Ligaya Figueras Awards Revival Two Stars

Ligaya Figueras reviews Revival for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, awarding Kevin Gillespie's Decatur restaurant a "very good" rating of two out of four stars. Figueras says the Southern shrine excels in family-style cuisine:

Credit Gillespie for reminding us that good food in good company doesn't have to be a thing of the past. There is a place for the hourslong, hearty Sunday dinner of old, and Gillespie makes that available — and affordable — almost every day at Revival.

Wyatt Williams takes a look at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken for the AJC. It's not a starred review, but Williams declares the Peachtree Center restaurant offers fried chicken perfection:

What do we need with some Memphis chain coming in showing us how to make fried chicken? Well, eat at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken in the basement of Peachtree Center and find out. I'm serious. This isn't just a good suggestion. The fried chicken here is a necessity. A notch in your culinary life will go unfilled if you do not taste it.

Over at Creative Loafing, Cliff Bostock takes a first look at H&F Burger and Hop's Chicken inside Ponce City Market. Bostock finds a tasty burger and fried chicken that passes the refrigerator test:

Every Southerner knows that no matter how crispy and juicy chicken is when it's pulled from the deep-fryer or skillet, it's not a total success unless it tastes good as a leftover. ... The breast had retained its near-perfection when served hot. The flour coating did not slide too easily from the flesh, a major problem with most cold chicken. Of course, it wasn't as crispy overall but it wasn't a bit soggy. The buttermilk-marinated meat retained its juiciness and, best of all, the layers of flavor did not seem compromised. ... The burger — wherever it's served — features two thick, griddled patties of freshly ground chuck and brisket. It's layered with bread-and-butter pickles, some red onions, and Kraft American cheese, all in a lightly griddled pan de mie bun whose diameter precisely matches that of the patties. The dribbling-fatty creation is cooked just short of medium-rare and has a slight char. Is it delicious? Oh yeah, and pretty, too. I love that it's not crapped-up with lettuce and tomato. Still, I'd be very reluctant to call it the best burger I've ever had.

THE ELSEWHERE AND THE BLOGS: Atlanta Food Critic says The Greater Good Barbecue is a great barbecue destination. Friday Date Night finds wonderful tacos at Taqueria Del Mar. Fried Chicken Lips approves of Ginya Izakaya. Atlanta Restaurant Blog has a fantastic evening at Tap: A Gastropub. Bella Vivere has an extraordinary dining experience at Hobnob. Fresh ATL says Cakes & Ale is a top choice for dining in Decatur. ATL Nom Nom highly recommends Ramen Freak at The Sound Table.