by Michael Totten

Created on: October 31, 2008   Last Updated: February 25, 2010

Many and varied are the gastronomic gems of Atlanta, drawing upon a unique culinary crossroads of history and culture. To experience them all would take a lifetime, but every gastronomic journey begins with a single step.

Horseradish Grill
4320 Powers Ferry Rd NW, phone (404) 255-7277

Classic Southern comfort food begins our tour at the upscale Horseradish Grill, offering casual, relaxing, romantic dining in a beautiful rustic setting. A very popular brunch is available Sundays 11-2. From warm and inviting indoors fireside seating to the sun-splashed patio, the friendly appeal of this place is hard to beat.

VeggieLand
211 Pharr Rd NE, phone (404) 231-3111

For an unexpected twist on the usual lunch fare, check out VeggieLand, located next to the giant fish sculpture of the Atlanta Fish Market. You might expect a restaurant in such a location to serve fish. Instead, it serves only vegan fare, and serves it so well that VeggieLand has quickly become a hidden gem among the Buckland locals. The food is always impeccably fresh, the attention to detail shown by such touches as ice cubes made from filtered water. The range of the menu is surprisingly broad, covering most tastes from Mexican to Asian to a completely vegan Western sandwich which far outclasses many of its more conventional counterparts, although the offerings may not appeal to those craving something spicier. The ambience is very comfortable and easy-going, the service fast and friendly, but what else would you expect from a hostess by the name of Happy?

Bone's
3130 Piedmont Rd, phone (404) 237-2663

At the opposite pole of the gastronomic experience is Bone's, located at the corner of Peachtree and Piedmont. This steakhouse is truly in a class by itself, not only in Atlanta but in all of North America. From the moment you step out of your car and the valet takes your keys, dining at Bone's becomes something uniquely special, from the extensive wine list and the steak that is routinely voted Atlanta's finest, to the way the staff make each and every diner feel like a valued customer. Reservations are essential. Be sure to mention if you are celebrating a special occasion, as the staff will go out of their way to make it even more special. Private rooms are available for groups. Whether you seek a romantic interlude or a good place to take a business client, Bone's does not disappoint.

Nuevo Laredo Cantina
1495 Chattahoochee Ave NW, phone (404) 352-9009

No gastronomic tour of Atlanta would be complete without mentioning Nuevo Laredo Cantina. Already well known locally for the U.S. Bar Y Grill, chef and owner Chance Evans went well off the beaten path when he opened his campy little restaurant on Chattahoochee Avenue, but even so the word spread quickly of a fun, friendly place serving authentic, home-cooked Mexican food. It took only a year before Nuevo Laredo Cantina earned its first 'Best of Atlanta' award, an honor it has won every year since. Reservations are limited to groups of six or more, Monday through Thursday, so arrive before 7pm if you wish to avoid parking headaches and a long wait for a table. (Try not to fill up on the delicious free salsa and chips while you wait). Once seated, however, the service is fast and friendly, the portions generous, and the food simply mouth-watering. From taqueria-style tacos to pico de gallo, this place has it right.

These are but a few samples of the many and varied tastes of Atlanta. Why not experience some of them for yourself?

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