BEST OF BOTH WORLDS- Room at TWELVE Review

ROOM AT TWELVE CENTENNIAL PARK

400 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308

404-418-1250

www.roomattwelve.com.

 

Part of an official partnership between Bob Amick and Todd Cushing’s Concentrics Hospitality and Atlanta-based developer Novare Group to develop chef-driven restaurants in all TWELVE Hotels & Residences throughout the Southeast, Room at TWELVE followed Atlantic Station’s Lobby at TWELVE as the second fruit of the companies’ joint labors. Opened in September 2007, the modern steakhouse/sushi bar is situated on the building’s ground floor, offering residents and hotel guests alike a casually elegant gathering place before and after visiting the surrounding downtown area.

 

Designed by Thom Williams and ASD Architects, the interior reeks of class, from the black walls and steel and platinum accents to the red curtains above the bar and rich hardwoods surrounding the sushi bar. The open kitchen allows guests to watch the action as the attentive staff rushes to ensure your every need is met promptly, while three small rooms and a striking 8^th floor banquet facility provide space for private functions.

 

The menu comes courtesy of two celebrated chefs; Executive Chef Nick Oltarsh, who was named StarChefs 2007 Atlanta Rising Star Hotel Chef, and sushi chef Tomo, whose self-named restaurant has emerged as a Vinings hotspot. The only downside is having to choose between the former’s hearty steakhouse fare (including grilled House Steak with rosemary new potatoes and red wine sauce, and deliciously seasoned whole Maine lobster) and the latter’s original sushi rolls. Our suggestion? Order one of each and share. – BRET LOVE

OTP EXCELLENCE- Aspens Signature Steaks

ASPENS SIGNATURE STEAKS

2942 Shallowford Rd, Marietta

678.236.1400

knowwheretogogh.com

Owned by the same folks who brought you Roswell’s Bistro VG and Alpharetta’s Vinny’s On Windward (both of which are equally excellent), Aspens marries the flavors of an upscale steakhouse with the ambiance of a Colorado ski lodge. Leather chairs, cedar beams, antler chandeliers, a stone fireplace and Southwestern paintings set an intimate mood perfectly, while the buzzing action in the bar area ensures things never get boring.

 

Executive Chef Sean Clark’s menu adheres fairly closely to steakhouse traditions, but show’s enough of a distinctive flair to keep things interesting. Their small plate menu changes daily, but often includes Blue Cheese Risotto Fritters with crushed tomatoes and marinated olives, Eggplant Salad layered with heirloom tomato and goat cheese, and Sesame Seared Tuna with avocado, wasabi and lemongrass ponzu. Entrees such as NY Strip Angus Steak and Pan Seared Scallops are as perfectly cooked as you’d expect, but don’t be afraid to try the nightly specials: The Red Snapper and Shrimp with edamame ravioli we tried was out of this world.

 

Fair warning: Owner Michelle Sedgewick’s “Killer” Tiramisu and Dark & White Chocolate Mousse Cake with raspberry sauce will seriously make you wish you’d saved more room for dessert. –BRET LOVE

(originally appeared in Jezebel)