“Hey, I’m going to be in Atlanta for a conference. Where should I get something to eat?”
It’s the dreaded text or email or Facebook message every metro Atlantan gets from friends and random high school acquaintances alike.
It can be hard to determine what that person likes to eat, how much they want to spend or what their relationship with gluten is at the moment.
Now, the Georgia Department of Economic Development's tourism branch has made it easier to respond.
Georgia Tourism recently released its "100 Plates Locals Love" list. The guide was created three years ago "as a way to provide visitors with locally sourced suggestions, the same way we would recommend restaurants to our family and friends," the department said.
More than 750 dishes were nominated by people online and evaluated by a panel of judges.
Metro Atlanta restaurants snagged 15 of the 100 spots, just like last year.
The winners were categorized by region, but 10 came as suggestions of James Beard Award winning Georgia chef Hugh Acheson.
Here’s the list of winning metro Atlanta dishes and a bit about what makes them special:
1910 Public House Burger with French Fries: 1910 Public House, 107 Main St. NW in Lilburn
"You can tell it's fresh and it is one of the best burgers I've ever eaten. The fries are fresh cut and delicious!" –Joey S.
*Smothered Chicken: Busy Bee Cafe, 810 M.L.K. Jr. Drive NW in Atlanta
"Enjoy the smothered chicken at a meat-and-three landmark of truly soulful food."
Louisiana Ooh La La: Henry's Louisiana Grill, 4835 N. Main St. in Acworth
"Shrimp, oysters, crawfish and tasso in a rich Cajun cream sauce, served over angel hair. So satisfying. So yummy!" –Lauri M.
Oysters: Kimball House, 303 E. Howard Ave. in Decatur
"Order oysters from the raw bar. Any which way. And enjoy some of the best cocktails in the country."
Lobster Roll: Kathleen's Catch, 9810 Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek
"Always fresh lobster, it's never frozen – has the perfect amount of mayo and herbs on a fresh roll. Almost like eating in New England!" –Mamie G.
Pimento cheese:Local Republic, 139 N. Perry St. in Lawrenceville
"The pimento cheese is awesome, balanced with jalapeño and bacon on fresh toasted baguette. Doesn't get any better!" –Erin B.
Chicken: Osteria Mattone, 1095 Canton St. in Roswell
"Absolutely perfectly cooked, balanced meat." –Lea C.
White Corn Grit Fritters: Seed Kitchen & Bar, 1311 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta
"Served with jalapeño pepper jelly and Thomasville Tomme. The jalapeño pepper jelly is essential to the flavor of the dish. Perfectly paired!" –Emily C.
Berkshire Ham & Collard Green Eggrolls:Southern Bistro, 4920 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs
"You would not expect the combination, but it is so delicious." –Caleigh B.
Fried Green Tomatoes: Sweet Potato Café, 5377 Manor Drive in Stone Mountain
"Crispy fried green tomatoes with a roasted red pepper sauce and topped with black-eyed pea relish." –Mechel M.
*Kafta Platter: The BeiRut, 1025 N. Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree City
"Some of the best Lebanese food in the country, The BeiRut show the beautiful diversity of the state."
*Lemon Curd Tart: The Butcher The Baker, 23 N. Park Square in Marietta
"Really anything at this restaurant is perfect. They are gems as chefs go. Do not skip dessert!"
Ensalada de la Casa: The El Felix, 1130 Avalon Blvd. in Alpharetta
"This salad isn't your normal salad — it is served with a hefty variety of awesomeness including chopped greens, avocado, cucumber, radish, queso fresco, crispy tortillas and creamy oregano dressing. I crave this salad every day!" –Caitlyn B.
*Spicy Miso Ramen: Umaido, 2790 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road in Suwanee
"Authentic Japanese. Spicy miso ramen. For here or to go."
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice: Umi, 3050 Peachtree Road NW in Atlanta
"Umi's Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice comes with spicy tuna tartare on lightly fried crispy sushi rice with jalapeño slices. The perfect, fresh kick." –Morgan L.
*Denotes Acheson picks
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