Last Visit: June, 2010

Rating:

Deli’s and bistro’s run the gamut in any major city. Atlanta is desperately trying to catch up  in all the different styles of restaurants, as seen with what seems to be daily openings of this, that and the other.

As many restaurants open and offer great food, just as many close within the year, leaving us here in the city begging for quality food that is consistent and reliable. I can’t count the number of joints that have dug a deep hole for themselves.

In the era of questionable recession, one tiny place, nestled in an unassuming parking lot, has happily stayed open past the make or break point. This is the type of place I like to visit: hideaway location, good food, different selections, fresh ingredients, and personable service from the chef.

Brookhaven Bistro stands apart for every one of those reasons.

Chef Chip opened his concept about 3 years ago and has enjoyed the ability to serve quality food to a faithful client base. I’ve eaten there three times to date, and have enjoyed consistent makings of simple  and healthy, yet flavorful food. Immediately, Chip will recommend you have  salmon quesadilla, a favorite among diners and his signature dish. His approach is be an accessible and healthy restaurant that appeals to everybody, not just organic eaters.

I passed on the quesadilla the 1st time and opted for a lentil soup that was fantastic in taste, but not fully cooked to my liking. I’ve seen this trend to undercook beans (as recent as this week at Whole Foods where chick peas were par cooked and simply not good); perhaps because cooking dry beans is extremely time consuming. His honest answers and generosity and offer to modify just about anything, made it easy to drive 20 minutes for a 2nd visit. I took him up on the salmon that time and was surprised. Truly.

You know how advertisement pictures are always styled with perfect (undercooked) food and the detail of the tweezer? For $8.50, this quesadilla far surpassed its juicy and wet tomato print ad. This saffron wrap was stuffed with Alaskan salmon and a fresh pico de gallo. I’m a stickler for a great balance of cheese and vegetables, which he achieved. Not too cheesy and not too skimpy. Same goes for the turkey and bean burgers topped with seasoned sauteed mushrooms and served on whole wheat buns.

In addition to American staples like turkey burgers, garden salads and soups, Bistro offers a plethora of additional healthy dishes and drinks. Some ingredients are purchased locally, adding to the culture of his concept.  As it markests itself as a mostly organic and vegetarian place, heavy proteins like beans come in Indian style and some Latin inspired dishes incorporating flavors of south Florida, where Chip has spent significant time add to the diverse menu.

While I’m not a vegetarian or someone that subscribes to 100% organic eating, I enjoyed the wheat grass shots (no matter how utterly repulsive it tastes). A bit on the pricey side, costing $3 for a 2 oz swig, I’d rather opt for unsweetened teas or fruit smoothies.

On the flip side of the good food served here, is the obscure location in north Buckhead. Situated in the back of a parking lot mostly occupied by an adjacent health  retail store, Bistro is not the easiest place to find. I drove past it twice before I finally landed my eyes on the street signage. Indoor seating is open and more cafeteria like with a free wifi and a good place for afternoon lunch meetings. The patio is limited, but definitely airy. Because it’s only until, 7, you’re best bet after work is to grab and go!

I look at my affordable gourmet and appetizing lunch options in Vinings, where I live, and came up short of 3. If I knew Chip really well, I’d beg him to open up a 2nd joint West of the city. He won me over with his steamy cup of espresso. A Cubano.

Score.

Brookhaven Bistro

Tel: (404) 846-2233 | Fax: (404) 846-2345

4274 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30319

Breakfast & Lunch: $5.00-$10.00

Drinks: $1.50-$4.00