All posts filed under: Dining Out

Raku Tonkatsu & Ramen

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Ramen, a Japanese term meaning noodle soup. It is commonly made in a broth that has been infused with miso or soy, topped with proteins such as eggs, tofu or pork. The noodles are made with flour, salt, and kansui, a type of alkaline mineral water. The kansui gives the ramen its identity, turning the noodles creamy yellow and gives it that distinctive taste from the mineral in the water. Tonkotsu is a version of ramen describing its pork bone broth. This is not your typical ramen noodles that are often associated with the college student life. This is a new foodie trend that has demanded America’s attention and captured its heart in the past few years. While Atlanta still plays catch up in the foodie scenes, we do have a few ramen noodle places to mention. Sandwiched between multiple Korean shops and eateries of H-Mart Shopping Center in Pleasant Hill, Duluth, is Raku Tonkatsu & Ramen. Its red frames and wooden front are reminiscent of a casual Japanese establishment. Inside, the decor is a balance of new industrial …

Charleston, South Carolina

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To take advantage of the warm, newly Spring weather, my sisters and I took a road trip to Charleston, South Carolina. Baby E went along for the ride. We arrived in downtown Charleston just in time for lunch. Our first stop, Persimmon Cafe, off of Calhoun Street, blocks away from the heart beat King Street of Charleston. Persimmon Cafe is a modern, rustic cafe that features gourmet paninis and sandwiches. With a convenient location near the College of Charleston and Medical College of South Carolina, this cafe was buzzing with college students grabbing a bite and prep for the approaching finals. What makes Persimmon Cafe even more special, is that it’s located inside a laundromat. You read right, not next to one, not nearby one, inside a laundromat. The restaurant takes up about 1/5 of this fairly clean, large laundromat. Your sandwiches are prepared at the same counter where you order. A long wooden table is lined against one of the laundromat walls, facing Calhoun Street. Guests can people watch while finishing their lunch. Baby E …

Atlanta Highway Seafood Market

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Gainesville,  Georgia – a simple little town that surely had seen better days. From small, dusty business buildings to the tiny mechanic shops that has lost its gloss and glamour,  this must be District 12 from Hunger Games. But, even the darkest coal mine has its shiny treasure. Tucked in the middle of Gainesville is Atlanta Highway Seafood Market,  directly off of its namesake street. As you step into this seafood joint, immediately you are faced with stocks of fish, shrimps,  clams,  and other salt and fresh water creatures that may or may not be recognizable to the common diner.  This is the fresh catch of the day.        At the register,  you are instantly greeted with the friendliest staff members.  You can choose from the fresh seafood selection or the extensive menu of prepared dishes. Owner and head chef, Louisiana native Phuong Le,  has perfected the large variety of recipes and left even the Creole food capital, New Orleans, green with envy. First and foremost,  have a cup of gumbo.  The authentic, iconic dish is a …