Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails

Last night we tried a new restaurant in the historic district of Crabapple, which is the cutest, quaintest little part of town. We'd gotten the recommendation for Milton's from AmEx; since they haven't steered us wrong yet, we decided it was worth a shot.  We drove out there and arrived at this adorable old farmhouse that had been converted into this restaurant. 

Inside was a rustic, "home-y" feel, which makes sense because it was originally a farmhome. The 150-year old house has been preserved, and even the original fireplaces still exist, warming each room.

 

The people were friendly and welcoming as soon as we walked in the door, and even the valet people were incredibly nice, helping high-heeled women navigate the graveled entrance that led to the cobblestone walkway... Neither terrain is ideal for teetering around on heels, and they were more than happy to help everyone through it.  Everyone had personality, seemed happy to see us, and made us feel right at home.

 

 



Much of their produce from their on-site acre-large garden just out back, so it was truly "farm to table" dining. The website advised us that "Milton's features contemporary New Southern Cuisine that utilizes fresh, local ingredients to create regionally inspired comfort food with bold flavors that are artistically presented in a relaxed and friendly environment."

They weren't kiddin'. The food was southern, but with a few modern twists that made it flavorable and unique. I headed straight for the Shrimp & Grits, while Raja went for their most-ordered dish, the Sesame Crusted Mountain Trout. Both dishes were bold but balanced, and plated prettily, too!

Shrimp and Grits
red and yellow bell peppers, smoked bacon, mushrooms, scallions,
tomatoes, lemon butter sauce, cheddar stone-ground grits

 



 Sesame Crusted Mountain Trout
                    buttermilk mashed potatoes, asparagus, sweet potato shrimp fritters, red chile syrup

 

We both were incredibly happy with our meals, the service, and the entire experience. It's now risen to the top of Raja's favorite ATL restaurant list, and for good reason. Totally worth the 30-minute drive, and a place to which we will happily return. :)

“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” -Coco Chanel

Being married is fabulous... It really is. It means you always have someone to come home to, someone to wake up with, someone to be there for you, and someone you can be there for. It means having someone that often knows you better than you know yourself, and being able to really BE yourself at all times. It's pretty much irreplaceable.

Neither Raja nor I relish when we're separated due to travel, so when Raja ended up having weekend travel plans recently, I went to work planning a girls' weekend... One of the only ones I've had in a long time that was full-on girls' style, complete with sleepovers, trying new recipes, mani/pedis, and drinks in unabashedly girly spots.

Curling irons were brandished... martinis were mixed... dresses were donned... And we had a ridiculously good time laughing together, discussing our lives, and talking about our favorite things about each other. Kiinnnddd of a love-fest. :)  But that's what really good girlfriends are for, and when the weekend was over, I'm not sure who had more fun - Raja on his actual vacation, or me and my girlfriends during our staycation in NYC.

Being married IS fabulous, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I've just learned that good friends are every bit as important, and they are just as irreplaceable. While I love these girls in a different way, I truly love them every bit as much.

 Sushi from Ki Sushi

 Brooklyn's Gorilla Coffee

 Healthy homemade brunch

 

Dinner at Po - West Village (above and below)

Drinks at LelaBar - West Village (above and below)

Drinks at Little Branch - West Village