No real rating (see note below).

I love what I do! Last night, I attended a monthly media event hosted by Media Bistro at One. Midtown Kitchen. I remember having been there before, in passing, and seeing pretty soothing purple lights emitting from the doorway. I was looking for a recording studio in an unassuming, obscure street, so I didn’t notice what I was looking at.

Heavy doors of Roman empire style open ajar and enter fu-fu chic dining. Okay! I was NOT dressed the part, but I somehow managed to unbutton my white trench coat and rearrange the button sequence, kind of a là Carrie Bradshaw. It worked! I made my way to the bar and private area where hundreds of other journalists had gathered to schmooze and drink. It was instantly very clear that food was being served. I pushed my way through and attacked the tables of generous size appetizers and finger foods. Okay, not really attack but aggressive enough to nudge my Louis Vuitton through. The fare consisted of savory lamb chops, with no particular glaze, deep fried calamari strips that looked like fingers (ick), broiled shrimp, breaded rice balls, a French toast-like wedge with shitake mushrooms in a white wine sauce and about 4 different thin crust pizzas. I had everything except for the calamari and shrimp. I wolfed down two rice balls which I haven’t had since my trip to Rome in 2000, all to find out it had ham bits in it. Another no no in my diet. It was damn good though, so I’m glad I didn’t see it until my 2nd to last bite of the 2nd one. I sadly put it down and walked away.

Though I didn’t have a full entrèe, I can say confidently that I would have been very pleased. The snack size bites I had were delicious. The rice balls in particular made an impression. I think it was smart to really bread them and deep fry. I remember them being a bit lighter in Italy. ONE’S version would be considered a hearty American interpretation to satisfy our ridiculous eating life style. You know the word colossal right! Plating wasn’t all that great, but after all we weren’t paying, so aesthetics was probably not their priority. They just want us to come back. The overall dècor of the restaurant was everyday French bistro you might find in a quaint plaza de Paris. One thing I didn’t like was the blatantly singular demographic of the diners. I won’t go into detail but you might figure out what I’m saying.

I’d go back. Definitely a date place, only next time I’ll wear skinny jeans, a chunky cocktail ring and a clutch–not my bubble butt looking Gap denim.

ONE. Midtown Kitchen

559 Dutch Valley Road
Atlanta, GA 30324

P: 404.892.4111 | e: info@onemidtownkitchen.com | web: onemidtownkitchen.com

Note: this semi review is based on the sampler food and what I appreciate in flavor. The stylish appeal and hip design gives it a push up. I’ll have to go back to really give it a fair review. I need to experience the staff, bathrooms, full menu and timing of food delivery. Stay tuned.