Way back in the day (5 months ago) when I first started this ATL Bite Life thing, I had no idea what I was doing.  I was just a regular old urban nomad wandering around the city in search of something to put in my tummy besides hamburgers and fries.  There was no big master plan, no blueprint, no TV show.  Just me and my hunger pains. 

One restaurant changed all that - Stir It Up in Little 5 Points.  Seeing that place, eating that food, and meeting that owner (Vivian) was the catalyst for EVERYTHING!!!  I knew that there were people like me who needed to know about restaurants like this.  Small, one off, mom & pop type eateries with great food tucked away in blossoming neighborhoods within a huge metropolis.  I tell Vivian this story every time I stop by.  And, I stop by often.  

Now, I'm a HUGE fan of the jerk chicken here.  I probably order that 90% of the time that I'm there.  But, it was our taping of ATL Bite Life with my boy, BuVision/Def Jam recording artist Verse Simmonds, that put me on to the greatness that is the Brown Stew Snapper.

A WHOLE (head, eyes, teeth, tail, and all) red snapper pan fried on both sides with spices and Chef's top secret special sauce.  AMAZING!!!  It comes to your table with this thin crispy crust that you can cut right thru with your fork.  And, there's a flavor kick that hits your tongue immediately that I'd describe as more tangy than spicy.  Just delicious!!!  On top of that, it was very filling but not that heavy, stuffed feeling you'd get from eating say, Miss Ann's Ghetto Burger. 

Now, I'm from Decatur, GA!  A 1980 Grady baby that grew up on the Eastside of Atlanta all my life - Glenwood Rd, Candler Rd, etc.  So, the whole fish with the head still on was definitely a bit daunting for me.  And, there were a LOT of bones in this fish.  Like A LOT!!!  But, I will tell you this - I have NEVER enjoyed a dish like this in my life.  It was definitely a memorable experience.

It does take a little while prepare so don't try to pop in during your 30 minute lunch break.  This is a meal that needs time and special attention to truly appreciate.  I also wouldn't recommend that you get it to go.  SIT DOWN and enjoy it!!!  Take in the Caribbean riddims vibrating thru the speakers in the dining area and just take it all in.

Happy Eating!!!