Good Morning Darlings!

Every year, Holly, Eric and I have our annual Christmas dinner. In the past we have dined at Dolce, Farm Burger and some other a’sundry spots.

This year, we were fortunate to have our annual fete at Cypress Street Pint and Plate. First, I must say – the address is listed as 817 West Peachtree. Let me give you a tip and tell you it is actually on the corner of 6th and Cypress. Hence, the name. Turn right on 6th from West Peachtree and it will be on your right. Look for the gorgeous fire pit and you will be right there. There is a parking garage next door with lots of spaces, so you can bring your entire crowd with you.

Park your car and enter the coziest bar and restaurant. The bar wraps all the way around, allowing for groups or single diners alike to feel comfortable. Our friend, resident beer geek, Robert Merrick, took us on a tour of the menu and beer list. Chef Richard has put together a fun, unusual menu full of surprises. We started with the meatball sliders (or rollers, as Holly referred to them. They’re round, you know….). I have a deep abiding love for meatballs. In pasta, in sliders (rollers), or just on a toothpick. I love them all and do not discriminate. These were particularly tasty, with just enough marinara to keep them saucy, but not messy. Yum.

Oh! The drinks. I almost forgot – what? Eric started with the Ten-Fidy Stout and Holly & I opted for the Loico Noco Chardonnay while we discussed beer pairings with Robert, who was sure he could find a beer Holly & I liked as much as chardonnay. This sounded like a fun challenge.

Next starter was the BBQ Egg Rolls, filled with tasty pork and collard greens. Now this was something I had never seen. Collard greens make it healthy, yes? Of course they do.

Robert suggested that we share two entrees between us because they are so hefty. He was right. We opted for the meatloaf and the cajun pasta. Both terrific choices. The meatloaf is wrapped in proscuitto and served with some of the best mashed potatoes I have ever eaten.

Eric tried another selection from the vast beer list. This time a Christmas Bock. Thumbs up from my husband.

And Robert made believers of Holly and I, as he mixed up a “beermosa” – like a mimosa, only with beer. In this case, Aligash White, oj and a secret ingredient. Yes, I know what the secret ingredient is, but I want you to go visit and be surprised. We announced that we liked it even better that the wine. Imagine that!

When hot donuts with High Road Ice Cream grace a dessert menu, one must never say no. And so we did not. Say no, that is. We said yes. To the hot donuts and ice cream. With three spoons, so as not to seem greedy.

We are looking forward to Beer Geek dinners in 2012 with Robert at Cypress Street. And they have a swell deal on New Year’s Eve. For $10 you get one hour open bar, buffet and champagne toast at midnight. And you get to sit by their swanky fire pit.

Sounds great.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Esquivel – The Christmas Song