Super Pan to the Rescue

Want to try the best sandwiches in town?  Then Super Pan is the place for you.  This small spot is my go-to for delicious, mouth-watering, meat-filled eats.  But fear not vegetarians, there are veggie options as well!  While their hours are a bit tricky (Tues-Friday from 11:30am - 2:30pm) the food more than makes up for the short business hours. 

If it weren't for the meager hours, I'd probably eat at Super Pan at least once a week.  As a compromise to myself, I make sure that whenever I have any scheduled day off from my usual 9-5, that Super Pan will undoubtedly be my lunch haunt. Lucky for me, yesterday was one of those days, so I dragged my fella and a good friend to the Pan for a lesson in food bliss. 

Yesterday, I ordered one of my favorites: the Pork Belly Buns (pictured.)  These little guys are filled with tender pork belly, shredded cabbage, cilantro, tamarind sauce and are served on steamed coconut buns.  (Are you salivating yet? Good.) It's difficult to believe that something so small could taste so flavorful, but they do not disappoint.  The Pork Buns come with 2 to an order and are more than filling.  The other sandwiches are larger and certainly not without substance, and I was fortunate enough to trade a bite of my pork buns for a bite of the Cubanito. I'll say it here and now, that it was hands-down, the best Cuban sandwich I have ever tasted. (Would I lie to you?)

As if the sandwiches aren't enough, Super Pan has really amazing burnt caramel flan and offers up treats like these adorable cookies:

You shouldn't need further convincing, but if you're still a skeptic head over for lunch hours Tues-Friday.  For more info or to view the drool-worthy menu, visit Super Pan's website here.

Photo-Op: Seen Downtown

motorcyle outside of STATS downtown

Victory Sandwich Bar: Small Bites That Pack a Punch

Tucked away on a small street in Inman Park, Victory Sandwich Bar has become the new watering hole in my neighborhood for small bites and strong drinks.  Known loosely for their decor that has been likened to a place "where Steve McQueen would hang out,"  the interior is very industrial, sporting lots of hard wood, steel and cinder blocks.  The menu is small and simple with equally small and simple sandwiches to match.  But don't let that phrasing fool you...these small wonders are filled with flavor.  One sandwich would be perfect for a snack, but I usually order two as a meal.

My favorite on the menu is the Hambo (pictured). This little sandwich comes with proscuitto, fresh mozzerella, arugula, sliced apples and a reduced balsamic vinegar.  It is one part Italian and one part heavenly.

The drinks at Victory are also no joke.  I was very pleased to see that they make Dark and Stormies, a favorite of mine.  (And of note, they make theirs with Gosling's Ginger Beer, which stands true to the original beverage.)

Another drink that should not go without mention is the Jack and Coke Slushie.  And yes, this is just as delicious as it sounds.  Served in a small Mason jar, this beverage is perfect for hanging out on the patio on a hot Atlanta day.  The only problem is, once you have one, you'll immediately want another.  Fortunately, the Jack and Coke Slushie is priced for multiple beverage purchases and at a mere $4, you can order more than one without breaking the bank.

 If any of this sounds delicious (and it should), pop over to Victory any day between 11am and 2am and try a couple of the small, but mighty sandwiches for yourself.  (And don't forget the slushie!)

For more info, click here to visit Victory Sandwich Bar's website.

Precious Pottery for Your Sweets

green lace cake stand: image via here

If you know me well, you know that I'm a fan of food: cooking it, eating it, sweet, savory...I pretty much love it all.  But one of my very favorite desserts? Cupcakes.  I couldn't help but be drawn to the adorable green lace cake stand (pictured) that is perfectly-sized for cupcakes or smaller cakes and pies.

Atlanta-based Etsy seller, Jeanette Zeis, operates Vessels and Wares- a shop that specializes in handmade pottery and stoneware with a particular focus on special occasions.  In addition to cake stands, she also sells nesting bowls, candy jars, and hanging stoneware fruit baskets among others. 

nesting mixing bowls in aqua: image via here

All of the pottery at Vessels and Wares are beautifully-made and perfect for featuring your sweets for birthdays, Bat Mitzvahs, weddings and so on.  Perhaps one of these days I'll break down and buy her oh-so-perfect nesting mixing bowls (pictured above), or the gorgeous, black 2-tiered dessert stand (below)...but first, I should probably work on my baking skills. 

dessert stand- 2 tier- black: image via here

For more info or to purchase pottery of your own, check out the Vessels and Wares Etsy shop here. 

Photo-Op: bacon shots

Bakon vodka, chilled and served with warm bacon garnishes (at Manuel's Tavern)

Atlanta Staple: Manuel's Tavern

Usually, I consider myself a fairly observant person.  With my friends, I can tell when something is wrong.  I see the looks that strangers give other people in social situations. I take note of various nuances in my day-to-day life.  With that said, it wasn't until tonight that I noticed the urn behind the bar at Manuel's Tavern.  Once I saw that urn, I knew the remains had to be none other than Manuel himself.  Manuel Maloof was a well-known Atlanta politician who opened up the tavern back in 1956, and to this day city-folk flock to the bar whenever anything political is abuzz.  

Need a place to watch a debate? Manuel's is your place.  Need a place to grab a cold one and have some truly stellar Brunswick stew? Manuel's is the place for that as well. Given the decor, the tavern is pretty straightforward with its political affiliation. JFK memorabilia and paintings are peppered throughout the bar (and to warn any die-hard Republicans, you might want to steer clear during nights when they are broadcasting political events.)

The infamous urn, underneath the painting

Once you go once your twice, you realize the regulars sit at the bar instead of the booths or tables.  The tavern isn't hard-pressed for seating either- it's huge! They even have a room off to the right side (past the pinball machine) that is used to host large parties and special events.

As for the clientele, the crowd is pretty eclectic.  Many people will go to watch sporting events, others will go for the food, but more than anything, Manuel's is that neighborhood bar that's been there forever...you know what you're getting when you go there and that's a comforting feeling.  My personal favorites off the menu are the Tuna Melt with a side of steak fries, and I usually order a Leinenkugel's Creamy Dark (on draft) since Manuel's is the only place in town that seems to serve this beer (if I remember correctly.)

Sure, you may drive past it all the time without thinking twice, but there's something homey and satisfying about this neighborhood bar that's been around for decades.  Manuel's always seems to draw me in.  If you're like me and always find yourself in one of the dimly-lit booths, make sure you take note of the urn behind the bar.  Sure, it took me 7 years, but I finally found Manuel. 

For more info, visit the Manuel's Tavern website here.

Photo-Op: Battle of Atlanta