Fritti’s beehive wood-fire ovens deliver delectable slices of heaven. CREDIT: Courtesy of Fritti |
Heat Wave
Temperatures are rising in the kitchen and cooling off with fresh and fabulous cocktails
By Kirsten Ott
Pull up a stool, blokes and birds (that’s British for beer lovers of all sexes). TAP, Midtown’s new gastropub, from the gents who brought you Trois, Piebar, One Midtown Kitchen and Two Urban Licks, has concocted a beer club and they’re recruiting new members. Not since we sported Members Only jackets have we felt this cool. Sign up at TAP to gain coveted access to more than 40 globe-trotting beers, become a member of the TAP Taster’s Society and be notified of secret handshakes, news and the like. For more information, call 404-347-2220 or visit www.tapat1180.com.
Easy, breezy cocktails
The dog days of summer are fully upon us, and August heat is going to be almost unbearable. Cool off with the 527 happy hour at the newly revamped Food Studio located in the historic King Plow Arts Center. The refreshingly bright so fresh and so clean clean cocktail consists of Hanger One Buddha’s Hand vodka, fresh basil and lemongrass, creating an ultra-refreshing summertime sipper ($10). All summer long, the 527 program (so named for its 5 to 7 p.m. schedule, Tuesday through Friday) keeps us chill with seasonal libations and a palate-pleasing array of bite-sized gourmet apps at the bar or on the breezy outdoor patio. Of course, if your stomach’s growling for more sustenance, take a seat in the elegantly renovated and intimate factory loft where a knowledgeable and decidedly down-to-earth wait staff caters to your every gastronomic desire. For more information, call 404-815-6677 or visit www.thefoodstudio.com.
Islands in the stream
Escape to the tropics with chef/owner Roy Yamaguchi’s eponymous Roy’s island hop dinner on August 7. The annual event features chefs from Roy’s restaurants around the country showcasing local cooking traditions, techniques and eclectic ingredients of Hawaii’s five main islands. Each course is paired with a complementing wine. Nosh on delicious dishes such as pan flashed Hawaiian abalone and crab salad, lobster, seared rare ono sashimi, grilled venison chop, pork belly and divine desserts. $85 per person (plus tax and tip). For more information, call 404-231-3232 or visit www.roysrestaurant.com.
Mangia
Having the exclusive in on anything is always a good thing, especially when it comes to food. Last week I dined at Fritti in Inman Park, and I feel like I’ve been deprived of authentic pizza until this point. The decadent slices were immersed in flavors of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits and innovative twists on classics. Italians craft their pizza with little sauce, a trademark of Neapolitan-style pizza, along with the perfect balance of not too thin and not too thick crust. Chef/owner Riccardo Ullio’s hip restaurant has recently been certified by the Verace Pizza Napolentana Association for serving authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. Fritti is one of only 18 American restaurants honored with this distinction. Ullio operates nearby Sotto Sotto and will soon be opening two more palate pleasers: Beleza, a fresh concept for eating local and organic ingredients slated to arrive in Midtown in August, and Cuerno, a dining destination for modern Spanish cuisine coming this fall. Stay tuned to SP for reviews. For more information, call 404-880-9559 or visit www.frittirestaurant.com.
