JCT. Kitchen

Name: JCT. Kitchen

Business Type: Restaurant - Southern
Address: 1198 Howell Mill Rd., Suite 18, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 355-2252
Website: http://www.jctkitchen.com/
Hours: Bar: Tues-Sat 5pm til ?. Kitchen: Mon-Thur 11am-2:30pm & 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-2:30pm & 5pm-11pm, Sun 5pm-9pm
The Details: After the slew of posh over-the-top restaurants I've been reviewing lately, JCT. Kitchen was a breath of fresh air. They combined country chic surroundings, southern hospitality, and southern cooking with  gourmet flair. Teal floor-to-ceiling curtains separated the dining room into areas that could accommodate large groups, while hardwood floors and white washed walls and tables gave the restaurant a relaxed, cohesive look.


On a busy Saturday afternoon, well-dressed couples were as numerous as entire families in relaxed attire, with a few solo diners sprinkled about. My waiter Clark surprised me with his knowledge, spirited character, and incredible promptness. He introduced us to the menu, complete with a couple tips: 
1) Don't leave without trying the deviled eggs
2) The coconut cake is "life changing."
My dining partner and I ordered a couple of starters,- tomato soup and a plate of deviled eggs- as we couldn't decide on just one. For our main courses, I ordered the lamb burger with truffle fries and my companion ordered the sweet grass dairy goat cheese and corn agnolotti.


The tomato soup was everything I could hope for - rich and creamy- with a little floating raft of fried cheese on top. Clark was right about the deviled eggs: The next time I have a picnic, I'll stop by JCT. to pick up a few orders to impress my friends and family. When I moved onto the main course, I was pleasantly bewildered by the portion size. Both the lamb burger and the truffle fry portions were very generous. The lamb had a great flavor and left juices running down my hands. My accomplice's agnolotti was creamy, with an ideal combination of textures. Although we were stuffed by the end of our meal, we just couldn't turn down dessert. We ordered Meyer lemon doughnuts with espresso ice cream, and Clark sent us home with a piece of their delicious coconut cake. The doughnuts were light and fluffy with a very subtle lemon flavor, and the hand made espresso ice cream had a strong contrasting balance of flavors.


JCT.'s location in the center of the trendy Westside Urban Market shopping center is a good pairing as well. When planning your meal, give yourself enough free time to browse the unique shops surrounding the restaurant. They have a number of weekly events (such as Burger and Brew on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for just $10)- and a bustling bar upstairs. JCT. is a great lunchtime venue full of interesting characters and delicious home cooking. I'll definitely be back to see what other treats they have in store.

Ecco

Name: Ecco

Business Type: Restaurant - European
Address: 40 7th Street NE., Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (404) 347-9555
Website: www.Ecco-Atlanta.com
Hours: Bar/Patio: 4pm to close daily. Dinner: 5:30-10pm Sun-Thur, 5:30-11pm Fri & Sat.
The Details: Ecco is a trendy, modern hot spot for Atlanta's busy citigoers. It combines a laid back atmosphere with fresh, local ingredients and friendly, attentive service to form a bustling environment full of fantastic 
finds. From their wood-fired pizza specialties to their impressive alcohol lists, there's too many great 
finds to only visit Ecco once.


Two appetizers and two meals with a couple beers brought our check to around $75, however we could have 
just as easily enjoyed ourselves for $50 with different delicious options. My dining companion chose a 
wood-fired pizza with roasted winter squash, comte, and sweet and sour onions. I chose grilled Georgia 
quail on a bed of polenta, drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar. For a pre-entree snack, my partner chose 
a combination plate of meats and cheeses, and I got the fried goat cheese balls rolled in black pepper 
and covered in honey. The meats and cheeses were all incredible: Culaccia, a domestic prosciutto-style 
ham, Blue di Pecora, an italian sheeps milk blue cheese, and Thomasville Tomme, a local cow's milk 
semi-firm cheese.


I cannot say enough good things about the fried goat cheese balls. The combination of soft, fresh cheese, 
black pepper, honey, and crispy shell formed what I can only refer to as the best thing I've ever eaten. 
These will reign supreme on my list of guilty pleasures, and are an excellent example of what Ecco can 
offer. I was tempted to order a second helping to take home with me, but I doubt the morsels would have 
made it that far.


There's a couple of interesting things to note, however. Upon chatting with a neighboring table's 
occupants, I discovered that a great draw to Ecco was the willingness and ability to cater to special 
dietary restrictions. They also tend to serve a meal with lots of different plates, but the tiny tables 
have a hard time accommodating so much. The only thing I'd really want to change about Ecco would be to 
increase the size of the two seater table tops to better hold the range of items one will inevitably 
order.


In the future, I hope to spend a great deal more time at Ecco exploring all it's delicious secrets. I 
can't wait to pop in, sit at the bar, grab a bite to eat and be on my way. This is a great find, and I 
strongly suggest finding your way into this culinary gem. Whether you've got a food allergy or are just 
looking for something delicious and out of the norm, Ecco aims to please.

                                    

                                    

                                    

Banners

Hey guys, this is Marisa with UpscaleAtlanta. This will be one of my few non-review posts. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who's following us, and give you access to a couple banners. If you have a website, blog, or other place to post these, please do! Use them and spread them about to your heart's content!

Thanks!
-M.

Imperial Fez

Name: Imperial Fez

Business Type: Restaurant - Moroccan
Address: 2285 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 351-0870
Website: www.ImperialFez.com
Hours: Tue - Sun 6pm to 11pm, Closed Mondays for private parties, belly dancing after 7:30pm
The Details: Upon our arrival at the Imperial Fez, my dinner companion and I walked into what appeared to be a storefront. Unsure of our surroundings, we walked back out to check the sign and then returned inside. We peeked around a corner and discovered a silent Moroccan mirage with only two scant parties of dinner guests. Strains of Middle Eastern music suddenly began, and as we were being seated, a belly dancer appeared. A few people at another table began taking photos and eventually joined in the dancing festivities.

The server presented a menu full of dishes inspired by the Benjelloun family tradition, along with a limited beer list and a vast liquor list. As we pondered our dinner choices, we reviewed a few rules: a $25 charge for non-diners, one check per party, $25 to $30 for a hookah, 15% gratuity for parties of up to 4, 18% for 6 to 9 people, and 20% for 10 or more people. It was a lot of data to take in, but the server was extremely helpful in clarifying everything. 

I ordered the couscous with lamb and vegetables, and my dinner companion had Chef Rafih's special beef ribs marinated with Moroccan herbs, spices, and dried sweet chili. The courses that came with our meals included lentil bean soup, Moroccan salad, a poultry pastry, our main entrees, and then dessert consisting of fruit, pastries, and hot mint tea. At the beginning of the meal, the server will present you with a towel to keep on your shoulder or in your lap to use as a napkin, and then bring out an ornate silver hand-washing bowl and pitcher. 

The salad course was unconventional, complete with shredded carrots in orange blossom water and pineapple, sweet sliced carrots with an unexpected spicy aftertaste, and a variety of other exotic slaw-like concoctions. The third course was a remarkable pastry filled with Cornish hen and topped with powdered sugar, and the result was both sweet and savory. My main course had huge chunks of soft lamb and vegetables over a bed of couscous and was a delight to pick apart with my fingers. 

Chef Rafih provides exotic surroundings with complex flavors, tender meats, delicious ideas, and gorgeous belly dancers. The Imperial Fez is a place for the celebration of life, offering an escape from the normal Atlanta restaurant scene. Take a couple hours out of your day to pull up a pillow (and maybe a hookah), watch a belly dancer play with fire, and enjoy a great meal you won't soon forget.

Hotel Palomar - Atlanta

Name: The Hotel Palomar - Atlanta Midtown
Business Type: Hotel
Address: 866 West Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (678) 412-2400
Website: www.hotelpalomar-atlantamidtown.com
Current Nightly Rates: $195 King Deluxe, Double Double Deluxe, Cityview King, or Cityview Double Double. $245 Exec. King, Exec. Double Double, Exec. Cityview King or Exec. Cityview Double Double.  $445 Grand Luxury Suite.
The Details: The moment you pass the doorman and enter the lavishly designed lobby, you’ll recognize that the Hotel Palomar Atlanta Midtown isn't your average hotel. The Kimpton chain doesn't yet have the brand-name recognition of big-name hotel chains, but the service and amenities go far beyond what you’ll usually find elsewhere.

The Palomar offers plenty that smaller boutique hotels simply can’t, such as the amazing Pacci Ristorante, a terrace level, and vast ballrooms, as well as morning coffee and tea service and an evening wine reception. Don’t assume that such opulent surroundings lack the charm and personal level of service you might expect from smaller hotels, though. For example, if you need deep relaxation, the Palomar will send an on-staff masseuse right to your room.

As I approached the front desk, I noticed that the decor and staff were equally polished and posh. The package deal I'd booked came with more than just a room key. Because I’m a Kimpton In Touch member, the desk clerk handed me a card for two free items from the mini bar, up to $10 in value. Unfortunately, the hotel neglected to credit my account for this perk, and I had to call back a few days later to complain that I’d been charged.

To maintain security, I needed a room key to access the elevator. My standard king room was 325 square feet, but the Palomar offers a wide variety of rooms, including a 1,200-square-foot Presidential Suite you must see to believe. The interior design was full of geometric patterns with an animal print theme, but the stark white down comforters helped to create an oasis of calm.

Even in the lap of luxury, nothing is perfect. The bathrooms had regular showerheads with poor water pressure and no fans, and half the bathrooms had only a narrow tub. Other minor annoyances during my stay included a flickering lamp, a scratchy extra top sheet, and an iHome alarm clock that was bewildering to use.

Nonetheless, the Kimpton's Hotel Palomar Atlanta Midtown is stellar, and definitely worth spending a few extra bucks. If you're seeking a peaceful, sophisticated atmosphere that caters to your wishes and blows big-name hotel chains out of the water, check into the Hotel Palomar. The staff will ensure a memorable stay by lavishing you with all the hospitality that Kimpton will soon be known for.

Pacci Ristorante

Name: Pacci Ristorante
Business Type: Restaurant - Attached to Hotel Palomar
Address: 866 West Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (678) 412-2402
Website: www.pacciatlanta.com
Hours: Breakfast - Mon-Fri 7am-10am, Lunch - Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Dinner - Daily 5pm-11pm, Brunch - Sat-Sun 8am-2pm
The Details: Pacci is the posh hotel restaurant that dreams are made of. Its glamorous, relaxed, European living-room style cradles diners and business meetings alike in its plush burgundy sofas and hardwood accents, while Europop and jazz fusion softly plays. The eloquent, knowledgeable wait staff will ease you through the potential intimidation of such a high-caliber restaurant without a single nuance of haughty aristocracy. Chef Keira Moritz uses fresh local ingredients to create an amazing combination of textures, flavors, and aromas.

With entrees that range in price from $8 to $40, you can justify pampering yourself with incredible cuisine at any budget. Pacci sells wine by the half glass, glass, carafe, or bottle; don’t hesitate to heed the waiter's suggestions about what will best compliment your meal. When you’re presented with a menu, you may be surprised that it's only a piece of paper attached to a pliant sheet of uncured leather. Don’t be alarmed—the contents make up for any of its physical shortcomings.

If an appetizer like duck confit with Gorgonzola polenta and blackberry marmalade isn't enough to send your heart (and taste buds) aflutter, try the Warm Apple Pie, a nonalcoholic "winter warmer" specialty drink that's a glorious liquid rendition of its namesake. My dining companion and I would gladly have consumed a pitcher of this wonderful nectar, though be warned that the sediment at the bottom of the glass could ruin the last sip.

Even the coffee—a rich, full-bodied, earthy blend with a hint of hazelnut—proves that Pacci doesn't overlook a single detail. This extends to the dessert menu, which includes an option for your pet pooch at home. I opted for the Tiramisu Trio, a triple-take on the classic, complete with not just the original version, but lemon and banana-cream versions as well. The latter caused me to temporarily overcome my aversion to bananas to adore this.

Whether you spend a couple hours at Pacci unwinding at the end of a hectic day or sneak away for a brief lunch interlude, you won't regret dropping by. Even bringing a good book in lieu of a companion can make this an elegant oasis full of as many polite, helpful employees as terrific food options. Do not be intimidated by this exquisite restaurant. The food is worth it!

The Hotel Indigo

Name: Hotel Indigo - Atlanta Midtown
Business Type: Hotel - Boutique
Address: 683 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (404) 874-9200
Website: www.hotelindigo.com
Current Nightly Base Rates: $99 Queen or Standard, $109 King, $119 Two Doubles, $259 Petite Suite w/ Queen Bed
The Details: The Hotel Indigo's guest rooms are reminiscent of a seaside beach house in a Pottery Barn catalog. With every room’s weathered furniture, blue-themed linens and walls, lime accents, hardwood floors, and full-wall print, it's more like a quirky bedroom than a hotel room. Though each of the hotel's standard queen rooms is a comfortable 300 square feet, however, the bathroom is the size of a Cheez-It. Fortunately, the bathrooms redeem themselves with Aveda Rosemary Mint bath products, upgraded showerheads, chrome fixtures, and a porcelain bowl sink. All four sides of the hotel face other buildings, though, so don't expect a fantastic room view.

Amenities include a 24-hour fitness studio, a 24-hour front desk, a pet-friendly third floor with no size or type restrictions and no extra charge, and complimentary wired and wireless Internet (though I'd hardly call it high-speed). Each room has an HDTV, hair dryer, coffee maker, and alarm clock. Mini fridges are available on request. Standard personal care items—toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving cream, razors, and combs—are available for free if you happen to forget them. Hotel parking is not free, but if $18 seems steep, consider how much you could spend leaving nearby lots to run errands or grab a meal.

The lobby continues the "beach chic" theme with its tall, curtained archways, oversized plush beach chairs, and myriad nooks and crannies for reading. I discovered that the hotel’s cafe, the Golden Bean, is not open for lunch. (Hours are Monday-Friday 6:30am-9:30am and 6pm-10pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-11am and 6pm-10pm.) Drinks are available at the bar until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The next time you'd like to impress your boss, you can book meeting accommodations in the hotel for up to a dozen people.

The Hotel Indigo is transverse to the Fox Theatre and has lots of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options within walking distance. If you forgot to pack something the hotel can’t provide, a CVS that’s open until midnight is conveniently located three or four blocks north. Within ten blocks you’ll find a variety of dining options, including Baraonda, the Melting Pot, Eno by Zaza, Mu Lan, EVOS, Silk, and the Hudson Grille. If you need a bite after hours, try the Midtown Diner—it's open 24 hours. If you don't want to leave your cozy room, Jimmy Johns and Fresh2Order offer non-pizza delivery options, though Fresh2Go delivers only from 5pm to 9pm most days. If you'd like a snack, reasonably priced vending machines are on the 6th floor.

Considering that the building was erected in 1923, the Hotel Indigo has made the best of its space without changing the antique charm of the building itself. Between the prompt service, friendly employees, convenient location, pet-friendly policies, and personal style, Intercontinental's first boutique hotel chain is a hit, providing the best of what a boutique hotel can offer.

The Atlanta Cupcake Factory

Name: The Atlanta Cupcake Factory
Business Type: Restaurant - Bakery
Address: 624 North Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (678) 358-9195
Email: info@theatlantacupcakefactory.com
Website: www.theatlantacupcakefactory.com
Hours: Tues-Thurs 11am-6pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-8:30pm, Sun 12-5pm (Or until they sell out)
Current Specials: Weekly Flavors for Feb 2-7th: Chocolate/Chocolate, Chocolate/Vanilla, Chocolate/Grasshopper, Chocolate/El Diablo, Chocolate/Peanut Butter, Sugar Cookie/Chocolate, Sugar Cookie/Vanilla, Sugar Cookie/Salted Caramel, Red Velvet/Almond, Lemon/Lemon, Coconut/Almond and Carmel Apple.
The Details: Tucked on the end of a little strip in North Highland, not too far from Little Five Points is a delicious little place with a name good enough to make you drool. Skip the limited front parking and go around to the back, because otherwise you'll have a difficult time leaving. When I originally heard "Factory" in the name, I expected something a little less personal, and a good bit bigger. I was surprised to see a tiny little shop with handmade morsels in flavor combinations that made me both curious and hungry. My favorite of the unusual flavors on my trip there was definitely "Sugar Cookie/brown butter rosemary", and my partner's favorite was "Caramel Apple". Whether you're craving a classic cupcake or one with a bit of individual flare, The Atlanta Cupcake Factory has something to tempt just about everyone, and is even offering Valentine's Day 6 Packs, complete with ribbon & cute old fashioned hang tags to write a note for your sweetie. At $2.50 per cupcake, it's hard to order just one. Call in advance for special orders, like their $35 dozens or $17.50 dozen minis.