We’re huge fans of Gokul Sweet’s vada pav.  So, when two of these club sandwiches appeared in error, we didn’t mind at all.  As a matter of fact, we were happily surprised.  At first glance, this might appear to be an odd interpretation of a club sandwich.  But, [...]]]>
Gokul’s Vada Club Sandwich

We’re huge fans of Gokul Sweet’s vada pav.  So, when two of these club sandwiches appeared in error, we didn’t mind at all.  As a matter of fact, we were happily surprised.  At first glance, this might appear to be an odd interpretation of a club sandwich.  But, it all works together quite nicely.  Ordinary white toast becomes something quite special filled with one big ball of spiced potato fritter.  Two chutneys, thin slices of onion, tomato, cucumber and American cheese only work to make it better.

The one truly odd touch is the slice of American cheese.  At first, we thought of discarding it.  Instead, we just went with it.  We’re glad we did.  This sandwich is a great summer meal.  The veggies add an amazing touch of lightness and freshness to this carb-heavy sandwich.  With a little sweetness from the tamarind chutney and a burst of fresh green goodness from the cilantro chutney, this sandwich is a real winner.  We both love it.

Pav Bhaji Dosa

Perfect, once again…  Richly spiced vegetables and fresh cilantro fill this gorgeous dosa with crispy, crumbly edges.  And, a bit of sweetness from the coconut rounds out the spice.

Yum!

Chandrakala & Khajur Roll

We couldn’t leave without adding to the list of pastries that we’ve sampled at Gokul Sweets.  Both of these were great.  Seeing fresh, vibrant green pieces of pistachio peeking out of the khajur roll, they were destined to come home with us.  But, we both fell in love with…

These are absolutely and utterly divine.  They’re like India’s answer to baklava.  Pastries doused in syrup and filled with nuts, these are dangerously addictive.  I want more… now!

Gokul Sweets
763 Dekalb Industrial Way
Decatur, GA 30033
404 299 2062

]]> http://www.reviewatlanta.com/2010/07/20/gokuls-vada-club/feed/ 0 http://www.reviewatlanta.com/2010/07/14/dark-chocolate-goji-berries-avocado-oil-chips/ http://www.reviewatlanta.com/2010/07/14/dark-chocolate-goji-berries-avocado-oil-chips/#comments Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:14:34 +0000 michele http://www.reviewatlanta.com/?p=1672 Dark Chocolate Covered Goji Berries

With a hard texture that is tougher to chew than your standard raisinette or chocolate covered blueberry, we can’t say they’re our favorite chocolate covered berry.  But, they are interesting.  Some of the goji berries are crunchy… others are chewy.  It’s a bit disconcerting.  They all do [...]]]>
Dark Chocolate Covered Goji Berries

With a hard texture that is tougher to chew than your standard raisinette or chocolate covered blueberry, we can’t say they’re our favorite chocolate covered berry.  But, they are interesting.  Some of the goji berries are crunchy… others are chewy.  It’s a bit disconcerting.  They all do have one thing in common.  They’re all more than a little bit sour.  The one positive?  We enjoyed the way the sour berries brought out the flavor of the dark chocolate.  (even if it wasn’t the best chocolate)  Clearly, this isn’t a glowing recommendation.  But, we’re willing to give them another chance.  Right now, though, I’d rather have a package of dark chocolate covered blueberries.

We also bought a bag of Next Organics’s dark chocolate apricots.  (7 apricots in a $6 bag)  They didn’t win us over either.  We weren’t crazy about the chocolate.  It was rather bland and mild with an almost carob-y flavor.  We both prefer very dark bittersweet chocolate.  We definitely won’t be buying the apricots again.

Avocado Oil Potato Chips (Barcelona BBQ)

Now, these we both loved.  I don’t know why they’re called Barcelona BBQ.  They tasted just like every BBQ potato chip we’ve ever eaten.  And, since we love BBQ’d potato chips, we loved these.  The one negative?  They’re a bit too salty.  But, that didn’t stop us from devouring the bag.  (serves 5… HA!  But, the bag did serve two very generously.)

Beanitos

The Beanitos got a mixed review.  One of us loved them.  (He did.)  One of us… eh, not so much.  (She didn’t.)  They were interesting.  They really did taste like black beans.  The texture of the chips was surprisingly light and crisp.  They had a delicate tender crunch that crumbles easily in your mouth.  But, there was an unpleasant aftertaste.  (She said.)  We ate them plain.  With dip, this might not be an issue.

Alon’s Bakery & Market
4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, GA 30346
678 397 1781

Yes, it’s as good as it looks.  Honestly, it’s probably even better.  Perfectly crisp golden brown layers crackle delicately under your bite.  The interior layers are soft, tender, and buttery with a fresh ground pistachio center as an added bonus.  Yum.

Plum Galette

We were very early.  This [...]]]>
Pistachio Croissant

Yes, it’s as good as it looks.  Honestly, it’s probably even better.  Perfectly crisp golden brown layers crackle delicately under your bite.  The interior layers are soft, tender, and buttery with a fresh ground pistachio center as an added bonus.  Yum.

Plum Galette

We were very early.  This wedge was still warm from the oven.  The plum slices were tart with just the right amount of sugar added to bring out their natural sweetness.  The pastry base was light, crisp, and tender adding delicate structure without taking away from the flavor of near-perfect plums.  I’m not sure how this galette would have faired if we’d arrived later in the day.  But, it was a stunner fresh out of the oven.

Alon’s Bakery & Market
4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, GA 30346
678 397 1781

Buckhead Bread Company and Alon’s are our go-to spots for bread.  But, we were happily surprised by this French style loaf from White Windmill Bakery.  The crust was still crisp when we arrived home.  But, by dinner time it lost its crunch.  Luckily, we were using this loaf as the bread [...]]]>

Buckhead Bread Company and Alon’s are our go-to spots for bread.  But, we were happily surprised by this French style loaf from White Windmill Bakery.  The crust was still crisp when we arrived home.  But, by dinner time it lost its crunch.  Luckily, we were using this loaf as the bread for our grilled hamburgers.  Toasted on the grill, this loaf was great.  The smoke added amazing flavor, while the high heat gave the thin crust the perfect crunch.  The outermost layer of the crust flaked off in thin, delicate sheets with every bite.  We might just use this bread every time we make burgers on the grill.

These were the best home-made burgers of the year. ( …so far)

White Windmill Bakery
5881 Buford Highway
Doraville, Ga 30340
678 887 5200

Tasty Over-Stuffed Cannoli

Also, tasty… lobster tails

But, we thought there was a bit too much whipped cream in the pastry cream filling.  (Lobster Tails, also known as Sfogliatelle, traditionally have a cannoli-like ricotta and semolina filling.  We both prefer them that way.)  Both of our purchases [...]]]>

Tasty Over-Stuffed Cannoli

Also, tasty… lobster tails

But, we thought there was a bit too much whipped cream in the pastry cream filling.  (Lobster Tails, also known as Sfogliatelle, traditionally have a cannoli-like ricotta and semolina filling.  We both prefer them that way.)  Both of our purchases were good… not great.  We’d have a hard time justifying the drive to return and try the cheesecake.  If we’re in the area, we might give them another try.  They also have a large assortment of showy cakes, cream pies, tarts, and cookies.

Alpine Bakery

Ginger and juniper extract add a pleasant jolt to this “botanically fermented orange drink”.

Almond Croissant

We are not early risers.  So, to reward ourselves for the first time we were up before 8am this year.  We decided to mark the occasion with a [...]]]>
Fentiman’s Mandarin and Seville Orange Jigger

Ginger and juniper extract add a pleasant jolt to this “botanically fermented orange drink”.

Almond Croissant

We are not early risers.  So, to reward ourselves for the first time we were up before 8am this year.  We decided to mark the occasion with a visit to Alon’s.  We were there as the doors were opening at 7 am. (It’s a miracle.)  And, we were rewarded with croissants… still warm from the oven.  We were in heaven.  There is nothing more delicious than the taste of warm marzipan melting on your tongue.  Well, almost nothing…  The taste mingling with the rich buttery perfection of Alon’s croissants flaking and crumbling under your delicate bite makes it even better.

These might not be my favorite bagels in the city, but, they’re pretty darn good.

And, surprisingly, this one was enjoyable after sitting on our counter for two days in the Alon’s paper bag.

Alon’s Bakery & Market
1394 North Highland Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30306
404 872 6000

We first discovered this sandwich at the opening of the Perimeter Mall location.  And, it’s been on our favorites list ever since.  I don’t know why we ignored the prepared foods section of the Highland’s location.  What a mistake.

The ciabatta is perfect for a to-go sandwich.  The [...]]]>
Lamb on Ciabatta

We first discovered this sandwich at the opening of the Perimeter Mall location.  And, it’s been on our favorites list ever since.  I don’t know why we ignored the prepared foods section of the Highland’s location.  What a mistake.

The ciabatta is perfect for a to-go sandwich.  The exterior stays pleasantly crisp, while the interior maintains it’s soft, chewy texture without getting soggy.  It has the needed durability to handle most travel times.  We’re always pleased with the tender lamb, as well.  Roasted to leave a pink core, it’s always moist and tender.  Red onion marmalade makes the perfect sandwich dressing.  I don’t think there’s a way to improve this near-perfect sandwich.

Yum!

This sesame brittle has lovely depth of flavor.  The date syrup adds complex sweetness.  While, the black cumin adds an added layer of lovely flavor.  The distinctive smoky bite with a hint of earthiness keeps this brittle from crossing the line to overbearing sweetness.  Love it!!  For just over $1, they’re a crazy-good bargain.

Dark Chocolate & Mixed Chocolate Callets

The white chocolate callets might be prettier.  But, the dark chocolate callets are the real winners.

Alon’s Bakery & Market
4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, GA 30346
678 397 1781

Another batch of gorgeous bagels from Goldberg’s, their poppy seed bagels are one of my favorites.  Poppy seeds smother the top and bottom of each and every bagel.  I love that.  And, look at all those toasty bits of garlic and sesame seeds on the everything bagel.  They [...]]]>
Poppy & Everything Bagels

Another batch of gorgeous bagels from Goldberg’s, their poppy seed bagels are one of my favorites.  Poppy seeds smother the top and bottom of each and every bagel.  I love that.  And, look at all those toasty bits of garlic and sesame seeds on the everything bagel.  They were just as good as they look… maybe better.

Chocolate & Prune Hamentashen

I’m always amazed when I enjoy something with prunes in it.  They are quite tasty in these hamentashen.  Prunes may never be my favorite dried fruit.  (Does anyone have a favorite dried fruit?)  But, this is one way to make them downright yummy.  The dough could be a bit lighter, but, that won’t stop me from buying these again.

Location of choice: The Paces Ferry location is easily my favorite.  The staff is super friendly.

Goldberg’s Bagel Company & Deli
1272 West Paces Ferry Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30327
404 266 0123

Kimchi (or kim chee) dumplings are one of our favorite items from the prepared foods section of Buford Highway Farmers Market.  They disappear fast.  So, they’re usually still piping hot in the package.  After fighting the crowds, these mildly spicy dumplings make a great quick lunch.

We also found [...]]]>
Kimchi Dumplings

Kimchi (or kim chee) dumplings are one of our favorite items from the prepared foods section of Buford Highway Farmers Market.  They disappear fast.  So, they’re usually still piping hot in the package.  After fighting the crowds, these mildly spicy dumplings make a great quick lunch.

We also found some gorgeous fruit:

Golden Berries

Slightly sweet, golden berries (cape gooseberry) have a taste that is a cross between a fruity tomato and a sweet & sour kiwi.  The texture is similar to a tomato.  They’re quite unique.

Dragon Fruit

Why don’t we buy these gorgeous fruit more often?  Ah, yes, I remember now.  They have very little flavor.  This pretty package offers little in the flavor department.  It’s actually amazing that something so pretty could have such a boring flavor.  My honey describes the experience to be like “eating water”.  The flesh is soft, smooth, and juicy with a watery hint of sweetness.  The seeds resemble those of a kiwi.  They pop interestingly between your teeth.  What little flavor this fruit does have seems to come from the seeds.  They offer a burst of barely-there freshness. Two large dragon fruit cost $15 dollars ($5.99 a pound, I believe.)

Buford Highway Farmers Market
5600 Buford Highway NW
Doraville, GA 30340
770 455 6701

Shopping for chocolates at New Odessa can be a bit of a mystery.  I love marshmallows.  And, the above photo depicts a marshmallow… yes?  Yes.  But, it also illustrates a plum or a grape or… maybe a fig?  A jelly-filled chocolate?  I was hoping for fig in some form.  Nope, [...]]]>
Mystery Chocolates

Shopping for chocolates at New Odessa can be a bit of a mystery.  I love marshmallows.  And, the above photo depicts a marshmallow… yes?  Yes.  But, it also illustrates a plum or a grape or… maybe a fig?  A jelly-filled chocolate?  I was hoping for fig in some form.  Nope, it’s not fig.  It’s a whole prune stuffed with marshmallow.  What sort of twisted humor causes a culture to wrap yummy chocolate around such an odd little dried fruit?  I’m not a huge fan of the prune.  I can take them or leave them.  But, what an evil trick to play on an unsuspecting chocolate lover.  Mmm… chocolate.  Bring chocolate home.  Bite into chocolate.

“This fig has a strange texture.”

“Honey, what is that?”

“It’s a prune.”

“Ohhhh… bummer.”

Prunes… Seriously??  Very disappointing.  Oh well, we live… we learn.

Most of the wrappers are labeled in the language of their homeland.  With a couple dozen bins of chocolate, the search for winners (pistachio, vodka, cherry with brandy, advocat, more brandy… mMmm) can be fun.  But, be warned.  Random prunes are hidden behind some of those purple wrappers.

Walnut Cookies

The real find of the day…

Walnut shaped cookies filled with nut paste.  Again, YUM!  (I believe peanuts are one of the nuts in the paste… if you’re allergic… be warned and inquire about this if you need to)  One small case with baked goods has a very limited selection.  But, the walnut cookies made this visit worthwhile.  They certainly made up for the unfortunate prune incident of 2010.

Another find? Eucalyptus Honey

New Odessa
2793 Clairmont Road NE
Suite C
Atlanta, GA 30329
404 321 3544