Usually, kids heading back to school in the Fall equals wheels up for me. Europe is less crowded, flights are less expensive and you can get all the best restaurant reservations. But, as we all know, 2020 had other plans for us. Thankfully, me and mine are healthy, and by all accounts doing well, so I am grateful and want to keep a positive outlook on it all.
One of the positive things I have found during COVID, when I can’t travel or even hang out in the same places, is to make an effort to find the smells and senses of far away places by visiting the small shops, local restaurants and stores who bring those feelings and flavors of foreign places to my neighborhood. Many are owned and operated by people born and bred elsewhere, they are bringing their culture and tastes along with them, while introducing (or re-introducing) us to their homelands.
Since I cannot travel abroad this year, I thought it would be fun to explore my backyard. To dine, shop, and sip at spots owned or operated by immigrants who have started businesses with their culture and home as it’s inspiration. From Buford Highway’s hotspots, to a little wine shop on the Atlanta’s West Side — follow along and let us know a few favorites. And, I hope this inspires you to do your own travel through your town and neighborhoods.
Come along as I discover my little slice of #CovidCountry, also known as Atlanta.
Italy by way of . . .
Tuscany At Your Table– Atlanta’s authentic Italian deli and market in the heart of Virginia-Highland, owned by Luigi D’Arienzo, Tuscany at Your Table serves beautifully made dishes and high quality deli cuts, as well as daily meals which are extraordinary. Luigi grew up in Naples and later moved to Tuscany. He lived there for 15 years meeting his wife along the way. They moved to Atlanta in 2012 and opened Tuscany at Your Table in 2016. They strive to bring a piece of their home to the Atlanta area. Do yourself a favor and visit their website and sign up for their weekly emails for information on their daily meals and other happenings for a little slice of Italy heaven in your mailbox. @TuscanyAtYourTable ,1050 North Highland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306
La Tavola creates an experience of an authentic Italian trattoria. A long-time stalwart of the Virginia Highlands dining scene, this sweet spot is perfect for date night or a girls night out. They have wonderful outdoor seating, although my favorite seat at La Tavola is at the bar and my favorite dish is their spaghetti. The owners of La Tavola have done an outstanding job during Covid to keep their customers safe. They have a socially distanced back patio that transports to an alfresco evening in Italy. And if you’d rather create your own Italy at home they have to go orders just for that! @LaTavola.atl, 992 Virginia Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30306
Bellina Alimentari– Bellina Alimentari is inspired by cafes and alimentari shops in northern Italy. The owners believe that every meal should be delicious and nutritious. This lovely little spot is located in Ponce City Market. Their space is a restaurant and a market for you to take home fresh pasta and other delicious ingredients. They work with local farmers and when they can’t get certain items from their farmers, it is directly imported from Italy. @Bellinaalimentari, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, N-131 Atlanta, GA 30308
Storico Fresco– Starting in a basement in Garden Hills, Storico Fresco strives to keep the culture and spirit of Italy alive in Atlanta. The name translates to Fresh History, which is what they hope to bring to the city. They have handmade pasta and a gorgeous patio open all year round. Their market has lots of choices for your cooking adventures, including fresh pasta, meatballs and pasta sauces. Their take-home lasagna is truly “to die for” and is on regular rotation on the menu at my house. I mean to die for. Run, don’t walk and feel free to thank me later. @StoricoFresco, 3167 Peachtree Road NE Suite S Atlanta, GA 30305
La Grotta Ristorante– Chef Antonio Abizanda has specialized in Northern Italian cuisine at La Grotta since 1978. His partner Christian Favalli was an employee who hung coats in 1978 and now is the face of the company. Abizanda and Favalli have incredible customer service and if you visit it’s highly likely that you’ll see one of them during your experience. @LagrottaAtl, 2637 Peachtree Road Northeast Atlanta, GA 30305
France by way of….
Le Bilboquet – To Atlanta via New York, while technically a “chain” the French manager (Ilona – Love u!) and staff give this French outpost that je ne sais quoi and is one of my favorites places to see and be seen. And the (believe it or not) Cajun Chicken and frites is the best thing ever. Dining available outside if you are so inclined. @lebilboquetatlanta, 3027 BOLLING WAY NE, ATLANTA, GA 30305
Anis Cafe Bistro – A french restaurant owned by Arnaud Michel. Arnaud grew up in the south of France and brings his experience from growing up at his family’s winery to using authentic, seasonal ingredients in every dish. @aniscafebistro , 2974 Grandview Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30306
Cafe Intermezzo – Stepping into Café Intermezzo is like stepping into another time, another place. This Fashioned European Coffeehouse is the perfect escape to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night appetizer with a glass of wine or a cocktail. @cafeintermezzo, 1065 Peachtree Street, Suite 2, Atlanta, GA 30309
Perrine’s Wine Shop – From Burgundy, France the owner, Perrine’s lifelong vision to share her French Provincial-inspired concept with all. A West Midtown gem, Perrine’s Wine Shop boasts a rustic yet soft atmosphere and is a meeting place for Old and New World wines alike. @perrineswine , 1168 Howell Mill Rd NW Atlanta, GA 30318
Le Jardin Francais– Marie-Laure Coste Dujols is the owner-lead designer of Le Jardin Français, an Atlanta-based floral, event, and garden design firm. Early in her career she played an active role in developing her family business, Le Jardin Français France—a bed and breakfast, nursery, and exhibition garden located thirty miles north of Paris. In her formative years in Paris, Marie-Laure created floral designs for iconic French brands, including Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, L’Oréal, Le Louvre, and Musée Rodin. After moving to Atlanta in 1998, Marie-Laure established Le Jardin Français US, to bring the elegance and sophistication of French floral design to the South. @lejardinfrancais, 1100 HOWELL MILL ROAD NW ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30318
