Zac Rates Atlanta: Day Three

Recently, my fiancee, mother, father, brother, and I spent the better part of a week taking in Atlanta. I hadn’t seen my family in months and thus we had much (an engagement, a promotion, milestone birthdays, etc.) to catch up on and celebrate. Doing so gave us the opportunity to take in some of the best – and worst – that Atlanta had to offer.

Day Three

Given the rather extensive (more than ten miles!) amount of walking the day before, we set about making day three of our trip somewhat lighter. We started with the nearby Inside CNN Studio Tour (190 Marietta Street NW), a behind-the-scenes look at the cable news leader. As a former print journalist, I’ve always had a somewhat low opinion of television news. This tour did nothing to change that, but it was a reasonably informative overview of the cable news production process.

The tour begins in an atrium shared with the Omni Hotel. From there, you ride the world’s steepest elevator up eight floors and are led, room by room, on a tour that shows off the CNN and HLN newsrooms, smartboard and green screen technology, teleprompters, and other aspects of news production.

Our guide was very knowledgeable and did a good job of fielding questions, but the tour lacked interactivity. Though the Inside CNN tour wasn’t the time-waster that World of Coca Cola proved to be, it isn’t a must-see unless you are an avid CNN viewer.

7/10

Following the tour, we took another MARTA ride out to the Georgia Tech area for lunch at The Varsity, a renowned local fast food chain. The original location (61 North Avenue NW) is home to the world’s largest drive-in, and we arrived in the thick of lunchtime, so we anticipated some crowding. Despite that anticipation, it was astounding to see how busy this place gets. There must have been at least half a dozen registers open and lines more than ten people deep at each one. I shudder to think how much more foot traffic The Varsity sees during the school year.

Despite this, the food proved was very nearly worth the wait. The hot dogs were nothing fancy (and the chili was a bit weak) but are tastier than you can find many places. The signature Frosted Orange had a very synthetic flavor yet still managed to satisfy on a hot day. It was like drinking an orange creamsicle. The onion rings were tastily greasy.

Truth be told, nothing at The Varsity was exemplary, but as others have said, part of the reason you go to iconic eateries is for the experience, and by that measure, The Varsity – and it’s endless bustle – succeeded.

7.25/10

Another bit of walking sent us back toward the Centennial Olympic Park area where we picked up another attraction: the Center for Civil and Human Rights (100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard). Having toured Greensboro’s International Civil Rights Center and Museum, I was already familiar with a lot of the history. However, Atlanta’s relatively new (opened 2014) addition still managed to surprise.

For starters, this museum is not for the meek. As expected, it documents the deaths of the victims of white supremacist violence quite well. It also gives those willing a chance to step in the shoes of a sit-in protestor and have pre-recorded verbal abuse heaped on you for a few minutes. That, plus some effects taken from Martin Luther King’s funeral, makes for a very affecting experience.

The upper floor of the museum moves beyond the Civil Rights era and looks at human rights progress and abuses across the globe. One wall depicts oppressive dictators, another activists striving to make a difference, and another still shows the status of human rights in every country.

For as comprehensive as all this seems, however, there are several glaring omissions. For instance, the museum does not really address the Holocaust or even Leo Frank, a Jewish Atlanta man whose lynching helped reinvigorate the KKK.

Despite its somewhat narrow focus, the Center for Civil and Human Rights is a powerful representation of some of the darker chapters of recent history as well as those who fought for positive change.

8/10

Following this, we took the Atlanta Streetcar (free until 2016!) out to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Though a fitting testament to the man and his legacy, I was quite tired during the time of our visit and shall refrain from trying to offer a review.

Day Three ended at Ruth’s Chris Steak House (267 Marietta Street NW) for a meal to celebrate the good news of the past few months. This Atlanta location of the national chain did not disappoint. The filet I ordered was cooked to the desired medium rare and was quite flavorful, as were the shared sides (creamed spinach, sautéed mushrooms, and sweet potato casserole). The desserts here are equally satisfying: the chocolate sin cake is decadent while the berries and cream are light and refreshing.

As befits an upscale steakhouse, prices are high. All dishes are served a la carte, and it is very easy to eclipse $50 per person. However, you will feel like you are getting your money’s worth. In addition to the quality food and quiet ambiance, our server was very helpful. I was up for a cider (which they did not carry), and he was able to recommend a wheat ale that substituted nicely.

Ruth’s Chris proved to be the perfect venue for a memorable meal. Those in search of an “occasion” restaurant should put this atop their lists.

9/10

Zac Rates Atlanta: Day Two

Recently, my fiancee, mother, father, brother, and I spent the better part of a week taking in Atlanta. I hadn’t seen my family in months and thus we had much (an engagement, a promotion, milestone birthdays, etc.) to catch up on and celebrate. Doing so gave us the opportunity to take in some of the best – and worst – that Atlanta had to offer.

Day Two

The second day of our Atlanta excursion began with a visit to the College Football Hall of Fame (250 Marietta Street Northwest). As several members of our group attended D-3 schools not known for football prowess and/or had minimal interest in college ball, this became a destination due to logistics (it was practically across the street from where we were staying) rather than to fervor. Nevertheless, it proved to be one of the better museums of the trip.

First and foremost, the Hall is very well-organized. Upon entry, each visitor is given an RFID-chipped badge and an opportunity to select a school. The foyer contains a massive wall of helmets, and after your selection, your school’s helmet will light up. Come within close proximity of any of the Hall’s many displays and kiosks, and you will be recognized by name. Some will give you a chance to answer trivia questions, others will display information, and others still will play videos. This is a very effective way to utilize technology to promote interactivity.

Speaking of interactivity, did you ever want to call a broadcast or attempt to kick a field goal? You can do that here too. The ever-patient staff won’t mock you for your futility, and you’ll likely end up having fun no matter how badly you fare.

For those with more interest in the sport, there is much, much more to appreciate. One room breaks down each Hall of Fame Class by year. Another houses trophies in all their shimmery glory. Gameday traditions, rivalries, and even uniforms round out a comprehensive list of exhibits.

At $20/ticket for adults, the price is reasonable for the experience offered. Also, those irked by massive lines at other Atlanta attractions will find a welcome respite here. We showed up on a Sunday morning and had no wait, but even later in the day, there wasn’t a huge crowd.

Though it certainly helps, you do not have to be a college football fan to appreciate all the College Football Hall of Fame has to offer. Modern, comprehensive, and welcoming, this museum is a winner.

9/10

Following the Hall, we walked a short distance to the nearby MARTA station, caught an eastbound train to Inman Park, and walked some more until we reached the Little Five Points neighborhood. Described as the Haight-Asbury of the Southeast, this area had a distinctive alt vibe. Record stores, tattoo parlors, retro fashion, and funky murals give the neighborhood a colorful character.

Criminal Records (1154-A Euclid Avenue NE) is one such shop, and one worth visiting. In addition to music, this place offers comic books and graphic novels, cult films, and much more. The selection is promising (the mainstream comingles seamlessly with the rare and offbeat), the ambiance isn’t forbiddingly elitist, and the pricing is moderate: not highway robbery but easily beatable online. Were I an Atlanta resident, I could see Criminal Records becoming a regular haunt.

8.25/10

Day two of the trip ended on a quest for Southern cuisine. Though there was no shortage of options in the area, we settled on the venerable Pittypat’s Porch (25 Andrew Young International Boulevard). This establishment dates back to 1967, and it looks its age – not necessarily a bad thing when you are craving homestyle cooking. Though the menu included everything from ribs to pork chops to salmon, three-fifths of our group opted for the fried chicken. My fiancée and I, the holdouts, went with shrimp and grits and fried catfish respectively.

True to form, the food took a while to arrive. Fortunately, Pittypat’s had an excellent salad bar (the sideboard) to tide us over. The availability of pickled watermelon rind proved to be a pleasant surprise. When our entrees finally did arrive, they largely met expectations. My shrimp were nicely blackened, and the accompanying grits were creamy enough without being runny. Though not the best preparation of this dish that I’ve had (the long pepper strips were odd), it did not disappoint. The fried chicken (moist on the inside, crispy on the outside) was similarly well-received though the chunkiness of the mashed potatoes was off-putting. Pittypat’s also offers desserts that should not be missed. Both the pecan pie and the bread pudding were very sweet yet had satisfyingly complex flavors (thanks to the use of Southern Comfort and bourbon-based sauces, respectively). All told, the meal delivered.

With entrees in the upper teens and twenties, the food here is no bargain. Mary Mac’s Tea Room offers much of the same fare for less. However, Pittypat’s pricing isn’t out-of-line for the immediate area. Our server was personable, knowledgeable, and left no reason for complaint.

Pittypat’s Porch has a few rough edges and plenty of competition, but if you are seeking a good Southern meal, you can still get it here.

8/10

Zac Rates Atlanta: Day One

Recently, my fiancee, mother, father, brother, and I spent the better part of a week taking in Atlanta. I hadn’t seen my family in months and thus we had much (an engagement, a promotion, milestone birthdays, etc.) to catch up on and celebrate. Doing so gave us the opportunity to take in some of the best – and worst – that Atlanta had to offer.

Day One

The Hilton Garden Inn in Downtown Atlanta (275 Baker Street) served as our base for the first half of the trip. In terms of location, you would be hard-pressed to find a better spot. Situated just across from Centennial Olympic Park, the Hilton is within walking distance of several major attractions as well as a MARTA station. Beyond that, the rooms are comfortably sized and nicely appointed, and the front desk staff is helpful and accommodating.

That said, we did experience a few drawbacks. The entrance to the hotel is not well-marked, and it is easy enough to walk right past it. Our stay coincided with several family reunions, which made waiting for – and squeezing into – an elevator a bit taxing. Lastly, while the rates are reasonable given the location, charges for parking and breakfast make the Hilton pricier than first glance suggests.

7.75/10

We were hungry after checking in, and thankfully we didn’t have to travel far for a great lunch. Located across the street, Twin Smokers BBQ (300 Marietta Street NW) provided some of the best barbeque I’ve had anywhere.

Though the establishment’s name refers to its pair of wood-fired smokers, it could just as easily allude to the two styles – Texas and Southern – served here. The environment is appropriately rustic, and the lengths of hickory and mesquite stacked along the walls add a nice touch of authenticity. If you aren’t already hungry walking in the door, one whiff of the aroma here will change that promptly.

Our group opted for a Pride and Joy, a $75 combo platter that feeds four to six. The quantities were generous, and the food did not disappoint. The ribs were smoky, the pulled pork moist, the sausage nicely spiced, the mac n cheese creamy, and the collards well-seasoned. The free homemade pork rinds will make converts out of skeptics, and the assortment of half a dozen sauces (from sweet to spicy to vinegary) means you will find at least one to your liking.

Twin Smokers may not have the cachet of a legendary BBQ joint, but give it time. The food is all-around excellent.

9/10

Our sight-seeing commenced after lunch and began with a trip to the Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker Street). The largest aquarium in the western hemisphere, this is also the only place in this part of the world to find whale sharks. Between them, belugas, giant manta rays, an albino alligator, and countless fish, the collection here offers astounding depth and breadth. The Ocean Voyager exhibit in particular is impressive: a conveyor belt moves you through an underwater tunnel while sea life swims all around you.

Despite this majesty, visiting the Georgia Aquarium is not an altogether pleasant experience. Entry lines can be exceedingly long (pro tip: get a CityPass), and once you are inside, expect significant crowding at some of the exhibits. Since much of the aquarium is family-oriented, expect a fair share of screaming children as well. At $39 for adults, general admission is quite steep as well though the aquarium does run several discounts.

Overall, there is lots of sea to see here, but squeezing past waves of fellow patrons may put a damper on your experience.

7.75/10

Following the aquarium, we took in World of Coca Cola (121 Baker Street) next door. A museum dedicated to all things Coke, this is proved to be a disappointment. After clearing a security checkpoint, visitors are herded into a series of waiting areas. When the doors finally open for your group, you are subjected to an introductory spiel and a promotional video. Presumably, this was done to prevent a mad rush to the more popular exhibits, but it still felt like corporate indoctrination and a waste of time.

The exhibits themselves include a soda bottling production line, a collection of Coke-themed pop art (including the requisite Andy Warhol composition), and, of course, the tasting room. The latter grants you unlimited samples of Coke products from around the world. While it’s easy to see the appeal in that, it isn’t all that it could be. Even with multiple sample stations (one for each continent), there tends to be heavy crowding. And for every decent flavor you stumble across, there is another that will inspire regret (Beverly, an aperitif marketed in Italy, is notoriously bitter and unappealing).

World of Coca Cola offers a few bright spots, but even loyal Cocaphiles will likely leave underwhelmed.

6/10

Day One ended by taking in a lighter meal at Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria (300 Marietta Street NW). Since none of us was up for pizza, we couldn’t attest to the signature offerings, but a glance at the rather limited menu suggests a good assortment of meats (sausage, pepperoni, capicola, salami) and cheeses (mozzarella, fontina, parmesan, feta, goat) at slightly high ($15- to $19 for a 12-inch pie) prices. Instead, we all opted for the $10 salad and half sandwich combo. The Italian sandwich was satisfying albeit a bit heavy on the hot peppers while the Caesar salad, though basic, tasted fresh and hit the spot. The ambiance was lively and comfortable, and service proved adequate.

Though it is not a standout eatery, you could do far worse than Max’s.

7.5/10