October 19th, 2008

Organic Dining Across America: Atlanta

Posted by Jenn Breckenridge

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Atlanta, Georgia is home to some of the richest and most diverse culture in the Deep South. This thriving city has historically been a force in politics, music, athletics; it is home to a wide range of American greats, from Martin Luther King, Jr. and Alice Walker to Cat Power and Andre 3000. “Hotlanta” is also known for its delicious deep fried Southern cuisine, as well as being the manufacturing headquarters of soda giant Coca-Cola. Certainly, one thing this city is not famous for is healthy, organic dining options. Atlanta’s rep for artery-clogging cuisine may just be changing though, as dozens of locally-grown menus pop up across the city.

Bacchanalia

For Atlantians with something to celebrate, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or simply a love of great cuisine, Bacchanalia is the place to do it. The elegant decor lends a sleek backdrop to the fresh, locally-sourced menus of Chef Owners Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison.

Bacchanalia originated from humble beginnings in a country cottage in Buckhead. With their combination of quality organic ingredients and warm, knowledgeable service, they quickly outgrew the space and moved Bacchanalia to a renovated factory in Midtown. During its fifteen years of operation, Bacchanalia has won honors such as the coveted James Beard Best Chef award, in addition to continued recognition from Zagat, Food And Wine, Gourmet, and The New York Times.

The quality choices on the wine list here match the cuisine perfectly, with a decent smattering of organic and biodynamic selections from some great French and American producers. Make sure to start with their signature dish, Gulf Crab Fritter with Citrus Thai Pepper Essence, paired with some Drouhin Chablis, and end with the divine Valrhona Chocolate Cake and Mint Ice Cream paired with Late Harvest Zinfandel by Dashe Cellars. You can leave it up to their friendly, foodie staff or your own culinary instincts to decide what comes in between; fortunately at Bacchanalia, you can’t really go wrong.

5 Seasons Brewing Company

5 Seasons brews 60 different styles of beer under the watchful eye of brewmaster Crawford Moran, from Flying Monkeys Golden Ale to the Haiku Belgian Tripel to our obvious favorite, The Big ‘O’, an organic version of traditional English Ale. Having so many styles of beer to choose from makes pairing with food a breeze. 5 Seasons has a wonderful array of “little plates,” which make for the ultimate in bar fare. Kounterfeit Kolsch is a nice crisp accompaniment to the Kari Kari Crab and Cream Cheese Dumplings, the Georgia Peach Honey Wheat is the perfect match for the Seared Jumbo Scallops with Orange Glaze, and on it goes with the rest of the menu. The grilled pizzas are phenomenal and the farm-raised meats are all local and hormone free. 5 Seasons is a surefire bet for Atlanta dining, the only downside is you may just need to spring for a cab to get you home.

Woodfire Grill

A surprising number Atlanta’s chefs are determined to support their local farmers, and Chef Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill is no exception. Gillespie’s youthful approach to cuisine combined with his Southern upbringing makes for memorable meals of traditional ingredients used in a fresh, sophisticated way. The Wood Grilled Sonoma Artisan Duck with Radicchio, Walnuts and Slow Roasted Pancetta with Figs and the Sautéed Local Trout with Summer Squash Salad certainly do not disappoint. The woodfired grill, for which the restaurant is named, turns out delectable pizzettas, grassfed culotte steak, free range chicken, and dozens of other enticing items.

The wine list at Woodfire Grill, some of which is organic or biodynamic, runs the gamut of Old and New World Wine; Beaucastel Chateauneuf Du Pape is listed right next to a simple Syrah from the Shenandoah Valley. It is refreshingly unpretentious. The list has some notable makers, but is clearly crafted by the wine buyer’s tastes, not the pages of Wine Spectator. If I can share a personal suggestion here, finish your meal with a glass of the nectar-like Tokaji Aszu dessert wine, matched with either the Maytag Blue Cheesecake or a selection of their divine artisanal local cheeses, and you may just experience a little piece of heaven on earth.

Click here to search for organic restaurants and grocery stores across the United States.

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