820 Ralph McGill Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30306
404-522-4622
www.twourbanlicks.com/index-home.htm
After an attempted September meeting, the BTSC is back again for October. Our venue was TWO Urban Licks, part of the Concentric family of restaurants.
We had 7 people in attendance for our Saturday night meeting, so there was much sharing of food. A couple of BTSC members knew the bartender, so we had an "in" for what items were most popular with patrons and staff alike.
Appetizers
- Thai Tuna Tartare
- Empanadas
- Lamb Lollipops
- Fried Green Tomato Salad
- Mini Corn Dogs
Originally, we were going to have the top four on this list, but upon the recommendation of our waitress (a very patient girl from Washington state named Vanessa) we added the Corn Dogs.
The tuna tartare was quite nice. Wonderful texture with only a hint of spice from the Sriracha aioli. The wonton chip looked more like a chip from a Mexican restaurant. Mango and avocado made for a good palate cleanser.
The short rib empanadas were the best appetizer of the bunch. The meat was tender and flavorful. The empanadas themselves were huge - easily dividing up for the whole table.
Lamb lollipops were disappointing. Very small and little on the dry side. I must have missed the grape chili jam and goat cheese.
The fried green tomato salad was recommended by several staff members and did not disappoint. Tomatoes were light and slightly tangy, with the goat cheese adding to the effect. The herb vinaigrette was strong but not overpowering. I'd consider getting a plate of that by itself.
The mini corn dogs looks delicious, but I did not like the taste as much as I had hoped. They seemed rather average to me.
Main Course
- Bronzed Scallops (Gouda grits, smoke tomato broth)
- American Shrimp (Low Country style, Andouille sausage, corn, potatoes, okra, toasted ciabatta)
- Tuna (seared, avocado-edamame salad, spicy sesame dressing)
- Pork (braised, NY backed cheddar macaroni, pork jus)
- Tanglewood Farm Duck Breast (Italian sausage stuffed, Cayenne sweet potato puree, ancho BBQ jus)
Sampled only a piece of the ciabatta dipped in the Low Country boil stock of the American Shrimp dish. Nice flavor, but seemed to be a lot of work to eat.
The duck breast and sweet potato puree, each by themselves, were wonderful. The duck and potato together made for an odd combination of flavors I'm not sure really went together. I couldn't reconcile the tastes and I have to say would probably not order this again.
The tuna was very well prepared. It definitely needed the sesame dressing (which was special ordered on the side). The edamame salad was a nice change from the typical vegetable medley.
The braised pork was so tender, you didn't need a knife. Fall off the (non-) bone good. Flavorful and a good match with the mac-n-cheese, but you can't go wrong with mac-n-cheese.
If the two BTSC meetings are any indication, the rule of the day should be "always get the scallops". Huge scallops, cooked so well. So buttery and tender and a perfect match with the grits. Not sure I could have eaten a whole plate of this, but definitely my favorite combination of the night.
After Fun with the bill (computers were down, then "I'll pay for 2/35 of the Empanadas, please."), we went to Spoon for dessert. I won't comment on that for now as I know at some point we will go back there and I will write a full review.
