Atlanta [Decatur]: Watershed

I have heard about Watershed, and particularly their fried chicken, for some time and finally got the chance to check it out. My first piece of advice is to watch carefully as you are driving in the neighborhood . . . we drove right by even when we were looking at the addresses and paying attention. The second piece of advice is that this is not a place to take clients or expect to have quiet conversation . . . the room is very loud. Not that that's a bad thing, but just be aware in advance. The third piece of advice is go! The food was wonderful, southern traditional cooking well executed and plentiful.

So . . . for starters there was a saute of wild mushrooms over toast spread with goat cheese. What's southern about that I don't know, but it was really good, the mushrooms well seasoned and tasting of just a splash of sherry. Then a real southern starter, pimento cheese spread . . . that neon-orange salve so good on crackers, but served here with celery so that it counts as a vegetable. Way to go! [as an aside, I will say that my pimento cheese is better . . . especially now that I'll serve it with celery] Then on to the vaunted fried chicken. And it lived up to the reputation. . . crispy on the outside, moist on the inside and well flavored. Its no surprise that on the days it is available they tend to run out. Also on the plate were perfect mashed potatoes and field peas. And finally biscuits that were some of the best I've ever had. My only complaint was that there was no gravy involved . . . what are mashed potatoes without gravy? And I'm sure, with everything else being so good, the folks in the kitchen would make some amazing gravy. Bring it on! Double chocolate cake for dessert, good but not great. Just get more chicken if you're still hungry.

Overall, this was a great place for a casual meal with friends. Good food, fun atmosphere and, oh yes, cute waitstaff. Its all good. So head to Watershed and have a fun evening . . . and let me know what you think.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE