A couple of weeks ago, thanks to a little muscle from one of my mentors (Tyreal "Real" Lewis), I had the opportunity to sit down with one of the hottest Hip Hop artists around these days - ASAP Rocky.  This Harlem MC with the Texas swag (even when I type it, it doesn't make sense) is on quite a hot streak.  Not only did he just ink a 3 million dollar deal with RCA Records, he just finished up a 17-city tour promoting his mixtape (LiveLoveASAP) AND he's about to go on tour with Drake.  WOW!!!

This interview was interesting to say the least.  First, we didn't have much time because he showed up to the restaurant (FOX Sports Grill - not one of my favorites) a little over 2 hours late (which is pushing it even by rapper's standards).  Second, we ended up doing the interview in front of SEVERAL other magazines and blog sites who had come to see him as well.  I'll admit, I was kinda nervous which was very un-Nick Love like.  Finally, I took the liberty of ordering him chicken fingers only to discover DURING THE INTERVIEW that he was a vegetarian.  Smh.  It made for good conversation though.  And, as you'll see in the video, him and his ASAP Mob tore those french fries to shreds!!!  Lol.  Dude has a great energy though.  And, by the end of the interview, I was even more of a fan.

Peep the video below.

As always, Happy Eating!

We've all been there.  You're sitting down for a bite to eat at one of your favorite restaurants and in the booth behind you is a family with a few, shall we say, "active" children in tow.  They're crying, they're screaming, they're running around.  One of them is grabbing your shirt or playing with your hair.  One of the cuter ones has actually made his/her way over to YOUR table and either stolen your silverware or knocked over your drink.  It's infuriating!!!  But, you can only be so mad at the kids.  It's the PARENTS who you REALLY wanna take a swing at, right??

Well, apparently, there's been some issues over the years at Grant Central Pizza and Pasta (451 Cherokee Ave. Atlanta, GA 30312) in East Atlanta with "active" kids and they made national news over the last few days with their solution.  With regards to crying babies, GCP offered this statement on Facebook

Now, personally, I didn't see anything wrong with this.  I actually think they've gone a little further and said some things that might have REALLY offended some of their customers.  Lol.  However, I realize that pissing off your customers can be bad for business.  But, on the flip side, I have 2 daughters (Kaya - 9, Kendall - 6) and I remember being extra mindful when I was out with them when they were younger and we were out to eat.  Mainly because I didn't want to reinforce the image of the "careless black family with the loud ghetto kids".  Might sound funny but honestly, that's REALLY what it was.  And, we ALL know the stereotype of the white parents who let their kids get away with murder at pretty much any public place.  We joke about it but we all know that, at its' core, its VERY annoying and unnerving.  I just think parents need to be parents at the end of the day.  Sadly, it sometimes takes a rule or policy to force people to make the necessary adjustments.

So, my question to you guys is simple - Do you think Grant Central Pizza is right or justified in issuing this statement to their patrons??  If so, why??  If not, why??  Leave your comments below!

I might go over there today and buy a pizza just to support them.

Happy  Eating!

Over the weekend, I had the great privilege of judging food submissions for the Atlanta Nosh.  For those of you not familiar with it, it's like an underground food event.  The lady who's organizing it also does the Atlanta Underground Market - a monthly members-only foodie gathering.  If you enjoy food, it's a very cool idea.  Anyway, I had a ball!!!  I also ate waaaaaaay too much food.  Shouts out to my new foodie friends - Nik, Lilly, Harvey, and Lyn. 

While there, I had the opportunity to try kale for the first time.  In fact, I tried like 3 different kinds of kale.  Honestly, it wasn't the greatest thing I've ever tasted.  But, my foodie comrades above assured me that there was still some great kale out there to be had.  So, I'm willing to try it again.

Now, the interesting thing about this kale is that I'd just seen an interview in this month's Bon Appetit Magazine with our hometown Hip Hop hero (and Top 5 Dead or Alive) - OutKast's own Andre 3000.  According to the article, he's now taken to eating kale over the every popular Southern comfort dish (and one of my favorite veggies) collard greens.  This amazed me!!!  First, it made me feel totally out of the loop as a budding foodie.  Second, I really wanted to know what I was missing out on.  I'm positive that this was why I was so eager to try the kale at the auditions.

Click here to see what 3 Stacks had to say about the nutritious greenery and check out his recipe below.  Also, if any of you are familiar with kale and can educate me a little bit more or put me on as to where to find the good stuff, leave a comment.

Til we eat again (s/o to @nscheftiff)

Chef India Ramos and Rachelle Lovett (photo by Zachary Toth)

A couple weeks ago, the Bite Life crew was invited down to the Castleberry district for a rooftop event called Liquid Gold on a Golden Day.  It was presented by a company known as Urban Vines Wine Company.  I didn't really know too much about it but the name of the event sounded kinda intriguing.  Enough so for me to do a little research.  Plus, there was a promise of food and wine so . . .  .  I decided to check it out.  I'm glad I did.


Chef and Winemaker India Ramos, along with her business partner Rachelle Lovett, are collectively known as Urban Vines Wine Company.  For those of you that may not be familiar with Urban Vines, these young, professional, sophisticated ladies specialize in wine making, custom wine blending, and wine education.  They also allow for CUSTOM LABELING for the wine.  How cute is that?

We're baaaaaaack!!!  Here is episode 2 of The ATL Bite Life Show.  On this one, we hit up Demitris on Covington Hwy in Decatur with one of my big brothers in the music industry - Block (CEO of Block Entertainment and new VP at Sony Records)!!!

This one happened to be more of a conversation with an old friend than an interview so pardon me if the show goes another direction.  Lol.  But, the food was DELICIOUS!!!  You guys know how I feel about Demitris, right??  If not, check out the review here. 

As always, happy eating and don't forget to tip your waitress.

This is the LIFE!!!

Well, if you haven't gotten your tickets to the 2012 Atlanta Chef's Expo before reading this post, it seems as though you're gonna be S.O.L.  I just took a look at the site a few seconds ago and this event is SOLD OUT!!!  But, fear not!!!  ATL Bite Life will be in the building giving you all the coverage you can handle. 

Now, don't feel too bad about yourself if you're not familiar with the Atlanta Chef's Expo.  I, myself, was not too in the know prior to a couple of weeks ago.  But, after reading up on it, I'm pretty excited.   Basically, it's a big taste test that's open to the general public.  Local chefs that may be affiliated with a restaurant or own/work for a catering company are asked to prepare their "specialty" dish(es) for food lovers, like us LIFERS, to enjoy.  Kinda similar to Taste of Atlanta but on a much smaller scale.  

It's primarily a showcase for local chefs.  However, there will be a competition aspect to it.  Those in attendance will be able to vote for their "Fan Favorite" and for "Most Creative" chef.  There will also be cooking demonstrations and entertainment.  I mean, food PLUS music! What's better than that??

The Expo goes down THIS Sunday, February 19th from 1:30 - 5:30pm at the Foundry at Puritan Mill (916 Joseph Lowery Blvd NW).  It's a charity event with a portion of the proceeds going to support breast cancer research through Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Greater Atlanta. 

If you or anyone you know is going, tell them to hit us up and/or send us some pictures about their experience.  

Happy Eating!!!

OK, folks.  You don't have to tell me.  I already know.  Valentine's Day snuck up on you.  You KNEW it was coming but, between football season ending, work, the kids, bills, the Grammys, etc, you kept putting it off.  Now, February 14th is staring you in the face and you haven't made any plans at all for the big day.  I understand.  It happens.  Smh.

No worries though.  I got you.  My last name isn't LOVE for nothing.  I'm about to put you guys on to some of my Top 9 romantic tuck away spots that, even on Valentine's Day Eve, you should be able to get into with either last minute or no reservations.  Each spot has delicious food (except for #8) and the prices are pretty darn reasonable.  I PROMISE you, you will not be disappointed.  

1. Capers (1635 Old Hwy 41 Kennesaw, GA 30152) - This is my early candidate for /ATL Bite Life's Best Restaurant of 2012.  Don't let their website fool you, they have some of the BEST food I've ever tasted!!!  Their Hawaiian Ribeye is BETTER than Houstons.  Their crab claws rival anything you've had a Pappadeaux.  And, their Toasted Strawberry Pound Cake is unlike ANYTHING you've ever tasted!!!  If you're on the Northside of town, THIS is where you need to be tomorrow night.

2. Marlows Tavern (Various Locations in Metro Atlanta) - I'm not shocked that many of my folks don't know about this place.  I rode past the ones on Northlake Pkwy and West Peachtree for years without ever considering stopping.  But, once I did, I was definitely digging it.  I'd definitely recommend their Sunday brunch over their normal menu BUT they do have a few things that I think you'll enjoy - the steaks and burgers in particular.  And, their ambiance isn't bad at all. 

3. Cinco (4 Locations in Metro Atlanta) - I found out about this spot late last year during my taco craving phase.  I walked in expecting a scaled up version of Moes.  But, what I got was much closer to fine dining than Taco Bell.  The ambiance was sexy, there was a decent wine selection, and the prices were very reasonable.  While it's a little too cold for the rooftop balcony (at the Akers Mill location), their regular dining room can set the mood for any couple.  For Valentine's Day, they have a Surf & Turf for Two special (Two, 4oz filet mignon steaks and Maine lobster enchiladas over cilantro bacon potato cake served with Aztec Chocolate Mousse cake for $32.95).  Get on over to Open Table to make your reservations NOW!!!

4. Double Zero Napoletana (5825 Roswell Rd. Atlanta, GA 30328) - If you've been reading this blog for any amount of time, you know that ATL Bite Life has been singing the praises of Double Zero for quite a while.  The food is great and the ambiance is very romantic.  It's not some side of the road pizza joint.  It's authentic Italian cuisine with a couple of pizzas thrown in.  You'll love it!!!  They're offering a special 3-course Prix Fixe menu for Valentine's Day for $59/person.  Make your reservations for Double Zero now on Open Table.

5. Mosaic (3097 Maple Dr. Atlanta, GA 30305) - Long before there was an ATL Bite Life, me and Tiffany Dime were already working on doing a Saturday or Sunday brunch event of the industry crowd.  That's how we came across Mosaic.  It's tucked away in Buckhead on a side street not too far from Piedmont or Pharr Rd (depending on which way you're coming from).  It's small, quaint, the service is fast, and the food is really good. You can make reservations at Mosaic on Open Table.  And, if I'm not mistaken, there just might be a Scoutmob deal for Mosaic.  #WIN

6. Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint (200 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30303) - Right downtown in the middle of the city, you'll find this INCREDIBLE soul food restaurant with top notch service and live music on a nightly basis.  I actually took Travis Porter to this restaurant for The ATL Bite Life Show (episode coming soon). The food [and drinks - try the Moonshine with pineapple (the cocktail, not the shot)] are much better than similar restaurants like Gladys Knight and Justins, and the ambiance is more conducive to an evening out with your significant other.  Oh, and if you're lucky enough to catch Gritz & Jelly Butter (maybe the best live band in Atlanta) performing, it's an experience that you'll never forget.  This place can get full fast so go ahead and make your reservations ASAP.  Ask for Stephanie.  She's hands down the best hostess in the city!!!

7. Cajun Crabhouse (3220 Butner Rd. Atlanta, GA 30331) - If you're on the Southside, you need to pull up a table at this seafood sanctuary right off of Camp Creek Pkwy.  Expect to hear a lot about this place moving forward because it's the site for our Crab Legs Eating Competition at the end of March.  And, speaking of crab legs, they've got some of the best!!!  The atmosphere is cozy and the stiff drinks will keep you warm no matter what the weather is here in ATL.  The Key Lime Pie martini is a must try!!!

8. Waffle House (Way too many locations in Metro Atlanta) - In one of the more disturbing bits of Bite Life news that I've heard in a while, Awful Waffle House is allowing patrons to make reservations at select locationsLol.  Personally, I HATE Waffle House.  But, if you met your boo at one of AG's nightclubs and then proceeded to Waffle House for a little four play, this could be a bit of an anniversary as well.

9. Whole Foods Market (8 locations around Metro Atlanta) - If all else fails, COOKING is your last option.  But, I got a cheat code for those of you that are a little challenged in the kitchen.  Head over to everyone's favorite organic grocery store and buy 2 pounds of big gulf shrimp and a couple of pounds of crab legs.  Have the guy behind the seafood counter STEAM them for you (preferably with some Old Bay seasoning).  Grab a couple of baking potatoes that you can pop in the microwave for 10-15 minutes on High to get them nice and soft.  Pick up some spinach greens, a tomato, and some shredded cheese for a fresh salad (topped with your choice of dressing).  Finally, top it off by going over to the bakery and grabbing one of their delicious cupcakes OR their strawberry cake (usually $19 but on sale this week for $15).  You can't lose with this!!!

Thank me later.

Happy Eating!!!

I've got a confession.  I HATE reality shows!!!  I mean, it was bad enough when people were eating pig brains to win $50K on Fear Factor or explicitly gold digging on Who Wants To Marry A Millionaire.  But now, between Snooki, the Kardashians, and the "Wives" of anything, I'm absolutely done!!!  The outlandish antics, the pseudo drama, the embarrassing caricatures.  I can't take it!!!  But, there is one exception - VH1's TI & Tiny: The Family Hustle. 

I really dig this show!!!  It's a day to day visual journal of a hugely popular, multi-platinum, hip-hop artist (TI) and his wife (Tiny) going thru life, raising their kids, and doing regular people stuff - arguing over shared bathroom space, riding bikes thru the neighborhood, trying to balance the time between work and home.  It's funny.  It's charming.  It's entertaining.  What's not to love??  It's one of the few shows on television starring "us" (read - black people) that doesn't make me cover my face in shame.

But, there's also another reason why I like the show - the Bite Life!!!  As the chief Bite Lifer of this city, I was constantly peeping out the spots that they chose to dine.  Not bad choices at all.  Did you spy with your little eyes the Bite Life of the Harris family like we did??  Check it out:

Legal Sea Foods

In Episode 3 "America's Sweeheart", Tip and the kids grabbed some lunch at Legal Sea Foods right in the heart of downtown Atlanta.  Literally within blocks of Centennial Park, the Aquarium, and the Coca Cola Museum, Legal serves some of the best seafood in the A.  Not to be confused with Red Lobster or Bankhead Seafood (one of my favorites), Legal leans a little on the pricey side.  So, if you're looking for a 2 piece whiting and fries and hushpuppies, go elsewhere.

True, at all costs, I do try to avoid chain restaurants.  That's just the Bite Life motto.  But, far be it from me to act like I've NEVER partaken in the above average goodness of Joe's Crab Shack.  In Episode 4 "Stacks on Deck", The King and his royal family sat down to a hearty feast of crab legs and coconut shrimp.  Definitely a better value meal than you'd find at Legal Sea Foods.  Lol.

In Episode 7 "King of the House", Tiny and her mom hit up Fogo De Chao in Buckhead to discuss how to snap one of the youngest Harris children (King) out of his spoiled ways.  Honestly, I've never been a huge fan of this place.  I've always thought that the salad bar was mediocre and that there is a such thing as TOO MUCH meat (pause).  But, this restaurant is very popular.  And, it is an experience that I suggest everyone try at least once.

On the most recent show, Episode 9 "Baby Fever", Tiny breaks the news to TI that she is interested in possibly having another child at Briza.  Not one of the most comfortable dinner conversations the  rapper has experienced.  This restaurant sits right on West Peachtree Street and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  The food is good and the prices are reasonable.  Of all the places they've eaten at this season, this is BY FAR my favorite!!!  Definitely a must try for a true ATL Bite Lifer!!!

Will you be hitting any of these spots this weekend??  Let us know.

Happy Eating!!!

And so it begins!!!  Here is the first episode of The ATL Bite Life Show.  On this one, we hit up BLT Steak Atlanta in downtown Atlanta with one of my favorite artists - 2 Chainz!!!

Now, today is a celebratory day.  So, I won't bog you guys down with the details of what REALLY happened during the taping of this particular episode.  However, if you want to know the full scoop, click here.

As always, happy eating and don't forget to tip your waitress.

This is the LIFE!!!

Hola, Bite Lifers!!!  1000 apologies for not posting yesterday.  We got some pretty big things coming up that we had to attend to.  One of which being today's announcement.

On Saturday, March 31st, ATLBiteLife.com is putting on our very first eating competition.  We're inviting the LADIES of ATL (fellas, fall back) to come out and participate in our first  Crab Legs Eating Competition at our new favorite spot, The Cajun Crabhouse (3220 Butner Rd, off of Camp Creek Pkwy).  That's right!!!  We're hitting the Southside up for some good ol' American gluttony!!!  Did we mention that we're giving away a CASH prize to the winner??

More details will be revealed over the coming weeks but go ahead and mark your calendars!!!  Tell a friend to tell a friend!!!

This is the Life!!!

Chef Jason Ellis and Sakina Anderson at the relaunch of Buckhead Bottle Bar & Bistro

By now, I'm sure you guys have heard all the rave about the private tasting event for what is now known as Buckhead Bottle Bar & Bistro this past Wednesday. Of course, it was only right that ATL Bite Life be in the building for this ultra exclusive, ultra chic event. Toward the end of the evening, I had the opportunity to sit down one on one with the new Executive Chef of BBB&B, Jason Ellis. Many of you may know him from his run as a finalist on the seventh season of Fox TV's Hell's Kitchen. A few of you may know him for his wildly popular Chocolate Lobster. We pulled him away from the busy crowd for a few minutes and talked food, females, beef, and beats. Check out what he had to say.

Tell us about the new menu at Buckhead Bottle Bar & Bistro.

Ellis: I would describe the menu as eclectic, not going in any one direction to make really good food. I'm just making good food. Not reinventing the wheel, just coming at it from a different angle. For example, instead of just regular shrimp & grits, I made a goat cheese & chive polenta with seared shrimp and scallops under a lobster cream sauce.

Ellis: For now, yes, I will be here. As time goes on, my Executive Sous Chef, Mark Phillips, will be here holding things down which will allow me to do some other things I have going on like the Social Cravings events.

About a week ago, the ATL Bite Life crew was invited to take part in the Pizza Making Class at Double Zero Napoletana off of Roswell Rd.  This was my first time at Double Zero, so I was very excited to get a first hand account of the ambiance, service, and food that Nick raved about in his review.  If it was really all that he said it was, I knew I was in for a treat.

Walking in, I didn't get the vibe of a pizza spot.  It gave me the feel of an upscale Italian restaurant with its dimmed lights, bar area, and two dining rooms.  My expectations were already exceeded.

As I joined the others attending the class, we were introduced to Nate, one of the amazing pizzaiolos at Double Zero, who facilitated our class and gave us the ins and outs of pizza making.  Nate also gave us the story behind the gigantic ovens that you'll see in the video above.  These specially handcrafted Ferrara ovens are so big, the restaurant was literally built AROUND them.  Oh, and they get crazy hot, I'm talking temperatures exceeding 800 degrees.

Now, I know it was a pizza making class but I never expected to actually press out my own dough (with the help of Nate, of course).  We had the option of several toppings, our sauce, and types of cheese to choose from.  For my pizza, I chose their delicious San Marzano Tomato sauce.  San Marzanos are a less bitter tomato so they give a bit of sweetness to the pizza.  Then, I decided to go with their fresh mozzarella, olives, wild mushrooms, and caramelized onions for my toppings.  In no time, Joel (probably the World's best server) came out with my pizza.  And when I say that pizza was awesome. . .   Matter of fact, it was beyond awesome!!!  Nothing like the commercial pizza places that I frequent.  Honestly, I don't think I can go back to commercial pizza after tasting the authentic pizza that Double Zero makes.

You guys gotta try this pizza and of course the other items on the menu. Join us for the next pizza making class.  It's delicious and lots of fun!!!  Trust me, it's worth the drive.

Oh, and before I go, I wanna shout out two of Double Zero's regular customers - Ellen and her son.  These two absolutely LOVE Double Zero and I think you will too.

Happy Eating!

We're growing!!!  This "little blog", as my friends used to affectionately call it, is gaining more and more momentum everyday.  It seems as though I'm not the only person in Atlanta that is tired of the club.  Apparently, there's quite a few of us who enjoy a quality meal, whether it's a quick bite for lunch or a nice night out with friends, family, or your significant other.  We all gotta eat and us ATL Bite Lifers like to eat GOOD!!!

But, I can no longer do this thing by myself.  I need some people who know the city like I do and are just as enthusiastic about food.  This ship has hit the water and I need a crew to keep it afloat.  The following positions are available:

If you think you are the person who could adequately fill these shoes, send us an email here!!!