This local bistro offers a mostly French menu , but , oddly , a highlight was chicken schnitzel topped with a heaping pile of greens in a lemon / anchovy dressing . The scallops were cooked well with a crusty outer layer and were served with corn that went very well with them ; the steak style will be different than you ’ ve probably ever had , and you ’ ll be surprised how much you like it ; the trout swims in the beurre blanc sauce that it deserves .
When you arrive at your table , a warm , crusty baguette is served to everyone . ( Yes , please !) And this homemade loaf is complimentary . That ’ s to get you off to a satisfying start . But consider the melted Harbison cheese with some drips of honey and crushed hazelnuts as an addition . You won ’ t regret it .
MEMBERSHIP The Hamachi crudo is a fresh experience of textures and
flavors for the health conscious ; the French fries served with mayonnaise are a decadent experience for the “ not as ” health conscious crowd . And I ’ m hoping the polenta balls that come in a bowl to share at your table will still be on the menu when I return ( even though the menu changes seasonally here ), as that shareability makes for a great client dinner as well . Yes , it ’ s in an elegant bookstore setting as its backdrop , but that just adds to your groups ’ topics of conversation . I think your clients will thank you for this unique night out .
LE BON NOSH
The Second Verse , an effervescent drink of vodka , grapefruit , lemon , and club soda , topped with red wine , will keep things interesting .
Everything is so good here , it will have you keep going back for more . And , your clients will leave with a sense that you have good taste !
LUCIAN WINE AND BOOKS
My third recommendation for “ Where to Take a Client ” is Le Bon Nosh in Buckhead . The name itself connotes good food , and it ’ s true to its name . While it is an allday Parisian café , this bistro finely focuses on its dinner crowd . Again , in a small room setting , this time you will notice high ceilings suspending billowy curtains and a vibe that is elegant , but comfortable . It also showcases a small but stylish bar .
Also stylish is Lucian Wine and Books in the heart of Buckhead . And critically , it is also a quiet spot to hear your clients and friends at the table without effort . This small plate service has only a few tables in a cozy venue . It ’ s named after Sigmund Freud ’ s grandson , Lucian .
At first , I had driven past this establishment many times , wondering from the name alone if it was “ just ” a wine bar ? But no , the dishes are delicious here , and yes , they can be served with carefully curated wine selections .
It was after visiting Mont St . Michel in France that I learned of the wonders of the airy French omelette for dinner . And here , at Lucian , they have conquered that fluffy standard , adding crème fraiche . Believe me , I will be having that same dish again on my next appearance .
It doesn ’ t matter what you order on this menu , it will be solidly tasty . The steak , the duck confit , the lamb meatballs – all top notch dishes . But what you must not miss at your client table is the house made chips with crème fraiche and caviar topping . That bowl passed around will make you a hit , a foodie , and so knowledgeable of the fineries in life .
And the owner is “ somewhat ” of a native Atlantan . Forough Vakili graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Chemical Engineering before deciding that what she really wanted to engineer was good food . So , she received culinary training in France at Le Cordon Bleu and then worked at a Michelin starred restaurant in France to practice her trade . She focuses on locally grown herbs , and she chooses meats from Georgia farms . Enjoy ! www . atlantabar . org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 31