Monthly Archives

September 2019

cravings

Destination, Delicious: 10 Degrees South

September 26, 2019

You don’t have to leave the US to sample the amazing flavors and savory blends found only in South African cuisine – thanks to 10 Degrees South, located right in the heart of Atlanta. Guests can enjoy an authentic South African dining experience in a welcoming bungalow atmosphere; the menu is packed with the fusion fare that the nation is famous for, with jumbo prawns, savory spices and lively, unique dining options.

From the authentic bobotie (a savory custard perched atop a sweet ground beef curry) to boerewors (thick hunks of savory, spicy sausage), 10 Degrees South serves up a blend of Mediterranean, Malaysian, Portuguese, French, German, Dutch and Indian flavors. These diverse flavors come together to create the authentic and distinctive blends that South African cuisine is known for.

10 Degrees South 10 Degrees South Lamb Chops10 Degrees South cocktail 10 Degrees South cocktail

Set in a bungalow-inspired atmosphere with South African sanctuary vibes (there’s even a pair of gilded rhino overlooking the dining space), guests are taken on an unparalleled visual journey rivaled only by the equally explorative menu. Contemporary furnishings adorn the dramatic setting that perfectly suits the unusual specialties on the menu. For those who have never tried South African foods, sosaties (beef kabobs with sweet apricot curry), Sosaties (skewers of beef filet with apricot curry sauce), Piri-Piri coated jumbo prawns, and biltong (dried, cured meat native to South Africa), are staples of South African cooking.  These menu standouts complemented with a signature cocktail such as the Van Der Hum (rich, orange flavored brandy) offer an authentic taste of the nation. The wine list at 1o Degrees offers a substantial collection of both red and white wines from South Africa with highlights including the Pinotage which is made from the country’s unique red wine grape, that harmonizes well with curries and seafood.

10 Degrees South 10 Degrees South Lobster Spring Rolls10 Degrees South 10 Degrees South Prawns 10 Degrees South 10 Degrees South Rhinos10 Degrees South10 Degrees South wine 10 Degrees South Vegetable Curry

Finish with Di’s Delight, a succulent sponge cake and fruit combination delivered warm with vanilla ice cream and confectionately named after the owner’s mother/chef Diane Anthony.

10 Degrees South Dis Delight

Expect to spend some time perusing the menu and to experience an unusual but delightful blend of spicy and sweet when you head to 10 Degrees South. An outing here is a true tasting adventure and well worth the trip. Make sure to call ahead for a reservation, 10 Degrees South is a popular destination – and bring your appetite and a taste for adventure when you visit.

10 Degrees South is located at 4183 Roswell Rd. in Atlanta, GA.

Nikka Shae The Undercover Socialite

Disclaimer: 10 Degrees South compensated my meal in exchange for my opinion, however all thoughts (and drooling) are my own.

cravings

Live Like a Local at Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter

September 4, 2019

Snuggled amongst the pines in Dunwoody, GA, the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia is a destination in itself that both locals and travelers alike will love. The newly renovated hotel and dining areas are the perfect gathering spots to hang out with friends, socialize, enjoy a few sips, and just stay awhile. And you don’t have to be a hotel guest to indulge in the unique dining experiences at Crowne Plaza ATL. Take a quick staycation or just stop by and make yourself a guest at any one of their distinct eateries.

Food with a view

Want to feel like a food critic? Check out Parkwoods, a restaurant with a modern but approachable menu where the food is just as impressive as the views. Conveniently located just OTP (Outside the Perimeter), Parkwoods brings bold flavors and a timeless atmosphere to your Perimeter Center dining experience.

Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods

The Parkwoods menu features a mix of regionally-influenced fare and culinary inspired spirits. Start your meal with a classic cocktail like the Dark & Stormy, or settle on the Paper Plane, a sassy sip that soars—because it’s about time you tried a cocktail using Aperol, after all.

Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods menu
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods menu
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods menu
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods

Or, dive right into dinner and go for the Sorghum Glazed Salmon or Seared Red Snapper that are guaranteed to be your new faves! Other adventurous eats include Sweet Potato Deviled Eggs (yummm) and THE most savory Shrimp & Grits this side of the Bayou.

Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods menu
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods menu
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods menu
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods menu
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods menu

If you want to give your midday meal a mood, you should do brunch at Parkwoods. The Brunch Buffet features a fabulous assortment of fixins like Bananas Foster French Toast, Eggs Your Way, Chicken & Waffles, Loaded Hash Browns, fresh fruits, charcuterie, freshly baked bites, and mimosas. Me and mimosas have a thing, so there’s that!

Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods menu
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods menu
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Parkwoods menu

Sip seasonal under the pines

Picture this: It’s 5:01 p.m. at the end of a stress-filled work week and I-285 is a literal parking lot. Wouldn’t you rather be somewhere sipping a cold drink and sharing a few bites with friends? Or, perhaps it’s a sunny day in the ATL and you want to show off your new espadrilles. Well I know the perfect hangout where you can grab a plate of palate pleasing portions, share a sip or two with your crew, while you recharge and unwind under the Georgia pines. If this sounds like your weekend wish list, then you’ll want to head outside to the Backyard at Parkwoods. Located in the woodlands behind the Parkwoods restaurant, Backyard at Parkwoods is a unique outdoor patio space where picnics, perfectly poured pints, and play are always on the menu.

Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Backyard at Parkwoods
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Backyard at Parkwoods

As the saying goes, everything is more fun on a patio, amiright!? You’ll feel right at home in this newly re-imagined beer garden + backyard setting that features a mix of large picnic-style tables, lounge seating, water features and oversized lawn games. Order shareable snacks from the creative menu like soft pretzels with beer cheese and mustard, sausages, charcuterie boards and pulled pork sliders. Or, lament over an array of German and local craft beers, wines and summery cocktails that mix well with the backyard vibes of this unique space. No judgement if you order the Pulled Pork Disco Fries AND the Craw Puppies, it’s literally too hard to choose between the two. Kick things up a notch and sip one of their Summer inspired cocktails like Grown Folks Sweet Tea and Spiked Backyard Lemonade that are too good to pass up a pour. Pair em with a mouthwatering plate of Coca-Cola BBQ Pork Spare Ribs to double down on the Down South flavors.  

Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Backyard at Parkwoods menu
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia Backyard at Parkwoods menu

Whether you prefer your dinner and libations indoors or mixed with lounging and live music outdoors, one thing’s for certain is that you can live like a local at Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia. Me, I’m making this place my new “go-to” to “get-away” without actually “getting away!” LOL

Both Parkwoods and Backyard at Parkwoods are located at 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Rd in Atlanta, GA nestled inside Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia. See you outside—or inside…or both!!!

Nikka Shae The Undercover Socialite

Disclaimer: Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter compensated my meal in exchange for my opinion, however all thoughts (and drooling) are my own.