Just Back from Hotlanta (and a Daytrip to Athens, GA)

Cafe Drake recently visiting Atlanta took a day trip 70 miles south to Athens, Ga. Accompanied by our ever-intrepid Mother, we toured no less than 4 historic houses and sampled much of Athens' charming, classic Southern architecture via a hot and sunny self-guided walking tour.

Parched mouths and sun-frazzled nerves were soothed with Athens' own icy Terrapin Rye Pale Ale at vegetarian cafe, The Grit, while a multi-course meal was later enjoyed at the justifiably revered 5 and 10 restaurant (1653 South Lumpkin Street). Exuding Southern grace and hospitality (and appreciated a/c), 5 and 10 lived up to our lofty expectations: every single course was delish but standouts included (Cafe D. and Mother ordered from two separate prix-fixe menus to survey the largest amount of offerings): grilled lobster mushrooms with fried sage leaves, tatsoi and a sherry vinaigrette; a lamb Bolognese lasagna with rich bechamel and wilted arugula; smoked trout crostini with preserved lemons and apples; a trout meuniere atop haricots vert and tiny croutons and two stellar desserts - manchego with local plums and honey and a fudge-glazed chocolate cake with "tin roof" ice cream.

An accompanying wine flight flew high with (especially) a 2003 Carignan blend, a Morey burgundy,  and a 2008 Chenin Blanc from Dom. St. Nicolas.