A great play has to have a unique story that grabs ones attention, touching on every emotion, and when the final curtain falls it leaves its audience wanting more. Located in ATL?s theatre district, Livingston Restaurant and Bar is in every way like seeing a smash Broadway production. The stage is none other than the historic Georgian Terrace Hotel noted for its early twentieth century elegant architecture and opulence. Executive Chef Zeb Stevenson along with his stellar support cast performs nightly for your pleasure by preparing foods that deserve a standing ovation.
The opening scene can start and even stop at the ultra-chic bar with its exceptional cocktail and wine list. Here there is a light fare menu that has some tasty munchies that have the same dramatic flair as those served in the main dining room. It is one of the poshest bars in the city with its comfortable lounge-like atmosphere making it easy to relax and enjoy the finer pleasures of life.
The excitement takes center stage as the first dish arrives at the table. It is evident that quality and freshness are a must in order to capture the food?s essence that?s presented in a way only an artist can. The Italian sashimi-like treat, Tuna Crudo requires the best ingredients but also the preparation must be precise so the fish doesn?t lose any of its delicate nuances; a pistachio-mint pesto rests on top of a delectable ahi grade yellowfin tuna that?s garnished with lemon zest and jazzy candied mustard; savor each bite of this heavenly dish. If you want pure ecstasy, the thinly sliced Kobe Carpaccio will surely satisfy the desire. As the creamy texture of the rare Eye of Round melts in the mouth, the flavors are intensified by the house made champagne vinegar caviar and shallot salt - the sensation is unbelievable.
The starter that showcases Zeb?s mid-western heritage is the Chicken Bratwurst made from sustainably raised Freebird Chickens. It?s served with shaved Brussels sprouts that are pan cooked with toasted caraway seeds, and for dipping a sassy mustard butter ? this juicy sausage is truly a labor of love. Of the intriguing salads there?s one to die for. The spinach salad has such amazing depth of flavors that seem to go on forever. Dressing these tender baby leaves is a creamy Gorgonzola dolce, sweet pan-roasted cippolini onions, and an otherworldly candied bacon vinaigrette. And you know everything goes better with bacon - this bacon is special, it?s cured and smoked on-site.
The foods get even more dramatic as one ventures deeper into Livingston?s menu. One of the most well prepared cuts of beef in the city is the Grilled Skirt Steak. A slight tinge of the tropics is infused onto the meat after briefly marinating in papaya juice ? a natural tenderizer. Once the meat has a nice char, this dish really gets up and sings as a smoked butter hollandaise sauce is added. The Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast is what duck breast should taste like ? these moist morsels of meat have a slight gaminess that too often is lost. This juicy breast is brined overnight then cold smoked giving the meat a rich smoky character, which is then glazed with a tangy orange sauce. But what makes this jaw dropping dish scream are the sweet and sour candied kumquats.
Before the curtain closes, Pastry Chef Frances Soto has created some masterpieces that will take those few un-aroused taste buds and stand them on their edge. The gingerbread cake has a pumpkin cheesecake center that?s sauced with a spiced reduction of Guinness Stout and a Pecan Florentine. And if this doesn?t cause you to gasp, the Fried Pear and Cranberry pie with a cr?me fraiche will, especially when the caramel bourbon sauce kicks in. Whether it is a stop before heading to the Fox, or simply to satisfy a need to take the senses on a culinary adventure, Livingston Restaurant and Bar has a front row seat waiting just for you to live it up.
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