AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

Pick of the Month

ITALIAN FOOD AT AVALON IN ALPHARETTA

Errands and brakes on the car had us out around Northpoint Mall in Atlanta where we discovered Avalon in general and Colletta Italian Food & Wine in particular. I love neighborhoods like this where good housing is mixed with everything you need daily without having to get in your car to drive.

Europeans have known this secret to a happy life forever and my architect husband and I have often wondered why we can’t seem to get our heads wrapped around the concept when we plan developments in the US. Wouldn’t it be great to live above retail shops that sell us our meats, veggies, bread and fresh flowers?

Shouldn’t we be able to walk to the grocery store, drycleaners, gift shops and cinema or pick out the new furniture for our homes? Avalon even boasts a super cute hotel for your family and friends to stay should you not have the room to host for the holidays or special occasions.

Right now the neighborhood is dolled up for Christmas with festive lights, decorations and Santa’s house all set up for chatting with the kids. Santa was pretty busy on the recent week day we were there. Take the kids and plan a visit soon as it was much less crowded then the mall yet had all the shopping and eating options you would want for a walkable fun holiday outing.

ITALIAN AT COLLETTA

The outside of Colletta’s is designed nicely with a big wooden door, stone and pillars that create a welcoming entrance with a country estate feel. The outdoor patio is already enclosed for the winter season and styled with heat lamps to keep diners comfortable and warm.

Upon entry, it became substantially darker since they had already set up for dinner dining. It felt warm, intimate and cozy; all I was missing was a big fireplace. It helped to see the pizza oven blazing behind the bar ready to receive yeasty doughs and goodies from the menu.

COZY INTERIORS

Our table (without a reservation) was still a nice two top with a booth bench on one side and a view of the bustling kitchen. Candles and casual table settings supported that country cozy atmosphere and fresh homemade focaccia arrived with a generous plate of fabulous EVOO, fresh herb and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Our friendly server took our drink orders and reminded us that Colletta makes all it’s fresh pasta, doughs and breads every day. He also wanted us to know that they had recently made a change and used all leftover breads to make their crumb for menu items such as the chicken parmesan creating that enviable crusty herbed exterior so highly desired.

ANTIPASTI

While we were sipping our beautiful chilled martinis we looked over the menu. As usual we were eyeballing the list of offered Antipasti in order to be able to try more dishes. To that end, I asked the waiter if they offered appetizer plates of their pasta dishes and he looked startled and said no but suggested we try the Chef’s three-course tasting menu.

I would suggest that small plates of pasta should be on offer for the restaurant if asked as it is in almost every other fine Italian restaurant we have eaten in around Atlanta. People just don’t eat as big of portions as they used to and it you want to try something from every category….well it needs to be smaller.

FIRST COURSE

First up for us had to be the CAB Beef Carpaccio. If you have read my reviews before you know it is a favorite of mine and we try it often for comparisons sake whenever it is available. So when I say this was the best I have ever had-that means something.

I could see and taste the more deft Northern Italian hand in the dish with the subtle espresso flavor of the beef, the garlic aioli drizzle and the crispy fried capers. Fresh arugula offered the peppery pop you want along with the saltiness of the parmesan you expect. Can I just say that the EVOO you pick for your restaurant should say everything you want a patron to know?

SECOND AND THIRD COURSES

Next up was a shared dish of Shrimp Scampi. Grill fired with fresh lemon, butter and a scattering of fresh herbs, it was so delicious. The tender shrimps were firm and juicy with flavor and super tasty sauce.

The only small criticism I could offer was that the toasted baguette was too crispy to soak up all that lusciousness. I’m not entirely sure; is that even an Italian thing to “sop” the plate or just a Southern habit? It’s hard not to want to with homemade breads and sauces that are this good.

For the third course, we went for a heavier country dish in the Meatballs made with the “holy trinity” of meats-Certified Angus, pork and veal just as it should be for the best flavor mix. In a simple San Marzano tomato sauce with parmesan and polenta-it doesn’t come much more Italian or delicious.

Because I have to get picky when a restaurant is doing as well as this one I did let the server know that I thought the dish would be better served as a hot one and not at room temperature as we received it. I am unclear if that was intentional or not.

DESSERTS

Normally we wouldn’t be looking for dessert after so many apps with breads but the manager who came around to check on our meal insisted we try a couple. So we asked him to select his best two and send them around.

He chose Tiramisu and Bombolini. We might not have chosen the Tiramisu ourselves but I’m glad he did as it really was the best we have ever had. So light, elegant and European in nature it makes the American version usually offered in other restaurants sad indeed. Simply delicious!

The Bombolini were tasty; fried lightly and dusted with powdered instead of cinnamon sugar in a change up for the holidays. It was also served with a nice holiday apple type sauce for dipping. While I understood the thought behind it I might have chosen a different flavor profile. I bet cranberry, lingonberry or raspberry would have made a more tasty tart holiday plate while looking more festive as well.

The bar area was large and comfortable offering more seating if you can’t snag a table in the dining room. Big comfy booths were a plus for me as well as other patrons that were filling up the space well on a week day evening.

With nine different Antipasti choices ranging from $8-22, Pasta & Pizzas at $15-28 and a good mix of composed entrees from $24-32 there is something for everyone on this delicious thoughtful menu. The wine and cocktails list will make you happy as well. We tried glasses of both of the Super Tuscan blends offered by the glass that were really wonderful.

CONCLUSION

I think you can see why we enjoyed our dinner at Colletta so much. The atmosphere was perfect cozy country with a date night feel. The food was lovely and distinctly Northern Italian with handmade pastas, doughs, breads and pizzas. The quality is high, ingredients fresh, service friendly and getting there is half the fun. Enjoy the video tour above; take a drive and drop in soon for lunch or dinner OK?

If you enjoyed what you read, you might also enjoy other posts under Edible Fare. There you will find restaurant reviews, recipes, foodie tips and best spots to eat in a variety of cities. I also put emphasis on food experiences in my travel posts under Explore the World. Look soon for upcoming posts from my British gal pal and destinations for your bucket list under Snap Shot. Until then…

Cheers!

ArtsyChowRoamer

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