There are certain restaurants that you pass-by all the time. You might say to yourself, ‘why haven’t I tried that place yet?’ or ‘I keep meaning to eat there!’. For me, the latest check on my proverbial culinary bucket list (which is ever-expanding) was an Atlanta restaurant, Wisteria. I must have driven by this cute little brick building 50 times before I even noticed it was a restaurant. The next 50 times I drove by, I kept thinking I really should’ve tried it already.. and, last week, try it I finally did.

I had the opportunity to dine with a friend of mine who was ‘up for anything’, and we began to dissect the menu as soon as we met for our late dinner. Sitting down at about 9:15, our waiter (Jeffery) was kind enough to assure us that he was closing, and to take our time and enjoy. We started with a bottle of Chinon and though the ‘non-reserve’ wine list was a bit light, the varietal selections were wide and from mid-priced, quality producers; I was pleasantly surprised with the entire wine program (also offering tiered wine flights to accompany meals & tastings!).

We moved on to food, deciding to share everything in order to taste as much as possible. Two appetizers got us started, and though the calamari with wasabi aoli was good, the bourbon/molasses covered scallops atop pork belly was truly tasty. Entrees consisted of a pan-roasted salmon over citrus-spiced, julienned veggies and grilled pork tenderloin with sweet potato soufflé… both beautifully presented and powerfully flavorful.

The entire meal was perfectly paced and emceed by our server Jeffery. I must point out that as a lifelong restaurateur, who has waited tables for many years at many levels, I generally find myself severely over-critical of front house staff. Not only was Jeffery’s service quality, it was outstanding!

I would highly recommend Wisteria for dinner out in Atlanta and I applaud chef/owner Jason Hill for his innovative menu and community cafe feel. Try not to pass this one by.

-bryan

Wisteria on Urbanspoon