Holeman & Finch 2009 (Atlanta)

H&F is one of those places that I can’t stop thinking about.  I cannot imagine another trip to Atlanta without stopping here.

The menu is aggressive.  There is an entire section dedicated to “Parts”.  The place felt like the American version of Restaurant St. John in London.

And the servers and bartenders are experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate.  The bar is great, which is good, as you’ll have to wait for a table.  Great whiskey (including a solid selection of Rye), as well as the fact it is one of the few places that successfully utilizes Cynar.  Oh, and there’s usually canned beer.

The meal:

• Deep fried assortment of pickles with spicy mayo
• Cornish game hen
• Peppercorn encrusted veal heart
• Deep fried pig’s tail
• Braised pork belly
• Fried shrimp with a Coca Cola reduction glaze
• Brussels sprouts

The dessert:

• A nearly perfect Cheeseburger

Note:  there are only 24 cheeseburgers made each night.  The kitchen basically closes at 10:00 p.m. and everyone focuses on the production of these burgers for about 18 minutes.  You have to reserve a burger once you get there.  If you wait until 9:30, no chance…they’re gone.  So the best way to try this nearly perfect burger is to either have it for dessert, or go to the bar at 8:00, reserve it, and drink for the next 2 hours and 18 minutes.  Well worth the hassle.  Or just go for Sunday brunch where they make a lot more than 24.

A dish I had on a subsequent visit:

• Slow poached egg with applewood smoked bacon and foie gras served on a mooncake.