One of the great things about being a blogger is that I can land in virtually any city and easily find a dining parter. Such was the case when I arrived in Atlanta on Sunday night, with a free evening ahead of me. I e-mailed Chris from Melecotte and asked if she was free for dinner. Luckily, she was, otherwise I might never have discovered Two Urban Licks in Atlanta.
Chris and I have worked together online over the years, but this was our first time meeting in person. As she took me to a very non-descript industrial section of town, replete with rows and rows of warehouses, I briefly wondered what I had gotten myself into. Pulling into the parking lot, you never would have guessed that a restaurant waited behind those huge garage bay doors.
Inside, the restaurant has such a cool vibe. Darkly lit. Red lights. Urban. As soon as we walked through the threshold, it instantly smelled like smoke and fire. Which is a very good thing.
The wait staff is engaging, attentive and super friendly. We didn’t want for anything. Our waitress walked that perfect balance between meeting our needs and not being overbearing Since Chris had been there before, I went with her recommendations when ordering. We started with the Smoked Salmon Chips, which turned out to be my favorite food item during my Atlanta trip, bar none. Love the presentation. Fried chip. Short smoked salmon with chipotle cream cheese. Capers. Red onions. Chives. A-ma-zing. I mean, really, just look at that picture.
A little Googling turned up the recipe. I could swear the smoked salmon was served on wonton chips, but from the looks of the recipe, it appears not. I’ll definitely be making it, but I am going to try the fried wonton chip route first. The Smoked Salmon Chips are such a popular recipe item that the restaurant has a dedicated kitchen staffer just for making them.
The restaurant features an open kitchen, which I adore, and the food could not have come out quicker.
The windows below? Those are huge garage bay-style doors that open up to allow for outdoor dining. We were there when they opened them, and they allowed for beautiful sunset dining for those sitting on the patio.
The menu items are reasonably priced, and there is a good variety of meat and fish items. My main course (sorry, no decent picture) was, again, recommended by Chris, and was the lemon sole, served with cous cous and roasted tomatoes. Not a speck leftover when I was done with it. The fish was perfectly cooked and the deliciously lemon butter sauce was the perfect thing to put on the warm bread that was delivered to the table.
Is it weird to take a picture of the bathroom? I don’t care. As soon as you closed the bathroom door, this beautiful pink light came on. Love a gorgeous bathroom, and the restaurant’s vibe certainly continued into it.
I’m totally jealous that Chris lives close enough to frequent Two Urban Licks. If you happen to be in or around the Atlanta area, do check it out. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. It seems to be a well-kept secret though. On my flight back, my seat partner was actually local to Atlanta and had never heard of it, so do tell your friends. Oprah’s BFF, Gayle King, and actor Tyler Perry have both been to Two Urban Licks, so you’ll be in good company.
Reservations recommended.
Two Urban Licks
820 Ralph McGill Boulevard
Atlanta, GA 30306
Telephone: 404-522-4622
June 16, 2011 – Bonus Photos
Farnoosh Torabi came to my home today to film a segment for Yahoo! Finance on cutting your energy costs during the hot summer months. You know, she of Psych Yourself Rich fame, and the go-to financial expert for many media outlets.
This is how Madeline spent half of the shoot. Asleep on the floor underneath the coffee table. Amidst a camera crew of four and Farnoosh. I told Madeline she could earn five dollars this afternoon if she was quiet, behaved and stayed out of their way. After a two hour nap, I’m surprised she didn’t negotiate for a higher wage. A financial celebrity in her midst and she’s sleeping underneath the coffee table.
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Where’s the requisite photo of you and Chris dining?!? Wow, that restaurant looks amazing. And the pic of Madeline? Adorable!
Definitely one of my favorite parts of blogging is being able to find someone anywhere to at least get coffee with! This restaurant looks fabulous and the hot pink bathroom…yeah you so needed to take a picture!
Wow! I wish we had a restaurant like that near us! Of course, I wouldn’t be able to resist going there regularly with those salmon chips calling my name (as I am certain they would!). Can’t wait to hear if the recipe you found does the original justice.
She must have been tired. I was surprised that she was interested in the going ons of the shoot.
I went to Two Urban Licks a couple of years ago with a group of girlfriends. We shared dishes and I remember thinking that the food was so good, I wish I had my own! And the drinks were pretty extrordinary as well. Definitely a fun place, I agree completely!
It was so great hanging out with you! :) And, I am thrilled you enjoyed 2UL. :) It has been a favorite of mine for years!
Can’t wait until we hang out again!
Great backstory Cate! Love that Ms Madeline cooperated!