Atlanta: FAB [French American Brassierie]

This place was recommended to me by a woman I was sitting next to at Buckhead Diner and she was spot on. I was skeptical when we walked to the place and saw that its in a new building, and upon entering you can see that they have worked hard to make it look "old" and "French" . . . whatever that means. FAB is downtown and within walking distance of the major hotels, so that is a plus for everyone, and they have a rooftop deck for drinks that is perfect. Inside its white table clothes and a more formal service, though not stuffy. The menu is classic bistro fare and the wine list is small but good for a casual evening. And, the food was well prepared and thoughtful, a kind of French version of Buckhead Diner, in the sense that its comfort food and classics.

For starters I had a really well done foie gras terrine, presented with a rhubarb/strawberry compote, savory shortbread cookie and pistachios. It was a small portion and a perfect starter. My entree was a perfect roast chicken [always a good gage of the kitchen] served with duck fat roasted potatoes that were crunchy and melting all at the same time. I needed more of them. Finally, profiteroles for dessert . . . servicable more than good, with a chocolate sauce that I could improve on at home. So, don't go for dessert.

This was a good place for a fun, casual evening with clients. The food straight forward and well executed and the atmosphere pleasing. The one bump in the evening was the service, which seemed to be confined to our waiter [of course] and was completely saved by the waiter from an adjacent table who saw what was going on, stepped in and make everything go well. Congratulations to him for that move and a note to the management: either train the staff you have or get more folks like the guy who used to work for the BD Group. He knew what he was doing and was a great representative of the restaurant.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE