The R&D process continues…20 restaurants in Atlanta in 10 days. What are the popular trends and menu items that are being served at the restaurants I visited? Here we go:

 ·       Charcuterie and Cheese Boards – always great with wine! (Watershed, Star Provisions, Golden Eagle, Local Three, Miller Union, Bocado, The Iberian Pig, Sun in My Belly)

·       Truffle Fries (JCT Kitchen, Howell’s Kitchen and Bar)

·       Tuna Tartare (The Optimist, Blue Ridge Grill)

·       Tuna Poke (True Food Kitchen, Parish Brasserie and Café,

·       Peel and Eat Shrimp or Shrimp Cocktail (Star Provisions, The Optimist, King + Duke)

·       Agnolotti Pasta (JCT Kitchen, Watershed)

·       Roasted Chicken, Fried Chicken or Brick Chicken (Golden Eagle, The Optimist, JCT Kitchen, Watershed)

·       Roasted/Fried Cauliflower (The Optimist, Golden Eagle, Miller Union,

·       Roasted/Fried Brussels Sprouts (Howell’s Kitchen and Bar, Star Provisions, Local Three, True Food Kitchen, Miller Union, JCT Kitchen, King + Duke, South City Kitchen)

·       Hummus and Dips (Star Provisions, Local Three, Bocado, Sun in My Belly, Howell’s Kitchen and Bar)

·       Pimiento Cheese (Buttermilk Kitchen, Watershed, Bocado)

·       Red Pepper Jelly (Buttermilk Kitchen)

·       Sticky Toffee Pudding (The Optimist)

·       Tres Leches (Watershed, Superica, JCT Kitchen)

·       Eggs (Buttermilk Kitchen, Miller Union, Parish Brasserie & Café, Star Provisions, The Iberian Pig)

·       Citrus Flavors (Miller Union, The Optimist)

·       Bacon Wrapped Dates (The Iberian Pig)

·       Deviled Eggs (Watershed, JCT Kitchen, Bocado)

I treat these restaurant visits as if I am still in Culinary School. Dissecting each and every ingredient tests my palate in distinguishing flavors and ingredients. For now, at this stage of our R&D, it’s all about information gathering. Heading to Nashville and West Palm Beach next. Stay tuned!