Mediterranean, Patios, and Wine - Terra Terroir (Terra Grille)

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Location: Brookhaven
Hours: Monday - Friday: 11:30 am - 4pm (Lunch) / 5:45 pm - 10 pm
           Saturday: 12 pm - 4 pm (Lunch) / 5:45 pm - 10 pm
Price: $15-$30
Food Type: Mediterranean

Hidden in a strip mall in Brookhaven off of Peachtree Street is Terra Terroir, formally known as Terra Grille. While the fascade of the building is much to be desired, the decor inside and the outdoor patio allow you to immediately forget where you parked your car and believe you are sitting in a stand alone five star restaurant in Midtown. 

Entrance to the Restaurant

Restaurant Patio

Whether you visit Terra Terroir in the Spring or Summer, I recommend grabbing a seat on the patio. A giant mosquito net covers the area, minimizing the number of bugs that bother you while you eat and the many fans keep the hot Atlanta night air cooler. There is also a relaxing waterfall feature that allows you to forget that you are dining in the city.

Terra Terroir prides itself on its wine selection. Each guest is given a wine menu alongside the dinner menu. There are also daily specials which should not be missed. While you enjoy your complimentary fresh bread and butter, take a while to read through the menu.

While I was there, I tried the lamb and mint burger with a side of roast potatoes and the scallops with a side of green beans and cheese grits. Both dishes were excellent - the lamb was juicy and infused with mint sauce while the scallops were smooth and melted in my mouth.

Lamb and Mint Sauce Burger w/Roasted Potatoes

Scallops

Cheese Grits

The only disappointment during my dinner at Terra Terroir was having not left enough room for dessert. This restaurant is a hidden gem that I definitely plan to visit again in the future.

Mole, Margaritas, and Mexican - Zapata

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Location: Norcross
Hours: Weekdays: 11 am - 10 pm
           Saturdays:  12 pm - 11 pm
           Sundays: 12 pm - 9 pm
Price: $10-$15
Food Type: Mexican

Located in the heart of downtown Norcross is Zapata, a more traditional Mexican restaurant with a friendly staff and cheerful atmosphere. If you walk in during lunch you will be greeted by the owner or one of his many staff members. At this time, the restaurant is usually filled with local business people out for lunch or groups of women or retirees catching up. When you ask to be seated, keep in mind that hidden in the back, just past the restrooms is a beautiful wooden porch full of outdoor seating - a great option in the Spring or Fall.

Once seated you will quickly be greeted by chips and salsa. If you prefer your salsa to be spicy, I recommend asking them for some extra jalapenos to mix in as it is very mild. Next, while you munch, peruse the menu. My favorite item is the enchiladas. They come with your choice of either mole or salsa verde for sauce. The mole is a chocolate based sauce and is richer, while the salsa verde is often more refreshing. Both dishes come with a side of rice and beans.

Enchiladas with Mole Sauce

Enchiladas with Salsa Verde Sauce

 

 

 

If enchiladas are not a dish you enjoy, then try the Sopapillas or any of the steak dishes that are offered on the menu. Overall this is an excellent Mexican restaurant with great food a relaxed atmosphere.

Hookah, Baklava, and Martinis - Divan

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Location: Buckhead
Hours: Sunday & Monday: 6:30 pm - 12 am
            Tuesday-Thursday: 6:30 pm - 1 am
            Friday & Saturday: 6:30 pm - 2 am
Price: $20 per person minimum if smoking hookah
Food Type: Middle Eastern

Pull up to a small two story house on Piedmont and prepare to be greeted by a valet who, on weekends, will ask if you have a reservation before he will park your car. As long as you answer yes, you will enter the two story house, give your name, and immediately be seated by a host or hostess. If you do not have reservation expect a minimum wait of 45 minutes on weekends.

When calling for a reservation there a couple of key things to keep in mind. First, you will need to decide if you want to have dinner or if you just plan to go for hookah and drinks. If you are eating dinner and have a party of 4 people or less I recommend asking for a table on the ground floor as you will have a little more room. If you have a larger party I would see if you can secure the private dining room upstairs. If your only desire is to smoke hookah, drink, and perhaps share an appetizer or desert ask to be seated in the blue room upstairs. This room seats four parties of 2-4 people and consists of padded benches riddled with comfortable cushions and small tables - the perfect lounging atmosphere.

Divan has an assortment of Middle Eastern food to choose from. One option is to start with an appetizer of hummus, add a main dish in the form of a lamb kabob and finish with pistachio-almond baklava. Another option is an appetizer of Crab Risotto Croquettes, a main dish of Basil-mint caramelized Scallops and an Italian Doughnut for dessert.

The restaurant/lounge also has a wide range of specialty cocktails to choose from - my favorite is the Pomegranate Martini. However, if you have fallen into the roll of designated driver for the evening, Divan offers Turkish Coffee and a variety of tea.

If you are looking for a chill night out on the town with friends or a great restaurant for a date give Divan a call and make a reservation.