Baroni attempted a more localized affordable menu but most dishes fell short. The pizza were ok but really nothing to write home about, I mean, they definitely can do a proper Napoletana 'Za as proof at Baraonda... But Baroni had a gas oven not wood fired. So, maybe there's your problem. Their other problem was the clientele they were attracting... It became more family oriented which is not a bad thing but for their bottom line, it was a bad thing. Family of 6 taking up valuable space and only ordering a pizza and a salad to share doesn't help pay the bills. They also don't order alcohol either. So, basically, it became an upscale Ci Ci's. They needed to change strategy or else face the firing squad.
Now, they've changed up things here more oriented for the adult scene... Bigger bar, better mood lighting and a customizable menu with small, medium, large plates to fit your appetite. But is it for the better? I think so, I like the new space. These guys, Mario and Constanzo, know what they're doing, they can deliver but they have to have the right formula. Baroni seemed to have the right formula but it was too cartoonish. It screamed franchise. But now I think Fig Jam has a personality, a local spot to hangout and nosh... It feels right. But nevermind all that jazz... How's the food?
Let's take a first look...
(Quail Airline Breast, Blackberry Glaze)
First dish that came out was pretty tasty... A good sign. Cooked medium with a nice pink center. Some would think it's a bit too sweet with the glaze and all but it worked for me.
(Lamb Belly, Bourbon Maple Sauce)
Saw this first on the menu and had to order it. It was either pork belly or lamb belly... You don't see lamb belly around town much, so I had to have it. It was super tender but not fatty. It was a nice dish, not mind blowing but did satisfy the craving.
(Stuffed Topneck Clams, Bechamel, Panko)
Presentation is lacking but who cares, I'm not eating the plate. Was pretty good and happy to see there was actually a whole clam underneath all that stuff and not canned minced clams.
Presentation is lacking but who cares, I'm not eating the plate. Was pretty good and happy to see there was actually a whole clam underneath all that stuff and not canned minced clams.
(Hot Crab Dip & Naan Bread)
Ok, let's just get it out there... This is not Naan bread. It's more like a pita or flat bread. They need to work on the dough recipe if they want to continue to keep calling it naan. The crab dip was passable... But I'm not really a big fan of dips because they seem so trailer park to me, it's like some neck just started to combine things he had lying around his single-wide in a bowl... Basically, crap in a bowl.
(Mussels in Coconut Lemongrass Curry Broth)
Yes, this dish has been done a million and one times but that's ok with me. If it is done properly and tastes good, it's all good with me. Mussels were decent size and the broth was flavorful. It'll do the trick if you want to dine on some unbearded bivalves.
(Flatbread- Lamb Sausage, Feta Cheese, Roasted Garlic)
Yeah, it's a pedestrian dish because it's meant to be. But if the ingredients are fresh and cooked to order, this is a tasty little filler. The roasted garlic was the best part.
(Flatbread- Portobello, Goat Cheese, Onion, Truffle Oil)
Truffle oil is so overdone but I gotta admit, this was good. It's just a good combo of toppings. Fragrant and tasty. The flatbread was just right, not too crispy with the right amount of chew.
(Mixed Grill- Duck Breast, Sausage, Lamb, Sirloin)
This is like every man's wet dream... A good selection of different cuts and all cooked... (wait for it)... "To perfection". That even surprised me from a place opened only for 3 days. It was like $30 or something, easily one of the more pricey dishes on the menu but I thought it was worth it.
(Revolutionary Mac & Cheese)
Nothing really revolutionary, it was pretty much a law-abiding version... Meaning it was a very standard version but it coulda used a little more cheese and cream to get a more velvety texture. Also, got to be hot hot hot as well since you're serving it in a little cast iron thingy.
(Molten Lava Cake)
(No idea what this was, some kinda Bread Pudding thinger)
(Cheesecake)Yeah, I'm not really a dessert/pastry person, hence no comments on the last three dishes. They did send out this brownie thing also and it was ok. The desserts are not really all that, but I don't expect it to be for a place like this.
This joint is good for drinks and some bites... Maybe even a full dinner excursion. It really depends on your mood. I liked it for what it is and I hope the area will enjoy it, too. With a little time, I think they will become a whole lot better. We need more stuff like this on this stretch of Peachtree... Because Justin's and Frank Ski's just doesn't do it for me, renting the same old Lambo on the weekends get tiresome.
2 Stars.
1745 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-724-9100
http://www.figjamatlanta.com/
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