There are two locations which both are inside a W Hotel. There's one in the W Dallas that replaced Tom Colicchio's Craft and here in the W Buckhead that replaced Jean-Georges' Market. We all know too well about Craft's short-lived tenure in this city. The food was decent but way over-priced for what it was, hopefully Del Frisco's can do what Craft couldn't... Or maybe not, I already know the answer to that but that's another review. J-G's Market was an underwhelming specimen that even insulted dog food manufacturers. Don't even get me started on that creasture.
So, what's this Cook Hall and what are they about? Having both Atlanta and Dallas openings in sync at the W Hotel is no coincidence. If this concept succeeds, will they replace that other shitty Jean-Georges outpost in the W Midtown? Lord knows J-G have been dreaming of that day when he can take that location off his website. Like with the other Buckhead newbie, Seven Lamps, CH's menu is much the same with the small craft food plates (aka "American Gastropub") geared more towards sharing and exploring more dishes. They also do a CH cocktail kit where you make your own drinks. I'm totally down-syndrome with that. Well? We're waiting... How was it?
First off... They have their own housemade hot sauce. That's a plus in my book already. The hot sauce was a bit watery and needed more heat for my taste because I'm a fucking freak of nature but it's totally acceptable for the masses. It will be spicy to most people.
RICCO’S MEATBALLS. Looks like a total mess you find in another type of bowl but it was quite tasty. It's almost like a fancy chili.
COOK HALL BURGER, SWEET & SPICY SAUCE. I was craving a real American burger because I was in Hong Kong for the past week. And this did the trick, the bun was a little too large on top but smush it down and you're in business. Coulda used a few more slices of gaufrettes (kinda chintzy with 4 little chips) because they were really crispy and tasty. One of the more decent burgers in town that doesn't have to be on some secret menu. Stop that shit.
DEVILED EGGS WITH GULF BLUE CRAB. Good idea, bad execution. Don't mix the crab meat in with the yolks. Just don't.
KALE CAESAR SALAD WITH EGG & PARMESAN. Pretty straight forward dish, maybe that's why it was pretty good.
PIMENTO MAC & CHEESE. I'm sick of the whole pimento cheese shit. No one likes that shit. But if it was in a mac & cheese... Won't blow your mind but I liked it. The whole texture thing was orally nice.
POPCORN SHRIMP WITH RANCH DRESSING. W. T. F... Is this? It literally was what it said it was. Cute. But once is probably more than enough. Not bad, just kinda gimmicky. Good for kids if you have any... Or a really dumb date.
CARAMELIZED CAULIFLOWER, HUMMUS. This was tasty. The cauliflower was totally transformed when flash fried. Made all the difference. Fun little side snacky thinger.
NUTELLA TORTE. Yeah, that's what she said.
BUTTERSCOTCH PUDDING. I believe you.
They did a good job with the space and menu (food and cocktail), it's simple, straight forward, no fancy words, casual, good service and a pretty decent execution on everything... I will be sampling more in the future. It's not a world class destination, it's a place to hangout grab a bite to eat and have a few libations. The only issue I have is probably the location, the valet sucks but you do get validated for 3 hours.Will this place last?
Developing...
3377 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
404-523-3600
http://cookhallatlanta.com/
