Saturday consists of trying to keep up with the busiest girl I know, trips to Quicktrip, Bank of America, Taqueria Del Sol (If you're going to be in Atlanta you should treat yourself to a couple fish tacos ;-)), a trip to the most monotonous mall in Atlanta, drinks at the Fox Sports Grill, getting random men to sing Happy Birthday to Tabitha and weaving through traffic trying to make it to dinner.. ok pause:
DINNER: it was @ Straits Atlanta, a Singaporean cuisine spot in Atlanta's Midtown owned by Rapper Ludacris in partnership with Chef Chris Yeo. The restaurant opened here in April. A dimly lit, very modern spot, yet sexy and sleek. There is a full bar near the entrance and a lounge area on the first level. We dined upstairs, after climbing a full flight of stairs (thanks Luda and co. for ensuring the burning of all calories consumed before leaving the building) we were taken to our area, it was fitting for the occassion. The food was good, spicy, advententurous and fun if I'm allowed to use such words to describe food. All in all it was a good experience. The service get's a needs improvement and though the ambiance is meant to be warm and inviting it's actually pretty cold in there!!! Lastly, the music did not necessarily match the atmosphere but I guess that's what you get when Singaporean meets Hip-Hop's own Ludacris.
Immediately following dinner we were on our was to Atl's 'Dreamz' nightclub. Upon arrival we quickly noticed the entire city draped around the venue in what seemed to be a line, literally draped around the venue. Not too excited about the line we hung out in the vehicle for a couple minutes before joining the line of unknowns. So far from my normal semi-VIP experiences, I patiently waited engaging in small talk with my friends. Once inside, I realized I may have preferred standing in line. But that didn't last too long, I tuned out the bootleg dancers strategically placed throughout the large space turned nightclub, and the night ended up being all good. A bunch of regular people trying to have a good time and with that in an instant I got in touch with my inner appreciation for VIP lines, list, sections and shameless high-maintence individuals superciliously claiming to be on the master list.
Atlanta, I promise we will unite as one in the years to come but New York has my heart so my impromptu visits will have to do for now...
Sooo today is Hot Spot Thursdays, for all you little lovelies in NYC or considering making that trip soon I have a restaurant suggestion... TAO!
Tao is a casual eleg
ant spot in Midtown East (42 East 58th Street btwn. Park & Madison) with an Asian/Pan-Asian cuisine. The food is great, service top-notch and the atmosphere, impeccable. I don't know if it's the 16-foot Buddha that floats above a reflecting pool, the sushi bar or the layout of the restaurant that keeps people coming but it's known as a favorite destination for celebrities, athletes and of course me and my girls!
Getting reservations can be a slight headache but if you're flexible you'll be good. In addition, they do accept walk-ins and there are two bars and a cool lounge to hang-out while waiting to be seated.
I went on a Saturday night it was crowded, very loud and extremely accommodating to my fairly large party. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we enjoyed our food, the waiter was very patient and knowledgeable, he recommended the Crispy Tuna Sashimi Roll with Edamame and I absolutely loved it. There's extensive options from Dumplings and Spring Rolls to Miso Glazed Chillean Sea Bass; whatever you decide to eat make sure to leave a little room for the Chocolate Lava Cake... your visit won't be complete without it.
Go experience Tao...
call: 212-888-2288 to make reservations
(they suggest you make reservations a month in advance but you can get around this if you have flexibility in your timing)
cost: expect to pay around $30-$50
... and all you West Coasters there's a Tao restaurant/night club at the Venetian in Vegas.
That's all. :)
