Atlanta Week: A Taste of the South

If there’s one thing they know how to do in Georgia, it’s cook up some good Southern grub. On my first night there, I met up with fellow freelance writer Jill, whom I’ve only known via e-mail till now, and we decided to try out Atlanta landmark The Colonnade.

The Colonnade is notable for a few things: being next to an adult “novelty” store, attracting a geriatric clientele, and serving Southern classics since 1927. (Okay, so it may not be known for those first two, but that’s what Jill and I noticed.) In all seriousness, its loyal patrons and authentic food are what stand out. I feasted on turkey, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and as much sweet tea as I could guzzle, then spent the whole night wishing I hadn’t eaten five times what I normally do. Those are the sacrifices you make when there’s so little time, so much food to try.

One really cool feature was a board with menus displayed from throughout the restaurant’s history. Ah, the good ol’ days when a meal cost 50 cents (and soup was only 15).

My next quintessentially Southern stop was The Flying Biscuit in Midtown at 10th and Piedmont. You can probably guess what they’re known for, and the biscuits earned their place in the title — fluffy and flavorful, they were topped off perfectly with a cranberry apple butter. I also went for some more sweet tea here (the North doesn’t have this delicious drink, which is probably a good thing, since I’m sure it rots my teeth) and a black bean quesadilla. They have a huge selection of egg dishes and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day, so whatever meal you’re in the mood for, you’re in luck. The décor is kitschy; the waiters sport mullets and tattoos; and Piedmont Park is just down the street for a post-meal stroll. Bring your patience, though, as this place can get mighty packed, even on a weekday afternoon.

I’m glad to be back to lighter meals, but I enjoyed stuffing myself silly with Southern staples while I had the chance.