Sunday, December 21, 2008
Food, "Dish"
Party for the people
Toast to the Top 25 Chefs of Atlanta, and save some dough at Zaya
TRG
Riccardo Ullio MEET THE TOP 25 CHEFS OF ATLANTA
JAMIE ADAMS | RICHARD BLAIS | TRACEY BLOOM | SHAUN DOTY | CARVEL GRANT GOULD | CLIFFORD HARRISON | CYRILLE HOLOTA | LINTON HOPKINS | PANO I. KARATASSOS | GERRY KLASKALA | TIMOTHY MAGEE | ADAM NEWTON | MIHOKO OBUNAI | NICK OLTARSH | SCOTT PEACOCK | ANNE QUATRANO | KEVIN RATHBUN | CRAIG RICHARDS | JAY SWIFT | SHANE TOUHY | JOE TRUEX | RICCARDO ULLIO | MICAH WILLIX | IAN WINSLADE | CHRIS YEO
By Kirsten Ott
In our fourth annual Essential Eats issue (Nov. 23, 2008), I named the top 25 chefs of Atlanta. Coming up with the final list of visionary talents took some work. After much tasting, researching, interviewing and more tasting, I was able to pick my favorites based on a few factors: how much I love eating their creations, the chefs’ awards and accolades, aspirations and achievements, creativity and innovativeness, and what they’ve done for Atlanta’s dining scene. Some of the chefs are newer to Atlanta, like Chris Yeo (Straits), who brought the first Singaporean restaurant to our city. Many are near-natives like Carvel Grant Gould (Canoe), Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison (Bacchanalia, et al.), who deliver their take on Southern cuisine to grateful foodies. And a few are guests from across the pond, such as Cyrille Holota, a generous Frenchman who’s taken the helm at Joël, and Ian Winslade, the Brit mastering Asian fare at Spice Market.
Writing this year’s guide was enjoyable, especially the research. Equally fun is the attention it’s garnered from our readers, foodies, restaurateurs and chefs alike. It’s also led to what promises to be a very spirited party planned by Shaun Doty (Shaun’s, the Original El Taco), Fifth Group, The Sunday Paper, and Melissa Libby & Associates. Doty’s inviting everyone (yes, including you) to celebrate the Top 25 Chefs of Atlanta at the newly minted Mexican restaurant, the Original El Taco (where he serves as consulting chef), on Sunday, Dec. 28, from 9 to 11 p.m.
In addition to rubbing elbows with some of the most creative food talents this side of the Chattahoochee River (like Joe Truex at Repast and Riccardo Ullio of U Restaurants), attendees can also enjoy $1 tacos and $2 beer, and some real fun after the all-too-stressful holidays. The restaurant will serve its full menu until 10 p.m., and then quick bites will be available: tacos, guacamole, queso, salsa and ceviche. The firey pork belly taco with a side of Mexican corn in lime mayo with a not-too-sweet frozen mojito is one sure-fire way to please your palate and your stomach. The Original El Taco is located at 1186 N. Highland Avenue. 404-873-4656. www.eltaco-atlanta.com.
OH, MAYA
So this economy leaves a lot to be desired, but that doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself. Plenty of fine restaurants are anxious for you to come in and share the love. Take Zaya, for example. This delicious Mediterranean destination in Inman Park is offering a plethora of specials: $4 mixed drinks, all day, every day. Any liquor. Kind of insane, but we’ll take it. Pay $10 for selected bottles of wine and just $3 for glasses of wine. On New Year’s Eve, Zaya’s offering Segura Viudas Champagne for only $10 per bottle. Every Saturday and Sunday, indulge your senses in the do-it-yourself Bloody Mary Bar (lazy drinkers can just order from the table or regular bar). And one more thing: Zaya’s giving away $25 gift cards when you purchase a $100 gift card in person. That’ll definitely cover a few drinks and some of those gooey, addictive cheese fingers (a medley of feta, jack and cream cheese wrapped in dough, fried and topped with pepper jelly). While you’re there, try the frog legs, a delicacy brushed in a creamy lemon sauce. Zaya is located at 240 N. Highland Ave. 404-477-0050. www.zayarestaurant.com.
SP
When she’s not checking out restaurants, interviewing chefs or nodding off after her fifth glass of wine, Life, Food & Style Editor Kirsten Ott dishes culinary and cocktail insights. E-mail her at kirstenott@sundaypaper.com.