Italian (Pizza and Pasta):

Let me tell you, being from the Boston area, it was a difficult adjustment moving to the great state of Georgia.  I was devastated when I could not find a decent place to have a nice slice of pie.  You know, the one that you can fold and hold with one hand or a pasta dish that will make your taste buds sing, it's sooo good!  I found a few great and not so great places to eat Italian.  

FRANKIES

Frankie's was probably the first winner my mind.  They have two locations, 3085 Canton Road and 3125 Roswell Road, both in Marietta.  The pizza definitely reminds me of Boston.  The past dishes are just as good, but occasionally, they do miss.  I have only been to the Canton Road location, but, overall, they do a good job.  

http://www.frankiesitalian.net/

Atmosphere:   3
Service:          4
Food Quality: 4
Price:             $$$

ANTICO PIZZA

If you want a great old world style pizza, then you MUST visit Anticos in Atlanta; by far the best I have ever tasted!  The owner had ovens shipped in from Italy, for that true authentic fire baked pizza.  The ingredients are the freshest you will ever taste, making your taste buds sing!!  The atmosphere is undeniable as you sit in the open kitchen concept, watching all the cooks prepare those delicious creations while listening to songs of the old world.  

When you go there, don't expect to get your own table; seating is first come first serve and you will make friends with people you have never seen before because of the large ten foot tables you all share, keeping with the old tradition that the kitchen is the place for all to gather and have a great feast.  Don't worry though, it's not strange to see someone eating their pizza while standing. 

It's definitely a trip to take, but, well worth it if you want the best!!!!    

http://www.anticopizza.it/

Atmosphere:   5
Service:          5
Food Quality: 5
Price:             $$$

CAPOZZIS

So, as many of you know, I teach college classes one to two nights a week.  So, last night, I was driving home, and, a thought went through my head, reminding me of the pizza place that someone keeps telling me to try, Capozzi's.  Well, I called and they were closed, but, the lady who was there, who happened to be the owner's wife, said she did have some slices, and would gladly warm them up for me.  (I gauge a pizza place by two things, how good their pizza is reheated and how good it is fresh out of the oven)

I arrived only to be greeted by this very pleasant woman, who was handed me a box containing two slices of pizza.  I told her that I have been meaning to try the place out, and when I went to pay for the pizza, she refused my money; she said, "you try it and if you like it, you will have to come back".  Well, I tried it, and, also gave left a slice for the family to try.  They all agreed the taste was good, and that we had to try it again, just to be sure. 

This evening, we went for dinner.  Now, having tried the slices, we decided to stick to cheese pizza, and, since they also make "subs", and my favorite is Chicken Parm, well, I had to do it. 

Let me tell you, we were were all very impressed with what we were served.  The Chicken Parm was very good, with a real fresh taste.  The pizza, well, when they say New York style, they mean it!!!!  This pizza reminded me of the pizza I had back in Massachusetts.  The crust was phenomenal and the cheese/sauce combination, was really tasty!! 

The atmosphere is also very pleasant with a very friendly and courteous staff!!!  They really know how to treat their customers.  

For years I have been searching for a local place to get a good slice of pizza and I think I have finally found it!  We visited the location in Kennesaw.  There are four different locations, and even an Italian market in Marietta.  This place is definitely the place to take the family for the food, the value and everything else!!

http://www.capozzispizza.com/

Atmosphere:   5
Service:          5
Food Quality: 5
Price:             $$

Casual/Fine/Pub Dining:

THE MILL & PUB

It's about time I post a review for The Mill & Pub, formerly the Old Mill.  This place has been around for a few years now and I have to tell you, my first impression was not that great.  I went into The Mill & Pub several years ago, and was very disappointed by the dry stuffed chicken I ordered.  I went back several months later, and ordered the same thing, with the same results.  A year after my first visit, did the same thing; I guess three times is a charm.  I swore never to go back to this place again. 

Well, over the summer, I had met one of the new owners of this restaurant, and we had chatted.  I wanted my honest opinion, which I gave him.  He said that they were revamping the restaurant, changing the menu, etc, etc.  I wished him good luck and told him that one day I would try it again. 

Well, that day came.  It was during the Taste of Acworth, where they were sampling some of there food.  I tried it and I have to tell you, I had a different opinion, so, we decided to go there for drinks and appetizers on a Frid

ay night.  My faith was a bit restored after that evening.  We were greeted with several different flavors of appetizers and main courses, and I must say, it was pretty good.  Faith restored a bit more.  I also liked that fact that the owner and head chef were asking for opinions on the food.  I always say, in order to please your audience, you must get them involved.  The true test would come when I went there for dinner. 

That day came and went, and I must say, I think that I know am a true patron of The Mill & Pub! 

On to my review now.  The dinner we had was very good.  I am not going to say it was the best meal of have had in a long time, but, I will say that they really have come a long way, and are doing a great job with the food they put out.  The flavors are great, and work well on the pallet.  We ordered several different items, Grit Puffs, Blue Cheese Potato Pile, Wings, etc; all of which had great flavor.  For a main course I ordered the steak sandwich and Blackened Chicken Pasta; all very good. 

The atmosphere is very nice in there as well.  This is a piece of old historic nostalgia turning an old mill into a restaurant.  The rustic look is very nice.  Staff is very friendly, and if there are any issues with your meal, just speak to the head chef Larry, who will take care of you. 

The Old Mill has come a long way, and I do believe that they have finally found the true recipe to deliver a great dining experience to one an all.  So the next time you are in old downtown Acworth, GA, stop by The Mill & Pub; I recommend it!
 
http://www.acwortholdmill.com/

Atmosphere:   4
Service:          4
Food Quality: 4
Price:              $$-$$$

One more thing to add, the Old Mill has been having Karaoke on Friday nights recently, and I have to tell you, it's a fun night, so, make sure you look out for the next night of singing and dancing!

Chinese:

MINI-STOP CHINESE

One of my favorite memories is heading downtown Boston and hitting a couple of clubs.  Now, usually, after a long night of partying, you either buy a sausage, peppers and onions sub from the local vendor on the street or go for Chinese Food in China Town.  Since I have not found China Town yet in Georgia, I did manage to find a little slice of heaven for Chinese Food, Mini Stop Chinese Cuisine.  I am a big fan of a good Egg Roll, and Mini Stop is the closest thing to home I could find.  All their other food is just as good.  If you like Kong Pao, they make a great dish, in all the varieties, whether chicken, beef or shrimp.  Their fried dumplings are out of this world.  They are just a little "hole in the wall" place, but hit it out of the park for Chinese Food!!!
 
http://www.ministopmenu.com/Home.html

Atmosphere:   4
Service:          5
Food Quality: 5

Price:              $$

HONG KONG STAR

One other alternative is heading to Hong Kong Star, located in Acworth.  I have dined there a few times, and par for the course, the food is not too bad.  The appeal to more of a bar crowd, and the have a full bar so you are able to have your Mai Tai or Scorpion Bowl, although I don't really think they know what a true Scorpion Bowl contains.   Anyway, not a bad place to eat. 

http://www.hongkongstarmenu.com/

Atmosphere:   4
Service:          4
Food Quality: 4
Price:              $$

Thai:

THAI BASIL SUSHI ZEN

I am a big fan of flavor, and if that

is what you are looking for in a dish, then Thai Basil is the place to go.  Eddie does an excellent job at producing these fabulous flavors, whether it's a yellow curry or pad Thai, or  any other spectacular taste sensation.  His  Spicy Basil Fried Rice is outstanding to have as a side dish.  Let's not forget his sushi bar, by far some of the freshest sushi I have had in a long time.  Finally, for a real nice dessert treat, you have to try the Coconut Creme Brulee which will send your taste buds in uproar.  Remember, for the best Thai experience in a quaint little spot, go see Eddie at Thai Basil.

http://www.thaibasilsushizen.com/

Atmosphere:   5
Service:          5
Food Quality: 5
Price:             $$

Steakhouses:

FOLIA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE

Well, we went into the restaurant to try it out. We enjoy to go out to eat at great places, especially the Brazilian Steakhouses, for the food AND the experience. Well, Folia, does have the food, meats are good, I would not say great, but, they are good. Salad bar needs a bit more attention to it; not enough of a variety, compared to the Grasso salad bar, overall though, not bad.
Now, here is where we get to the good stuff, the service. Well, when we arrived, mind you we were a party of 8, we were seated in front of the window, which had no blinds, so, the sun was really shining down on us, making it very uncomfortable. We asked to be moved to a different location, but, they said that they could not do it, due to a party of 16 they had in the other area. Well, finally after some haggling, we were moved to a small dark corner, which had barely enough room for our party, making it very uncomfortable to do anything, and making it difficult for the servers to carve the meat. At one point, the knife was really close to my head, which was not so good. The place is very small, from what I could see, and not laid out very well, to take advantage of multiple tables, and definitely large parties. There was a party of 24 there when we arrived, taking up a good amount of floor space.
Service was also very slow; taking about 5-10 minutes for drinks to arrive, or additional sides, and in some cases, never arriving; trust me, they were not that busy.
I would have to say that they are more concerned with the bigger parties, which in my mind, take the most time to cater to, and really, if you are trying to run a business like that, you should be trying to turn tables as quick as possible.
So, overall, the dining experience was not that good. Kennesaw does need a Brazilian Steakhouse, but, not like this. I will say this though, they are a young restaurant, and have only been opened a month, so, hopefully they will get the idea of what it takes to run a place in this location, because several have tried and failed.

1255 Johnson Ferry Rd NE
Suite 16
Marietta, GA 30068

http://www.redskytapas.com

Atmosphere:   5
Service:          5
Food Quality: 5
Price:             $$