LEKR on the Road: Atlanta
In April, the LEKR team headed down south to Atlanta to sample some of the city’s finest. Atlanta has been experiencing a culinary renaissance for the past 10 years or so. No longer just a meat-and-three or expense account fine-dining town, Atlanta has been taking on and even leading some of the national food trends, including food trucks, farm-to-table and quirky. On this trip we kept it casual albeit varied with a mix of deli, seafood, BBQ and bar food. Out of four restaurants, only one was a disappointment. And it was not bad, just unable to live up to the hype.
General Muir
The Food:
I had read about the vegetarian reuben, made with smoked beets, in Bon Appetit and was dying to try it. My companion, who hails from the NY metro area, decided on the corned beef. We shared fries and slaw as sides. Overall, everything was okay, but not exceptional. The beets kept sliding out of the sandwich, which may not seem like a big deal, but is very annoying after the third or fourth time. The fries were good. The slaw looked good, very creamy and piled high, but lacked flavor, I think that was the overwhelming feeling about the lunch. None of the flavors popped. And I don’t mean in an overseasoned, hot for hot’s sake way. Just very neutral on the palate.
The Drinks:
Only one- Viognier Le Paradou Rhone Valley, France 2011
The Service:
Our waitress was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.
The Atmosphere:
General Muir is in a new urban shopping mall/residential complex called Emory Point. I loved the look of the place, clean and bright with white tiles and a mix of booths and wooden tables. Plus, there was a covered patio for sunny days.
The Verdict:
Jury is out. I want to love this place, so I will give it another try for the traditional “appetizing” offerings like the smoked salmon and other fish, plus the bagels.
Fox Brothers BBQ
Fox Brothers gets a lot of hype. From big-name food publications to not always reliable Yelpers. I love barbecue, and its one of the few foods that I do not cook for myself. In any event, I love to eat bbq and especially all the accompaniments. I liked the look of Fox Brothers as we drove in. It is a rangy, low-slug red wood building, with a big patio. It sits by the railroad tracks (not sure if this is the right or wrong side) in a gentrifying area on the east side of Atlanta.
The Food:

Fried pickles: strange and strangely addictive. Served piping hot and crispy.
Rib combo with baby back ribs and brisket, plus macaroni and cheese and greens 
Sloppy Bro: Brisket with bbq sauce, american cheese and onion rings 
The Drinks:
Only sweet tea this time, it was only 11 am on a Wednesday, but it was good and cold.
The Service:
Cheery and efficient. You could float away on the drink refills.
The Atmosphere:
The Verdict: Go here now and go here hungry. The brisket was the tastiest I’ve ever had in a restaurant. The ribs were well-seasoned with a zesty dry rub and the meat was tender and juicy. The collards rocked. The mac and cheese, was good, but not exceptional. Next time I want to try the Frito Pie.
The Optimist
Located in Atlanta’s revived Westside neighborhood, which has become a foodie paradise, The Optimist always puts a smile on my face.
The Food:
Appetizer: A dozen oysters (east and west coast) 
Dinner:
Crispy whole red snapper with garlicky ginger sauce, charred peppers, and fried shallots. 
Halibut with grilled artichoke, lemon anchovy citronette, and spicy olive relish
Basmati “fried rice”, smoked fish, curry, peanuts, and egg
Dessert:
Chocolate tart with sea salt and a toasted coconut marshmallow, plus toasted coconut sorbet  
The Drinks:
Reef Rye (High Rye Redemption, Aperol, citrus and strawberries), and Leitz Out Riesling (dry). The Reef Rye was perfect for a warm spring evening. Boozy, but refreshing thanks to the tart citrus and sweet berries.
The Service:
Friendly, but not overly familiar. Dish arrival was well-timed.
The Atmosphere:
High energy and high volume. Fun for couples or a group, but not the place for intimate conversation.
The Verdict:
I love this restaurant. It has the right combination of good food, varied menu and energetic atmosphere that keeps me coming back.
Victory Sandwich Bar 
The Food:
The Castro-smoked pork, ham, pickle, fontina cheese and yellow mustard 
Porky’s Revenge-smoked pork, Texas bbq with bread and butter pickles with a side of Israeli couscous with confit tomatoes, cilantro, and white balsamic 
House salad with mixed lettuce, radish, parmesan and sherry vinaigrette 
The Drinks:
The Paloma-Mexican grapefruit soda with reposado tequila and lime “World Famous” Jack and coke slushy. Order it and make it the 8 ounce. 
The Service:
Order at the bar and get it delivered to your table. At a certain time of day, they shift to table service. 
The Atmosphere:
Industrial hipster, in a good way. An eclectic, friendly crowd. 
The Verdict:
Love at first sight, first bite, and first sip. I have told many Atlanta friends about this place. It is a great spot to spend an afternoon. And when the weather’s nice, you can sit on the patio.