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As summer lingers, our taste buds tickle for some frosty reprieve from the scorching temperatures. Ice cream shops across Atlanta serve up some sweet relief, but it isn’t often you can boast health benefits such as improved digestion, healthier skin and enhanced immune systems. Opting for a healthier approach to my sweet tooth, I often turn to frozen yogurt selections (despite the fact that I pour on the toppings). But a new frozen yogurt shop, Yoforia, with locations at Perimeter Mall, Windward Parkway and North Highland Avenue, is making it easier than ever for Atlantans to make the switch to this healthy alternative when satisfying that summer sweet tooth. Yoforia’s frozen yogurt is both delightfully delicious and chock-full of probiotics (a.k.a. “good bacteria”) that have been recognized as yielding not only the aforementioned advantages, but also as preventing osteoporosis, improving nutrient absorption, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and easing lactose intolerance. A small, 5-ounce serving of the icy, sweet substance, which is made with nonfat organic milk and nonfat organic yogurt, contains only 125 calories and 25 grams Though the flavor choices are few — original tart, with a slight lemon flavor; green tea, with additional antioxidants; pomegranate, both fruity and sweet; or dark chocolate, which is reminiscent of a fudgesicle — the topping options make developing your personalized Yoforia creation as creative as picking one of the 31 flavors at Baskin-Robbins. Plus, as extra fun, you can choose to mix your yogurt flavors, making the combination possibilities endless. Choose from fresh-cut fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, mango, banana and kiwi, and dry toppings such as walnuts, almonds, pecans, coconut, granola, an assortment of breakfast cereals and white, dark and milk chocolate chips. Wondering about the clear, jelly bean-like toppings? That’s mochi, a popular Japanese confection. My favorite combo? Original tart yogurt with kiwi and coconut — and chocolate chips, if I’ve been extra good that day.
Yoforia’s original tart yogurt with blackberry, raspberry and mango toppings. (above) Yoforia, with its simplistic décor, is a fun place to escape the summer heat and enjoy some guilt-free indulgence. (left) Yoforia Perimeter Mall 1402 North Highland Ave.
If you are searching for unparalleled Southwestern food and phenomenal cocktails with a taste of the Old West, Georgia Grille is the place to hang your hat and kick off your boots. Located in Buckhead for 18 years, owner Karen Hilliard has realized her vision for the Georgia Grille as a neighborhood place with delicious food. People return again and again for the selection of outstanding menu items and the obvious “Cheers” quality where “everyone knows your name.” As the patrons chat it up with the staff, it’s obvious that most diners are regulars not only because of the outstanding staff and fun atmosphere, but because of the food and especially the key lime ’ritas. A medley of flavors is evident in all of the menu items. Most everything is fresh and bought locally, Hilliard said. “The menu is influenced by Southwestern technique and tastes. The influence of American Indian, American Cowboy and Mexico are all evident in the food.” Yet there is also a hint of down-home Southern flavor, too. Named in honor of Georgia O’Keeffe, the restaurant has a vibrancy all its own. O’Keeffe painted scenes of the Southwest throughout most of her career and Hilliard has long been a fan of her work. “We use her name as a symbol and embrace her life and art with our food of the Southwest,” she said. Starting off every meal at the Georgia Grille are chips with fresh salsa and guacamole, all made in-house, along with the ever-popular, refreshing Key Lime Margarita. Larger than life, a chili relleno is also a favorite. The cheese-stuffed Anaheim pepper deep-fried over tomatillo sauce with roasted corn salsa has an explosion of flavors; the spice of the pepper and the salsa, coupled with the breading of the pepper and the sweetness of the tomatillo sauce is phenomenal.
Dessert at the Georgia Grille is simply a must-have, as well. They only serve three dessert items — triple chocolate mousse, peach blackberry cobbler and crème brulee — but three is enough. The triple chocolate mousse, especially, is flawless. Rich and decadent, it is literally pure bliss. It’s no wonder diners at the Georgia Grill keep coming back for more. The friendly staff, the good food and the tasty drinks say it all. “We are just one little corner of the world and it’s so important to do the best we can,” Hilliard said. And they are. They definitely are. Georgia Grille’s refreshing Key Lime Margarita (above) Georgia Grille’s Lobster Enchilda Entrée (left) Georgia Grille
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Kid-Tested, Mom-Approved
The shop’s atmosphere mirrors its product — simplistic décor with a modern edge, brought out in textured walls, brightly colored ceilings and contemporary light fixtures. It’s a fun place to sit with the kids or some friends to escape the heat and enjoy some guilt-free indulgence.
A Passion for Southwest
For the main course, the lobster enchilada, which won the Georgia Seafood Challenge in 1992, is a definite crowd-pleaser with its delicate Maine lobster tail served in a sweet red bell pepper reduction and rolled in a flour tortilla. The Flat Iron steak, a pan-seared steak served over smoked red pepper jus with a roasted poblano pepper filled with Southwestern macaroni and cheese, combines unique and unexpected flavors. The rich and creamy shrimp and grits is yet another item not to be missed.