The Bricktop’s in The Terminus development in Buckhead is a basically a knockoff of Houston’s – albeit with some variation - right down to the soups, appetizers, main courses and desserts.
The Ole Curmudgeon has dined at Bricktop’s a number of times and has wondered if they are going emulate another restaurant chain why don’t they study it more and get the service issues right (more about which in another posting). That said, most of what I and my guests have ordered has been uniformly good.
A recent visit on a dreary, rainy day began with the spicy chili. Now, I am quite particular about my chili and the proper proportions of meat, beans, and tomatoes and the general spicing and consistency. Bricktop’s version hit all the right notes and, all in all was darn good, yet fell a little short with a consistency that was just a little too thick. Guest (she loves it when I refer to her as “Guest”…) tucked into the Smoked Salmon flatbread and declared it acceptable but pedestrian. We then segued to the Carpaccio of Filet Mignon & Arugula and the Gold Coast Kosher Hot Dog.
The hotdog was a foot-long affair, nicely grilled with a pleasing char, centered on a butter-toasted bun and accompanied by relish, mustard, onions and a deviled egg (interesting). Truth be told, it was one of the best hot dogs I have ever enjoyed! On top of that the shoe string fries were fresh, crisp and hot. I love it when a restaurant properly cooks French fries! The carpaccio was as expected, a broad plateful of thinly sliced beef with a heaping of crisp, peppery arugula mounded on top along with good reggiano and abetted by a ramekin of horseradish sauce. Guest proffered some disappointment with the amount of horseradish, lack thereof, in the sauce.
Desserts are a limited affair and Guest decided she wanted The Chocolate Chip – essentially, a deep, dish chocolate chip cookie prepared in it very own small black iron skillet and topped by a large scoop of vanilla ice cream. Simple. Satisfying. And sometimes, that is all you need.
Service this visit was exemplary – the early hour may have contributed – nonetheless, staff was on top of its game, management was present and visible and made a joint to ask as to our satisfaction with everything.
A recent review by Meridith Ford in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution was less than glowing and described Bricktop’s as no better than what one might find at an airport and she could find a better meal at Flying Biscuit (are you kidding me!!). In a word she thought it mediocre. I think it is rather better than that and given its intended niche – casual dining – find it quite acceptable and worth a visit.
Comments