More Local Yummy Eats Under $10-15

To review, if a place is locally-owned, makes its food from scratch, uses whole/unprocessed ingredients, which are when at all possible locally grown - I am there!

Check out the first segment in Local Yummy Eats and then pop in to some of these other local jewels.

Multiple Locations
Farm Burger (Burgers, salads, fries, surprise!) - Farm Burger bases its menu on seasonal ingredients, sourcing grassfed beef and heritage pastured pork from its Athens farm. In keeping with its vision to support local farmers and ranchers, its vegetables and cheeses come from over a dozen Georgia farms. Where? Dunwoody, Buckhead, Decatur

Try...the #2 Veggie Quinoa Burger with marinated beets and garlic aioli, the #1 Farm Burger with aged cheddar, caramelized onions, FB sauce, the $10 Daily Combo which includes burger, fries and drink, the butternut squash tots

Brookhaven
Brookhaven Bistro (Vegetarian, Sandwich, Soup, Salad) - Yummy locally owned joint where the focus is on healthy eats, made from scratch. Where? 4274 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 30319 (located behind Nuts 'N Berries)

Brookhaven Bistro's Takeout Section, credit Atlanta 365

Try...black beans and rice with chili-lime grilled chicken and the grilled eggplant salad (delicious!).

La Rumba 2 (Mexican/Brunch) - It surely does look like the wild nightclub it is, but it's worth overlooking the dark interior for the authentic Mexican dishes that are served during buffet lunch and brunch. Where? 4300 Buford Highway (inside Liberty Plaza), Atlanta, 30345 

Try...the cheese enchiladas, guacamole with a kick, freshly made quesadillas, soups over rice, and homemade juices from fruits like passionfruit and watermelon.

Buckhead (also see Farm Burger listed above)
Cafe Jonah (Soups, Salads, Sandwiches) - Thank goodness Souper Jenny's creative foodie energy just keeps growing. Around the corner from her first soup/salad/sandwich joint, she has opened this delicious morsel, with the same attention to freshly whipped up deliciousness, and a seasonal menu that changes daily. Where? 3188 Paces Ferry Place, Buckhead, 30305

Try...the "Pay What You Think It's Worth" Sunday Brunch, where you get a token to vote to which local charity 10% of daily sales should go. 

Chamblee
Oriental Pearl (Chinese/Dim Sum) - Considered by many dim sum aficionados to be one of the most authentic experiences in Atlanta. Where? 5399 New Peachtree Road, Chamblee, 30341

Try...the five mushroom with tofu (off the Chinese language menu), family size wonton soup, sauteed Chinese broccoli, various dim sum including the homemade tofu with sweet ginger sauce.

Decatur (also see Farm Burger listed above)
Community BBQ  - The menu is cooked fresh here every day, and includes seasonal, locally-sourced sides, as well as locally grown produce available for purchase. Where? 1361 Clairmont Road, Decatur, 30033

Community BBQ as photographed by Creative Loafing

Try...the mac n cheese, the St. Louis Style ribs, sweet potato w/kale, and baked beans.

Nectar (Paninis/Salads/Soups/Smoothies) - This family-run cafe (and food truck) makes all-fruit smoothies and uses organic veggies in its paninis. Where? 1365 Clairmont Road, Decatur, 30033


Dunwoody (also see Farm Burger listed above)
Gyro Gyro (Greek) - Owner Pete grew up eating and cooking Greek cuisine, and now  serves up generous portions of tasty Greek dishes. The menu includes traditional gyros and Greek salads, but also stretches to include some American sandwich favorites. Where? 5000 Winters Chapel Road #6, Atlanta, 30360

Try...the Lunch plate specials for $7.95, homemade spanakopita, eggplant fries (YUM!), souvlaki (grilled pork loin), rice pilaf plates, and $.50 freshly made tzatziki.

Doraville
I Luv Phở #3 (Vietnamese) - According to their website, they emphasize organic and fresh ingredients. With a phở broth that is not greasy like some can be, those delicious straw mushrooms, and very generous portions (the extra large could serve four), this is our new go-to for Vietnamese. Where? 5145 Buford Highway, Doraville, 30340 

Try...the  Phở Tái (with Beef Filet Mignon) or Phở Chay (Vegetarian), hot tea.

Tempo Doeloe (Indonesian) - Family-owned, Temo Doeloe is an authentic Indonesian restaurant with a small, low frills dining area. Order off the menu, use the flipbook of pictures to find a dish that appeals to you, or choose from the chafing dishes with the day's meat and veggie choices. Where?  5090 Buford Highway, Doraville, 30340

Try...the $6.49 three-item combo (beef renang is a delicious slow-cooked brisket with a kick), which includes a generous helping of rice; for an extra $3, the coconut rice (fragrant!)

Woo Nam Jeong Stone Bowl House (Korean) - A traditional variety of tiny plates of cooked and pickled veggies -- called "banchan" -- come with the meal to make this a fun tasting experience. Their acclaimed rice bowls, called "bibimbap," are served in hot stone bowls to allow the rice to crisp around the edges. Where? 5953 Buford Highway, Atlanta, 30340

Try...the mushroom bibimbap, hot corn tea.

Grant Park/Reynoldstown
Home Grown (Southern, Brunch) - This yummy place with a veggie garden out back is on a mission to combine locally grown produce and healthy made-from-scratch cooking with low prices. And they succeed! Love the weekend music (what is that, an electric xylophone?) and thrift shop in the back of the store. Check their Facebook page for daily menu updates. Where? 968 Memorial Drive, Reynoldstown, 30316 

Try...the cheese grits, fried green tomatoes with horseradish sauce, "blue collar lunch plate” with a side, cornbread and a drink for $8.

The Little Tart Bakeshop (Soup, Salad, Sandwich, Pastries) - The Little Tart Bakeshop is a French-inspired pastry shop where they believe in making everything from scratch, by hand, sourced from local cheese mongers, butchers, and jam makers. After 11 am, savory items are sold with local salads for sides. Where? In addition to several farmers markets (see their website for details), they share space with Octane Coffee, 437 Memorial Drive, Grant Park, 30312 

(also see Caribbean Fiesta listed above)Ria's Bluebird Cafe (Brunch) - One of the freshest, made-from-scratch yummy brunch joints around, with a rightful claim to some of the best pancakes out there. Where?  421 Memorial Drive, Grant Park, 30312

Try...the weekend-only pancake special, the house-toasted-oats hot cereal, the Bionic Breakfast, and vegan frittata.

Sandy Springs 
Aladdin's Mediterranean Grill - This is quality, authentic Mediterranean food in a casual atmosphere at great prices. Where? 8725 Roswell Road, Atlanta, 30350

Try...the Vegetarian Delight which includes grape leaves, hummus, baba ghanouj, falafel and tabouleh for $11.95.

Eco-Friendly Baby Shower

The invitation read,

"We love Stephane, and Stephane loves the Earth! So we’re throwing her an eco-friendly shower, where we’ll have reused, recycled and shopped local in honor of Steph’s desire to reduce her family’s carbon footprint. Steph welcomes gently loved or handmade gifts. [She had registered at a local kids consignment store.] Recycled or reusable wrapping is a plus!"

The party was yummy and fun, and you're free to use any of the following ideas to throw your own eco-conscious shindig.

Decorations, Game Prizes and Favors

Rather than buying new, I hunted through local flea market My Favorite Place (5596 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Chamblee, GA 3034) for invitations and game prizes. I think the favorite prize was a bright red faux leather Bath & Body Works travel duffel. I filled a pair of ceramic pots with thyme and basil bought at a local community garden during the Wylde Center's Plant Sale. Other finds were pottery cannister, ceramic napkin rings, travel jewelry case and ceramic measuring cups.

For centerpieces, I pulled together the following from around the house: 2 old beer growlers + scrap fabric + 6 safety pins + cereal box and recycling bin cardstock. Neighbor Suzanne Conreaux, owner of local florist shop, Blooms of Dunwoody, donated the lovely flower arrangements that pulled the look together.

The kids helped string up our toilet-paper-rolls-cum-garland (thank you Allison from a Glimpse Inside via Pinterest for her tutorial -- note: I skipped painting the insides of the rolls and stapled rather than hot glued the petals together). Think it came out lovely all the same - see below:

Cloth linens, china, glassware and silverware made for a waste-free table setting. For favors, I made egg candles using local eggs for the shells and beeswax from Georgia's Hidden Springs Farm (available at several outdoor farmers markets throughout Atlanta). The labels were printed on the back of a Trader Joe's grocery bag, and I sectioned the egg cartons to create take-home holders.

Games and Menu

I repurposed an old baby photo cube by filling it on 3 sides with cross-stitched baby animals, leaving the fourth side open for a "Blessings for Baby" sign (to be replaced with a baby pic after baby arrives). Guests were asked to write wishes for baby on cards made from sections of cereal boxes and a baby gift bag, sewn back-to-back to conceal the cereal box design (use a 16 gauge needle and hand-knot the end threads to finish).

As we sipped on Cherry Raspberry Ginger Tea Punch and Mango Swiss Chard Smoothies (mango, banana, dates, ice and swiss chard from our deck garden), guests tested their sustainability awareness at Eco Baby Trivia with questions like,

1. Name the children’s book (recently adapted to film) written by Dr. Seuss that includes the quote:  “UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” (Email me for a copy of the complete list with answers).

Then it was time to mangia!

 Displayed on the backside of a sectioned pasta box, our menu was:

• Minted Sweet Pea Dip (thank you Pamela Salzman - love the way you cook!) with fresh mint from the guest of honor's garden, and watermelon radishes for dipping, from local Crystal Organic Farm at Morningside Farmers Market
• Baba Ghanouj (awesome made from scratch at local Cafe Sababa)
• Black-Eyed Pea Salad (email me for recipe)
• Pasta Primavera with Chicken (email me for recipe)
• Arugula Brie Sandwiches (made with the most delicious organic kalamata olive bread from Magnolia Bakery at Morningside Farmers Market - email me for recipe)

We played a second game of "Name the Baby Fruits and Veggies" by asking guests to label 12 seeds displayed in egg cartons. When we were done playing, we gave the seeds away to spur some home gardening.

Then we moved into the living room for gifts, several of which were handmade and sported reused wrapping paper. Some of the guests really got into the theme, creating newspaper gift bags, regifting their children's old books, and writing messages as inscriptions in books instead of using cards.

Finally it was time for some tea and Carrot Mango Cake with Cream Cheese Icing (email me for recipe). The cake was a hit -- there wasn't a crumb left. Everyone picked out an egg candle favor and we called it a day!

I really enjoyed dreaming up every aspect of this party. It was fun brainstorming ways to solve the puzzle of how to incorporate local eating, patronizing local businesses, reusing and reducing waste into a classy, pretty and delicious shower. I think it came together wonderfully and I'm so glad, because I love my friend dearly, and I wanted this afternoon to make her a lovely memory.

Yummy Local Eats Under $10-15

When eating out, here's what I like: a locally-owned place that makes its food from scratch, using whole/unprocessed ingredients, which are if possible, locally and/or organically grown, and not at gourmet prices. Do such eateries exist? Yes! I am constantly on the lookout for these mouth-watering oases, in my city (Atlanta) or yours (because one day my children will be old enough to join me on a foodie roadtrip across the US) so please add your local recommendations as comments below.

In the meantime, check out Cooking Channel's "Unique Eats", which spotlights "casual neighborhood treasures" across the country. Here's my running list for Atlanta by area:

Multiple Locations
Alon's (Bakery/Deli) - Since 1992, European-style market serving hot sandwiches, salads, prepared foods, breads, desserts, cheeses, wines. Where? Virginia-Highlands, Dunwoody (www.alons.com)

Try...the fresh breads, ginger scones, Tuscany sandwich - goat cheese/arugula/eggplant; gelato (Dunwoody only); ordering ahead online; and checking out the soon-to-be restaurant in 2010 (Dunwoody)

Caribbean Fiesta (Caribbean) - Since 2001, serving a daily-changed array of authentic caribbean and other less-spicy options cafeteria-style, with several staples as constants. Where? Norcross, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta

Try...Coco bread around a beef patty, peppery/creamy mac-n-cheese, rice and peas (beans), fried plantains, a combo dish (for less than $10, choose up to 2 meats and 2 sides)

Eclipse di Luna (Tapas) - Small plates of specialty foods, fun drinks, live music and artsy, lush decor make this a great place for a small bite to eat, or party time. Menus differ at each location. Where? Miami Circle, Dunwoody (www.eclipsediluna.com)

Try...$10 Bottomless Sangria Sundays; $15 All-You-Can-Eat Mondays and BOGO Mojito Mondays (Miami Circle only); Pan Catalan (crusty bread with tomato sauce), Roasted Beet Salad w/goat cheese, Pimiento Peppers Stuffed w/goat cheese, the Spanish cheese plate, Grilled Chicken Breast, Empanadas (all of them)

Figo (Pasta/Italian) - In 2002, native Italian Sandro Romagnelli brought authentic Italian pasta and sauces to Atlanta, many of them family recipes. Since then, both Figo's Atlanta presence and its menu has grown; now they serve sandwiches, salads, appetizers and desserts. You choose which pasta and sauce to pair - try them all! Where? Howell Mill Road, Little Five Points, Virginia Highland, Decatur, Buckhead, North Point, Dunwoody (www.figopasta.com)

Try...Zucca for $9 - butternut squash/amaretto ravioli with mascarpone/Italian red chicory radicchio sauce; and the Lunch Special for $5.95 = an iced tea and 2 items (soup, salad or panini)

Mediterranean Grill (Middle Eastern/Greek) - Family-owned Mediterranean Grill serves fresh, homemade Mediterranean specialties, cooked to order. Where? Marietta, Midtown, Decatur (www.mediterraneangrill.com)

Try...the hummus, the Falafel Plate; the Business Lunch Combo Special for $6.49 = shish kabob, kufta kabob, gyro slices, rice pilaf, salad, pita and a drink

Buckhead
Souper Jenny (Soups, Salads, Sandwiches) LOVE THIS PLACE for the creativity it oozes and a daily-changing-freshly-homemade menu of 6 hot soups, 2 sandwiches and a few salads, served cafeteria style. Open for lunch 6 days a week, and now dinner on Tuesdays and Thursday nights, Souper Jenny is founded and operated by local theater performers, who add vibrant service to the already colorful, cozy decor, outdoor garden seating area, and take-home words-of-wisdom. Cash or check only! Where? 56 E. Andrews Drive, Buckhead, 30305 (www.souperjennyatl.com)

Try...the $12 lunch deal = 2 each (soup, salad, sandwich), cookie, roll and drink; and joining the email list to be notified of the day's menu

Chamblee
Maison Robert (Bakery/Chocolatiers) - Maison Robert was opened in 1977 by the Reeb family, natives of France, and third and fourth generation patissiers-confiseurs. They have recently moved to a larger location in Chamblee, where they handcraft confections, pastries, breads, sandwiches and salads to-go. Where? 5256 Peachtree Road, Ste 110, Chamblee, 30341 (www.maisonrobertchocolates.com)

Try...the rich and perfect quiches (any flavor), the Roast Beef/Swiss sandwich on French bread, all of the chocolates (i.e., the Vanilla Marzipan in dark chocolate)

ZenTea (Tea Bar) - What was once the Chamblee town hall is now one-year-old ZenTea, where more than 100 assorted high-quality teas are served hot, cold, in spritzers and lattes. In addition to an assortment of sweets and savories provided by Maison Robert, ZenTea has recently expanded its food offering with locally prepared light fare. Where? 5356 Peachtree Road, Chamblee, 30341 (www.ezentea.com)

Try...sampling the 2 featured teas of the day; the matcha latte with soy milk; Friday-night $10 tea tasting = taste 4-5 teas with pastries; Saturday-night $6.50 tea flights = 3 9oz pots of hot tea; drumming, yoga and meditation classes; sipping tea while you work at ZenTea (free Wi-Fi); reserving afternoon tea

Decatur (also see Mediterranean Grill listed above)
Duck's Cosmic Kitchen (Bakery/Bistro) - Everything at Duck's is made on-site with all-natural, seasonal ingredients, from fresh breads and desserts, to sandwiches, soups, salads and pizzas. Where? 111-D New Street, Decatur, 30030 (www.duckscosmickitchen.com)

Try...the cinnamon doughnuts, the cupcakes, the James Calvin - slow roasted pulled pot roast/horseradish sauce/Dijon on walnut leek bread

Southern Sweets (Bakery/Sandwiches) - Family-run bakery open in 1992, they home-make sweets, sandwiches and soups according to their motto, "Perfect Ingredients, Simple Preparation." Where? 186 Rio Circle, Decatur, 30030 (www.southernsweets.com)

Try...all the desserts, especially the freshly-baked warm fruit pies, the Grown Up Grilled Cheese - choose 2 cheeses and add Smithfield Baked Ham; the Greek Turkey Wrap - roast turkey/feta/Kalmata olives/vinaigrette/horseradish sauce

Your Dekalb Farmers Market Restaurant (International) - Serving freshly prepared foods cafeteria-style, made with the market's organic and natural ingredients, with a heavy emphasis on fresh vegetables. Pay by weight, including a salad bar and daily specials of fish, meat, chicken, and vegetarian dishes. CASH ONLY. Where? 3000 E. Ponce De Leon Avenue, Decatur, 30030 (www.dekalbfarmersmarket.com)

Try...the seasonal vegetables, the samosas; bringing your recycling to drop off at YDFM's recycling center

Dunwoody (also see Figo, Alon's, Eclipse di Luna listed above)
E. 48th Street Market (Italian/Deli/Bakery) - the Augello family opened E. 48th in 1986, transplanting their New York - Italian - restaurateur -baker roots to Georgia (thank God for the rest of us transplants that they did!). Here they make available traditional Tuscan, Piedmontese and Sicilian delicacies and staples, preparing their own fresh mozzarella, sausages, fresh pasta, breads and sauce among other things. Serving as a neighborhood Italian grocer, deli (hot and cold subs) and caterer, they stock the shelves with imported Italian wines, pasta, cookies, cakes and candies. Where? 2462 Jett Ferry (at Mt. Vernon), Dunwoody, 30338 (www.e48stmarket.com)

Try...the Eggplant Casserole, the cannolis, the marinated artichokes with stems, the tiramisu, the Greek salad, any of the deli sandwiches on fresh bread

Midtown (also see Mediterranean Grill listed above)
 R.Thomas Deluxe Grill (American) The only 24-HOUR healthy restaurant in Atlanta, R.Thomas has been using high-quality, at times homegrown ingredients, since 1985 (before "organic" was in fashion), to offer carnivores and vegetarians equally interesting menu choices, serving all meals all day long. Where? 1812 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, 30309 (http://rthomasdeluxegrill.net)

Try...Visiting with R.Thomas' pet birds outside; the Warm Chicken Supreme salad, the Magic Quesadilla, Hot Sweet Chai Yerba Mate, or any of the fresh juices and smoothies (i.e., Donkey Kong - strawberry, oj, coconut, banana, honey)

Norcross (also see Caribbean Fiesta listed above)Bleu House Cafe (Sandwiches, Wraps) Family-run catering business also opens for lunch weekdays, serving generous portions of inventive hot and cold sandwiches, freshly-made salads and soups, and home-baked desserts. Where? 108 Cemetery Street, Norcross, 30071 (www.bleuhousecafe.com)

Try...the Bronx Bomber - prosciutto/sopressata/salami/fresh mozzarella/roasted red peppers; the Roman Muffaletta - turkey/prosciutto/eggplant/fresh mozzerella/olive spread/pesto mayo; the Funky Chicken Melt - grilled chicken/cheddar/honey mustard; the Spicy Chicken Wrap - grilled chicken/yellow rice/cheddar/onions/spicy ranch

Mojitos (Cuban-American) - the Fernandez-Cortes family opened this bistro a couple years ago, where they prepare authentic Cuban food and delicious drinks, as well as the live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Where? 35 S. Peachtree Street, Norcross, 30071 (http://mojitosbistro.com/)

Try...the Stuffed Plantains with avocado-cilantro sauce, the yuca fries, the Guantanamera Salad - greens/baby spinach/caramelized Charleston pecan halves/diced pears/fresh goat cheese/champagne-guava vinaigrette, black bean soup, Guava BBQ baby-back ribs, the Mango Pie, the mojito (of course)

Zapata (Mexican) - recently moved into downtown Norcross, Zapata serves authentic Mexican dishes, a refreshing alternative to the ubiquitous "Mexican" On-the-Border-esque chains. Where? 15 Jones Street, Norcross, 30071 (www.zapata-atl.com)

Try...Crema de Chile Poblano (creamy poblano soup), Fantasia Olmeca - flank steak/roasted poblano peppers/onion/au gratin, the margaritas; generous kids portions for less than $6

Roswell
Roswell Teahouse (Sandwiches/Salads/Afternoon Tea) - Native Belgian owner and chef Carine Bourgeois prepares "food from scratch every day with the best possible ingredients using organic as much as possible." International flavors of Europe and Asia inspire the menu of sandwiches and soups. Where? 108 Magnolia Street, Roswell, 30075 (www.roswellteahouse.net)

Try...ordering off the extensive tea list, hot or cold; the Chicken Spinach Wrap Panini with goat cheese, the Vol-au-Vent - Belgian style chicken potpie, the apple strudel; reserving afternoon tea

Sandy Springs
World Peace Cafe (Vegan/Vegetarian) - Built with donations and by volunteers, World Peace Cafe is owned and operated by the Rameshori Kadampa Buddhist Center, which puts all profits towards meditation classes and special events designed to help others find peace of mind. The entire menu -- including breakfast all day, sandwiches, salads, soups, "peace burgers," entrees, and desserts -- is organic, and whenever possible, locally supplied. Take-out packaging is biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners are used, coffee comes from Atlanta-based JavaVino, desserts from Southern Sweets (see listing in Decatur above), groceries primarily from Dekalb and Buford Farmer's Markets. Where? 220 Hammond Dr., Suite 302, Sandy Springs, 30328 (www.worldpeacecafeatlanta.com)

Try...the Mock Mint Julep - organic ginger ale/lemon juice/fresh mint, Grilled Polenta Cake with Eggplant Caponata, Mushroom Stroganoff, Sun Salad - avocado/sunflower seeds/dried cranberries/and raisins, $4 kids menu, 2 items for $4.99 specials