person, but the ten-minute wait listening to a bizarre mix of incongruous music (Rascal Flatts to Jessica Simpson to K-Ci and Jojo) for my food honestly didn’t bother me because I could watch and smell the progress of my meal.

Once my heaping bowl of steaming food arrived, a friend suggested taking a picture because it was just so darn pretty. It was one of the most aesthetically pleasing meals I’ve ever had.

Upon the suggestion of the hostess, I chose Bi-bim-bob and a side of Miso soup from a limited menu of 13 entrees and three sides. Most entrees consist of a meat or fish, some sort of vegetable and rice.

Bi-bim-bob consists of separated portions of beef cooked in a spicy sauce, lettuce, cucumber, carrots, imitation crab, and a fried egg over a bed of white rice. The unique red bi-bim-bob sauce provided is created at the restaurant by mixing a traditional Korean hot chili sauce with vinegar and sugar. The result is tangy, sweet, and spicy and is supposed to be drizzled over the dish once the ingredients have all been mixed together.

The Miso soup was a letdown after the fantastic Bi-bim-bob. The broth was too salty and the tofu had an uncomfortably mushy texture.

The ever-popular menu choice of teriyaki chicken was notable only for its freshness. The fried rice served with that meal is sweet and the fact that it too is prepared on the hibachi grill gives it a nice, almost firm texture. This meal is available with your choice of chicken, beef, shrimp, salmon, or some combination of two.

One disappointment experienced by a friend is the lack of vegetarian-friendly options. All the entrees include either meat or fish and she had to order the regular entrée without the meat so she was charged full price but received less food.

However, the cheap prices, generous portions, and fresh, tasty food are more than enough to overshadow Eat Hibachi’s limited menu options. So, Eat Hibachi!