The staff was gracious, knowledgeable and attentive, without being over the top. Ian, our ever so charming waiter, started us off with the sautee of wild mushrooms and Locatelli polenta; caramelized garlic risotto with aged balsamic; seared New Bedford scallop, sweet corn and Nueske’s applewood bacon; and sweet Georgia white shrimp, tasso gravy and Logan Turnpike grits. Polenta is polenta, but the wild mushrooms were sautéed with rosemary, which added a rich flavor, without being overwhelming. The New Bedford scallop was cooked to perfection – a delight to the palate. The Nueske’s applewood bacon overpowered the corn a bit too much for me, but it would be a dream for a bacon lover. The Logan Turnpike grits were the creamiest I’ve tasted, but I was not impressed with the tasso gravy and the shrimp were a bit tough. The risotto was deliciously satisfying.
For round two, Ian selected the grilled flatbread, duck confit, fig jam and Point Reyes Blue; chipotle pork, corn relish with Arbol vinaigrette; green chile prosciutto mac & cheese; and Guinness braised boneless short rib. I’m a duck lover, so I was in heaven with the grilled flatbread. The fig jam mellowed the Point Reyes Blue perfectly. The chipotle pork was savory with a touch of spiciness. The Guinness braised boneless short rib was melt-in-your-mouth fabulous, especially paired with the awesome mac & cheese.
For dessert, we had the white chocolate caramel bread pudding with Maker’s Mark caramel. Here’s a secret – it’s made with Krispy Kreme doughnuts! While some bread puddings can be heavy, this was a mouthful of scrumptious BLISS!
No good meal is served without wine, so we did partake in libations, too. The 2008 Four Vines Paso Robles Naked Chardonnay made this ABC girl (anything but chardonnay) a chardonnay drinker. Why? No oak! Yes, you are not left with that, “I just drank a tree” taste that many chardonnays leave behind. The 2009 Kung Fu Girl Washington State Riesling was crisp and fruity, without being sweet. The 2008 Villa San-Juliette Paso Robles Petit Syrah had intense tannins, and an herbal bouquet fill with black fruit and plums. The 2007 Eberle Syrah, my personal favorite, was fruit rich and tannin mellow.
Whether it is date night, girls night out, or forget cooking, I’m making a reservation night, I highly recommend Cellar 56 for any night. Cellar 56 is located at 56 E Andrews Drive Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30305-1316, (678) 244-3600. Specials include: $19.00 All You Can Eat Mondays and Two-for-One Tuesdays.
This review and my upcoming monthly reviews can be found in North Georgia Leisure Magazine.
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