Georgia

Where we eat
306 North: After our first day looking for a home back in November 2007, we drove downtown from base lodging to find a place to eat. We arrived around 5:30, just in time for the early bird special. Because we were dressed casually, we decided to eat in the bar, decorated in a cozy, yet upscale style. I would suggest dressing somewhat nicely for dinner service. Anyway, back to the food, which is (slightly) upscale Southern but still just as tasty and honest as a homecooked meal. I had crispy fried pork chops with a sweet potato mash. The Pilot had a beef filet ( I think). The portions were just right and perfectly cooked. The host was friendly and talked to us about Georgia microbrews. Overall, a nice experience. We need to go back. Posted 3/22/08.

The Bleu Cafe: This place grew on me, and it's now one of my favorite places to head for a salad, appetizers, and drinks (the specials on adult beverage are killer). The first time we visited the Pilot and I balked at the wimpy looking tacos served next to us, but we thought the appetizers -- a bruscetta -- damn good. We returned later for appetizers and salads, and the girls took me there for my birthday. I had lots of martinis but recall relishing the bbq tacos; the tacos were actually quite tasty. So much for first impressions, subsequent ones keep improving my opinion of the menu which serves southern food, salads, pizzas, and tacos. My friend Kelly and I have decided to make it our weekly luncheon place. The service is always friendly; the atmosphere is cozy and understated yet refined. Posted 3/22/08.

Hildegard's: The one thing I miss about Austin is a good coffee house. After two visits, I find this one promising. No, it's not my beloved Spider House north of UT. But, it is a place to hear some quietly piped in music, enjoy some tasty sandwiches, and sip some coffee while writing and revising a dissertation. Besides that, it's a non-profit run by Christ the King Episcopal Church with a selection of books and some Putumayo world music CDs. Yep, they got me with the latter with a buy two get a free sampler. Sure, they wear their social conscience a little heavy on their sleeves, but it's nice to see a church run an environmentally and socially progressive operation. Posted 7/10/08

Luna: One glorious Friday the Pilot returned home relatively early (i.e. before 7:00 PM). I got all dressed up (in an actual dress!), and we ate at Taste of New Orleans (see review below) where we ordered the usual: jambalaya with catfish and red beans and rice with pork chops. A couple of Dixies, too. But, this review isn't about that; it's about dessert at Luna. Just around the block and down the street we had a glorious peanut butter cake. It tasted like a Nutter-Butter with chocolate ganache filling. The Pilot had a glass of wine, and I ordered a frou-frou martini. Yes, I know. I, the person who gets irritated with people who treat coffee like it's a milkshake, ordered one of those chocolate confections. Heavenly. Really. Liquid Sin. We sat outside and enjoyed the people watching on a rare night of temperate weather in south Georgia. We will be back -- the interior looks promising with its understated decor and gentle lighting and its upstairs bar. Posted 7/10/08

Taste of New Orleans: The owner of this downtown eatery drives to New Orleans for the freshest and most authentic ingredients, and it shows. We've enjoyed the food here numerous times. In fact, here we discovered the return of the Pilot's beloved beer Dixie, which they serve along with Black Voodoo and Ambita. My favorite menu items: the crab cakes, the crawfish mashed potatoes, and fried fish. I've had both fried grouper and catfish there, and it is the best I've had in a long, long time. Friday nights are very, very busy, and sometimes the food suffers. I get the feeling that this restaurant, about six months old, is still working out the kinks of service. I highly recommend this place, but go on a weeknight and go early. Or, better yet, go for lunch; it's the perfect place to grab a beer and a plate of jambalaya with a side of catfish on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Posted 3/22/08.

Thai Mobile: The Pilot eats here at least twice a week, and I've written about it before. Jim and Rum serve homemade Thai out of a small trailer across from base (the south entrance). They are hardworking, generous, and friendly people who value their customers as friends. Customers choose from three or four daily specials; anything on the menu must be special ordered or called in. The food is incredible and a great value -- you get a drink, soup, eggroll, entree with rice, and a dessert for around $6. And, I usually have leftovers and a dessert for later. I do suggest enjoying your food underneath the awning; your hosts will not only ask you about the food but for your own story. I cannot recommend this place enough! Posted 3/22/08