Dining Out: Breeza Cucina

There are plenty of reasons to be excited about Ponce City Market including easy access to the beltline, fun shopping environment, and an eclectic food court in the vein of what you find at Krog Street Market.  I'm thrilled there is finally a great use for the old City Hall east.If I had to narrow down what's most exciting for me, it is the new restaurant, Breeza Cucinia, opened by Jonathan Waxman adjacent to Williams-Sonoma. Waxman is one of the key authors of the "California Cuisine" movement back in the day, and he brings his reputation to this venture. Even more important, Waxman snagged Adam Evans (from The Optimist) as the Executive Chef to implement a type of "rustic" Italian fare. So far I've only been for lunch and enjoyed the fabulous (and not too large!) salame pizza. Of course, I'm going to be biased about any dish which includes my current obsession, fennel.Still, the dish which I can't gush over enough is the Roasted Chicken Salad. Our server talked about Waxman's famed way of roasting chicken (who knew?) and said the salad was fabulously delicious (or similar adjectives). Boy was he right.

Not only was the chicken CHUNKED (no shredded pieces in sight) it was perfectly tender. No salad is complete without avocado, so that was a given. But there was an extra treat. Can you spy the soft-boiled egg?  Seriously divine.

There are plenty of great places to eat in Atlanta, but I am super excited to return and explore the menu.  I can't wait to try the Bucatini

and the scallops and the crab risotto and the chickpea fries

and, and, and...

You should all try this place and give Mr. Waxman an Atlanta welcome. I, for one, am happy he is here!