Atlanta is known for its comfy bungalow-like housing, but due to urban modernization Midtown has lost many of these classic southern homes. Surrounded by skyscrapers one survived. In 1993 South City Kitchen opened its doors as the Fifth Group?s first venture into the restaurant business, and what a destination eatery it has become. At South City it?s all about the comforts of living in the South, and nothing adds to this feeling better good old southern cooking. The time-honored diverse recipes that make up southern cuisine are dressed up ever so slightly and brought to life by Chef Chip Ulbrich through the use of fresh, seasonal local produce without compromising what has made them so delightful to eat.
To ease into that laid back feeling, South City Kitchen offers some amazing creative cocktails that play on beverages of the South. The Country Thyme Lemonade is a perfect blend of Absolut citron vodka with thyme infused lemonade ? this tangy thirst quenching drink will beg one to ask for another and a rocking chair on a wrap around porch. In addition to these delights, an outstanding quality to price point wine list has been assembled that pairs nicely with the foods coming from Chef Ulbrich?s kitchen. Highly recommend the Simonnet Febvre St. Bris Sauvignon Blanc ? wonderful mouth feel with bright citrus flavors - a real summer palate pleaser.
The beauty of southern influenced appetizers is that they know how to tease and please. The Fried Green Tomatoes with goat cheese and a sultry red pepper coulis has the perfect crispness, consistency, and texture ? don?t miss this southern classic. Another classic is the pan-fried Chicken Livers that are finished off with a smoky Benton?s ham, caramelized Spanish onions, and port wine laced garlic jus. These tasty morsels rest atop a piece of toasted brioche and accented with creamed sweet corn. If you are not a believer in chicken livers, one bite will change your mind. The starter where the talents of Chef Ulbrich really shine is the Wild Mushroom Rusk- OMG the flavors are otherworldly. A mix of caramelized Hen of the Wood and Oyster mushrooms served over thickly sliced griddled Levain bread with a fried egg from Neil Taylor?s chickens. So many flavors and textures here - woodiness, crunch, and creaminess - what else can one ask for?
The real thrill of a great southern meal is the anticipation of the main dish and at South City there are many to choose from. The Shrimp and Grits are better than most I?ve had in Charleston. Plump local shrimp, saut?ed garlic, smoky pablano peppers, and chunks of house-cured Tasso ham are placed on a mound of stone ground grits with a smoked tomato gravy- absolutely delicious. Equally amazing is the Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Thought I had tasted the best this city had to offer until I put this in my mouth ? its juicy flavors and crunchy texture are simply divine. This scrumptious bird is served with garlicky collards and smashed bliss potatoes. If fish is your desire, jump on the Crispy Louisiana Catfish with a classically made maque choux of sweet corn and juicy local tomatoes. Ask for a side of the fried split okra and your feast is set - yummy.
I?ll confess, I love my Banana Pudding and the offering at South City Kitchen is spoon lickin? good. This reminds me of the pudding I grew up with ? what a flash back of joy. A gluten free banana pastry cream, layered over house-made vanilla wafers with slices of ripe banana throughout. If bananas aren?t your thing, go for the pecan pie it screams ?southern treat? ? what I like about it is that it isn?t coy or overly sweet. South City Kitchen has become the ?go to? restaurant if you desire a great meal in a comfortable setting with all of the charm of living in the South.
Bon App?tit Y?all!!!
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