I like to eat. I like to eat eat..

Laura at My Quotidian Mysteries (my spellcheck doesn’t even recognize that word, so I’m sure it’s misspelled) tagged me for a dining out meme. I mean, could it get any better? My favorite activity is trying new restaurants.

Here’s the rules:
1. Link to name of person that tagged you.
2. Include state and country you live in.
3. List top five favorite local restaurants.
4. Tag 5 other people and let them know they’ve been tagged.

So, I live in Atlanta, GA. And oh! if we don’t have some good restaurants here. I’ll try not to do a chain so that when you come visit, you’ll know where to go. And don’t forget to call me first!

1. No trip to Atlanta is complete without a meal at The Varsity! The Varsity is the world’s largest drive-in. It’s 79 years old and is well, greasy. I usually get a chili dog and french fries or onion rings…or both. They cut and fry up the potatoes and the onions (Vidalia onions, nonetheless) right there. My dh says you have to get the Frosted Orange and Daddy says you have to have the apple or peach pie. But when you go, be ready to order, because they will yell, “What’ll ya’ have?” and they might scare you. Also, don’t forget to ask for a hat!

2. I’ve mentioned this restaurant before, but I love it so much. The OK Cafe is so fun. It’s full of fun art, including a giant money tree! It was named after the OK Cafe in To Kill A Mockingbird. And they have the best french toast you have ever put in your mouth. Not to mention fried cheese grits with jalepeno cheese dip. I mean, really!

3. This is a new restaurant my friend Mandi took me to. Tam’s Backstage is situated in an old elementary school turned theatre. You can go see a play, then head out the back door to eat at this cute place. I got the chicken salad which was fantastic: Kelly’s special chicken salad with poppy seed, celery, avocado, carrots, red onion and toasted almonds served on a bed of Spring Mix with strawberries and Cilantro Citrus Dressing. Yum! I want to go back!

4. Now for some real southern food you have to go to Folks. When I was little we went here all the time. I remember getting a chicken leg, fried okra and drinking out of a big old mason jar. It was called Po’ Folks back then, but they changed the name before the Olympics in 96 because they didn’t want to give the world a dumb southern impression. Whatever. I still call it Po’ Folks. And I usually order fried chicken. I know, it’s the only time I eat fried stuff but it is so yummy. And their peach muffins are to die for!

5. I’m having a hard time with this last one. A few places I thought were just in Atlanta are really in other states, too (like Cafe Tu Tu Tango and LaMadeline’s). My family in California miss Chick-fil-a, Steak N Shake and Waffle House. I like Buckhead Diner and Atlanta Fish Market, but I haven’t been there in so long I can’t even remember what I had. Then again I love Cheesecake Factory and PF Chang’s. So, all those combined should make a #5 for me.

Now to tag 5 people. I might tag a few more because I’m wild like that. Let’s see…where would I like to go? How about Val? She lives near Chicago which I’ll be visiting soon! Uhm, Bee & MorningSong both live in Birmingham. Let’s see what they like (oh I hope Taziki’s and O’Carrs makes their list!) I’m not sure where dcrmom lives, but I know she likes chocolate and food, so let’s see if she’s got some good places to send us! How about a guy’s perspective, Mr. My Best Investments? And last but not least all my sisterchicks: staci, mandi, becky & kristen. If you don’t want to tell us where you’re from, that’s fine. Just be boring and give us some good chains to check out.

Yum! I’m hungry now! Thanks, Laura! Next time I’m in DC let’s try some of your restaurants!