Atlanta's Best Restaurants: Tiny Lou's at Hotel Clermont
Tiny Lou’s swinging French brasserie with a speakeasy vibe at the Hotel Clermont
AUTHOR: ARTSYCHOWROAMER
Atlanta’s Best Restaurants
TINY LOU’S AT HOTEL CLERMONT
So you’re in the mood for a French bistro and want a cool speakeasy vibe to hang out in. Where would that be in Atlanta? Wouldn’t have thought Hotel Clermont, am I right? Me either, that is until my recent discovery of Tiny Lou’s.
Oh I know I am not the first to write about them but if you’ve had them on your radar and just haven’t gotten there yet…run…don’t walk! You’re missing something very special and this post will show you why.
I usually side with other Atlantans when it comes to eating at a hotel restaurant; just say no but Executive Chef Jeb Aldrich is using “seasonal and local provisions to present his palate-pleasing approach to French favorites” and he’s doing it superbly.
DRINKS ANYONE?
We arrived promptly at 6 for dinner, courtesy of our Uber driver (Atlanta traffic…GAAK…need I say more?). Down a steep set of stairs with a hot pink neon sign above our heads was the first hint of a step into the past; a hidden club with a secret forbidden feel.
Dinner menu at Tiny Lou’s in the Hotel Clermont…some usual suspects with fresh vision
The girls at the desk were friendly and immediately took us to our table where the server whipped out the menu and asked about our drink preferences; martini’s of course and when asked if blue cheese olives were available he said they didn’t have them but would make them for me…nice!
While looking over the menu, you could tell this was the real deal from a brasserie standpoint. The usual favorites expected were there but with a little twist. Hors D’oeuvres of French Onion Soup and Beef Tartare should perhaps always be on offer but that Southern comfort thing comes in with choices like Crab Cakes and Brussel Sprouts with Granny Smith apples.
We quickly settled on small plates for a first course choosing the Black Cocoa Foie Gras Torchon with Calvados and the Duck Consomme with Foie Gras dumplings, breakfast radishes and pickled apricot. Both were served tableside and smelled heavenly when our waiter dropped them off.
Black Cocoa Foie Gras Torchon at Tiny Lou’s…luscious is the only word to describe it
FIRST COURSE AT TINY LOU’S
I have to admit that one of the things that stumps me sometimes as a food blogger is forgetting to take photos as soon as they set a plate down. I sometimes end up taking a photo while we are eating especially when the food is this good.
The plates were beautiful. This Chef definitely knows his way around the French kitchen as the ingredients were fresh and delicious as promised; the foie gras creamy and tasty. The broth on my soup was rich and aromatic with herbs and the dumplings were cooked to perfection both tender and juicy with the underlying richness of the foie gras.
There are elements of Southern comfort food but it is also exactly as described on their website; “giddy, profoundly satisfying-something you might cook for a lover”. Very French qui?
Fromage Brulee at Tiny Lou’s in the Hotel Clermont
SECOND COURSE
The second course was Fromage Brulee…I mean….cheese and bread OK? But the cheese is like a pudding sort of thing as you might expect; I would say even more like a souffle. How smart is that?
I am reminded of when I had the slap my head moment and decided if you could make a sweet bread pudding why couldn’t you make a savory one?
Hmmmm….seems I am not the only one who gets an outside the box idea and than hits a home run with it! The stuff is seriously addictive and we ate every bit of it with the tender toasted bread offered on the side.
Now you could opt for the Steak Frites or Poached Flounder served in typical French fashion but you can also get a pretty great burger or pan seared scallops served with polenta. There’s that wink to Southern comfort food again.
DON’T MISS DESSERT
What next? We just asked our server if they had anything chocolate on the menu which he replied “of course” and there you go!
Save room for pastry Chef Martinez’ luscious works brought on a vintage serving cart to the table from which to make your choices. We had a little Calvados and espresso on the side to finish off in the best French fashion.
Chocolate love on a plate along with Calvados and espresso at the Hotel Clermont
I can’t tell you enough about this dessert. You see how it looks but it doesn’t do justice for what it was; love on a plate in a super authentic French fashion. Subtle soft layers of cream mixed with the deep nutty chocolate flavors and the crunchy darker chocolate crumb was just a lovely combination of sophistication.
The interiors harken back to another time of luxury dining as well with traditional wall coverings, marble, brass fittings and comfortable booths providing that hipster atmosphere they were after. The lighting is kept low and their is a aura of hidden decadence about the design.
Did I say this place has an excellent wine list to pair with everything? It does. Even the ones offered by the glass were distinct and worked well with what we chose to order.
The dark speakeasy vibe of Tiny Lou’s in the Hotel Clermont
HANGING OUT IN TINY LOU’S
The place was filling up with customers; business dinners, people celebrating special occasions and folks just out for a nice evening. The atmosphere was lovely with lots of low lights and candles, making it dark and difficult to photograph well. But that is just what makes it Tiny Lou’s; secretive, hidden, dark, forbidden, sexy, swinging, cool…got it?
Named after the famous dancer from the 1950’s Gypsy Room, this restaurant is everything it promises to be. Don’t miss it and check out the video above for some series Tiny Lou’s burger talk. Hey, don’t be a stranger! Tell me what you thought of it. You might even want to read other posts under Edible Fare. Until next time…
Cheers,
ArtsyChowRoamer
Follow me on You Tube, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram & Twitter
TO MY READERS: This post was updated with more info, pics and upgraded content on 1/13/21
Food
If you like what you read, click on the button below!
Why? You’ll get a recipe for duck bacon which will impress anyone you serve it to plus other great stuff I promise you’ll want! !