As you know, when planning dinner and entertainment, we always begin with entertainment and then scout out a fantastic restaurant nearby. Buckhead Theatre was featuring a comedian named Ari Shaffir with a show called, “Ari Shaffir: Jew.” Really? How could we resist?
To find an incredible restaurant wouldn’t be tough in the heart of Buckhead, but since we are going old school with Buckhead Theatre, let’s keep it classic with the one and only Atlanta Fish Market. Need we say more? If you live under a rock and have not yet been to Atlanta Fish Market, do yourself a favor, make a reservation, and get ready for not only an exquisite meal, but an experience.
Atlanta Fish Market is part of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, making it instantly synonymous with upscale Atlanta, through décor, atmosphere and menu selection. In addition to being one of Atlanta’s best seafood restaurants, Atlanta Fish Market is a true fish market. They are known for having Atlanta’s largest selection of fresh and wild caught fish with an expansive selection of fresh fish, “never frozen,” also for purchase to take home and prepare for yourself. Most cuts are around 7 ounces, but if you need a large portion of any fish, they will accommodate and ask for a 24-hour notice.
Planning a special celebration? Atlanta Fish Market offers private dining space at the restaurant level and upstairs, with capacity at 160 people seated or 200 reception-style.
Okay, okay, we know you want the nitty gritty on the food and drink. As we tend to do, we started off with some of their AFM specialty cocktails. Michal had the Basil Smash made with locally made Old Fourth Ward dry gin, muddled with fresh basil and lemon, and Jen had the Blueberry Mule made with Absolute Elyx, ginger beer, fresh blueberry puree and lime. Both were made to perfection!
We were then thrilled to be welcomed by Chef Bobby who was excited to prepare a selection of specialties for us. We started with a variety of melt-in-your-mouth sushi and sashimi. We were delighted by the Spicy Tuna roll made with seven spices, chili sauce and green onions and the Yummi-Yummi roll made with tuna, salmon, cream cheese and spicy mayo. We then moved on to a variety of sashimi, including tuna, salmon and white tuna served on ice and accompanied by wasabi and lemon.
Everything was prepared to perfection but the highlight of our first course selection was the best yellowfin tuna carpaccio we have ever tasted! This raw, pounded thin tuna topped with spices and capers and served with toasted bread was to die for!
The next course consisted of three seafood entrées, each prepared in a completely different and unique way. The Blackened Block Island Swordfish was perfectly blackened on the outside and light and flakey on the inside, the Florida Grouper “Francese” specialty was light and topped with lemon butter and capers and the Boston Lemon Sole we opted to have served sautéed with olive oil and lemon was quite flavorsome. We also had an array of sides including a vegetable medley, whipped potatoes (Jen’s fave!) steamed broccoli and sautéed spinach.
Even though we were feeling full, we made room for the New Orleans Style Bread Pudding made with Italian rum, white raisins and vanilla cream anglaise. Roll us out the door!
Overstuffed as usual we Lyfted a one-mile ride to Buckhead Theatre. Don’t judge, it was pouring down rain!
As noted on their website, “Central to Buckhead nightlife for more than 80 years, Buckhead Theatre is steeped in the lively spirit of its history, yet fully modernized to accommodate today’s various forms of entertainment and special events. The restored Spanish-Baroque architecture of this classic movie house jewel is a seamless historical counterpoint to the updated state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, modern catering kitchen, event space, and other amenities.
“Beyond the theatre’s 10-foot LED marquee, original Art Deco doorways lead from the lobby into the 8,000 square-foot main theatre and orchestra and loge spaces.”
Buckhead Theatre has a rich and beautifully designed and decorated ambiance. From the first moment you enter, you are transported into a magnificent cigar bar style ambiance (without the smell). The space is wide and luxurious and the décor simple and elegant. This would be another brilliant option for any simcha, large or small.
We were seated in the front of the balcony to a sold-out show, among a millennial crowd.
Ari Shaffir grew up as an Orthodox Jew who lost his religion and turned comedian, actor, podcaster, writer and producer. Though we, Generation X, were not familiar with his work, it was clear that the young crowd surrounding us included fans who understood his humor.
As the night was winding down and the rain stopped, we headed home, remembering these two landmarks in Atlanta that we recommend everyone revisit. ■
To review the AFM menu, visit www.buckheadrestaurants.com/restaurant/atlanta-fish-market/. And for more great entertainment coming to the Buckhead Theatre, www.thebuckheadtheatreatl.com/.
If you want us to review your event or restaurant, contact us at 404-883-2130, jen@atljewishtimes.com, or michal@atljewishtimes.com.
Lilli Jennison
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