Tantra

Tantra Restaurant & Lounge opened in style with a party on December 8, 2010. The newest addition to the Buckhead scene boasts a food and drink menu inspired by the international "cuisine and flavors that can be found along the 'silk highway,'" says Laurend Abraham, general manager, who opened the restaurant with Max Lotfi, owner of Divan Restaurant and Hookah Lounge. The menu was created by Executive Chef Terry Dwyer.

Located in the space formerly occupied by Ibiza and fully re-designed, Tanta sets a sexy mood with its sophisticated use of rich woods, soft red fabrics, soft lighting and not-subtle artwork. The boldest conversation piece is the custom-made chair near the main entrance, inspired by a chair that shares its name with the restaurant: The cocktails (all $10) have intriguing names and many include aphrodisiac ingredients. "Forbidden Fruit" blends Ketel One vodka, apple puree and hibiscus flower syrup; its bold flavors suggest this drink may be best suited to after dinner enjoyment:
"Ladies Aphrodisiac" combines Hendrick's gin, Pernod, raspberry and cucumber. According to the bartenders' research, women in particular love the flavor of Good & Plenty candies, so this drink is an attempt to mimic that flavor. It, too, has bold flavors that would perhaps be more enjoyable after a meal:
"Tantric" is made of Sapphire gin, elderflower liqueur, lime juice and thyme. It's delicious and food-friendly:
"Seven Year Spice" is a spicy margarita that would pair perfectly with Mexican food, but unfortunately there's none on the menu; it's a mix of Karma silver tequila, cilantro, jalapeno and lime juice. "Belladonna" combines champagne with Thatcher's Organic liquor, apple spice, ginger and a cinnamon stick; its soft, seasonal flavors could be enjoyed before or after a meal:
"Cocaina" is a warm espresso drink topped off with barenjager and whipped cream that's flavored with more barenjager. It's playfully served with a line of sugar to mimic cocaine:

The paneer and mushy pea samosas ($7) make a tasty companion to any beverage: The hummus tasting ($12) serves chickpea, edamame and truffle versions of hummus with naan. Good luck choosing a favorite:I'd never had ostrich before, but was talked into trying it and now consider myself a fan of Tantra's grilled ostrich filet ($28) served with eggplant caponata, caramelized cipolini onions and Madeira jus:
Bottom Line: Good food and a sexy setting should make Tantra a date hot spot. But B.E.D. didn't last long in Atlanta, so it should be interesting to see Atlantans' reaction to this place: Will it be embraced as a long-term relationship or dumped after one brief encounter?

Vingenzo's Neopolitan Cuisine

Among my favorite gifts this holiday season was the opportunity to dine once again at Vingenzo's Neopolitan Cuisine, which is located in Woodstock, Georgia, and is one of my personal favorite dining spots in the Atlanta area. Since I last reviewed the restaurant, some new menu items have been introduced and I tried a few of them.

We started with a caprese salad that pairs mozzarella di bufala, roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil ($9), prosciutto e rucola where the thin, dry-cured Italian ham is served atop arugula drizzled with lemon-infused olive oil and some thin shavings of parmigiano reggiano cheese ($9), and fagiolo bianco ed insalata arrostita del carciofi which is a roasted artichoke and white bean salad ($8)--this new menu item features arguably the best artichokes I've ever tasted:
The affumicato pizza, another new menu item, tops the delicious thin crust with smoked mozzarella, sausage and calabrian chilies ($15):
Though I'm not typically a fan of smoked cheese, this version has a light smoke that adds a nuance of flavor without dominating the overall combination. The chilies are addictively delicious, a perfect balance of heat and sweet.

Also new is sugo di domenica sauce ($17), which we had atop some rigatoni pasta (at Vingenzo's, you can have your pick among the three available pasta shapes that vary daily). This sauce is made using San Marzano tomatoes and is cooked for six hours with shreds of pork:
For dessert we sampled four flavors of gelato ($4/serving)--pistachio, cherry, lemon and chocolate chip--and the light-as-air ricotta cheesecake ($7):
Everything was delicious and we left the restaurant pleasantly stuffed, resolving to visit again in the New Year.

Bottom Line: Vingenzo's continues to rank as one of my personal favorites.

Sophie's Uptown

Now open in Buckhead: Sophie's Uptown, a bakery with a purpose.

Pastry chefs Patrick Dineen and Annemarie Pizzi create an array of desserts including cupcake sculptures in various doggie shapes:

And, for folks who prefer a lower frosting to cake ratio, regular cupcakes (which also cost less):
Owner David York opened Sophie's Uptown to heighten awareness and bring financial support to unwanted pets. He donates 25 percent of proceeds to pet rescue organizations.

2005 JP & M Auvigue Pouilly-Fuisse "Les Crays"

Crisp and dry, this white wine opens with citrus and grassy notes then launches into sprightly crisp apple, under-ripe pear and lemon zest flavors with a snap of yeast. Food friendly and easy to enjoy.

This wine retails for approximately $16 at Sherlock's stores in the Atlanta area, while supplies last.

Bottom Line: Thumbs up.

2000 Cadus Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon by Cadus from the Mendoza region of Argentina opens with earth and berry aromas. Tastes of stewed berries, cocoa, tannins and leather are pleasant and well balanced.

Thumbs up.

2004 Villa Luisa Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is from Italy and is 100% Sangiovese, produced from a particular clone that's referred to as Brunello. This full-bodied wine packs some hefty yet pleasant tannins along with flavors of dark cherry, plum, leather, spice and coffee.

This wine retails for approx. $30.

Bottom Line: Thumbs up.

2003 Chateau Lascombes Margaux

This dark purple wine opens with aromas of blackberry and cassis. In the mouth, layers of ripe fruit, truffle, vanilla, coffee and thyme play across the tongue. Intense with a lush mouthfeel, it's been called "a tour de force in winemaking" and "one of the stars of the vintage." While it pairs well with a hearty steak dinner, it's equally enjoyable sipped on its own and would be a perfect choice to enjoy in front of a crackling fire on a cold winter's night.

This wine retails for approx. $60.

Bottom Line: Delicious wine that lives up to its hype.

More Georgia Coastal Activities

There are many places to discover and things to do along the 100-mile Georgia Coast. During a recent 10-day visit I certainly didn't exhaust the possibilities. But I sure had fun. Among the highlights:

Georgia Sea Turtle Center
All five species of sea turtles that nest in Georgia are threatened or endangered, and this place on Jekyll Island is the hub of research, education and rehabilitation efforts to save them. Tour informative exhibits, meet scientists and visit current marine patients at the state-of-the-art clinic.

Lady Jane Shrimp Boat-Photo Credit: Patrick Saylor
Sail through the marshes of Glynn County aboard a refurbished 49-passenger shrimping vessel. Observe the shrimping process and help sort through the netted catch, which may include blue crab, horseshoe crab, puffer fish, amberjack, whiting, skate, shark and more creatures that will be released back into the water. Shrimp are kept and boiled on board to savor immediately, the freshest sea-to-table feast you’ll likely ever get. Fair warning: Once you taste their sweet deliciousness, you’ll only want to eat wild Georgia shrimp from that moment on.

Newell Lodge
This ranch serves as a luxurious reminder that pioneers settled the South long before getting wild in the West. Learn to ride horseback, trot down trails through wilderness, help herd cattle, take a buggy ride, play horse shoes, go fishing or just relax in the gazebo. Upscale cabins are available for rent as overnight accommodations, if you aren’t looking to exactly replicate the cowboy fireside experience.

Okefenokee Adventures

-Photo Georgia Tourism
Float across glistening black swamp water on a Southern safari in search of alligator, black bears, otters, crane, osprey, snakes and other critters lurking near cypress trees and water foliage in Folkston. Guides through this primitive wetland designated as a National Wildlife Refuge are experts on alligator biology, wetland ecology and Okefenokee cultural history. So you’ll learn something if you can shift focus way from those alligator eyes.

Wheel Fun Bike Rentals
Pedal part or all 20 miles of the paved trails that loop through Jekyll Island’s beaches, marshes, forests and historic sites. The most challenging part of your journey may be choosing between the unique surrey-, coupe-, sport-and traditional style bikes available for rent since they’re all fun to ride.

To learn more, click businesses' names and link to their websites.

Tybee Island, Georgia

Any trip to the coast warrants a day at the beach. Just 20 minutes from Savannah’s Historic District, Tybee Island offers wide stretches of sand plus a laid-back vibe. Lounge near the sea or get up off that towel and discover what else Tybee Island has to offer.

Sundial Adventures

Explore salt marsh ecology by chartering a tour of wildlife refuges that house dozens of birds, turtles, dolphins, alligators, crabs and other creatures. Tours are custom tailored, so focus on collecting shells, bird watching, fishing or whatever floats your boat.

Tybee Island Light Station
Climb 178 steps to the top of the lighthouse that has guided sailors into the Savannah River since 1732. Want more to explore? The five-acre site boasts all of the historic support buildings.

Fort Pulaski National Monument Brick forts were once a primary defense against overseas enemies. Many considered Fort Pulaski’s 7.5-foot solid brick walls unbreachable, until a two-day battle during the Civil War proved otherwise.

-Photos Courtesy Visit Savannah / Tybee Island Tourism

To learn more, click businesses' names and link to their websites.

Savannah, Georgia

In Savannah, Georgia magnificent live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss bow and curtsy over streets to greet visitors. Historic architecture shoulders up to trendy boutiques, celebrated restaurants and contemporary hotels. Ornate ironwork, elaborate fountains and cobblestone streets lend distinctive charm. And a festive vibe lingers in the humid air like applause.
Boasting 22 green squares and more than 1,600 historic and architecturally significant structures within a 2.5 square-mile area, Savannah houses the nation’s largest registered Urban Historic Landmark District. Founded by General James Oglethorpe in 1733 to help protect the English-held South Carolina from Spanish settlers in Florida, America’s first planned city is today home to tasty coastal culinary creations like low country boil, shrimp and grits, Brunswick stew and sweet pecan pralines. Not to mention memorable adventures, seasonal festivals and world-class entertainment options. Lace up your walking shoes and jump in.

Tour Savannah

Georgia’s oldest city may look familiar even if you’ve never visited Savannah before: Its set the stage for 87 movies, including the hits Forrest Gump, Something to Talk About, Glory, The Legend of Bagger Vance and Midnight of the Garden of Good and Evil. But you need not explore on your own and risk missing out on the historic facts, funny legends and oddball trivia that local experts are eager to share. Guided tour options abound, whether you prefer to travel by foot, boat, trolley, bike, carriage, bus, scooter or more. Among the plentiful options:

Old Town Trolley Tours
The trolley conductor will have you laughing while you learn during the ride through Savannah’s streets. Keep listening or hop off at any of the 14 stops to explore in-depth at your own pace. When you’re ready just jump back on the next trolley that rolls by and continue the tour. A free map helps you keep track of where you are along the route and review the entertainment options available at each stop.

Savannah RiverboatRelax and enjoy riverfront views aboard a 600-passenger boat that sails several times a day and offers multiple tour themes. Dinner cruises include live musical entertainment, a dance floor, an extensive buffet and spectacular sunsets. Don’t forget your camera.

Segway of Savannah-Photo Credit: Lisa Logan / Segway of Savannah

Explore the city on foot without the exertion of walking on a fun journey that’s as much about the ride as the destinations. You’ll first learn how to safely operate the segway and then roll around Savannah at a leisurely pace.

Walking Scary Ghost Tour
Learn the fact-based stories that earned Savannah its reputation as America’s most haunted city. Get a close look at reputed haunted locations such as the Pirates House where Black Beard lived and killed, Colonial Park Cemetery with two mass graves, the Mercer House murder site, the Hampton-Lillibridge House which has been exorcised twice and more.

Savor Savannah

Coastal cuisine isn't fussy and pretentious, it’s roll-up-your-sleeves-and-eat fare that tastes great. These restaurants serve dishes that are lip-smacking good:

Cha-Bella’s-Photo Credit: Cha Bella

Organic, seasonal ingredients are transformed by Executive Chef and Owner Matthew Roher into delicious dishes like Sapelo clams and Georgia white shrimp scampi, Georgia white shrimp Carolina gold risotto and local black grouper with succotash. Whatever you order, don’t offer a taste to your dining companions: They won’t be able to take just one bite.

Goose Feathers
For 24 years, this family-owned establishment has served up reliably tasty breakfast and lunch dishes including breads and pastries baked on site. Eggs Benedict is served in a non-traditional croissant, but one bite will prove it’s an inspired interpretation.

Leopold’s Ice Cream
Step inside and feel transported to 1935 while your treat is prepared at an original soda fountain. One slurp confirms why this place is consistently named “Best Ice Cream” in Savannah by several local publications.

LuLu’s Chocolate Bar
Enjoy a decadent dessert or martini—or both!—at this funky bar where chocoholics can get their fix alongside those poor folks (weirdos?) who prefer their sweets free of cocoa. The menu bursts with truffles, brownies, cakes, mousse, crème brulée, tarts and more, thus multiple visits may be required.

Wiley’s Championship BBQ
Georgians love slow-roasted meat with tangy sauce and menu items here are among the best examples of why. Wiley favors pecan and hickory woods to add smoky flavor to his meat that’s slathered with a spicy tomato sauce. Pulled pork is a personal favorite, with sweet potato fries and macaroni and cheese served alongside.

Sleep in Savannah
Avia Savannah Hotel-Photo Credit: AVIA Savannah Hotel

A prime location, luxurious finishes, soft bedding and convenient amenities aren’t the only things that make guests at the new Avia feel pampered. It’s the personalized service from friendly, gracious staff members that will have you feeling like a star.

-Photos Courtesy Visit Savannah unless otherwise noted.

To learn more, click businesses' names and link to their websites.

Rueben at Food 101

Executive Chef Justin Keith at Food 101 in Sandy Springs is detail oriented. Every ingredient in something as simple as a sandwich gets his attention. For example, he even makes his own pickles to mix into his Thousand Island dressing.

Currently on the lunch menu, his New York-style Reuben sandwich serves that dressing with house-smoked pastrami, melted Gruyère cheese and sauerkraut on toasted rye bread.

One bite is all you need to appreciate the tasty reward of his efforts.

But of course, you won't want to stop at just one bite.

Tasty China II

Earlier this year when I read an article about Chef Peter Chang in The New Yorker, I had one thought: I hope that one day I have the opportunity to eat his food. As luck would have it, I didn't have to join a carload of food enthusiasts in some cross-country trek to reach Chang's newest restaurant: The Wuhan, Hubei, native and former Chinese embassy chef appears to have chosen to settle in Atlanta, Georgia. It's great news for our city.

Chang's new Tasty China II restaurant officially opens in Sandy Springs on Saturday, December 18 (at 6450 Powers Ferry Rd. Phone 678-766-8767 for more details.) Last night, thanks to my buddy Brady Lowe, I was invited to participate in a "soft opening" tasting of 16 menu items.

I'm not an expert in this type of cuisine and the servers weren't experts in the English language, so my understanding of what exactly was served is sketchy at best. But the best food can be understood through discovery. Here's a peek at the menu:

Spicy cabbage: Smoked tofu:
Spicy beef:
Duck:
Fried fish:
Fried pork belly:
Mushrooms:
Pork and rice:
Lotus soup with pork rib broth:
Special "Peter" Rolls:
Fish something:
Lamb lollipops:
Shrimp:
Flounder:
Dim sum sesame balls with red bean paste:
Dim sum dumplings:
The lamb lollipops were amazing, sheer excellence beyond description. The smoked tofu is another favorite. I have no idea how Chang makes the sesame ball dim sum--it seems to defy physics--but they were tasty fun.

Bottom Line: When feasting on Chef Peter Chang's dishes, the spices don't hit the tongue as much as they rise up in the back of the throat. It's a rich, satisfying sensation.