Nosh, Grub, Food
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Nosh, Grub, Food
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No air fryer? No problem.
Thanks to this genius CrispLid hack, you can turn your instant pot into an air fryer in an instant. How brilliant is that.
I’ve been hearing great things about air fryers - how easy, quick and safe it is to rustle up your fave fried food (not to mention it’s much more healthy too). However, my kitchen counter is getting a bit cluttered, what with my electric kettle, toaster, crockpot and instant pot too. And those air fryers are a bit on the big and bulky side. So, you can imagine how excited I was when Mealthy sent me my very own CrispLid to test out. This ingenious device means my instant pot can double-up as an air fryer, saving space and money too.
A real game-changer!
The Mealthy CrispLid simply sits on top of any six or eight quart instant pot or pressure cooker, snapping into place. Controls on the top of the lid allow you to programme it to air fry, boil or crisp food with up to 500 degrees of cooking power. And, my favourite thing of all - the transparent tempered glass lid lets you take a peek at your food as it cooks. It even lights up with a WOW-factor orange glow! Clever stuff.
I’ve found the CrispLid extremely easy to use, and it comes complete with tongs, heat-resistant silicone mat, deep basket, raised trivet and a recipe book. Clean-up is a breeze, as all accessories are dishwasher safe, and you can simply wipe down your CrispLid with a damp cloth.
So far, I've already used my CrispLid to air fry sausage rolls and scotch eggs, with wonderful results. There are tons more recipes on the Mealthy website, but as I’m living in the deep south, my next CrispLid tryout really must be fried chicken.
I think it’s probably the law. Special offer: Get $10 off $59.95 or more with my Mealthy discount code BRITISHBANTER
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Since we can’t travel to get our annual Brit fix this summer, here are three of my favourite “home from home” recipes, which are all easy-peasy (and incidentally, all begin with the letter S). 
The name of this classic dish causes so many arguments amongst Brits. Apparently, it’s only called Shepherd’s Pie when it’s made with lamb (hence the "Shepherd" bit), so if you use beef (like me) then it’s technically Cottage Pie. And to make things even more contentious, I just recently learned that when you add cheese (again, like me), it officially becomes Cumberland Pie. What a palava!
Well, whatever it's called, this recipe has become a firm favourite with both my Brit and non-Brit friends. My version has a few little twists on the original (adding baked beans and mustard, as well as a bubbling cheese top, gives a unique flavor). Let’s just call it “Shepherd’s-Cottage-Cumberland Pie” to keep everyone happy! What you’ll need: Minced (ground) beef - about ½ lb per person Chopped onion Worcester Sauce 1 can of Heinz Baked Beans Mustard 1 cup red wine Potatoes Grated cheese What to do: Fry beef until brown with chopped onion. Add a dash of Worcester sauce to enhance flavor. Add red wine and simmer (not too much liquid). Add baked beans. Add mustard (to taste). Mix well. Meanwhile, boil and mash potatoes with lots of butter. Pour beef mixture into a large oven-proof dish and spread mashed potato over the top. Sprinkle some grated cheese to finish it off. Bake at 380°F for about 40 minutes, until browned on top. 
Special offer:
Get $10 off $59.95 or more with my Mealthy discount code BRITISHBANTER 
For the benefit of our American friends, sausage rolls are a bit like “pigs in blankets” or Trader Joe’s “puff dogs”, just a million times nicer.
Thanks to UK bakery chain Greggs, back home in Britain sausage rolls have become a recent national obsession. In the trendiest London streets, it's a familiar sight to see celebs and yummy mummies scoffing these straight out of paper bags. And now, by following my easy-peasy recipe, you can create your own version of Greggs signature savory treat Stateside too. Ok, confession time - there's a bit of cheating going on here; I do use the frozen pastry sheets. But seriously - who has time to make their own puff pastry when you can just buy this stuff ready-made? 
What you'll need:
One pack of frozen puff pastry (Pepperidge Farms) 1 lb sausage meat (Jimmy Deans is great) 1 egg, beaten & mixed with a splash of milk and water What to do: Thaw frozen pastry, about 20 minutes. Cut along the lines to make 3 long strips. Grab a lump of sausage meat, roll into a long, thin “sausage” & place down the middle of each pastry strip. Brush one long side of the pastry with beaten egg mixture. Lift other side of the pastry over the meat & press gently along the brushed edge. Use a fork to press & seal the edges together. Cut into bite-size pieces, if preferred. Brush tops with beaten egg mixture. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes Or pop your CrispLid on your instant pot to air fry at 400°F for 10 mins, turning several times. Served hot or cold, sausage rolls are the perfect party food. Special offer: Get $10 off $59.95 or more with my Mealthy discount code BRITISHBANTER 
Scotch Eggs
Scotch Eggs recipe
One of my personal favourites, I love these served cold with a ploughman's lunch, smothered in salad cream. The original scotch egg is said to have been invented by the London department store Fortnum & Mason in 1738. The name “scotch” isn’t actually a reference to Scotland at all. Rather, it comes from the term “scotched” which is the method of coating stuff with breadcrumbs then frying it. Who knew! 
You will need:
¼ lb sausage meat per egg Hard boiled eggs plus another egg beaten (for coating) Breadcrumbs Mustard 
What to do:
Boil the eggs until almost hard (or medium, depending on how you like your eggs). They will cook some more later, so bear this in mind. Allow eggs to cool completely and remove shells. Mix a spoonful of mustard (to taste) with the sausage meat. Wrap each egg in sausage meat - make a nice thick ball with plenty of meat, packed tight (so it doesn’t come apart when cooking). Brush the ball all over with beaten egg (to make it sticky), then roll it in breadcrumbs until well coated. 
Bake at 400°F for 20 - 40 minutes, turning frequently to get an even colour.
Or pop your CrispLid on your instant pot to air fry at 400°F for about 20 minutes, turning often. Serve warm or cold. Scotch eggs are great with a salad and perfect picnic food too. 
Photo: Pippa Baddeley
P.S. If you fancy a more
decadent variation, cousin Pippa and her lovely son Finn spotted chocolate scotch eggs at Waitrose last Easter. "Delicious, but very rich so we’ll be making this last a couple of days," they reported. 
Photo: Pippa Baddeley
Special offer:
Get $10 off $59.95 or more with my Mealthy discount code BRITISHBANTER Proper fish & chips in Atlanta - finallyThe authentic taste of Blighty without flying 4000 miles  Fish & chips done the Wright way Ever since we moved Stateside 15 years ago, hubby and I have been dying for proper fish and chips. Proper as in flaky, moist cod in crispy, golden batter with a generous portion of fluffy, deep fried chips, smothered in salt and malt vinegar, piping hot, wrapped in paper and traditionally eaten with greasy fingers on a day trip to the seaside or on the way home from the pub. Of course, there’s nothing more British than fish and chips. Cheap, easily accessible, tasty, filling and comforting, this dish is a national institution beloved by Brits since the 1860s when fried fish was first introduced to England by Jewish refugees from Portugal and Spain. Charles Dickens wrote about "husky chips of potato, fried with some reluctant drops of oil" in A Tale of Two Cities and "fried fish warehouses" in Oliver Twist. By the 1930s there were over 35,000 chip shops across the country. Italian immigrants spotted the queues outside and, sensing a business opportunity, soon set up chippies in Scotland, Wales and Ireland too. Fish suppers sustained morale through two world wars and helped fuel Britain’s industrial growth. The government bent over backwards to safeguard the supply of fish and chips, which Winston Churchill referred to as “the good companions” and were one of the few foods not subject to wartime rationing. When working-class diets were bleak and unvaried, fish and chips provided a tasty break from the norm. George Orwell in The Road to Wigan Pier declared fish and chips first among the home comforts that helped keep the masses happy and "averted revolution". Even today, fish and chips are the quintessential British dish. “Proper” ones, that is. Not skinny frozen fries with an equally skinny lump of catfish, oven-baked (or even, heaven forbid, microwaved) and touted as “British-style” in too many eateries on this side of the pond. Having had our hopes dashed so many times by this fake news, hubby and I had pretty much given up on ever finding the real deal Stateside. That was until Chantelle Wright came to Georgia.  A Wright family affair Originally from Wales and a lover of chips, mushy peas and gravy since her childhood days (she’s now vegetarian, so doesn't eat fish) Chantelle moved overseas with her family in 2015, finally settling just north of Atlanta. When her husband gave her a deep fat fryer for Christmas, amazingly she didn’t kill him. Instead her mission to bring authentic fish and chips to America was born. “There are so many UK expats living here, we soon became aware of a niche for British food,” she explains. “I bought the restaurant in early January this year, expecting to open by mid February. It seemed everything was against us. One of my sons fell ill and needed emergency surgery. Once he recovered, we were ready to move along with the business; then boom - Covid-19 hit the world! This dramatically delayed our shipments from the UK, and also trebled our shipping costs. It certainly hasn’t been an easy ride”. Despite the stress and setbacks of a global pandemic, Wright’s family chippy finally opened its doors in July, and their timing could be surprisingly spot on. The UK’s fish frier’s federation reports that the ’Rona has boosted business as people seek comfort food in tough times. It seems a chip supper is just the thing to cheer us up right now. “Our opening day was crazy!” Chantelle reports. “We had queues around the building, across the road and in the next car park. The support from fellow Brits and Americans has been incredible. And so many people thanking us for bringing a taste of the UK to America”. Rave reviews soon reached hubby and I, and with our summer trip home to the UK already cancelled, we were craving a Brit fish and chips fix more than ever. We ventured to the north Atlanta suburb of Cumming to try it out for ourselves and discover if Wright’s chippy really does do it "proper". Just off the busy Highway 9 from Atlanta, a huge Union Jack flies proudly alongside the huge Stars and Stripes flag outside the restaurant, which is housed in a former bakery building. There is a covered patio area with tables and chairs for those willing to brave the Georgia summer heat and humidity.  Photo: Wright's Fish & Chips. Used with permission Inside, the dining room is modern, clean and well organized for social distancing. In front of the counter, there’s a selection of Brit sweets and treats (Cadbury chocolate bars, crisps and biscuits etc.) for sale. But the main attraction, and the motivation for our 25 minute drive is the hot food menu, which includes steak & kidney pies, battered bangers and of course, classic cod & chips. Side items such as mushy peas, prawn crackers, pickled onions, curry sauce and gravy are also available. I would have loved a cuppa, but unfortunately they had run out of milk and sugar, so we opted for cold drinks instead as we waited for our food to be freshly fried.  Photo: Wright's Fish & Chips. Used with permission. And so to the million dollar question - are they “proper” fish and chips? Well finally, after too many false promises and disappointments over the years, both hubby and I were absolutely thrilled. Everything about our “cod & chips twice” was perfect, and it all tasted just like home. Portion size was not huge, but it was good enough for me. It would have been lovely to see it served on nice china plates, with silver cutlery and even accompanied by a little pot of tea like I enjoyed in Luton last year, but due to Covid restrictions and much to Chantelle’s frustration, she can only offer disposable boxes and little plastic forks for now.  Oh my cod! Delicious. The Wright family certainly has a passion for “getting everything Wright”, as they like to say. Chantelle and son Kelzey trained with The National Federation of Fish Fryers in the UK, they use genuine British equipment and cook from scratch with only top grade ingredients. “Our selected varieties of potatoes and fish are the best of the best! I am a registered importer so all our chippy products are produced in the UK,” Chantelle tells me. She also has big plans for the future: “My vision is to open a new restaurant for each of my sons in the next 12-18 months. After this, we will roll out the business model across America for franchising opportunities”. As we cleared our plates (erm, I mean polystyrene containers), hubby announced his official verdict - the best fish and chips he’s had in America. He even went back and queued up for a second helping! Praise indeed. Thanks to Wright’s chippy ticking all the right boxes, our quest for proper Brit fish and chips in the USA is finally over.  The Wright Chippy
101 Colony Park Drive Cumming GA 30040-2726 United States http://www.thewrightchippy.com Atlanta’s |
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While we browsed the menu, aptly presented in the shape of a fan, Garry offered to mix me a cocktail. It was hard to choose between a Mint Julep (of course), Moonshine Punch or an Ankle Breaker (General Jackson broke his after half a dozen of these, apparently), but I was soon sipping Scarlett’s Peach Lemonade - a delightful combination of rum, vodka, tequila and gin, presumably inspired by Ms. O’Hara’s “spirited” personality.
Our server then presented an assortment of warm, homemade muffins, cornbread and biscuits with creamy butter. From black-eyed peas to collard greens, the food here is as Southern as it gets.
Aunt Pittypat’s Southern sideboard is included with every main course. We were invited to help ourselves to delicacies such as pickled okra, Hoppin’ John (peas, pork & rice) and Pittypat’s chicken salad, which, Garry told me, is famous far beyond Atlanta.
For the main course, Steve chose Georgia Catfish, nicely blackened (aka “seasoned and smoked” to us Brits), which he said was delicious.
For the main course, Steve chose Georgia Catfish, nicely blackened (aka “seasoned and smoked” to us Brits), which he said was delicious.
And me? Well seriously, what else could I order but fried chicken? This is the Deep South, after all.
Garry recommended Bourbon Street bread pudding with custard for dessert, adding that the chef drizzles it with a generous splash of Jim Beam. I do declare, there’s no scrimpin' on the liquor at Pittypat’s.
The restaurant decor features movie posters, a portrait of Scarlett, and old photos of Clark Gable, Margaret Mitchell and Olivia de Havilland at the GWTW Atlanta premiere. One wall displays original sketches used during the production of the movie.
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Pittypat’s has become an Atlanta institution, and it’s easy to see why. Everyone we met, from our greeter at the door to Garry, our server Alexis, and Beau (who's worked at the restaurant for 23 years) was incredibly friendly. The staff and service epitomize Southern charm and hospitality, so that just like Scarlett visiting her aunt, you’ll feel right at home. At Pittypat’s Porch, frankly, they do give a damn. In fact, I strongly suspect that gracious hostess Aunt Pittypat herself would mightily approve.
Proper fish & chips from award-winning Brit chip shop
worth flying 4000 miles for
What’s the first thing us ex-pat Brits do as soon as we get “home”? Eat proper fish and chips, of course.
And so, the minute we arrived back in lovely Luton, hubby and I headed straight to The Wigmore Fish & Chips Restaurant in Stopsley.
We had vague memories of the takeaway chippy here from our days of living in Luton, and first heard about the new restaurant when it was recommended on Facebook (thanks Pauline). We later learned from our friends Paula and Del that it had won several awards for its fish and chips, which made us even more determined to check out the plaice (sorry, place!)
And so, the minute we arrived back in lovely Luton, hubby and I headed straight to The Wigmore Fish & Chips Restaurant in Stopsley.
We had vague memories of the takeaway chippy here from our days of living in Luton, and first heard about the new restaurant when it was recommended on Facebook (thanks Pauline). We later learned from our friends Paula and Del that it had won several awards for its fish and chips, which made us even more determined to check out the plaice (sorry, place!)
A warm welcome at The Wigmore The restaurant is located in the former Wigmore library building, and the decor tastefully reflects this history with old leather-bound books neatly stacked on tall shelves. The bar is well stocked and the modern kitchen is open, with a traditional chip shop style counter, so you can even watch your fish being fried if you wish.
The kitchen - Thank cod it's fryday!
Oh my cod! We ordered our food and drinks at the bar, then grabbed a table while everything was being freshly cooked. We'd looked forward to this moment for so long, having been bitterly disappointed by "British-style fish & chips" in the States - no, they're really not! Luckily, the wait wasn’t long and definitely worth it, as we were soon served two plates loaded with proper cod and chips, hot from the fryer. The portions, even my “small” serving, were very generous, almost American size. Our cod was coated in the most amazing batter - so light, not hard but still crunchy. Wow - these were the best fish and chips we’d ever tasted!
chip butty I indulged myself even further by making a chip butty (sandwich to our American readers) with thickly sliced bread, and enjoyed a lovely cup of tea poured from a rather cute Denby-style stoneware teapot.
How cute is this teapot?
Just then, the owner Barbara stopped by our table to say hello. She explained that The Wigmore is a family affair; her husband still runs the takeaway chippy, just a few doors away, while Barbara and her sons manage the restaurant, which opened last year. “We are here 7 days a week," she told us, “It’s hard work but we enjoy doing it.”
The fabulous fish and chips filled me up quite nicely, but hubby still had room for dessert. Barbara presented her homemade cherry cheesecake with ice cream. I sampled a spoonful before hubby polished it off, and agreed it was absolutely delicious.
The fabulous fish and chips filled me up quite nicely, but hubby still had room for dessert. Barbara presented her homemade cherry cheesecake with ice cream. I sampled a spoonful before hubby polished it off, and agreed it was absolutely delicious.
Barbara's homemade cheesecake
Apart from their award-winning fish and chips, The Wigmore also serves Sunday roasts, afternoon tea and all-day brunch. The menu features gluten-free items, as well as a selection of traditional Greek dishes. With such a variety of choices, this is not your typical chippy at all. The owners are environmentally responsible too, ensuring all their fish comes from sustainable sources, composting their packaging, and using LED bulbs to reduce the carbon footprint. The whole space is modern, light and airy, with chic finishes, and a very nice ladies’ loo (I firmly believe you can tell a lot about a restaurant by the quality of the toilets!).
With friendly staff, great service and fantastic food, it’s easy to see (and taste) why this fish restaurant has been voted one of the best in Britain. And yes, I’d certainly fly 4000 miles for another chip butty here.
With friendly staff, great service and fantastic food, it’s easy to see (and taste) why this fish restaurant has been voted one of the best in Britain. And yes, I’d certainly fly 4000 miles for another chip butty here.
Getting paid to eat out -
what’s not to love?
We’re really excited about SEATED,
a no-hassle booking app
that pays decent rewards in return for restaurant reservations
a no-hassle booking app
that pays decent rewards in return for restaurant reservations
photo courtesy of Seated, used with permission
Me and hubby love going out for dinner, and for many years we’ve been using Opentable.com to make quick and easy online reservations. But Opentable rewards are pretty stingy - usually 100 points per booking which can be cashed-in only when you reach 2000 points for a $10 Amazon gift card (so basically 50¢ per booking). If it wasn’t for the convenience factor, it hardly seems worth it. And when I first heard about Seated, another free reservation app about a year ago, I was a bit skeptical. At that time, users were required to divulge credit card details to verify that they’d actually paid the bill (as opposed to doing a runner). Always cautious about security, I declined to hand over any top-secret financial info. However, I recently received a new invitation which persuaded me to sign up - Seated has removed the credit card requirement, allowing you to simply snap a pic of your restaurant receipt instead.
Seated has partnered with select, upscale restaurants in NYC, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco … and Atlanta. We were very excited to spot some of our local favourites (Emidio’s, Anis Bistro and Eclipse Di Luna) on Seated, and it’s even encouraged us to try some new places too. Admittedly, the app itself is a little glitchy, and navigating the map feature to find restaurants in your area is a bit tricky. To help you out, we have listed some of our Atlanta recommendations below.
Seated helps restaurants attract new business, fill tables and create a loyal fan base by motivating diners to book in advance and remember to show up (don’t worry - the app won’t let you forget). In return for keeping your reservation and meeting a minimum spend you’ll be rewarded up to 30% of your check, which can be cashed-in as Amazon, Apple, Sephora or Target gift cards or Uber credits, and "experiences" such as wine tastings, celebrity dinners and other special events. I’m finding it amazingly quick and easy to upload a photo of my receipt, and I receive my reward within a couple of hours of leaving the restaurant. And all this done so simply on my phone. Splitting the check with friends? Just snap a shot their receipts too, and Seated will reward you on the joint total. If you dine out with a business account, you can even double-dip by claiming rewards along with your expenses. Sweet!
While hubby and I don’t usually need any incentive to dine out, it is lovely to be rewarded just for going to dinner. Since signing up for Seated, I’ve achieved “Elite” status within my first month, earned tons of gift cards and received several $20 bonus rewards too. For our latest dinner date, we enjoyed a free Uber ride there and back, thanks to Seated.
As if getting paid to eat out is not rewarding enough, Seated will donate one meal to a child in need via the UN World Food charity in return for every reservation. How great is that?
Update: my end of 2019 Seated statement
shows I earned $330 in rewards this year!
Seated has partnered with select, upscale restaurants in NYC, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco … and Atlanta. We were very excited to spot some of our local favourites (Emidio’s, Anis Bistro and Eclipse Di Luna) on Seated, and it’s even encouraged us to try some new places too. Admittedly, the app itself is a little glitchy, and navigating the map feature to find restaurants in your area is a bit tricky. To help you out, we have listed some of our Atlanta recommendations below.
Seated helps restaurants attract new business, fill tables and create a loyal fan base by motivating diners to book in advance and remember to show up (don’t worry - the app won’t let you forget). In return for keeping your reservation and meeting a minimum spend you’ll be rewarded up to 30% of your check, which can be cashed-in as Amazon, Apple, Sephora or Target gift cards or Uber credits, and "experiences" such as wine tastings, celebrity dinners and other special events. I’m finding it amazingly quick and easy to upload a photo of my receipt, and I receive my reward within a couple of hours of leaving the restaurant. And all this done so simply on my phone. Splitting the check with friends? Just snap a shot their receipts too, and Seated will reward you on the joint total. If you dine out with a business account, you can even double-dip by claiming rewards along with your expenses. Sweet!
While hubby and I don’t usually need any incentive to dine out, it is lovely to be rewarded just for going to dinner. Since signing up for Seated, I’ve achieved “Elite” status within my first month, earned tons of gift cards and received several $20 bonus rewards too. For our latest dinner date, we enjoyed a free Uber ride there and back, thanks to Seated.
As if getting paid to eat out is not rewarding enough, Seated will donate one meal to a child in need via the UN World Food charity in return for every reservation. How great is that?
Update: my end of 2019 Seated statement
shows I earned $330 in rewards this year!
Our Seated restaurant recommendations in ATL:
- Anis Bistro: Wonderful French food in Buckhead (our review coming soon). Seated reward up to 20% depending on date/time.
- Eclipse Di Luna: Sunday brunch with live flamenco music and bottomless mimosas. 19% reward.
- Divan Persian Restaurant: A great new discovery for us, thanks to Seated. 11% reward.
- Emidio's: Read our review here 2% Seated reward.
- Twelve Eighty: Trendy farm-to-table eatery at the High Museum. 2% Seated reward.
Breakfast in America - the best of British
Breakfast at the Olde Blind Dog Irish pub
There’s nothing quite like a “full English” first thing in the morning, and since moving Stateside, hubby and I have been hard pushed to find anything that remotely resembles a traditional British breakfast from back home.
Living in Georgia, we’ve never quite understood the Southern passion for fried chicken or biscuits and gravy as a morning meal, and we’ll happily concede that grits are an acquired taste. We can’t get used to US-style sausages and bacon, and merely suggesting that mushrooms and beans belong on the breakfast plate equally amuses and horrifies our American friends. We daren’t even mention black pudding, for fear of revealing its main ingredient and causing untold distress to the faint-hearted.
So you can imagine how excited we were to recently discover an award-winning Atlanta pub where you can get a good old “fry up” all day long - no questions asked.
Ok, so before I go any further, technically it's a Celtic pub and the all-day feast is officially titled “Irish breakfast” - what our good friends Colin and Chris would call an “Ulster fry”. But basically, a big brekkie from anywhere in the British Isles is pretty much the same thing. So, without getting too distracted by the name or regional variations, let’s get our teeth into the juicy details.
Living in Georgia, we’ve never quite understood the Southern passion for fried chicken or biscuits and gravy as a morning meal, and we’ll happily concede that grits are an acquired taste. We can’t get used to US-style sausages and bacon, and merely suggesting that mushrooms and beans belong on the breakfast plate equally amuses and horrifies our American friends. We daren’t even mention black pudding, for fear of revealing its main ingredient and causing untold distress to the faint-hearted.
So you can imagine how excited we were to recently discover an award-winning Atlanta pub where you can get a good old “fry up” all day long - no questions asked.
Ok, so before I go any further, technically it's a Celtic pub and the all-day feast is officially titled “Irish breakfast” - what our good friends Colin and Chris would call an “Ulster fry”. But basically, a big brekkie from anywhere in the British Isles is pretty much the same thing. So, without getting too distracted by the name or regional variations, let’s get our teeth into the juicy details.
Craving a taste of home, hungry hubby and I headed to
the Olde Blind Dog in Milton early one Wednesday morning. We were greeted by director of operations Geoff Kokoszka, and as we settled into one of the cosy “snugs” (ornately decorated enclosed booths) Geoff filled us in on the history of the pub. It all started in 2009 when a Scottish collector of all things Celtic was seeking a spot to open a bar in Atlanta. He discovered that the suburb of Milton had the largest cluster of Scots-Irish in the state of Georgia. An artisan carpentry company, working out of a local barn, was commissioned to design and recreate the rustic Irish decor.
the Olde Blind Dog in Milton early one Wednesday morning. We were greeted by director of operations Geoff Kokoszka, and as we settled into one of the cosy “snugs” (ornately decorated enclosed booths) Geoff filled us in on the history of the pub. It all started in 2009 when a Scottish collector of all things Celtic was seeking a spot to open a bar in Atlanta. He discovered that the suburb of Milton had the largest cluster of Scots-Irish in the state of Georgia. An artisan carpentry company, working out of a local barn, was commissioned to design and recreate the rustic Irish decor.
Snug at the Old Blind Dog
William Wallace, or is it Mel Gibson? Today, the pub interior includes exquisite carvings, beautiful woodwork, stained glass and 200-year-old doors. It certainly looks and feels authentic. The owner is also a descendent of William Wallace, which explains the life-size, slightly spooky replica of Braveheart permanently encaged at the pub.
There’s even an interesting story behind the name of the Olde Blind Dog. The owner’s beloved bulldog, Peaches, was rescued from a shelter and had only one eye. Sadly, she passed away two months before the pub opened, but Peaches is fondly immortalized in her picture which adorns the brand logo and the sign above the door.
Photo credit: Olde Blind Dog pub
Geoff told us that his regulars consist of many expats as well as long-term locals, who all love the traditional Irish food, and of course the famous Irish stout. He was keen to point out that Guinness gets special treatment at the Olde Blind Dog; it is stored separately and kept at a constant temperature to ensure it pours warmer than less prolific beers, while staff are carefully trained how to pull a perfect pint of the precious black stuff. Naturally, hubby insisted on sampling a glass, purely to confirm all this is true.
And just then our breakfast arrived. Two large plates loaded with real back bacon rashers (all the way from Ireland), bangers made specially by a local butcher, proper Heinz baked beans, fried mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, three eggs and optional black or white pudding. All this was accompanied by a thick wedge of freshly baked Irish soda bread, warm and crumbly, with creamy Kerrygold butter of course. Decent soda bread in the US is almost as rare as a crock of gold or even a genuine shamrock (the three-leaf variety, not those four-leaf imposters that crop up every Paddy’s Day), and this was among the best I've ever tasted.
And just then our breakfast arrived. Two large plates loaded with real back bacon rashers (all the way from Ireland), bangers made specially by a local butcher, proper Heinz baked beans, fried mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, three eggs and optional black or white pudding. All this was accompanied by a thick wedge of freshly baked Irish soda bread, warm and crumbly, with creamy Kerrygold butter of course. Decent soda bread in the US is almost as rare as a crock of gold or even a genuine shamrock (the three-leaf variety, not those four-leaf imposters that crop up every Paddy’s Day), and this was among the best I've ever tasted.
Breakfast for two
Irish soda bread and a cuppa We cleared our plates and washed everything down with a lovely cup of Twinings English breakfast tea. That our young server instinctively knew our tea should be hot (not iced) with milk (not cream) was a refreshing change which made us feel like we were briefly back across the pond.
The final verdict: this hearty pub breakfast ticked all the right boxes and was the perfect way to start our day.
As we were leaving, Geoff reminded us about the Olde Blind Dog’s twin pub in Brookhaven, actually a bit closer to home for us. We can’t wait to visit that one too. Based on our experience at the Milton location, hubby and I are happy to testify that the Olde Blind Dog serves up the best big British (Irish) breakfast in Atlanta.
https://www.oldeblinddog.com
As we were leaving, Geoff reminded us about the Olde Blind Dog’s twin pub in Brookhaven, actually a bit closer to home for us. We can’t wait to visit that one too. Based on our experience at the Milton location, hubby and I are happy to testify that the Olde Blind Dog serves up the best big British (Irish) breakfast in Atlanta.
https://www.oldeblinddog.com
Emidio's Restaurant - Atlanta's best-kept secret
As the traffic zooms along Highway 9 in Sandy Springs, most drivers have no idea that an extraordinary little restaurant is quietly tucked away from the busy road. Hubby and I discovered Emidio’s purely by chance when we
moved to the area. Since we got in on the secret, this fabulous hidden gem has become a firm favorite with us.
Located off the beaten track in an unassuming strip mall (that’s what Americans call a row of shops, not some dodgy dive - for the benefit of my Brit friends!), Emidio’s is nextdoor to a dance studio and a furniture store, where the driving licence (Georgia DDS) office used to be. Not quite where you’d expect to find exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, but that all adds to the quirkiness of this unique little restaurant.
moved to the area. Since we got in on the secret, this fabulous hidden gem has become a firm favorite with us.
Located off the beaten track in an unassuming strip mall (that’s what Americans call a row of shops, not some dodgy dive - for the benefit of my Brit friends!), Emidio’s is nextdoor to a dance studio and a furniture store, where the driving licence (Georgia DDS) office used to be. Not quite where you’d expect to find exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, but that all adds to the quirkiness of this unique little restaurant.
Enjoying dessert with Barbara & Paula The atmosphere is so laid back, old school and charming that, in these hectic days, it’s verging on quaint. Visiting Emidio’s feels like stepping back in time while taking a mini-trip to the Med. The mood is distinctly Euro-style too; as Maria always reminds us when we arrive, “There is no rush. Sit, relax, and enjoy your evening.” It has been known for us to leisurely linger for three hours over dinner and drinks, much to the surprise of our American friends!
Owners Joe & Maria Family is a big deal at Emidio’s. The restaurant is owned and operated by the aforementioned Maria and her husband Joe, with son Danny waiting tables or helping out in the kitchen. And the atmosphere is so warm, welcoming and friendly, you instantly feel at home - almost part of the family too.
Joe and Maria hail from the Portuguese island of Madeira, before living in Britain for ten years. From Jersey, UK they moved to New Jersey, USA and finally to metro Atlanta, where they opened Emidio’s six and a half years ago. Joe is also executive chef, and when he’s not conjuring up new creations in the kitchen, is often out mingling with diners or chatting about football (soccer) over a drink at the bar. Dining room decor features a framed (and famed) number 7 shirt signed by Madeira’s very own Cristiano Ronaldo, which was a gift to the restaurant.
Joe and Maria hail from the Portuguese island of Madeira, before living in Britain for ten years. From Jersey, UK they moved to New Jersey, USA and finally to metro Atlanta, where they opened Emidio’s six and a half years ago. Joe is also executive chef, and when he’s not conjuring up new creations in the kitchen, is often out mingling with diners or chatting about football (soccer) over a drink at the bar. Dining room decor features a framed (and famed) number 7 shirt signed by Madeira’s very own Cristiano Ronaldo, which was a gift to the restaurant.
 Cristiano's shirt |  Football fans - cheering on Portugal |
And the food? Well, everything is freshly prepared from scratch, and cooked just how you like it. The menu features authentic Portuguese, Spanish and Italian dishes. Some of our favorites include Caldo Verde soup, Cataplana - the traditional seafood stew of Portugal served in a classic copper pan, sizzling Lapus mussels, and salmon in Joe’s fab champagne sauce.
Oh, and the Portuguese dessert cake "Bacon from Heaven" is to die for (excuse the pun). There’s an impressive wine list too, although my first choice is Maria’s homemade sangria, which is loaded with fresh fruit so it must be healthy, right?
Oh, and the Portuguese dessert cake "Bacon from Heaven" is to die for (excuse the pun). There’s an impressive wine list too, although my first choice is Maria’s homemade sangria, which is loaded with fresh fruit so it must be healthy, right?
 |  Cataplana - Portuguese stew |
Linguica portuguesa sausage
 Sizzling Lapus mussels |  Toucinho do Ceu (aka Bacon from Heaven) |
Chef Joe busy in the kitchen
And on the first Sunday of every month, Emidio’s offers a wonderfully relaxed and casual buffet lunch to celebrate Portugal’s culture and cuisine.
monthly buffet lunch
Unlike some of the trendy eateries downtown, you won’t encounter a waiting list to get a table or a line halfway down the street, and that’s the beauty of being beyond big city limits, in the suburbs of Sandy Springs. Emidio’s is off-radar for many Atlanta restaurant-goers, but like other lucky locals, hubby and I struck gold when we discovered this little treasure in our own neighborhood.
So shhh, don’t tell anyone.
Although, on second thoughts, some secrets are too good not to share.
So shhh, don’t tell anyone.
Although, on second thoughts, some secrets are too good not to share.
Update - Emidio's is now on SEATED! Click this link to get 5% bonus rewards from Seated when you book a table at Emidio's Sunday - Thursday!
Author
Living and loving life
in America - by a blogging Brit
I am a wife, teacher & writer originally from the UK.
Now metro Atlanta is
home-from-home.
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