ode to the trifecta.

the lawrence

the other day i experienced the lawrence for the second time. it is utterly divine. they craft-fully layer ‘must-have’ elements together to create an upscale, neigh-BAR-hoody casual dining experience. to ensure i paid homage to anything associated with the lawrence i went to my old friend top flr saturday night. as is always the case, she delivered. the brains and culinary know-how behind the lawrence, top flr and the sound table successfully established an unspoken loyalty with my palate. dare i say the second time at the lawrence was better than the first? i could, but both were equally as exhilarating. order the potted shrimp, use your fingers, drink the massaman. the flavors satisfy your inner thai craving without affecting subsequent bites of alternating dishes. absolutely order the gnocchi. it’s herby, large enough to eat as a meal, but satisfying enough to share with a fellow diner as an appetizer. order the salt and pepper tofu (what? tofu? yes! tofu!). absolutely order the pork cheek. the pappardelle, peas and mushrooms work together in such a way that every bite is the perfect bite. there is earthiness and a hint of lemon.  you will want to lick the bowl.  there are no words. see the pictures. i love that both restaurants offer spaetzle. why do i like spaetzle so much? fried. dough. oil (but not overpowering). crispy goodness. order it, you’ll enjoy it. do you use the same recipe for pappardelle here at the lawrence as you do at top flr? if so, i am one lucky gal. to recap: patrick la boueff and company got their wish. this is the neighborhood bar where everyone knows your name, wants to revel in friendliness, and a place that also serves the kind of food that leaves me, and you wanting more.

order the:

- salt and pepper tofu

- pig ear

- pea soup

- gnocchi

- pork cheek

- spaetzle

- rabbit

top flr and dining ‘alone’

on saturday evening i walked into top flr with the intention of securing a reservation through savored. little did i know the application forbids reservations for 1. i thought more about this and wanted to share with readers the beauty behind dining ‘alone’ with many of atlanta’s finest establishments.

rule number one: sit at the bar.

rule number two: strike up a conversation with people behind the bar, next to the bar, across from the bar — everywhere.

rule number three: go early or late to ensure you get the best service (bars do get busy).

showing interest in the food, drinks and general background of the waitstaff opens your world up to complimentary drinks, appetizers, dessert and insider information from Atlanta’s restaurant scene. not only this: you just have fun. i spend time chatting with people who aren’t my normal ‘core four’ and put myself out there. i crave the solo dining experience. if you haven’t tried it, put it on your bucket list. it’s a fun time.

right now top flr also has a pappardelle pork dish that shouldn’t be shared. i sat there, enjoyed my dusty martini and awaited my pasta. the manager offered up a complimentary glass of wine, how could i say no? with my wine and scrumptious pasta i left one satisfied gal. as for soundtable, it is a gem on edgewood. cocktails, check. dancing, check. tasty spareribs while dancing, double check. the patio is inviting on warm summer nights.

all in all, the top flr, sound table, lawrence family always leaves atlanta wanting more.