Around Town

I've been seriously neglecting the restaurant scene lately. So before I go to bed tonight, here's a few quick bites. Oh, and about halfway through writing this, I realized that Chrome's spellchecker wasn't on tonight, so I switched back over to Firefox 3.whatever. So you should all feel very glad you are wading through my near illiterate, unchecked writings.

*Red Salt is now open. I've been eagerly awaiting it since I saw it under cobstruction several months ago. It's taking over the old Canton Street Cafe space in downtown Roswell and is owned by the same people as The Little Alley tapas resturant, also in Roswell. The concept is "gastropub", which is the hot trendy thing in dining right now. It's already got a rave review from The Roswell Neighbor (who actually has a professional reviewer, so yay!) and word on the street is that it's already packed. I'll try to slip in there for lunch sometime this month and check it out. We did peek in the door last weekend and are already impressed with what they've done with space.

*Katie's Bakery is also now open. This is taking the place of the late, lamented Sunrise Cafe on Holcomb Bridge Road. I tried to stop in for lunch last week, but my dining companion got a very urgent phonecall and we had to leave right after out orders were placed. We're planning a redo tomorow, so I'll probably post about it soon. But from what I saw, I was very pleased. Very moderately priced selections for both lunch and breakfast and the complimentary blueberry muffin we snacked on as we ordered was excellent.

*Tip O' The Hat today to the Blissful Glutton, who points us in the direction of an amazing opportunity at The Village Tavern.

Beginning Sunday, Sept. 7 and continuing throughout September, diners can select any of Village Tavern’s hand-cut steaks, including Filet Mignon, Ribeye and New York Strip, and receive a complimentary steak of equal or lesser value, garden salad and baked potato every Sunday after 4 p.m. Corporate Executive Chef Mary Grace Viado, whose recipes have earned her a Governor’s Award in Alabama, uses only the finest ingredients in Village Tavern’s signature Steak Au Poivre and Filet Mignon, both available in eight and 10 ounce servings. The menu also features Certified Angus Beef Prime Rib, New York Strip, Top Sirloin and Ribeye, offering the exact steak to please every guest’s palate. Each steak is served with a garden salad and each guest’s choice of side item, ranging from loaded baked potato and French fries to sautéed vegetables. When perfectly paired with a glass of wine from Village Tavern’s extensive and award-winning wine list or one of the unique specialty martinis and cocktails, this steak special is sure to help everyone’s week start on a high note. Village Tavern’s wide-ranging menu also features fresh fish, pasta, chicken, pizzas, burgers and an array of salads, appetizers and sandwiches, but guests are advised to leave room for delicious desserts!

Village Tavern is located on Westside Parkway, one block north of the Haynes Bridge Road at 11555 Rainwater Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30004. The restaurant serves lunch Monday through Friday, dinner seven days a week and Sunday brunch. For more information and to see Village Tavern’s wide-ranging menu, award-winning wine list and unique selection of signature cocktails, please visit www.villagetavern.com or call 770.777.6490.

It's been awhile since I've made it to The Village Tavern, but it's an excellent, high quality restaurant. They aren't the best and they aren't fancy and definitely not creative. But everything they do is executed with a quiet competence. Steaks are what they do best, so I know where I plan to be this Sunday.

Well, I've got as trip to the Riverside Farmer's Market tomorrow, and hopefully a return trip to Katie's, so I'm off to bed.