{Taste of Atlanta}: Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse

It's no secret that Atlanta has become quite the burgeoning foodie town.  While the gamut from quaint eateries, to top-tier restaurants, and more, dot the dining trail, it can sometimes feel like mission impossible to take it all in.  And then, if you're fortunate, you happen upon what could be considered a somewhat hidden gem.

Such was my lot on a recent balmy Spring evening, as I dined al fresco on the covered patio at Davio's, a northern Italian steakhouse nestled among the shops of Phipps Plaza.  The evening unfolded with chilled sips, passed hors d'oeuvres (perfectly fried oysters, anyone?), and a decadently satisfying multiple course dinner.

As we took our places at the beautifully dressed tables, I became wowed with course after course of the freshest, seasonal Italian fare.  From succulent filet, to moist and flaky halibut, it was some of the best surf and turf I've tasted.  And dessert?  Luscious panna cotta and trays of macarons and chocolate truffles, truly.  Have a peek at the menu below (apologies if it makes you hungry as you're reading.)

Davio's offers convenient, upscale dining at one of Atlanta's shopping hallmarks--and is a must-try for resident locals and visitors, alike. And if you're really fortunate, you may even receive a personal welcome from the lively owner, himself.

Put it on your dining bucket list--and thank me later.

Happy Eating!

Link Love: A Southern Living Summer

While visiting my mom for Mother's Day weekend, I indulged in my usual habit of leafing through her decor and lifestyle magazines.  At some point along the way, I landed on a Southern Living issue that seemed to transport me right into the middle of Summer -- a scrumptious, mouth-watering, refreshing Summer to be exact.  

It's true that we eat with our eyes first. (At least that's true for me.)  And page after page presented recipes that spawned an inner excitement followed by the exclamation, "Oooh, I'm going to make that!"  It's the raw inspiration that keeps me excited about the joys of cooking and eating.

To make sure I could follow through on my new found excitement, I asked my mom if I could "borrow" her magazine and bring it home with me. :)  She graciously obliged and as the days of Summer unfold, I look forward to making many of the vibrant dishes that will make this one of the tastiest seasons yet.

While I have my mom's August 2012 hard copy edition on hand, I wanted to share the love with these links to some of my favorite recipes from that issue via SouthernLiving.com.

Here's to a Summer of Happy Eating...Southern Living Style!

Sip:
Iced Hibiscus Sweet Tea 

Nibble:
Chipotle Shrimp Cocktail 

Grilled Watermelon with Blue Cheese and Prosciutto 

Salad:
Three Sisters Salad

Main Dish:
Chicken Enchiladas 

Beef-and-Watermelon Stir-Fry

Sweets:
Icebox Butter Cookies

Mexican Chocolate Ice-cream Pie

Photo Credit

Brussels Sprouts and Steak Stir-Fry

Brussels Sprouts and Steak Stir-Fry

It had been a long time since I made a stir-fry at home, but all that changed recently when I discovered a recipe that combined flavors that I was sure would please.  Flavors like scallions and ginger and soy and rice vinegar and chiles and garlic, along with a couple a of delicious vegetables and steak, that combined to create Brussels Sprouts and Steak Stir-Fry.

With the recipe earmarked in my Bon Appetit magazine and ample motivation in place, I was excited to pull out my beautiful wok (which was overdue for some action) and bring this meal to life.  I took the time to mise en place (i.e. prep) all my ingredients before starting to cook, so everything flowed pretty effortlessly from there. (Always a good idea.)  When the stir-fry was done, I served it over a bed of steamed, brown rice to round out the dish.

I love the ease and casual flair of stir-frys, allowing you to make good use of your imagination, tastes and whatever you happen to have on hand.  Whether you're going all-veggie or tossing in a favorite protein like shrimp, chicken, steak, etc., it's an exciting way to make good (and what I consider fun) food. 

And not to worry, if you don't have a wok handy, you can make this recipe just as easily using a large skillet.  

Happy Eating!

Brussels Sprouts and Steak Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons oyster sauce 

3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce  

2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar  

4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided 

1 pound brussels sprouts, halved  

8 ounces flank or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain  

Kosher salt 

4 scallions, whites chopped, greens sliced  

3 garlic cloves, sliced  

2 tablespoons chopped, peeled ginger 

2 medium carrots, peeled, thinly sliced on a diagonal  

1 Fresno chile or jalapeño, sliced into rings  

Steamed rice (for serving)

Method:

Whisk oyster sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl; set sauce aside. 

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add brussels sprouts and cook, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Cover and cook until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer to a plate; wipe out skillet. 

Season steak with salt. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in same skillet over high heat until just beginning to smoke. Add steak in a single layer; cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Turn and cook until nearly cooked through, about 30 seconds. Add to brussels sprouts. 

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in same skillet. Add scallion whites, garlic, and ginger and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute, adjusting heat as needed. Add carrots and chile and cook, tossing occasionally, until carrots are slightly softened, about 2 minutes. 

Return brussels sprouts and steak to skillet and add reserved sauce. Cook, tossing occasionally, until sauce is thickened, about 3 minutes. Serve with steamed rice and garnish with scallion greens. 

Recipe Courtesy of Bon Appetit