John Kessler Awards Cardamom Hill Three Stars

This week, John Kessler of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, heads to Cardamom Hill and finds it worthy of three stars, just like Besha Rodell before him. He finds the entrees are what shine, and he warns "...that Cardamom Hill isn’t the place for the kind of inexpensive and wickedly spicy South Indian fare served elsewhere around town." He also acknowledges that although there are good vegetarian options, "omnivores will have a better time with this menu."

A melting-with-fat short rib ($24) enriched beyond belief in a toasted coconut and coriander curry makes the rounds next, and as your fork explores the plate it finds the beef resting on an uppma — a savory semolina cake seasoned with mustard seed, shallot and ginger. Are there raisins in there, too? Oh, yes. ... As the flavors pile up, their lustiness compounds. This is sexy food, dinner as a serious booty call for the taste buds.

In lieu of a traditional review, Besha Rodell of Creative Loafing has a picnic with some fabulous charcuterie from The Spotted Trotter. She deems their meat: "some of the best I've had, particularly the salami."

THE ELSEWHERE
Jenny Turknett at the AJC finds the German chocolate cake at Gabriel's to be really special, while the rest of the menu leaves much to be desired, over at Atlanta Magazine Bill Addison gives Alma Cocina one star.

THE BLOGS
Eat It, Atlanta's Jimmy Sobeck goes to Pricci and experiences mostly hits, some misses, ATL Food Snob finds large portions and interesting cuisine at La Casona Colombian Restaurant.