We live in the ‘burbs. It breaks my heart a little bit to be out aways from the city, but with 4 kids…it is what it is.
Which is part of why whenever I can get away, I like the bright lights and fast action. We’ve had the opportunity to bum around lots of cities within driving distance from the ATL; Charlotte, Charleston, Savannah, Greenville, Asheville…and some not. Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Rome, Kiev, Zurich, NYC, Chicago, etc. We love the cities!
But I’ve grown to be pretty partial to the ATL. Especially it’s food.
We go to Passion City Church, which as the name indicates, is IN the city. We love it for a multitude of reason we regularly gush about (and would be happy to share if you want to hear more about), but one of those is it’s location (in the city) and our mutual love FOR the city. AND Jesus.
Most Sundays, we hit service and then plan to hang downtown afterwards, even if it’s just for lunch. Because no matter what anyone tries to say, real foodies know the best food is in the city. Plus, while we love the occasional stop at Shake Shack (who doesn’t?!) and Farm Burger, we generally like to eat pretty healthy, and there just are more healthy options in a city. Not to mention a Trader Joes’ which I regularly stop at before heading home!
Our church is perfectly located between Buckhead and Midtown, so within 20 minutes or less (that includes traffic time) we can be to just about any good spot in the city.
The markets are always fun…Ponce and Krog. I personally would spend just about every Sunday at West Egg Cafe if it weren’t for their waits and no wait times given over the phone (4 kids waiting over an hour…nope). Octane coffee will always be hit if it’s nearby. Superica is a family fav, tacos margaritas and kids popsicles. (also, any restauranteur that gives me good food and a family friendly environment will forever have my love…looking at you Ford Fry!). The kids love Buckhead Bread Co.’s pancakes, and while I love their breakfast sandwiches, the service is always iffy. We’ve hit everything from Jason’s Deli or Gusto while fasting to Bantam and Biddy and True Food in Lenox. But typically, the happiest of Sunday’s end with Jeni’s ice cream. With one at Krog Street Market and one in midtown (and now Alpharetta at the Avalon!) you can take your pick. JCT (right by Jeni’s midtown) has a pretty dandy Sunday supper if you want to hit dinner after too.
Please tell me you’ve heard of Jeni’s ice cream? It’s originally based out of Ohio, and made with straight from the source, crazy good ingredients. I mean, she bought her own vanilla farm for crying out loud. Some Kelly family favs are the peanut butter with chocolate flecks, because, duh. Brambleberry, which is basically really good cobbler mixed into vanilla ice cream. Sweet cream with Biscuits and peach jam (heaven). Wildberry lavender which tastes like really good froot loops. Darkest chocolate, because we are chocolate fiends. My youngest son who is NOT adventurous even tried their newest chocolate flavor this time, which has curry in it, and ate it all! Plus they have unlimited samples, and really good cucumber water (doesn’t ice cream make you thirsty?!) at the ready. They also ship their pints, which is quickly becoming one of my new favorite gifts to send to our out of town friends and family on special occasions!
Of the ATL locations, I prefer midtown. Because Star Provisions (WHY can’t you be open on Sunday? WAH!) has the dreamiest brick wall with perfect lighting for an impromptu photo shoot with my kids.
This last Sunday we were decked out in red, white, and blue for Memorial Day (so much respect for those who have fought and paid the ultimate price for our freedom in our home), and so I secretly had in mind to steer the fam towards Jeni’s. Which wouldn’t be hard at all because while my husband has crazy strong willpower, his weakness is ice cream. Not to mention when you have a tiny army chanting/demanding a specific location, all reasoning flies out the window.
After Bar Taco, which was a major let down (this was our second go after a disappointing first experience, and although I’ve been told the Inman Park one is better…we won’t be back. Overpriced bland food, and just not enough of it for my kiddos that can EAT, plus having to pay for {bad} chips and salsa) Octane next door redeemed the scenario, but the Jeni’s pick me up was definitely in order afterwards!!!
The sugar hit their bloodstreams producing all sort of endorphins which helped my coercion for some good pics that were met with less than normal whining. Hooray! Of course there was some crazy thrown in, but that’s life with 4!
What are your favorite city spots, for eating or picture taking???