Recent Comments
Re: “The Raid: Redemption is a bloody good time”
Awesome display of raw and legit martial art skill. Silat reminds you that as much as you may love UFC, MMA has become totally mainstream. Enjoy before Hollywood turns it into a mess!
Re: “The search for the perfect Midtown hangout”
I've lived here for 16 years, about as local as they get anymore. Great food and bev exists certainly in Atlanta. The state of Midtown reflects very accurately the state of mind for many people in the city, so for the 95% of you that fall in this category, deal with it!
When people want to be bourgeois but cheap, you can't have both, doesn't work that way. The attitude has never changed and that's why Atlanta has such a hard time measuring to the great food cities on a "consistent" basis. Atlanta has "moments", but not a vision that energizes the community 24/7. As long as people expect 5 star quality and service but don't want to pay more than 5 bucks, always an uphill battle. Groupon came along and REALLY dumbed things down...
One disadvantage that really hurts Midtown and other areas is its not walk friendly, too spread out. Density naturally creates a place for community. Too often great concepts are forced to be the lone anchor for an entire city block. Even with deep pockets its hard to make it alone, you need other businesses, working together to create that buzz and vibe people crave.
Kudos to the places that push to change that culture. There is a great core group already mentioned that strive to see top notch food and bev in Atlanta. I have to put in a shout to the Vortex, not Ecco or Escorpion but a consistent atmosphere, good food and a bar staff that will reciprocate good attitudes, try it (the good attitude part)!
Re: “Highlander 20th Anniversary”
Thanks to the fine folks of the Highlander for never losing sight of who they are and the food/atmosphere that has stayed true. If you need more proof just ask what the average tenure of most employees is there, you'll get it.