Bo Bo Gardens-Foodie Frenzy #8
Week 8, and we’re still loving every minute of the Frenzy! Several people have
asked about how we choose the restaurants we visit. It’s actually something I have
become quite passionate about and, well, borderline obsessed! I pour through food
blogs, restaurant reviews and especially love reader suggestions. I liken it to when
you get on Face Book to check a quick feed and then four hours later you realize
what just happened. With restaurants, there’s so much information out there and it
can easily take you down that rabbit hole! But it is so fun and gratifying when you
hear feedback from readers that are enjoying our guilty pleasure!
This week was particularly gratifying and validating from two different sources. My
wonderful Mom, Phyllis, saved Thursday’ section of the AJC which had the new
Atlanta top 50 restaurants. El Rey del Taco, Gu’s Bistro, Nam Phuong and two others
we’ll be visiting soon were all on the list! It was kind of pathetic when I realized
that I was beaming with pride when I saw our babies on the list!
One restaurant that also made the list that I am anxious to try is Sushi House
Hayakawa. Unfortunately, they are only open for dinner and Audra and I are trying
to stick to lunchtime hours. This place is supposed to be the mack daddy if you are
in search of a new sushi spot. If you go or have been, please post your comments!
Then on Sunday, I tuned into Atlanta Eats with Steak Shapiro and Mara Davis and
they just happened to be eating their way down BH too. They hit all our recent
haunts and gave me a few more ideas for upcoming dining experiences! Once again,
I started beaming! Yes, it is sad…I know!
We invited an amazing guest this week with the theme of “Friendz from afar”. Our
visitor, Jill Nunnelly Yoder, grew up in Dunwoody, went to Peachtree High School
when it was a HS and not a MS and now lives with her wonderful husband and 3
kids in “the City”…that is Peachtree City! Jill is one of my longtime BFF’s that I knew
would appreciate some indulgence into the “real city”…where diverse cuisine rules!
Jill and Audra are both always up for fun, so I knew Bo Bo Gardens would be a good
choice for these fun-loving girls. This was the restaurant that had been
recommended by Nancy Chian Gresham’s parents and also showed up in the AJC top
50 list, so I knew it was on the fast track! Unfortunately the two AHA readers from
Greenville, SC that were also scheduled to join us, had to cancel at the last minute.
We went on a dark and rainy day, which always makes me crave a little comfort
food. Bo Bo Gardens delivered!
We started with the seasonal vegetable (Chinese broccoli) with oyster sauce and
Three Kinds dumpling. The broccoli was delicious, but we were hoping for more
with the dumplings. I keep hearing about Chinese dumplings but have yet to
experience the Yen!
Next, Jill and I had manila clams with black bean sauce. I enjoyed them more than
Jill, but can say they were fresh and tasty, but lacked some kick.
The highlights of the meal were the filet served over green vegetable that was
similar to spinach and the amazing spicy chicken stir-fry that they made especially
for us upon request.
The menu was extensive with so many things we wanted to try. We learned the
hard way that if you want to try a casserole rice dish, place the order ASAP. It takes
about 30 minutes to make and unfortunately we didn’t have the time. Knowing that,
I definitely want to go back for the Spare Ribs with Black bean sauce Casserole Rice.
The staff at Bo Bo Gardens was very kind and accommodating throughout our entire
meal. What we have noticed in general from our BH romp, is that other cultures
don’t always understand and comply with American 30 minute lunches. We’ve
never felt rushed and they have all been happy to let us hang out as long as we
would like. With that being said, you sometimes need to take the bull by the horns
when it comes to asking for the check and getting the bill paid. Once again, we took
home a slew of to-go boxes for the family. Whole fish and lobster are specialties of
the house that would be worthy of a return trip also. The tanks in the back full of
swimming live fish are waiting!
Bo Bo Gardens
5181 Buford Hwy NW
Atl, GA 30340
Health Rating: 90!
Jill: 3 stars
Audra: 3.5 stars
Patty: 3.5 stars
With not much arm-twisting at all, Audra agreed to a visit to the Sweet Hut across
the street from Bo Bo Gardens. This was one recommended on Atlanta Eats. Plus,
the swirly pink awnings had caught our attention for several weeks in a row. I had
read that they were known for there bubble tea (which we didn’t try) and their
amazing pastries. This beautiful, authentic gem blew us away! We chose a pastry
with sliced hot dogs and relish, a pastry filled with Nutella, and a chocolate
buttercream pastry. My kids and neighbor friend, Kaitlyn Kern loved them all!
Audra’s family devoured the sweets in one sitting! We ordered drinks to go….I
chose a delicious ginger tea and Audra a white chocolate frappe! Yum to the Yum!
Don’t miss the Sweet Hut!
Until we eat again!
Salud!
Patty