Night and Day

 At the NPRDucati party on Saturday I met a man with whom I shared a friend. We were talking about the way we danced at shows with her. We involuntarily started dancing like her, and we danced wildly for a few moments... until a lovely awkward moment when a passerby caught us rocking to imaginary music. I love shit like that :)  Athens has so many people with whom I share a kindred spirit. I am excited to find others between here and the far coast.

 Last night I sound myself in downtown after the dinner rush and before the zombies arrive to party. It had rained all day and downtown was fresh and clean.  I could even smell the fresh air from the trees on Clayton. I will be sad to see them go. I needed to grab some food before heading back to campus to study. My go-to for healthy food on the go, Barbaritos was closed. Pita pit was closed... Downtown was mostly deserted, so I really couldnt blame them for closing early.  I had settled on eating another protein bar when I happened by NONA and saw a young man (dressed like he just got off work from said restaurant) smoking a cigarette and otherwise looking handsome. Knowing that cooks generally know how to eat, I asked him for direction to his healthy food choice. Patrick pointed me to Speakeasy one doorway down on Broad.

 Speakeasy is great for a date night or a small gathering of close friends. However, it gets really loud, so I prefer other restaurants for 4 or more people. The food encourages sharing, with mostly tapa style food. You would think that this wouldnt be enough food, but I've never left Speakeasy hungry. Try the coconut shrimp and the fried asparagus.... and the fondue. Oh the fondue, definitly the chocolate fondue. Last night I got the veggie plate to go. The collards and blackeyed peas were delicious. They even threw in some really good cornbread for me :)

 Tomorrow night (Wednesday at 7pm) is Rabbitbox, storytelling for adults. If you havent given it a chance, you should try it this month. I heard last month they had over 200 people show up to listen. This month's show is at Sandy Creek Nature Center. The theme of this one, "Out On A Limb" hints at some interesting stories already. I will see you there.

Lastly, this weekend Canopy Studio has a show. They teach "flying aireal dance trapeze" students :)  I'm really looking forward to it!

Talk to you soon
~Amanda Terranova

Useful info:
Address for Rabbitbox location this month: Sandy Creek
400 Bob Holeman Rd, Athens, GA 30607

The Grit

 Firstly, The Grit menu is completely vegetarian. And man, they do vegetarian food well. They are nationally recognized for their menu. One of my closest friends, another native Athenian, told me that it opened over TWO DECADES ago!  The Grit is located just outside of downtown on Prince Ave, near Avid Bookshop and Model Citizen.

The place is always busy, but I've never waited longer than twenty minutes for a table, often seated right away, lunch and dinner. The waiters tend towards hipster (its an effing vegetarian restaurant, what do you expect?) but rarely come off as stuffy. They're friendly and helpful. Also, the restaurant closes between 3pm and 5pm...which has been frustrating, but understandable.

Now, the food. When you go, order something off the specials menu. Mostly the specials are sides and soups, with some bean burgers, lasagnas, etc. Veggies are always fresh and one of the waiters told me the bread is made in house. Ask your waiter to point out what is particularly delicious of the specials.

This brings me to my favorite thing on the menu: the Grilled Cheese Smelt, add both spinach and tomato. The bread melts in your mouth and leaves hints of garlic...? Mmm. And get extra of the honey mustard on the side. Yum :) 

The Golden Bowl is very popular. I've ordered it before, (and some of my friends too...) and I've never been that impressed with it. If you are a dessert person, The Grit was voted runner up this year in Flagpole's Favorites for desserts. (btw The Grit also won Best Vegetarian restaurant!)

The Grit has a modest selection of beer and wine.

Disagree with my opinion or want to share your experience?  Please leave a comment below to share with the community.

~Amanda

The Grit Website

Check out The Grit on Facebook

You can buy their cookbook here.