Regular readers know that I make occasional trips to Atlanta over the course of the year for work. Little did I know that in all my visits I’d been missing out on a true gem of a restaurant, Peasant Bistro. Located at 250 Park Avenue West, in downtown Atlanta, Peasant Bistro is a charming two-story restaurant facing Centennial Olympic Park. The restaurant resides in the same condo/hotel complex as the Embassy Suites Centennial Olympic Park and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. How I hadn’t bothered to walk down the street behind the hotel, I couldn’t tell you. But in a testament to the power of miles and the things people like me do to collect them, Peasant Bistro popped up on the Rewards Network list on my most recent search of Atlanta restaurants, and I decided to give it a try. It was only when I mapped its location that I realized how close it was to my hotel.
A very inviting bar area greets you as you enter the restaurant. The main restaurant is upstairs, and I think inviting is a good word to describe the atmosphere. Accented with just the right amount of light, and complemented by ample candlelight, the restaurant has the makings of a great date spot. Traveling alone this week, I decided to dine at the bar so I won’t be able to comment on dining service in the main restaurant, but I can’t imagine that it’s anything less than good based on my experience.
The restaurant offers a well appointed wine list with everything from reasonable to expensive available to accompany your meal. I chose the Rutherford Ranch Cabernet ($9/$32), red wine drinker that I am. Looking over the menu, the first thought that came to mind was how delicious everything on the menu looked. But being in the mood for steak, I quickly narrowed things down to the Meyer Ranch Rib-Eye ($31), served with a pommes puree and sauteed morels. I couldn’t help but think that I was in for a treat as Peasant Bistro was one of those places that you kind of know is going to be good the minute you walk in the door.
When my meal arrived, I knew right away that it was going to be fabulous. Presentation is fun for food critics, but for me…well, I just wanted a good steak. I received a phenomenal steak! Served bone-in, this was one of the better cuts of rib-eye I’ve ever enjoyed. Seriously, the steak was over an inch thick, and leaner than most rib-eyes. Cooked perfectly (medium rare), and packed with flavor, I haven’t had a steak this good in a long time. The sauteed morels were an unexpectedly tasty addition to this fabulous meal.
I really went over the deep-end and ordered dessert, something I don’t normally do. But the bartender talked me into his favorite, simply referred to as the Chocolate Bar. I’m not finding it listed on the online menu, but words like wonderful, decadent, awesome and to-die-for come to mind. It wasn’t over-sized and was perfect for one person, and worth every extra calorie!
A fabulous meal in a fabulous restaurant. If business or pleasure take you to Atlanta, check out Peasant Bistro. I’m sure you will not be disappointed.
