We went to the newly opened Raku Ramen + Tonkatsu, which is located next to the Super H Mart on Pleasant Hill. Being a ramen-otaku, I was super excited to eat there (especially considered the lovefest happening on other Atlanta food blogs), but our meal fell incredibly short of my expectations. Scattered service–like my husband’s ramen just never arriving.

Weak and watery broths across the board.

My ramen.

Moon junior’s ramen.

Thick tonkatsu with no flavor.

The dumplings were the only redeeming part of our entire meal. I’m sad to report that, as of today, this is not a destination. I was actually so dissatisfied with my meal that I went to Dan Moo Ji afterwards to grab some spicy rice cakes. Win.

We visited Kaleidoscope Bistro after reading a very favorable review by Christiane Lauterbach, the only person whose advice I follow when it comes to restaurants. Seriously, the woman is a goddess. I was especially intrigued by her mention of the incredible burger (big surprise). Before the burger, a little ambiance.

Berkshire pork rinds. Good form.

Really good chicken wings made with Springer Mountain Chicken and a homemade sauce that was kick-ass. I love the smattering of blue cheese just applied directly to the wings. Only downside was finding a few wings to be very undercooked.

My burger, which was honestly just okay. The meat tasted kind of like a hotel room service burger and was underseasoned. Definitely not splurge-worthy like Bocado or Five Guys. Yeah, I said Five Guys. Fries were kind of meh–definitely frozen.

Moon’s fish and chips, which he declared excellent.

Verdict: Not a destination, but I can see it why the restaurant appeals to people. It’s quirky spot with a nice patio and an interesting–although almost weirdly 90′s–menu. Can’t say I’ll be back though.

I’ve also been to Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand a few times recently, but I am holding my tongue for my review, which will come out in Creative Loafing eventually.

In other news, according to the Georgia Asian Times, Nam Phuong (one of my favorite Vietnamese restaurants) is slated to open a second Atlanta Location on Buford Highway sometime in April. Moon also spotted a new Thai restaurant called Thai Pointe on BuHi, which we will be visiting as soon as they have had time to settle in.

I spent the first years of my life in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Since many of my early food memories involve those native dishes, I’ve always kept an eye out for good, home-style Brazilian cuisine. It had always been hard to find in metro Atlanta, at least until recently. Marietta and Sandy Springs have become the unofficial homes of an increasingly large Brazilian population. Clusters of Brazilian bakeries, restaurants and grocery stores have opened to provide expats with everything they need to feed their nostalgia. Minas Emporium (7405 Roswell Road, 678-731-9960) is one such place, a tiny grocery where you can find anything from a Brazilian soccer jersey to tapioca flour to beautifully marbled steaks. Minas also happens to serve one of the greatest all-you-can-eat Brazilian lunch buffets in town. The best part? It’s only $6.99 — $4.99 if you take it to go — every day except Sunday.

Feijoada, one of Brazil’s most-loved national dishes, is a hard-to-find item that’s normally only served during the weekend or on special occasions. However, Minas serves it almost every day, a true find if you’re a fan. Feijoada is prepared by cooking various cuts of smoked and cured pork, beef, sausage, and vegetables together with black beans until the whole thing is tender and thick. The cooked-down black beans cover each chunk of meat in a creamy broth. It’s pure heaven when ladled over a mound of white rice.

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Churrascarias get a bad rap among food snobs. Maybe it’s the guilt-inducing, all-you-can-eat smorgasbord of meats, salad bar, and gooey cheese rolls. Maybe it’s the bridge-and-tunnel clientele that frequents such establishments. Maybe it’s the lofty price. Well, this food snob is going on the record as a churrascaria fan. Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of paying $50-plus for the experience — even if the value is high. So I’ve been on a mission to find a lower-priced alternative. Many local Brazilian markets, such as Marietta’s Coisas do Brasil, sell inexpensive plates of thin steaks with beans and rice, but there’s little variety and satisfaction when you’re craving a more full-blown meat extravaganza.Porto Brasil (7887 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, 770-390-2280) is a happy alternative. The restaurant looks like a franchise with its bright yellows and greens reminiscent of the Brazilian flag. Appearances can be deceiving, though; it’s actually an independent restaurant tucked away in a small strip mall close to the border of Sandy Springs and Roswell. Porto’s concept is simple. It provides an all-you-can-eat assortment of traditional Brazilian cuts of meats, a cold bar, a hot bar, and some desserts for $9.99 during the week and $10.99 on the weekends.

Those expecting a fancy Fogo de Chao atmosphere will be disappointed. The décor, save a few posters, is relatively spartan. The staff’s warm hospitality, however, makes up for the sparse furnishings. They’re always smiling and extremely attentive despite the self-serve setup. Porto is all about instant gratification. The minute you walk in, you can make a beeline for the buffet, grab a plate, and get to eating. The containers of hot sides hold the treasures. Fork-tender braised oxtails. Breaded and fried bananas. Corn soufflé. Kidney beans mixed with bacon. Black beans. Dried and crumbled yucca with bacon, which you sprinkle over your beans. On the cold side, there’s crunchy romaine best eaten with the lip-puckering Italian dressing that doesn’t resemble anything you’d get out of a bottle.

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You may recognize Kristin Hard’s name from her K Chocolat line of handcrafted artisanal chocolates with holistic claims. Until recently, the chocolates were only available at select locations, but her new Inman Park store, Cacao Laboratoire du Chocolat and Boutique (312-C North Highland Avenue. 404-221-2626. www.cacaoatlanta.com), grants fans more accessibility. The boutique is minimalist but luxurious thanks to feminine touches such as an opulent glass chandelier wrapped in a fabric shade and elegant packaging imprinted with silver wings. Click here to read the rest…

Mouthful: Savory Pastries

AUSTRALIAN BAKERY CAFE: When cereal just won’t do, start your day off the right way with a hearty “Aussie Meat Pie” from this exceptional Australian bakeshop. Click here to read the rest…

I might have the name wrong but the sign is kind of odd. I stumbled across this place early yesterday morning. It is on the corner of Powers Ferry Road and Powers Ferry Common. Very clean and modern space. Friendly staff. They have many Brazilian faves and a small grocery area. Got a cafe com liete and a few pastries. I had a shredded chicken and cheese pastry, a fried beef pastry and yucca sticks. All of it was very good. I plan on returning to try some more things out. Check it out if you are in the area.