Bacchanalia

Handsome BF and I went to Bacchanalia to celebrate our 4th Anniversary.

Both of us certainly enjoy a fine dining experience, and neither had both never been to this celebrated Atlanta Eatery.

Reservations were made 2 months in advance.

Upon arrival, we strolled through Star Provisions and were greeted by a Hostess who took us to our table.

Immediately this meal was off to a fine start. Our table was in a private corner, free of traffic from staff and other guests.

Almost exclusive red wine drinkers, we elected to start our meal with a glass of white, as this was the suggested pairing for the restaurant's signature appetizer--Blue Crab Fritter.

Wine arrived and with it, the first of many 'gift from the chef' bonus tastes, a warm bite-sized pastry filled with soft cheese. It was delicious.

We ordered different items for each course so that we could share and enjoy different tastes. Our selections were:

Appetizer:

Me:Wood Grilled Georgia Shrimp

Heirloom Tomato

Local Cucumber, Crème Fraiche

Summerland Farm Lemon Thyme

He:Blue Crab Fritter

Citrus, Thai Pepper Essence

Both were fantastic, though we agree that his was better. Per our server, the Blue Crab Fritter has been on the menu always, and will never rotate off.

At this point, we ordered a bottle of Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. It was more jammy than wines from this region are typically, and had a bit of a merlot feel. Though it was not what we typically would choose, we enjoyed this with the rest of the meal.

Cheese and Contrast:

Me:Pierre Robert

Poached Cherries

Marcona Almonds

He:Appenzeller

Local Pole Beans

Hazelnuts

Bacon

Again, both choices were great. I think that we each thought ours was the best. I enjoy a soft cheese, and really enjoyed mine. The cheese that was part of his menu was dry, but delicious. In fact, I rarely encounter cheese that I don't like.

Entree:

Me: Fish

Sweet Georgia Corn, Bacon

Oyster Mushrooms

He:Local Berkshire Pork Loin

Crispy Belly, Local Field Peas

Butter Beans, Smoked Tomato Butter

Fresh Andouille Sausage

We shared bites of both. I think we each preferred the entree of the other.

Dessert:

Me: Caramelized White Chocolate

White Chocolate Crunch

Poached Cherries

He: Fried Georgia Peach Pie

Cilantro-Lime Ice

Fantastic, both of these. These are two that are favorites of the diners. I must say that while I enjoyed them both, that the Caramelized White Chocolate was FANTASTIC. I do not ever choose white chocolate, but did so on the advice of our server. He salivated when he described it. He was right.

(This dessert was a gift from the chef. DELICIOUS mascarpone icing--I think.)

I can see why people adore this place. Hopefully I will get it in gear soon and add a picture of us from that night.