The Book House Pub

We all know the Book House is where all the hipsters come to play since no one really reads here, it's too dark. I'm no hipster but I'm digging their Tuesday Tiki nights. Where else can you pick your own tiki drinking vessel and the concoction to go in it? The bonus is that you can keep the cup thinger, too... You can also trade it in for something else if you grow tiresome of your goblet. The kitchen has gone through some (many) changes since the beginning. It was good, then bad, then ok, then crap and now it has gotten good again. It's not a huge menu but this isn't a huge place. It's a cozy little joint of oversized glasses, progessive hairdos (possibly just woke up hair), skinny jeans (yeah, they're still in here), thrift store rags, old wimmen bloomers and interesting tattoos in "why the fuck" locations. All these things are good things... Well, except the skinny jeans. No one wants to see your pubey plums. But let's get back to the food if we can after that image... The menu is a step above pub grub which got my attention. Let's take a look at a couple samples...

Roasted Bone Marrow. All this for seven fucking dollars? Fuck yes, bro. This is one of the best bone marrows I have had in this town and I have had all of them. Cut length wise and prepared spot on. Scoop some of that heavenly smeg on the grilled ciabatta and top it with a little chow-chow and you got yourself a tasty concoction. So friggin good.

So damn good, I had to get it again and again on every visit.

Chicharrónes and Spicy Bleu Cheese Chips. Awesome fried pork skins, crispy, fluffy and greaseless, same hot sauce as wingy. Buffalo Bill would rather eat them than wear them... Oh, wait... Wasn't the pouch a great big fat person? Yeah, I am. The bleu cheese chips were cute but you have to eat them pretty quickly or else they turn soggy like a wet diaper... That's the worse part when eating a bald pussy. Don't you hurt my precious!

Wingy. Get them naked, extra-crispy and sauce on the side... Trust me. They are good, very good here... And at a hipster joint. Can you believe that shit? The hot sauce is decent but it still works.

Veggie Burger. Yeah yeah whatever... It's edible, if you're a rabbit or a marmot.There's just too much green on this plate and I can't even smoke this shit. Depressing.

Fish Sandwich. This coulda been a hit or a real mess. All I could think of was the filet-o-fish. But I was pleasantly surprise, a hunky piece of greaseless fried fish, crispy outside and steamy flaky inside. The ciabatta bun was surprisingly fresh and good. Fresh hand cut fries were super hot and crispy.

The menu/food execution has been on a roller coaster ride ever since they opened... I'm glad they picked up their game with very acceptable bar food and more. I'll prolly go through the entire menu eventually but I'm a sucker for that bone marrow and wingy. I'm starting to have another bromance with this hipster spot. 


736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
404-254-1176
http://bookhousepub.com/

On the Bayou

New Orleans grub is not very popular in Atlanta, eventhough, it's one of the most flavorful and exceptional "cuisine" in this country. The French rednecks really did a fine job on their local cuisine, along with Spanish, Italian, African, Native American, Cajun, Chinese, and a hint of Cuban influences made this area a world-class food destination. Unfortunately, outside of New Orleans the cuisine translation are pretty much watered down. Hard to find a decent po'boy outside of Weezy-Anna. Ok, we have Crawfish Shack which is tasty but far from authentic. There's a few other Cajun/Creole places way OTP but not good enough to merit the drive and time. I just don't trust any place that claims they have authentic New Orleans grub but that doesn't stop me from trying it either... Especially, when I have a hankering for a oyster po'boy.

Gumbo Ya Ya. The cup is a generous portion and the toasted baquette was nice but rather have a little shaker of file powder, instead.

The gumbo was full of andouille slices, shrimp, a nice chunk of chicken with skin on and some rice... But it was too watery and a tad oily. It needed more okra and/or roux, well, I prefer a thicker, richer, heartier, more consistent gumbo.. But that's me, though. The flavor was acceptable but definitely not a classic gumbo.

Oyster Po'boy. Oh, boy, Leidenheimer bread! It's all about the bread, just like an Amoroso with a Philthy. I think this is the only place in town that uses the real deal. This bread made the po'boy... But the oysters were quite good as well. Crispy, greaseless and plump. This might be my favorite po'boy in town. The bread is so good. The seasoned fries were the frozen kind and as expected, filler.

Soft Shell Crab Platter. This is a good deal for the amount of food and that soft shell crab was really nice. It was pretty large, crispy, tender and pretty fresh. Eventhough, the minced crabmeat on top was from a can, it was still a nice touch. The batter/crust was not greasy which was a nice change to see. It also comes with a boatload of brown bag seasoned fries, couple of hush puppies and white bread toast. The star of the dish of course was the crab and everything else were just conversation.

Side Salad. This thing came with the platter... I had more "salad" fall out of my po'boy than in this monkey dish. I thought it was a joke at first but they were serious it was a real salad. Still laughing at this pathetic joke played on me.

Banana Pudding. Not bad, nice and mushy and chunks of bananas. One of the better ones in town.

I like this place... Mostly because they use Leidenheimer bread (oh, that bread!). But the grub was not too shabby. I would come back and try the other po'boys and a couple of entrees like the frog's legs and jamabalaya. Too bad they don't have beignets.


3120 South Cobb Dr SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(770) 990-6614

Timone's - Local Pizza Joint

Anyone who claims they have NY pizza in this town gotta have balls the size sasquatch. I mean that is something you just don't advertise unless you got that shit down. This town is full of places that boasts they have NY pizza and they have ALL failed. But that doesn't stop me from trying it. So, the the people behind Rosebud and Family Dog are getting into the NY pizzeria game because they have some family from Long Island (I think that's qualification enough to make real NY 'Za, right?). Rosebud is decent but Family Dog is... Well, a dog. So, this place will be a crap shoot because of the very middling experiences I have had at those places. If this place can deliver authentic NY 'ZA, I will lick their balls... It's time to nut up or shut up.

Rice Balls. Sweet peas, Prosciutto, Parmesan. AKA Arancini... But don't ask the server in that native tongue, she will have no clue what you're talking about. They were quite impressive with the mass of bull balls... But they were dry and bland on the inside once you cut them open. You will want more sauce but like everything else, it will cost you for 2 extra spoonfuls. I was afraid to use the pepper mill and salt shaker because they might charge me extra, too. The sauce is not bad but they should make these rice balls smaller and plate 3 per order. These balls could be good but they need more work, more cheese (preferrably mozzarella for that melt factor) and more butter and seasoning. I take my balls to the massage palor on Buford Hwy, they are spectacular, maybe it might work for them, too. The caesar salad was baffling to me, why is it extra for anchovies? It's like the bacon is extra in a BLT.

Local Oyster Mushrooms, Benton's Country Ham, Cracked Olives & Smoked Mozzarella. These signature pies are not cheap because of some of the quality ingredients they use. But with one look at their pie selections right in the middle of the menu, there was no doubt these were not NY 'Za's. Even the "cheese & pepperoni by request" in small print is not even close... But does that mean it will suck? No way. You don't only have to be NY or Napoletana style to be good. 

One thing that is obviously not NY style is the fluffy bready crust and char-less bottom. It also reminded me of a hint of Mellow Mushroom with the semolina bits on the bottom of the dough. This particluar pie was pretty salty overall even without the help of the Benton's ham and olives. Another thing, the pie menu is kinda confusing on whether which pie has red sauce or not. I thought this selection of ingredients would come with red sauce but I was wrong and kinda disappointed. Bottomline: This is not a NY style pizza. It's fine for some people but for the ex-pats, it's not even close.

Chicken Cutlet Parm. Macaroni salad. Look at the size of the roll... Someone's compensating for something. Open up your buns and let me see your bloody meat flap. It's a shame the thinly pounded schnitzel size chicken parm was overcooked and dried out. Almost seems like the chicken patty was deep fried beforehand and left sitting under a heat lamp. The slice of cheese was barely melted and had zero gooey cheesy factor. The roll itself was not buttered or toasted either for that crunch factor. Just a pretty plain jane borderline boring sandwich that could be so much more. The mac salad... Nevermind.

Well, the search for true NY style pizza continues... Somehow, I don't think there will ever be one in this town. But the soda jerk "bar" is fun here... There's a bunch of different homemade flavors, the root beer I tasted was very nice. All it needs is some booze in it. One thing they did get right was not to put NY anywhere near the name of the place... As my friend calls it, "Tim One's".

1409 North Highland Avenue
Suite D
Atlanta, GA 30306
404.809.2979
http://www.timonespizzaatlanta.com/

Shoya Revisit

I love this place but I haven't been back in awhile... So, it was about time to see what's new with this izakaya. The gaijins have definitely found out about this place now... I hope they didn't crackerize the grub. Let's grab a couple of snacks before dinner... Check out the action shots with my new rotary phone.

Koebi Karaage. Fried baby shrimp... the real popcorn shrimp. Addictive like Popeyes, almost.

Tako Sunomono. Who doesn't like octopus and seaweed. C'mon, puh-leez. Squat and gobble.

Sashimi Deluxe. I always get this. Always. And it's always good. The selection and freshness is very good. The sweet shrimp (amaebi) is always a favorite with the fried heads afterwards.

This was a rice dish that someone ordered. The rice was a bit crispy on the bottom with this super savory and homey thick broth/stew thingy on top with mushrooms, noodles, veggies, and lord knows what else... Is my dog in there? I hope so because he is a dericious lil motherfucker.

Soft Shell Crab. If I see it on the menu, I eat it. This did not disappoint. Light, crispy batter and tender sweet crabby inside.

Salmon Kama. A little change from my favorite hamchi kama... It was pretty good, prepared the same way but I prefer the hamachi kama.

Tempura Udon. Pretty much standard issue here... Not gonna blow your mind but it's soothing comfort food.

This place still rocks... Didn't expect any less from these hard working guys. They never take off and consistently put out good grub day in and day out.

Ok, I'm ready for dinner now.


6035 Peachtree Rd
Doraville, GA 30360 770-457-5555
http://www.shoyaatlanta.com/

El Señor Taco

I lurv tacos... All different types of tacos. Meat tacos, fish tacos, offal tacos, Korean tacos, vegan tacos, stuffed tacos, dirty tacos, fromunda tacos and even pink tacos. The best thing about them is that they are great whether you're sober or drunk as a motherfucker. They are also a great consolation prize when that chick you've been hitting on and buying drinks for all night at the bar doesn't go home with you... But a vag taco from Taco Bell will and you can slay it as you see fit. Let's forget about Toxic Hell for a minute and let's get some real tacos... Where else than Buford Hwy. This dive is by no means new and hip, but their staying power can mean only one thing... That their shit is guud. Time to munch on some Mexican V-pies.

I dig this salsa bar... Goes from hot to tepid. This ain't no watered down diarrhea salsa. Shit was as thick as a Mexican's muffin top. So good. 

Lengua and Cabeza Taco Plate. Lengua is tender and chunky. Cabeza (cheek) would be a hit with Hannibal Lecter. The rice and refried beans were ok, Definitely, a Mexican't muffin top filler. Came with a drink, too... Get the horchata. Shit was sweet as fuck but a tasty beverage tis was to wash down all that offal.

Fish Taco Baja Style. The closest form of Baja fish tacos you can get in this town. Breaded and deep fried fish (not tilapia, I think it's pollock based on the texture) with a super light crispy batter that isn't at all greasy like the other dumps around town. You can mow down these fish vag in 2 or 3 bites. That's what she said. They threw in this silly deep fried pepper with lemon pepper seasoning. I ate the shit outta it, pwned it like a boss. I'm usually not a big fan of fish tacos (because they load it up with a bunch crap on top) unless they are grilled but these specimens were quite tasty. PS- Wednesdays are fish taco day for a dollar. Time to load up the pouch.

I like this taco shack. It's good and it's cheap. They also have a bunch of other tasty things on menu like the shrimp and octopus cocktail (campechena) and assortment of sopes. Oh, I think Mondays are 3 potato tacos for a buck, too... What a fucking deal and a half. Go get ya some.

4005 Buford Hwy NE
Ste H
Atlanta, GA 30345
404-982-0777

Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria

When this place first opened, they were putting out some decent edible grub. The coal oven was hot as shit and the only one of it's kind in town. It's been awhile since I've been back. I was in the area so I snuck in for a quick bite. The one thing I did noticed was that there were no coals in the oven or any evidence of it nearby, just wood burning away in there... Not that it's a bad thing but if your resto's name says coal oven, shouldn't it have coal? It's like Lombardi's sans coal, not gonna happen, bro. Maybe it was in there but I didn't seen any because it was the size of gerbil shit.

Garden Salad. The dressing looks and has the same consistency as chocolate pudding. Baffling. The ruffage was quite moist and turned the pudding into liquid diarrhea. How they managed to screw up a salad is beyond words.

Lemon Pepper Wings. These wings so friggin good in the beginning... Now, it's a study in moppishness.You taste nothing except the char from being in the non-coal wood burning oven for way too long. Sprinkling some powder cheese on top of it ain't covering up this debacle. The yogurt sauce is still ok... But even dick cheese sauce would taste good paired with these dried up wings. Have they no shame...

Margherita. Looks decent enough. But I'm still gonna pick at it... Not enough char, the sauce was bland and boring, and the cheese was shredded morsels from a plastic bag. Not exactly "fresh mozzarella". Once the pie got to room temp the cheese started congealing. It was like eating silicone... Put a pepperoni nipple on top and it may be edible that way. The dough had cracker like consistency, not much rise or moisture.

Nothing tastes better than raw flour mixed with saliva to make a new pizza flavored gum. There was at least an 8 ball's worth of uncut AP snow. I shoulda snorted it instead. Bottom line: The pizza is not even worth a ball scratch... They don't even care about the food here anymore, it's just an assembly line now. No quality control... And it shows in the end product. I've had better frozen pizzas from an Easy Bake Oven. If there were coals in there, this wouldn't had happened... Well, maybe it would have anyways. Disappointing and pathetic.

Zeppoli's. Speaking of pathetic. To continue the "who gives a shit" trend here... Look at these wretched specimens. I know most people use pizza dough to make them but they are always too heavy and just nasty to eat. The people who make them correctly uses a lighter dough so they are crispier and fluffier inside. But these things that came out had no rhyme or reason to their shape, it almost looked like cut up chunks of bananas. For a second, I thought they were fried fish, just missing the chips. They were so dense it was like chewing on ballistic gelatin... Tell-tale sign they were "fried" hours ago. They also came out in 30 seconds at room temp from a box underneath the work station. No powder sugar, just some HFCS jizzlobbery pumped all over it. Fuck me.

Don't even bother.

300 Marietta St NW 
Atlanta, Georgia 30313
404-974-2941
http://www.maxsatl.com/

Blue Grotto Sushi, Tapas & Bar

Have you ever got that not-so-fwesh feeling in your bowels before you even step into a place? Well, this place did it for me. I'm not scared of many things but this got me soiling my underpants before I even stepped foot in the door. This tiny strip mall is scary especially at night. A fucking ninja might jump off the roof and slash me in half with that short stubby ninja sword of his and then disappear behind some smoke bomb back into his tree with his bloody junk still sticking out from his pajama pants.

I'm gonna use the most over-used phrase that is in every Yelper's vocabulary... "I wanted to like this place but...". This place gave me the creeps. They had some weird ass Asian Cirque du Soleil Gangnam style DVD playing on the TV mounted in the strangest place, right above my head. The menu is really fucking weird, they have Tapas. Yeah, I said Tapas, the shit you find at a Spanish resto. The sushi selection looked awful. I tried to bolt outta there twice when they weren't looking but they kept giving me the evil eye. These motherfuckers knew what's up... Sometimes, it's better to pay a little bit to get outta there alive. So, I got the most generic dishes with the highest turnover... For freshness. Yeah, right, in this place...

Tempura Bento Box, 4 jumbo shrimp & assorted vegetables. Decent except they were using pre-fabbed factory frozen shrimp tempura, the veggies were aight. The tempura sauce was salty as a dog's penis and it wasn't even tempura sauce, just cheap soy sauce with some chemicals in it like brake fluid. Asked for some ponzu and that shit was even worse. WTF, yo?

Ichi. No, not the killer but this may make you slit your mouth open, though... Spicy tuna roll, 5pc nigiri, & 4pc sashimi. Holy shit... Wha da fuck is this? Looked like my 3 year old nephew put this plate together from a Play-Doh set. The nigiri and sashimi slices were all pretty much stale tasting... Thawed, refrozen, thawed, refrozen over and over again. Had a SPAM-like texture and it wasn't even made of mechanically separated pork product. A SPAM musubi sounds good to me right about now, it's even more authentic than this.

I have never eaten so fast at a sit down joint. I didn't even order a drink and that's really fucked up. I was itching the whole time to leave but those mofos took hours to get the check, it was like they were waiting for me to order more of their slop. When I signed the bill, I high tailed it outta there... All there was left was a vapor trail. Don't waste your time, go to Ru San's instead... Even if they scored a 61 recently. And if you really want Tapas, go to Taco Bell afterwards.



220 Sandy Springs Cir, Suite 205
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
(678) 705-6688
 http://bluegrottotapas.com/