Donderos Kitchen at Georgia Botanical Gardens

Dondero's Kitchen

 The State of Georgia Botanical Gardens is a special place.  No matter the weather, the cafe in the greenhouse is a warm, sunshiny place to daydream, or pass a lunch hour leisurely. Most of the year, short walks will take you around fragrant, bright, buzzing gardens, full of curious life, much of it native plants.

Downstairs in the greenhouse

 Walking into the greenhouse, you see a small cafe with coffee and sandwiches. The cafe is an outpost of Dondero's Kitchen. Of the limited delicious options, I recommend the pimento cheese and kale salad. You can also order hot hea and coffee. The cafe is the perfect for both solo or date lunches, regardless if you're meeting your sister, coworker, or lover to meet for a midday siesta. The greenhouse bubbles with life. The walk downstairs will take you past fountains, the heavenly smelling blooming orchids and other interesting flora.

 If you have a curious  personality, make sure you visit the gift shop and inquire about upcoming classes. And look around cause the shop has some cool stuff. Last time I browsed, I picked up several fascinating books. Something for my library and a few to help fill my nieces' and nephews' inquisitive minds. Maybe next time I will splurge on some locally made jewelry or a new plant!
~AT


More information:
State of Georgia Botanical Gardens
Directions to greenhouse/cafe/gift shop

As always, please comment below or contact me with suggestions!

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.