March 11, 2010 - Rathbun's

Rathbun's
112 Krog St NE
Atlanta, GA 30307-5519
404-524-8280
www.rathbunsrestaurant.com

As part of Inman Park Restaurant Week, three Club members went to Rathbun's for the $25 prix fixe menu.

Appetizer

We all had the Slow Roasted Kuraboto Pork Belly with Coca-Cola Jus. When there's pork belly on the menu, how can you turn it down? The fatty pieces were melt-on-your-tongue good, although the non-fatty parts of my piece of pork were a little hard to cut/chew. The collards added a nice hint of bitterness and texture. The Coca-Cola Jus was the best part of the dish. You know it's good when you are sopping up the leftover jus with bread.

Entrees

Crisp Fried Lamb Shank, Coarse Ground Grits, Worcestershire-Leek Soubise
The pieces of lamb that didn't have any fat on them were dry and difficult to chew, but fatty pieces were ok. Overall, a bit bland for my taste. Reminded me too much of the Osso Bucco I get at pub-type restaurant.

Wild-caught Steelhead Trout, Broccoli, Preserved Tomato
From the online menu, this was supposed to be Arctic Char, but I appreciate that it's best to go with the freshest ingredients you can find. Perhaps the Arctic Char that day did not look good. In any case, the Trout was nicely cooked, skin on for texture and flavor. The preserved tomato sauce had a very sour taste to it which worked to flavor the fish. The broccoli provided some crunch.

Painted Hills Hanger Steak, Fingerlings, Brussels Sprouts and Chimmichurri
The best entree of the night and not just because I ordered it. Perfectly cooked at rare-to-medium rare. The chimmichurri was amazing! Sour, mellowed out by a hint of oil. Even the tiny brussel sprouts were wonderful.

Dessert

Warm Lemon Buttermilk Bread Pudding, Lemon Zest Curd - nice flavor, not too lemony, not too sweet.

Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake, Vanilla Marchmellow - too rich for my taste, but what do you expect from fudge cake. I'm glad it was not my primary dessert.

Florida Strawberries, Whipped Cream Biscuit, Basil Ice Cream
Surprisingly refreshing. The biscuit was somehow dense and flavorful, while not seeming heavy when i ate it. Strawberries were a nice "healthy" ending to the meal.