Big D (a.k.a. Mr. BR) suggested Blue Ridge Grill (I-75 at West Paces Ferry in Atlanta) for Easter lunch. He's been there for several business dinners. I have never been wild about the place, but then we've always been there for big group dinners (after christenings, etc.), and you know how large groups are typically treated at restaurants.
Lunch was fabulous! First of all, the waiting area is decorated like a Ralph Lauren layout of a mountain cabin, so comfortable and inviting. The service in that room was superb.
What was on our table? We were served the most delicious biscuits I've ever had, slightly undercooked in a good way so that they were very doughy and yeasty, brushed with cinnamon and butter. We shared a crab cake appetizer. I'm not an aficionado of crab cakes, but these were absolutely divine -- crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, with crunchy microgreens. The Blue Ridge salad was fabulous with an excellent blue cheese dressing. Beach Jacket had an andouille and cheese omelet, I had grilled wild Scottish salmon with fingerling potatoes and green peas, and Big D scored with the shrimp and grits with a hot pepper and cheese sauce. Oh, and we ordered grilled asparagus (yum!) since it's Easter. The service was also superb in the dining room.
And did I say that we had Dr. Gil's table? If you live in the Buckhead area, you probably know who I mean. Big D says it's the first time he's ever been to Blue Ridge when Gil wasn't there.
And did I say that the most expensive thing on the menu was the salmon at $17? Most main courses were $10-$12, the cost of a burger and fries at Seaside.
We will definitely be back. Try it if you're ever in Atlanta.