Three Stars for Woodfire Grill; Two Stars for Mamak Malaysian Kitchen

Over at Creative Loafing, Jennifer Zyman reviews Woodfire Grill and gives the farm-to-table staple three out of five stars. Zyman says the fine-dining service can be inconsistent, but she praises the food and drink:

The sweetbreads presentation made me gasp out loud in surprised delight. The Pollock-esque splatters of tart squid ink vinaigrette and house-made, coppa-infused San Marzano tomato sauce set the stage for an incredibly involved sweetbread preparation. ... A seemingly simple starter of roasted-beet borscht left us reveling in an acidic and smoky profile that seemed so familiar, but also very new. ... I have since found myself craving this combination of flavors and textures. ... A dish of figs and nutty pesto made with pistachio, mint, parsley and cotija exemplifies how well this chef transforms unrelated ingredients into something memorable.

Behind a paywall, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's John Kessler awards two out of four stars to Mamak Malaysian Kitchen. Kessler plans to return:

I've never had even a vague memory of hunger at the end of a meal at Mamak, so I haven't been able to try one of the shaved ice desserts, some flavored with sweet beans, others with peanut or pandan leaf jelly. If you wouldn't mind doing me a favor, let me know how they are. I'd like a report on a noodle dish or two, as well. Better yet, I'll just see you there. I suspect I've got a lot of Mamak in my future.

THE ELSEWHERE AND THE BLOGS: Bella Vivere thinks Tofu Kitchen is a nice addition to Johns Creek. Hot Dish Review dines on an "awesome" lunch at Si Senior in Norcross. Atlanta Restaurant Blog has no regrets choosing a ribeye at Pampas Steakhouse in Johns Creek. Friday Date Night likes the food, but not the noise level, at OK Cafe. Marie, Let's Eat! is pleased with a stop at Taqueria Los Hermanos in Lilburn. Fried Chicken Lips says Little Alley Steak delivers on the red meat.