Chef

Drew Belline

"The smoked half chicken at Community Q in Decatur is amazing! They get the skin super crispy and keep the meat ridiculously moist. Order some of their baked beans with the chopped brisket, a little coleslaw hand-cut from local cabbage, buttery Texas toast, sweet iced tea, and you're good to go!"

"We live close to the largest Indian community in Atlanta, so naturally, we have our favorite Indian restaurant. At Mirch Masala, the important thing is to order right. We tend to eat fairly light during the week, so my wife gets the garlic naan and I get keema naan with a side of yogurt and cucumbers. Hers is stuffed with spicy chilies and green garlic, and mine is stuffed with minced lamb and spicy chilies. It's fairly cheap and it goes perfectly with sliced tomatoes out of our garden."

"The smoked chicken sausage at this place in Decatur is awesome! Made with a little charred scallion, some ginger, green curry and baby bok choy. Add some cocktails from the bar and you can't go wrong here."

"Sushi House Hayakawa is where my wife and I always seem to end up for our anniversary. It's in a weird little strip mall just north of Buford Highway, but don't be fooled—this guy's fish is top-notch! We always just let Atshushi Hayakawa cook for us, and he does not disappoint. Make sure you try some of his monkfish liver!"

"Pho Dai Loi on Buford Highway is my go-to spot for a great bowl of noodles with braised brisket and tripe. Whenever I feel like I have something coming on during the seasonal change from fall to winter, I grab some noodles from Pho Dai Loi with an extra spoonful of chili garlic paste, and I'm good to go!"

"The carne asada or lengua tacos from Taco Veloz on Buford Highway is a family staple for us on Sundays. Top them with a little tomatillo habanera salsa, some chopped onions, and cilantro, and they're perfect!"