Ponce City Market
Where? Ponce City Market (Old Fourth Ward, Atlanta, United States of America) Map Menu
When? Thursday April 18, 2019
Who? Me
Food Style? International
A massive indoor food hall, the Ponce City Market has attracted a large crowd on this rainy Atlantan day. I'm taking in the smells of the different kinds of ethnic foods available - Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, South African, Indian, Mediterranean and more. I want to try everything, but I can't. 
I've started off with a honey and lavender gelato from Honeysuckle and it's delightful, but as I'm wandering around, a loud ventilation sound fills the hall and the police and security order people to evacuate.
Thankfully the evacuation is short lived and I'm back at WH Stiles Fish Camp to try some catfish, a southern favourite. The temptation to get some oysters is great, but I will reserve my stomach for more food.
Mains
Pan-seared Vietnamese catfish salad with cabbage, cucumbers, peanuts, cilantro, scallions and jalapenos
The catfish is delicious. It's flavourful and cooked perfectly, glistening on the inside and flaking away, with a slight crispiness to the skin. The vegetables are well seasoned and have that delightful sourness from the fish sauce, an ingredient integral to Vietnamese cuisine. What would I change? A bit of freshly sliced chili on the side would have elevated this dish.
I got a cashew fudge donut from for Saturday's breakfast and a key lime tart from Saint Germain Bakery for now. Mmmm...that hits the spot. Bursting with that magnificent citrus flavour, not sickly sweet, just the right dessert to top off an enjoyable visit to this part of Atlanta.
Posted by Jeremy at 3:59am on Thursday January 2, 2020 :: 0 comments :: 
Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint
Where? Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint (Downtown, Atlanta, United States of America) Map Menu
When? Wednesday April 17, 2019
Who? Me
Food Style? Southern
I've left the chilly spring weather of Toronto for the green and warmth of Atlanta, Georgia. I'm here to experience some of that great southern food - though I'm not that far south, I'm sure I'll be able to get something close enough anyway.
Appetiser
Southern Starter: fried green tomatoes, crispy vidalia onions, fried okra, topped with herb goat cheese and red pepper aioli
With a name like Southern Starter, I can't resist. It comes out pretty quickly and, kinda true to the south, it's all deep fried. It's not very crispy and it could use a bit of salt, but the goat cheese and aioli adds the flavour and richness in this dish.
Mains
Juke Joint Fried Chicken: signature juke joint seasoning blend, southern mac & cheese, smoked turkey collard greens
Winner winner chicken dinner. Mac and cheese has never really been a favourite of mine, and this one is okay. Nothing outstanding. Same with the collard greens. They're a bit soggy, and they taste okay, but again, nothing to rave about. The chicken though is better. It's not as crispy as it should be and it needs a bit of salt, but there's a nice sweetness to it, it's juicy and it's satisfying enough.
Also I have forgotten that American portions are massive. I will not be needing dessert after this.
As 7pm rolls around, the entertainment starts - this is a juke joint after all. I'm staring at my leftover Mac and cheese and collard greens with disdain, but I'll chill and listen to these smooth soul tunes for a bit before leaving. I might not have had a great time with the food, but the music is pretty amazing.
Posted by Jeremy at 3:41am on Thursday January 2, 2020 :: 0 comments ::