Sitting outside Atlanta in 5 very suburban locations (Buford, Calhoun, Cartersville, Kennesaw, and Lawrenceville) are the sophisticatedly simple creations of twins Deon and DeRon Ragland.  Their company, Popcorn Haven, small gourmet shops offering over 250 flavors of popcorn, has taken off since their first location opened in 2009 and they aren't looking backwards.

Recently, I stopped by the Barrett Pkwy location in Kennesaw to see (and sample) what this thing was all about.  My opinion - very interesting.  I fancy myself as some what of a popcorn lover.  At least I thought I was.  Walking into the store can be slightly overwhelming at first.  Close your eyes and think of one of those candy or chocolate stores you'd see in the mall.  Now, replace all of that stuff with popcorn.  Kinda cool but kinda weird, right??  There were literally barrels on top of barrels of popcorn.

Well, the weirdness doesn't stop there.  Once you start looking at the flavors, you will do one of two things.  You'll either be instantly intrigued or instantly repulsed.  I never even knew you could infuse these flavors into popcorn.  Just look at the pics below.

How do you feel about Hot Wing flavored popcorn??  Not weird enough.  What about Chili??  Italian Sausage anyone??  They've got Taco flavored popcorn.  I'm sure you'll like that.  Lol.  Oh, and for you fruit lovers, they've got mango, sour apple, blueberry, grape, and pretty much every other flavor you could think of.  I saw Cheesesteak, Strawberry Cheesecake, and even Loaded Baked Potato.  Just amazing and ackward at the same damn time (Future voice).

The cool thing about Popcorn Haven is that they let you sample the popcorn while you're in the store.  It was my understanding that they had a 5 flavor limit on sampling but you know ATL Bite Life got the juice so we went slightly over that number (closer to 20).  What I realized is that many of the flavors really aren't that bad.  The thing is, I don't think you could eat a big bag of any of it.  Those flavors are just too much.

I definitely recommend that ALL of our Lifers stop by one of their locations and check their popcorn out though.  The experience alone is worth the trip.  At the very least you'll have a cool story to tell once you leave.

For more information on Popcorn Haven, visit their website - www.popcornhaven.com.  You can also click here to Like them on Facebook.

Happy Eating!

I'm gonna let our female readers in on a little guy secret.  Every man I know that grew up in the mid to late 90's, like myself, went thru phases where he was madly in love with all 3 members of multi-platinum super group TLC.  When a guy was into partying and having a good time, Left Eye (R.I.P.) was the obvious choice for a companion.  When money was tight and he was looking for that cool, ride or die chick to hold him down, T-Boz was the prototype for that.  But, when all was right with the world and he wanted that gorgeous, Perfect 10 wifey, all signs pointed towards Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas - the "Sexy" in the Crazy, Sexy, Cool trio.

Well, I recently had the opportunity to awaken some of those old puppy love feelings and talk to the beautiful Miss Chilli.  She's really bout that Bite Life for real!!!  Almost, TOO bout it.  Right when I was gonna look deep into her eyes and confess my 15 year infatuation with her, she mentioned that she liked WAFFLE HOUSE.  Smh.  Nobody's perfect, I guess.

Check out our brief Q&A to find out what else she's digging about the ATL dining scene.

ABL: When it comes to dining out in ATL, can you tell us exactly what it is that Chilli wants??

Chilli: I always want a healthy choice so I look for organic selections.

ABL: Most men would probably assume that you are more accustomed to the finer things in life.  Especially when it comes to eating out.  But, what "regular" restaurant do you find yourself eating at more often than not??

Chilli: I do like the finer things.  Don't assume wrong, assume right (laughs).  But, I like Waffle House.  I always get the steamed hash browns, grilled chicken breasts with scrambled egg whites, and pickles on top. And there you have nice clean high protein meal from Waffle House.

ABL: During our inaugural season of taping for The ATL Bite Life Show, we wanted to interview you at one of your favorite restaurants.  You chose Cottage, an Ethiopian restaurant which closed recently.  Why did you like it so much?? 

Chilli: The food was just amazing. Seasoned well. No pork. It was delicious, I haven't had any Ethiopian food since the place closed. Why did you all have to remind me? :(  

ABL: So, since Cottage is closed, what's gonna be your new favorite spot now??  

Chilli: That's a good question.  I can go with my old faithful R. Thomas.  They never let me down.  They have the best organic free range grilled chicken wings!!!

ABL: How many Chilli / "chili" jokes have you had to endure over the years??  How many were actually funny??  

Chilli: There have definitely been alot and most of them are not funny.  They tend to be very cornball-ish (laughs) 

Name: Woody's Famous Philadelphia Cheesesteaks

Menu: N/A

After months of hearing about this place, riding by it, and then finally seeing it pop up on Scoutmob, I decided to pop into Woody's Famous Philadelphia Cheesesteaks yesterday and check it out.  SOOOOOOO glad I did.  The service was fast and courteous and that sandwich was was one of the best I'd ever had!!!

Places like these are what prompted us to create ATL Bite Life.  Small mom & pop shops nestled in cool metro neighborhoods serving incredible food.  Woody's has quite a few things working in its' favor.  First, it sits right on a busy Monroe Dr in between 9th and 10th St in full view of traffic.  Piedmont Park is a hop, skip, and a jump away as well as Midtown Art Cinema and Grady High School.  The other plus is that it stays open til midnight Sunday thru Thursday.  Then, on the weekend, the place is open until 4am.  All my Bite Lifers who are part of #TeamNoSleep or who just want to avoid Krystals or Waffle House after the club, THIS is the place to go!!!

The inside of Woody's is fairly small.  It almost puts in the mind of Ann's Snack Bar in terms of size.  But, have no fear.  There's a little more elbow room than Ann's with what I remember to be around 8 old-school vinyl booths.  There's also a decent sized covered patio that allows for more seating. The biggest plus is that there's no old lady fussing at you to step outside or to get off the phone.  Even with a reasonable line of people inside, the 3-person staff was cool, helpful, patient, and fast.  I may have waited about 7 minutes for my food to come out piping hot.

But, it's not the size of the building or the patio or even the service that's gonna bring me back to Woody's.  I'm coming back for the cheesesteaks!!!  Now, I usually get my cheesesteaks from Publix.  I think I've been very clear on my stance that Publix has the best sandwiches around.  However, I know that many people have pointed out that the bread there can be harder than you'd normally prefer.  THIS is what makes Woody's version my new hands down favorite. 

The bread for their cheesesteak is soft and fluffy like it was prepared in the finest bakery.  But, it didn't crumble or fall apart under the weight of the meat and toppings of the sandwich.  And, believe me, I tested it.  I asked that my sandwich be dressed down with EVERYTHING minus lettuce and tomato.  I had mushrooms, banana peppers, jalapeno peppers, light mayo, and it already came with a filling amount of meat and cheese.  INCREDIBLE!!!  It was so good without being ridiculously greasy as you know cheesesteaks tend to be. 

Honestly, the only downside that I could find with Woody's is that busy location.  The traffic getting over to Woody's, especially on a weekend, could potentially make you say "F it" and just grab something else perhaps on Ponce.  And, as with anything in the downtown/midtown area, the parking situation isn't great.  On my count, I only saw 8 spaces and 2 of those were marked for handicapped persons.

Either way, if you're willing to brave Atlanta's stop and go and then potentially park down the street, the Philly cheesesteak at Woody's is WELL WORTH IT!!!  Add some chips and a drink to it and then couple it with your Scoutmob discount and you'll REALLY feel like you got over.  I know I'll be back and I'm hoping I run into some of our Lifers too.

Til we eat again!

So, not only has the Snowman taken my full beard and mustache look, now he reveals that he too is a foodie.  Dammit!!!  Can I have my swag back??  Lol.  Just kidding.  

During a rather random conversation last week at one of his recording sessions, multi-platinum hip-hop artist Young Jeezy told me that he has ALWAYS been into food and that he takes great pride in being up on the new hot spots in the city.  He wouldn't reveal his absolute favorite restaurant for fear that I would tell the world and ruin his epicurean hideaway.  However, he made it clear that he's not hard to find in the streets or the tweets when it comes to eating out.  Jeezy is constantly being spotted out and twitpic'd around ATL with a full plate in front of him.  But, where is the best place to run into Mr. 17.5??

ATL Bite Life has compiled a list of the Top 5 places that you're most likely to catch a glimpse of the thug motivator stuffing his face.

1. Spondivits (1219 Virgina Ave)
This shouldn't be much of a surprise to any true ATLien.  Jeezy's almost a regular here.  Since he's decided to rid his diet of red meat, he's taken to seafood as his favorite alternative.  Crab legs - loves them!!!  Oysters - you bet!  Catfish and shrimp - not so much!

2. Justin's (2200 Peachtree Rd NW)
This is another non shocker.  The southern style entrees, laid back ambiance, and endless supply of Ciroc (can't forget that) are like magnets to a hip hop superstar.  Justin's seems to be more of a dinner meeting place for Jizzle though.  That private dining area makes for the ideal place to hold court.


3. Chanterelle's (646 Evans St SW)

Soul food with a french fusion has never really been my cup of tea but Jeezy has long had a fondness for the West End eatery.  Remember the classic line from "Trap or Die" - "Tryin me ni**a, that's your first mistake / Eat yo lil' ass up like a Chanterelle's plate".  Admittedly, he hasn't been able to get by like he used to back in the day.  But, we're sure that baked chicken calls his name from time to time.

4. do at The View (955 W. Marietta St)

According to owner Christian Ruffin, Jeezy has stopped by do at The View quite a few times since it's opening a little under a year ago.  One special day last summer, the restaurant was opened up exclusively just for Jeezy to dine with hip hop mogul Jay-Z and Mayor Kasim Reed.  The casual fly-ness of this place, which was recently voted as Atlanta's Hottest Restaurant, is a definite draw.  I mean, where else in the city can you order your food on an iPad??  And, the food ain't bad either.


5. Uncle Julio's (1860 Peachtree Rd NW)

When Jeezy suggested that we meet on the patio of this Buckhead eyesore one Sunday afternoon, I must admit, I was more than surprised.  But, when I tried the food, it made sense.  Quality quesadillas and stiff margaritas are the main attraction here.  And, the view from that patio, which sits right on Peachtree, isn't too shabby.

TM103: Hustlerz Ambition is in stores now!!!

Happy Eating!

TEQUILA!!!

This almost too much!  2 articles in just a few days.  Had I known this would happen, I would have prepared a speech.  Lol.  

Those wonderful people over at my favorite Android app - Scoutmob - asked me to pair some of the music events that are coming to the ATL with some cool restaurants around town.  That was nothing!  I do that all the time.  I'm just still amazed at how far ATL Bite Life has come.  Thank you to all the Lifers out there who have told people about us, retweeted a link to a post, shared a food pic on Facebook, or come to one of our events!  Keep living the Bite Life with us!!!

Click here to check out the full write up.

Xtra special shouts out to Lilly for the look!

Happy Eating!

Once again, ATL Bite Life is 'bout that front page news!!!  The homey Amir Shaw over at Rolling Out Magazine did an interview with me about the site and the show and how we're adding a new layer to the hip hop landscape.  Word continues to spread about the movement and everyone's curious about the who, what, why, and how.  I guess we're doing something right.

Click here to check out the article!

Happy Eating!

Ok, folks.  Cinco de Mayo is TOMORROW!!!  And, if you know like I know, you're aware that every NON-Mexican person in the ATL will be turnt up off of tequila and tacos from say noon til about 3 in the morning.  Smh.  I'm not exactly sure how this became National Drinking Day in the USA but it is what it is and there's no turning back now.  So, where will YOU be Cinco-ing your De Mayo??  If you're still undecided, ATL Bite Life is giving you our Top 10 Places in the A to get some "drank in your cup" (Kirko Bangz voice) and some tortillas in your belly on May 5th.

1. Red Pepper Taqueria

2149 Briarcliff Rd. NE

Atlanta, GA 30329

(404) 325-8151

One of my interns actually put me on to this spot a couple months ago.  The place is pretty much brand new and it sits right in the Emory University area.  Thanks to the kindness of one of the bar managers, I had the opportunity to sample a few of their tequilas.  This is why I don't have any pics of the place that aren't fuzzy.  Lol.  Tomorrow, they are doing $2 Jimador Shots, $3 Tecate, and $10 26 oz. Veev Margaritas.  WOW!!!

2. Cinco Mexican Cantina

4 Locations in the Metro Atlanta area

Love this place!!!  I've only been to one of the locations (Akers Mill by Cumberland Mall) but the rooftop patio alone at this location is reason enough to get your Cinco on.  If you go, get the Nachos Grande and some jalapeno queso dip.

3. Prickly Pear 

950 W. Peachtree St Suite 220 

Atlanta, GA 30309

(404) 881-8887

This is one of my favorite spots in the city.  Yes, it's in Midtown which, for reasons I won't mention, can make some of my less tolerant non-Midtowners slightly uncomfortable.  But, the food is really good (try the bang bang shrimp taco) and the drinks are very strong. 

4. No Mas Hacienda & Cantina

180 Walker St SW

Atlanta, GA 30313

(404) 574-5678

I'm not exactly sure what a Hacienda is but I do know that I really use to like this place when I was going thru my "Castleberry/Peters St is the greatest thing in Atlanta" phase.  But, I've gotta admit that after I started to venture out and try other Mexican spots around the city, I fell out of love with No Mas pretty fast.  In my opinion, it's a little too pricey for what it is and how it tastes.  *shrug*  However, I hear that their Cinco de Mayo celebration is off the chain!

5. Pure Taqueria

4 locations in the Metro Atlanta area

Once again, I've only been to one of their locations (the one in downtown Woodstock) but the rooftop patio is just as fly as the one at Cinco.  The food was a little "ehh" but the drinks weren't bad at all.  If you're looking for a spot to just pour some Patron down your gullet without a whole lot of food to absorb some of that alcohol, this might be a good choice.

6. Uncle Julios Fine Mexican

2 Locations in the Metro Atlanta area

I've driven past the Peachtree St location a million times over the years but my very first time going in was like a couple of months ago for a meeting with Young Jeezy (who claims he's a foodie).  It wasn't bad.  I played it safe with the chicken quesadilla and a couple of tacos.  No complaints.  That Texas margarita I washed it down with wasn't bad either.  The selling point for Cinco de Mayo though - the front patio faces Peachtree St.  #Win

7. La Parilla Mexican Restaurant

14 Locations in the Metro Atlanta area

Ahh, the memories I have of La Parilla.  I was actually arrested in the parking lot of the Howell Mill location one time on my way to my beautiful PR friend Tamiko Hope's birthday party.  Smh.  She's actually the one who put me on to this place.  But, don't let that little tidbit deter you from the goodness of La Parilla.  Quality food and great drinks is what they serve here.  While you're there, you MUST try the Marga-Rona/Corona-Rita.  INCREDIBLE!!!  Basically 2 drinks in one.  Margaritas and Corona at the same damn time (Future voice)!!!  In years past, the crowd at La Parilla on Howell Mill has been borderline legendary.  So, if you're gonna go, you may wanna get there early and post up.

8. Tin Lizzy's Cantina

3 Locations in the Metro Atlanta area

This place seems to be the default spot for Mexican food lovers in Atlanta.  Every Cinco de Mayo story I've ever heard from my white foodie friends begins with "This one time, I was at Tin Lizzy's. . . ".  Very American Pie-ish.  Lol.  From listening to the radio this morning, it sounds like Q100 (or maybe just The Bert Show) is doing something for Cinco de Mayo at the Buckhead location.  If I heard correctly, there's a 5K run attached to the event too.  If you go, let us know how it goes.

9. Taqueria del Sol

3 Locations in the Metro Atlanta area

Our love for Taqueria del Sol is pretty well documented.  Their food is the standard by which we hold all other "Taquerias".  We've never done Cinco de Mayo here but I hear it's a jolly good time once that sun starts beaming and that covered patio gets full of margarita drinkers.  Make sure you grab a couple of fried chicken tacos while you're there.  Also, once you're nice and drunk, try not to throw those oranges on the big square table at anyone.  I've heard that that is frowned upon.  Lol

10. Loca Luna

550-C Amsterdam Ave NE

Atlanta, GA 30306

(404) 875-4494

I can not tell a lie.  I'm not a fan of Loca Luna at all.  The food is beyond mediocre to me.  However, to not tell you that this place is gonna be a ZOO on Saturday would be doing my readers a disservice.  Loca Luna will probably be the most packed place in the city come 3pm.  So, if you like big crowds and long lines, this is the place for you.  But, if you want good food and good drinks, there are 9 other suggestions above.  

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Name: Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint

Website: http://www.sweetgeorgiasjukejoint.com/

Menu: http://www.sweetgeorgiasjukejoint.com/food-and-drink.html

Ever since we put out the season finale of The ATL Bite Life Show with Travis Porter, so many of you have been asking me, "where was that place??".  Well, that place is Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint and it's AMAZING!!!


Located at the corner of Peachtree St and Ellis St in what used to be the big downtown Macy's building, SGJJ is exactly what the city needed.  It's an upscale eatery offering a nice twist on southern cuisine and nightly live entertainment.  Yes, there have been similar concepts that did it with a certain grace before.  Dante's Down The Hatch (when it was at Underground Atlanta) and even Hairston's to a certain degree.  But, these days, NO ONE in the city is doing it like THIS!!!

Juke Joint Wings - $10

On my first official visit after the show taping, I took a few guests with me and told them I was footing the bill.  They took full advantage.  Smh.  We dove right into the menu head first.  Appetizer - Juke Joint Wings.  Personally, I've never been a big fan of grilled wings (at home or at restaurants).  I prefer mine slightly more American Deli-ized.  Alone, these wings were okay.  But, when you smother them in that Juke Joint BBQ sauce, WHOA!!!  Not bad at all.

Shrimp & Grits - $16

Catfish & Grits - $16

Peach Glazed Alaskan Salmon & Garlic Mashed Potatoes - $16

A few of my guests opted to go the seafood route.  So, next to the table came Shrimp & Grits, Catfish & Grits, and a Peach Glazed Salmon with Mashed Potatoes.  Rave reviews all around!!!  You know how when good food hits the table and everyone goes quiet??  That's what happened.  Everyone dug in.  Of course, I took bites off of everyone's plate.  DELICIOUS!!!  Side story: I used to love catfish but once I got into the music industry, everyone was so health conscious that they kinda shamed me away from eating "bottom feeder" fish.  WHATEVER!!!  I'm baik at it (JW voice).  Lol.  That catfish was too good!!! And, that salmon was great too.  That glaze wasn't too sweet or too bland.  It was just right!!!

I think my only complaint would've been that there weren't enough shrimp in the Shrimp & Grits.  However, I notice that that seems to be the thing at most restaurants when it comes to that dish (which is why I don't order it).  Big bowl of grits, 4 or 5 shrimp??  That ain't for me.

Juke Joint Fried Chicken w/ Mac & Cheese + Collard Greens - $17

Then, MY food came.  The Juke Joint Fried Chicken with Mac & Cheese and Collard Greens.  Of course, my food was the best!!!  Once I bit into the Fried Chicken, I realized 2 things.  One, pretty much anything they FRY is gonna be good.  I don't know what kind of flour, batter, seasoning, whatever that they're using but they got something special.  Both the fish and chicken were light and crispy without being greasy.  The second thing is, I think they used some of that Peach glaze or something on that chicken.  It had a sweetness to it that complimented it so well that it was almost unbelievable.  This is a must order for everyone coming in!!!

Moonshine w/ Pineapple Juice

If you're wondering how we washed all this food down.  Don't.  You know how we do.  We went straight to Foursquare for our answer.  Based on a tip we found, we went for Juke Joint's in-house specialty - The Moonshine.  Be careful though.  They offer the Moonshine as a shot and as a cocktail.  GET THE COCKTAIL!!!  Nothing against the shot but the scene can get kinda loud (you'll find out why below) and if you don't specify CLEARLY, you could end up with a very strong shot on your table like I did.  I cleared it up and they brought me out a Moonshine with Pineapple Juice.  Very good!!!  And, the best part - it came in a mason jar!!!  Love that!!!  Way to stick with the theme, Juke Joint. 

Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding - $7

We capped off our meal with dessert. All I'm saying is - Get the Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding!!!  Fantastic!!!  I may have had more than one.  That's all you need to know.  Light, sweet, moist, tasty!!!  When those four words are used to describe anything, could it ever be bad??

Gritz & Jelly Butter performing live

Last but not least, in a neck and neck competition with the food was the entertainment - Gritz & Jelly Butter.  They performed for a little over an hour and ROCKED IT!!!  They played everything from the O'Jays to Ol' Dirty Bastard.  INCREDIBLE!!!  When making your reservation, you may wanna find out if/when these guys are hitting the stage.  I mean, honestly, the combination of the food and the show was like no other dining experience I've EVER had before.

2 things, you definitely want to keep in mind though.  First, this place gets PACKED on Friday and Saturday nights.  Making reservations is a MUST!!!  I actually had to make reservations for a MONTH out.  No exaggeration.  But, when I got there, the best hostess in the world - Theresa - put me in the best seat in the house.  Ask for her when you get there.  She'll take care of you.  And, make sure you tip her well.  If you're gonna be bout that BITE Life, you need to be bout that TIP Live too.  S/O to all the waiters and bartenders.

Second, there is an Entertainment Fee.  They charge $5 person to every bill for the privilege of watching the show.  When I first heard about this, I have to admit, it kinda rubbed me the wrong way.  I had never heard of that.  But, then again, I'd never been to a spot like this.  However, Gritz & Jelly Butter (and Jimi Cravity who was on when we first walked in) was WELL WORTH IT!!!

No matter what, I highly recommend this spot.  The food was good, the service was great, and the entertainment was just the icing on the cake.  I know that most of our readers are in the 25-35 year old range so be warned - the crowd there can be a little older (those 40 year old's get it in).  But, you won't feel out of place or uncomfortable.  The vibe is so vibrant and the ambiance is so contemporary that you won't even notice.  It's perfect for date night, anniversaries, birthdays, etc.

So, pick up the phone and make your reservation today.  Ask Theresa to put my table next to yours.  Lol

Til we eat again!

Ideal For: Date Night, Special Occasion Dining