I first saw an ad for Dogwood in one of Atlanta’s fine dining magazines. After reading about the Grits bar I immediately dog-eared the page and placed the restaurant at the top of my “Must Try” list. I thought Dogwood would be a good choice for my husband’s birthday dinner. Restaurant.com happened to be offering an 80% off sale on gift certificates, so what could be better than enjoying an upscale meal and saving money at the same time?

I ordered my restaurant.com gift certificate then called Dogwood to make a reservation for two at 7pm. I informed the gentlemen who answered the phone that my party would be celebrating a birthday and inquired if there was anything special the restaurant did for such an occasion. I was informed that they sprinkle confetti on the table and also serve a special dessert.

When my husband and I arrived, parking was easy to find as there were signs which led us to the back of the restaurant. We made the short walk from the covered area to the front of the building. I was immediately impressed with the modern décor and openness of the venue. We were greeted by the host and after giving our name, we were escorted promptly to our table. Colorful yet not overly done metallic confetti welcomed us as we took our seats.

Our waiter was attentive throughout our meal and very knowledgeable about the dishes that Dogwood offered. He carefully explained the details of the menu items when asked and even offered suggestions on which of the appetizers to try. My husband and I started our meal with the Frogmore Stew, a selection from the Grits bar and since we were quite pleased, we decided to give the Zinfandel braised short rib (another selection from the Grits bar) a try.

We typically do not order the same entrée when we dine together so we can sample different menu items. However, neither of us were feeling very adventurous when looking over the main course selections so we both ordered the Buttermilk fried “Springer Mountain” chicken breast, baked mac and cheese, and braised greens with bacon. We were both pleased entrée selections and after completing our meal as promised, a special dessert was served, affectionately adorned with a candle and best wishes. 

Dogwood

565 Peachtree Street

Atlanta, GA 30308

Tel. (404) 835-1410

dogwoodrestaurant.com   

 

I came for…

My husband’s birthday dinner

I ate…

Grits Bar – “Logan Turnpike” stone ground yellow grits served with:

• “Frogmore” stew
• Pimento cheese and “Benton’s” fried country ham
• Zinfandel braised short rib.

I tried 2 of the 3 grits bar offerings. The idea of adding some sort of topping to grits other than butter, cheese, or bacon made me quite curious as to what the dish would taste like. I was pleasantly surprised that the grits could stand on their own since they were creamy and rich. I thoroughly enjoyed the Grits Bar and recommend that anyone who dines at Dogwood try at least one of the 3 selections.

“Frogmore” stew

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The Frogmore stew grits bar selection consisted of shrimp, potatoes, fresh corn and smoked sausage. My husband remarked that they were the best grits he ever had. I wasn’t exactly sure how to take that since I personally feel that my cheddar cheese grits can rival most restaurants. However, I have to agree that the mixture of flavor as the stew smothered the grits was indeed a great combination of texture and taste. 

Zinfandel braised short rib

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The Grits bar selection of Zinfandel braised short rib was also very tasty. The ribs were tender and smothered in just the right amount of sauce.

Buttermilk fried “Springer Mountain” chicken breast, baked mac and cheese, braised greens with bacon

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The menu did not mention it but upon first bite, I realized that the Buttermilk fried chicken breast was boneless which to me was a plus. The fried coating provided a nice crunch which complimented the moist breast perfectly.

The baked mac and cheese was probably the best I’ve ever had at a restaurant. It was reminiscent of the type of macaroni and cheese you would find at a cherished family gathering during Thanksgiving or an intimate get together for a soulful Sunday meal.

At first taste, the braised greens with bacon were good and seemingly the appropriate side dish to fried chicken. Although they were cooked to perfection, there was somewhat of a bitterness to them that began to take away from my enjoyment of the other items on the plate.

Chocolate cake with Dulche de leche (served complimentary for my husband’s birthday)

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Both the chocolate cake and the Dulche de leche ice cream were note worthty. The chocolate cake consisted of a warm pudding like center that held firm within the cake until it was pierced with a fork to cascade down in its full glory. At first glance, I thought the ice cream was vanilla since it did not have the toasted almond color I am accustomed to seeing in store bought versions of Dulche de leche. It was very sweet but the perfect compliment to the rich, chocolate cake.

The presentation of the dish as a birthday treat was also very impressive. A single birthday candle was served stuck to the dish rather than in the cake itself. The ice cream rested in a separate bowl to the side of the small tower-like cake that appeared to be dusted lightly with powdered sugar.

I drank…

Iced tea served with simple syrup

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I’ve always liked the idea of serving a small pitcher of simple syrup to guests who can then sweeten their own iced tea. It allows them to be the judge on exactly how much sugar is needed for the perfect Sweet Tea.

In summary…

I had a wonderful experience at Dogwood and plan to visit again. I will definitely reorder the Grits Bar if only to try the Pimento cheese and “Benton’s” fried country ham that I didn’t try during my first visit. I will also be a little more adventurous with what I order. I am considering the New potato crusted halibut served with corn pudding and sauce Gribiche as an entrée and intend to come with a big enough appetite to partake of the Soup flight which is a tasting of

• Sweet corn bisque with fingerling potatoes, bacon and chives
• Spring pea and basil, carrot pesto
• Soup of the day

Dogwood offered a delightful twist on good old Southern favorites.

Oh, by the way…

The desserts change at Dogwood on a regular basis so there’s no guarantee that the Chocolate Cake with Dulche de leche will be available for your dining pleasure.