Are booths outfitted like canoes at the Canoe Restaurant in Atlanta?
Ensconced in a virtual summation of natural beauty, Canoe continues its march forward into the ranks of one of the city’s best restaurants. It occupies a spot that, besides being beautiful, also is historic: At this point on the iconic Chattahoochee River, units of the Union Army crossed on their way to the Battle of Atlanta in 1864. Inside the 180-seat restaurant, a barrel-vaulted cherrywood ceiling echoes the shape of the overturned canoe affixed to its apex. River-stone floors, hand-colored photographs reflecting the building’s past existence as a party palace, custom ironwork and paintings by local artists create a casual yet elegant enough atmosphere for any occasion. Executive chef Carvel Grant Gould has given solid direction to the menu. Dishes are seasonal, so the fall brings venison while early summer champions local peaches. Never-to-be-removed favorites include the African squash soup, although specific adornments will favor the chef’s whim. The house-smoked salmon is deserv
Check out Mark Petko’s new photo food blog, Spoonfed Atlanta. His first entry documents a meal at 4th and Swift. He also operates a food blog in Raleigh, N.C., Spoonfed Raleigh. On his general site, you’ll also find a photo of a pig carcass in a restaurant kitchen. I have a lot of mixed feelings when I see a picture like this. But this one made me laugh. … Canoe is now doing some extensive gardening on the premises and Chef Carvel Grant Gould is planning an Edible Garden Dining Series where she will cook for guests at a table in the garden: The first Edible Garden Dinner Series will be held on Thursday, Sept. 24, and costs $125 per person. Dinner includes wine pairings by California’s elite Chalk Hill Winery. Thursday, Oct. 8, brings the second dinner in the edible garden and will be paired with Cliff Lede Winery’s wines out of Napa, California. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Call 770-436-9292. … I seem to be hearing more and more complaints from restaurateurs about
