After a return trip to Yonah Vineyards (a must do if you are in Northern Georgia), and a high school reunion that wasn’t (a longer story if you want to hear it, just ask) and other stressful type things on my weekend to Atlanta, I was glad when my friend pulled things together and got us a reservation at Antebellum. To start, I don’t love the name — sorry, I don’t like the connotation — why would anyone want to focus or highlight the American South before the Civil War? I digress, but really, there are other ways to bring Southern traditions to mind that aren’t so, well, you know… I find this especially unusual for a restaurant listed in the top 100 of restaurants in OpenTable (for the States). In my mind, the title of a restaurant should, at a minimum, be inclusionary for all customers, however, maybe others feel differently. I only get on this soapbox because I think it’s important to ask questions. And really, how difficult would it be to change to a name that was a bit less tinged with racial inequalities (among other things)?
As usual, I digress.
On arrival, after reviewing a creative list of drinks, we enjoyed cocktails in the lounge, complete with an acoustic guitar player (who looked a bit like Colonel Sanders). The converted house – done in an 1890s style – includes a rustic interior, and is precisely what I expected (based on the name). Hardwood floors, low lighting, white tablecloths, candlelight — I’m sure you can imagine the setting.
Anyway, my issue with the naming conventions aside, we arrived for a late seating — probably a better option as high school friends who haven’t seen each other in years tend to be a bit louder than other tables — and reading over the menu, I had no trouble picking a starter. While there were plenty of fantastic options (including the Baked Brie, USD$22, which can serve as a main course, just ask my friend Leigh), I decided on the Fried Green Tomatoes, USD$13, which were served unlike any I’ve experienced previously. Served in a stack, with an egg on top, along with a very creative ‘mimosa ice,’ I was impressed. Really, for this Southern staple, it was a very creative take on the dish, and I’d order it again — $10 feels a bit more in line, but I’ll allow it. Considering our friends know the chefs (always a bonus), we were sent a few extras, including a simply delicious Pork Belly dish (worth splitting among a group or two people, but it’s not on the menu quite yet).
For my main course (I skipped the salad), I went for the Flank Steak, USD$38. I mean, really, can you go wrong with a nicely cooked steak? Well, I think the price point felt more comfortable around ~$30, but I don’t run a restaurant. From lamb to pasta to cheese, everyone else seemed to enjoy their main courses as well.
Dessert was a unanimous decision, and really, it’s a choice you should make too. I was very tempted by the dessert cocktails (and appreciated their inclusion in the menu), but in the end, we chose a selection of what was offered. At $9 each, the sweet treats represent a fair value for money — and you should save room to split at least one.
So, what are my suggestions for Antebellum? Personally, I’d love to see a ‘chef’s choice’ menu, with smaller platings of everything at a set price. Don’t get me wrong, for those paying for a main course, I understand that quantity goes in line with quality, but the steak serving was far too big for me to finish. Furthermore, while they were willing to work with our resident vegetarian, I think an expanded menu overall (including more veggie options) would make this menu a bit more interesting. Perhaps the local clientele loves what they love, but I’d enjoy a bit more depth, and I think the kitchen would be up for the challenge.
Would I go back to Antebellum? Yes, but only if I was staying nearby. I’m not entirely sure it’s worth leaving Atlanta for (honestly, Empire State South would offer a similar menu, ITP, no less), but I’m glad residents in the area have the choice.
Who is Antebellum best for? Nearby residents looking for an elevated dining experience.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A to Za’atar was a guest of her friends, who are really just awesome people that paid for her meal.
