All About Atlanta

Okay, seriously, we are not suggesting that somebody from London or New York or anywhere really is going to drop everything and plan a vacation to Atlanta. But it is a city on the rise with a ton to offer. So, if you're coming down here for business or to see friends and family, you now have a lot more upscale options. Actually it makes for a great road trip or weekend getaway if you are in the Southeast. To some people Atlanta is their New York when it comes to shopping and nightlife. I mean, we do have the only IKEA for miles and miles...

So, where to go in Atlanta? What to do in Atlanta? Where to stay?  There are some of the trendiest restaurants, boutique hotels for the savvy traveler.  How about dinner at Neuvo Laredo or Apres Diem followed by dancing at Fever or MJQ.  There are plenty of other things to do in Atlanta, so read on to get the scoop.

For starters nobody down here ever says Hotlanta. So please check that phrase at the city limits.

Checkout the largest aquarium in the world only a few blocks down the road. Waste the afternoon away in Piedmont Park and then grab a drink at the Park Tavern. Hike up Stone Mountain if you need to get away from it all.

Atlanta has tons of great restaurants representing all kinds of cuisine.  Yes, we like our tea sweet down here, but that does not mean every place cooks Southern.  You'll find some shrimp and grits, but you'll also find amazing Seafood, Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Latin, Italian, and more.

Here are our journeyPod picks to give you some ideas:


Restaurants

Haven : This charming spot in Brookhaven proves that you can be BOTH the place to be scene and the place with the best food in town.  Chef Stephen Herman steals the show with his innovative dishes like salmon with Georgia peach carpaccio and yellow gazpacho soup with avocado. Everything on the menu will tempt you,especially the scallops, grits, and lamb. Located at 1441 Dresden Drive NE.

Antica Posta: The best Italian in the city offering authentic upscale Tuscan dishes in a romantic redone house in Buckhead.  The hand-made pasta and fresh baked tuscan bread put other Italian restaurants to shame! Located at 519 East Paces Ferry Road.

Rathbun's: Remember how hot Bluepointe was when it opened back in 1999?  Well the magician has done it again with his own place in Inman Park.  Chef Kevin Rathbun will blow you away with his innovative cuisine that is as tasty as it is eccentric.  From the eggplant fries to Elvis' favorite Banana Peanut Butter Cream Pie, you'll have to show some serious indulgence control to even leave your table. Make sure you congratulate Kevin Rathbun for defeating Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America!! Listen to our podcast with the culinary ninja himself!. Located at 112 Krog Street NE. www.rathbunsrestaurant.com

Kyma: Ask any person in Atlanta where to find true authentic Greek cusine and they'll send you to Kyma. Part of the Buchhead Life Group, Kyma serves innovative and contemporary seafood and meats. The decor of nothing short of dramatic - large white marble columns, a deep blue ceiling adorned with Greek astrology symbols and twinkling stars. The service is also outstanding - with attention to every single detail, guests can sit back, relax and enjoy the feast of food infront of them. Be prepared to taste many different plates... since you'll find that settling solely on one just isn't enough. A surprising favorite included the Wood Grilled Octopus served with Red Onions. The Spinach Triangle with Feta Cheese as well as the Meze of Tsatsiki sauce are also excellent sharing plates. Though the "star" of the menu is definitely the lamb. Go for the lamb pie, which makes for a pleasurable starter. Follow this with either the Slow Braised Lamb Shank served with Trahana Pasta or the Single-cut Lamb Chops Marinated and Wood-grilled with "Greek Fries" (dip it in the tsatsiki sauce for the best taste). Just make sure you save room for something sweet - the Galaktoboureko (a vanilla custard-filled pastry) is definitely the most popular and delectable dessert on the menu. Located at 3085 Piedmont road. www.buckheadrestaurants.com

Bluepointe: Chef Douglas Turbush invites guests on a gastronomic journey to Asia with his innovative fusion menu at Bluepointe. The Buckhead glitz and glamour is alive and well at this modern two-story hotspot, which features friendly hosts who make all feel welcome, and the skilled bartenders who prepare the perfect martini.  Although Bluepointe is known for their fresh sushi, we were impressed by their main menu options. We recommend starting with the Black Pepper Lemongrass Shrimp with oven dried Pineapple. Follow that with the Soy-seasoned Peruvian Seabass over Coconut Sticky Rice. Whatever you do, just make sure to leave room for the Chai Tea Creme Brulet with roasted Lemon Sorbet and Asian Pear - a dessert so good you'll almost want to kiss Pastry Chef Lisa Smith for the sweet and sour delight. In the mood for a Martini? Make sure to visit Bluepointe on a Tuesday night where Atlanta's finest gather over cocktails and conversation. The restaurant is located at 3455 Peachtree Road.www.buckheadrestaurants.com

ZAYA: Make sure to fast for a full day before embarking on a culinary journey to the Middle East and Greece at this laid-back, yet trendy, new restaurant.  Located in the heart of the up 'n coming Inman Park neighborhood, guests can enjoy a plethora of different Mediterranean dishes. Open your palate to mezza (small tasting dishes) like the popular hummus, falafel, tabouleh and baba ghanuj. The seared scallops served with couscous also make for a great starter.  In the mood for Lamb?  Go for the Lamb Platter which consists of a center-cut Lamb Chop, Rack of Lamb and a skewer of Lamb Kabobs. The star on this menu is the Ashta dessert (a taste we just can't get out of our mind, still) - an egg-less homemade custard made with Rosewater and Orange blossom in a Philo purse topped with homemade syrup and pistachios.  Simply heavenly!  ZAYA is located at 240 North Highland Ave.

Room at TWELVE: Concentrics Restaurant has done it again with their latest addition to the Atlanta culinary scene. A contemporary steakhouse at its finest, Room at TWELVE is situated within the trendy walls of a boutique hotel and condominum TWELVE at Centennial Olympic Park. Chef Nick Oltarsh expertly creates the perfect dish using prime cuts of meat and fish - accompanying each with the perfect side to truly bring out the flavor. Start the evening with an Arugula Salad with walnuts, goat cheese and cranberries, then move along to the steak of your choice (we highly recommend the "three little pigs macaroni" as a side) and finish your dinner off right with The Upside Down Pineapple Cake. The decor here is sleek and sophisticated, but what's best is that the service is applausable. Staying at the hotel and not in the mood to get out of your bathrobe?  Don't fret, just order order Room to your Room. Located at 400 West Peachtree Street. www.roomattwelve.com

Aquaknox: Your underwater adventure begins from the moment you enter Aquaknox. Sea geens and cool blues provide the ambience for this swanky seafood spot, featuring a thoughtfully- chosen wine list and Seafood/Pacific Rim menu. Chef William Sigley brings forth his culinary excellence by putting together what he calls "Global Water Cusine",using ingredients that are flown in daily. journeyPod recommends starting off with the Lobster Bisque made of Creme Fraiche, caviar and lobster medallion. In the mood for an Asian-inspired dish? Go for the the Black Bean Sweet Chili Glazed Grouper served over udon noodles, hon shimeiji mushrooms, baby bok choy and cilantro wasabi oil.Don't forget to ask the hostess for a window booth so that you may enjoy a great view of the Buckhead highrises. Located at 3280 Peachtree Road NE.

TAP: On a typical Friday night, the patio at Tap looks like a scene straight out of South Beach as Atlanta's hip and young crowd mingle over martinis and designer lagers. Part of the Concentrics Restaurants, this spot has become an instant hit - boasting an extensive list of draft beer, barrel wine and modern American dishes. The name "gastropub" clearly defines the concept of this 3-story eatery centrally located in Midtown, which is walking distance from the Four Seasons Hotel and most of Midtown nightlife.  Enjoy a Pub Burger on an English Muffin with Shoestring Fries, snack on Chorizo and Chocolate on Toast and down the meal with a nice cold high gravity beer... whatever you decide, Tap is the ultimate a great place to start your night off!  Located at 1180 Peachtree Street.

Ecco: Midtown has a new trendy spot where the posh crowd from Metropolis and Spire meet for a fine glass of wine and cheese pairing. We recommend sitting at the bar and asking one of the friendly bartenders to taste a few different wines until you find the one that suits your taste. Make sure you save room for the fried goat cheese balls-a true delight. Located at 40 7th street.

Canoe : Just ten minutes outside of Atlanta, this culinary delight is located on the Chattahoochee river in Vinings. The inviting interior blends wood, brick and ironwork to create a casually elegant atmosphere. The outdoor scenery here makes this place the perfect romantic dining destination, or for an after-dinner stroll. You will often see a happy bride and groom celebrating the most important day under a crisp white tent in Canoe's garden. Located at 4199 Paces Ferry Road SE.

Nuevo Laredo: Winner of the best Mexican Cuisine year after year  since 1993, you know we only lead you to the best. Yes, you can drink your margarita pitcher in the parking lot while you wait for your table! This authentic Mexican has the best carne asada in the city and is located on the West Side. Located at 1495 Chattahoochee Ave. NW.

Apres Diem: This cosmopoliton eatery is the perfect place to people watch to experience the great vibe in Midtown. We have also found you the perfect Sunday brunch to cure the hangover from one of the places we have recommended to party at the night before. Wondering what night to visit the restaurant? Apres Diem is the only place in Atlanta that is good every night of the week. Located at 931 Monroe Drive NE.

JCT Kitchen and Bar: A new upscale Southern spot reminscent of a European seaside, located in Atlanta's hip Westside Urban Market. JCT takes the idea of "comfort food" to a new level as Executive Chef Ford Fry adds an ethnic twist on old standbys like Chicken and Dumplings and Shrimp and Grits. The Parmesan Truffle Fries (gotta try those!) are great to snack on - just don't be overwhelmed by the size of the basket. Make sure you save room for the Gingerbread Pudding with Lemon Cream. After a delectable dinner, head upstairs for a cocktail at the trendy rooftop lounge to enjoy Atlanta's spectacular skyline. Keep this in mind: JCT offers live music each-n-every weekend! Located at 1198 Howell Mill Road NW.

The Globe : Like the name, this restaurant uses ingredients from all over the world to give visitors the international taste they
desire. Located near Georgia Tech University, in Midtown, The Globe features great little plates like tempura frites, tuna, and calamari. Located at 75 5th Street NW.

Cafe Intermezzo: Opened on weekends till 2 am, this is the best cafe/bar to end the night off right! The artsy venue serves over 50 different desserts, and couples usually hover over the crepes filled with Nutella and banana while sipping on French Port or a Mexican hot chocolate. Make sure you take the dessert tour. Located at 1845 Peachtree Road.

Nan: Rumor has it that Gwenyth fancies their trendy Thai treats in Midtown. White furniture and table cloths make the restaurant look uber trendy. The Penang curry tastes as authentic as it comes and makes you want to hop the next flight to Bangkok. A trip to the elegant bathroom will make you feel like you are half way to Thailand! Located at 1350 Spring Street NW.

Nam:  Yes we put these two restaurants next to each other to confuse you. Nam is a Vietnamese hot spot located opposite Piedmont Park. The traditional "Shaken Filet Mignon" gives tender meat a new name. Here is a tip for the music connoisseurs- it might be easier to get the secret recipe for a Vietnamese dish than to find out the music on the playlist-the owner won't tell! Located at 931 Monroe Drive NE.

MF Sushi: sushi lovers agree - this place serves the freshest and most innovative sushi in all of Atlanta. Magic Fingers (MF) sushibar is the first restaurant to exclusively sell sushi in Atlanta-so that should also tell you something! The sushi chefs here sure know how to compose the perfect melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, nigiri and rolls. And, the rainbow roll and unfiltered sake are sure to make your trip to MF complete. 2 Locations: 265 Ponce de Leon Ave NE &3280 Peachtree Street suite 110.

Aiko: Ever wonder where you can eat sushi and dance the night away all under one roof? Wonder no more! Aiko is a cool sushi club that boasts a trendy VIP room adorned with funky lights and plush sofas-which makes this destination a great spot to celebrate a birthday, company party or just enjoy an evening out. Located at 128 East Andrews Dr.

Lobby at Twelve: This sophisticated restaurant and bar is located in Atlanta's first true boutique hotel, Twelve, in Atlantic Station. Enjoy a fine glass of wine in the private dining area, Cellar, and let Chef Nick Oltarsh tingle your tastebuds with his innovative dishes night after night. The food boasts a very contemporary flavor and favorites include herb gnocchi with lobster, crayfish and fried clams with ginger. Stay at the hotel and enjoy all these delights in your robe by ordering through Lobby's innovative in-room dining service, Ghost. Located at 361 17th Street.

Geisha House: Brainchild of Ashton Kutcher and Wilmer Valderrama, the Dolce Group has successfully created yet another great Asian Fusion restaurant!  Located just steps away from their sister restaurant Dolce, Geisha House has created the perfect mix of Asian and western delights.  Inside Geisha House, you'll find dark and sultry dining where you can sip on (some of the best) sake and enjoy the Black Cod (which tastes like candy) or the Mongolian Lamb. The sushi and cold dishes are fresh and also make for a nice light meal.  Just make sure you save some room for the desserts - some of which combine liquor, sorbet and ice cream for a very interesting taste.  Oh, and don't leave without checking out the upstairs for a Samurai cocktail in Geisha House's trendy lounge. www.dolcegroup.com

Bars & Nightlife

Atlanta has many areas for going out. So pay attention people. You can really do some damage with this info. Buckhead no longer rules the scene. The current epicenter would have to be Midtown. If you are looking to chill with friends, then duck into the Highlands or Decatur. If you want something alternative (pronounced All-Tur-Nah-Tive) then try Little Five Points or East Atlanta. But the main action and largest collection of bars and clubs is really in Midtown (or at least in our little twisted world it is).

Here then are our journeyPod picks to keep the good times rolling:

Bazzaar: Step into this intimate Midtown enclave to see where all the beautiful people are hiding! This two-level club/lounge, Bazzaar has had quite a few of the top DJs worldwide perform. This place is a chill nightspot that hosts fun evenings like a Madonna birthday party and wrap-up parties for the cast and crew of "We are Marshall". Located directly next to the Fox Theatre, Bazzaar is the premier after-theatre hot spot! To book your next hot event visit their website: http://www.bazzaaratlanta.com/. Located at 654 Peachtree Street NE.

Opera (formerly Eleven50): The only stop in town for international superstar DJs like Paul Van Dyk and Sasha! This former old time theater has been renovated and is now the hottest Midtown club. With an outdoor, Asian inspired terrace, a VIP second floor, a quiet lounge in the back, cozy VIP tables next to the dance floor- Opera has something for everyone. Located at 1150 Peachtree NE.

Fever: The party is alive and well as it rolls across all twelve of the posh rooms in Fever. Decorated like an old house, guests sip on their cocktails as they stroll from room to room. Whether you are lounging like a celebrity on the bed (which is on the dance floor), watch a dancer (with her clothes on) slither and groove around a pole, or sit around a VIP table with all your friends, Fever lets you jam to the guest DJ's sounds and always offers a great night out! Located at 1789 Cheshire Bridge road NE.

Halo: The diverse Midtown crowd is still on top of its game- five years running. Located near all the condos in Midtown, Halo is the most talked about lounge to meet friends after hours. Located at 817 West Peachtree Street NW.

Star Bar: The only place in Atlanta that is still rocking on a Tuesday night. Don't even think about getting here before 11:30 pm. An eclectic crowd that enjoys old school music from Prince to Michael Jackson (before he got out of hand...). Located at 437 Moreland Ave.

Loca Luna: Feel the entire place pulse as you sip mojitos to the hardest working band in the city! Loca Luna, both indoor and outdoor, is a great place to take your friends to and show off your salsa and merengue dancing skills. You really get the feeling that you are somewhere in Cabo dancing the night away! Located at 550-C Amsterdam Avenue

The Local: You can guess what crowd gathers here for beers and libations. Thats right...Atlanta's hip and trendy locals. Located in Midtown, this is the only true bar in town for those nights when you leave your dancing shoes at home. Located at 758 Ponce de Avenue NE.

Noche: A trendy little tapas bar located in Virginia Highlands. For those of you looking for the place to go on Sunday nights-when everything else winds down-Noche is hopping! $2 Dos Equis flow all night long creating a happy atmosphere. Monday nights treat your pallate to $10 unlimited Spanish tapas. Located at 1000 Virgina Avenue NE.

Compound:  A great club with indoor and outdoor options on the West Side, Compound is designed like some of the clubs in South Beach- boasting a heated pool and Asian garden-which give this club an ambience like no other. One tip to the trendy casuals out there-you've gotta leave your Pumas at home with Compound's new door policy. Located at 1008 Brady Avenue NW.

Cosmo/Lava Lounge: Two clubs for the price of one offer endless rooms of music for any mood in Midtown. Conveniently located behind the main strip of clubs like Eleven 50, Cosmo/Lava Lounge is bound to get you in the mood to party. The cosmopolitan posh crowd enjoy lavish cocktails and the friends get jiggy on the dancefloor. This is a popular venue for bachelor parties and "Hen nights"! Located at 45 13th Street NE.

MJQ: Dance the night away and for the love of God they have no guestlist. This secret local spot is a great place to see the latest grunge and alternative rock band perform. Mixing 80's and modern, the music here will put you in the best mood. This might be the only venue in Midtown with no guestlist, which can be nice for a change. Located at 736 Ponce de Leon  Avenue NE.

The Mark: The action and scene go underground at this downtown club. The crowd is as colorful as the music, and ranges from hip hop to electronic trance. Thursdays 404Audio and DJ Mahem host the biggest drum and bass evening in the South East! Located at

That is not all! Located at 79 Poplar Street NW.

No visit to Atlanta would be complete without a trip to Stone Mountain.  The main feature is a carving on a mountain-side of the three leaders of the Confederacy Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.  The best part is when the sun goes down and you stay for the light show.  The laser light show features lighted figures on the side of the mountain, music and fireworks.

Atlanta is home to the world famous CNN.  They feature a forty-five minute tour that shows you the actual floor where the CNN broadcasts originate.  They will take you through several of the departments including Headline News, CNN International, Spanish CNN, TNT, Turner Classic Movies and the Cartoon Network. This is a place to catch a glimpse of some of your favorite celebrities.

Be sure to make time to visit Underground Atlanta.  Between the Five Corners MARTA bus/subway stop and the Coke Museum is Underground Atlanta.  It is six blocks of stores, restaurants, souvenir shops, t-shirt shops and other vendors and not all are underground.  Before the Civil War, Atlanta thrived because of the railroads.  To get away from the maze of tracks, Atlanta built viaducts over the tracks, moving the city upstairs.  When Atlanta Underground was rebuilt in the 1960s, they included a series of informational plaques pointing out historic buildings dating from this time.

For the museum lover, the Carter Center is a must-see.  This is where you will find Former President Jimmy Carter's Presidential Library, center and museum.  The museum has displays and information about his life, his family and his presidency.  It houses an extensive collection of artifacts that President Carter collected himself throughout his extensive world travels.