J.Christophers- Winner!

This has been a long awaited opening, and finally during the 4th of July weekend, J.Christophers went live! Towne Lake and the Woodstock area has been in dire need of a good breakfast place. While I enjoy and patronize the existing and crowd favorite place, I was ready for something new, as I think a lot of residents were as well.

J. Christopher's is located in downtown Woodstock, along "restaurant row." The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch daily from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

We visited one morning before work. The atmosphere is airy and light- love the colors. There are several tables outside, and I can see that patio being the place to dine once fall hits. The menu is extensive with several "healthy" options and several options if you want to "go big."

My choice for this visit was the "Goddess." :o) It was an egg white omelet with fresh tomatoes, spinach and feta cheese. OMG was it good! My husband chose the oven roasted turkey breast and avocado skillet. I don't think he uttered one word between fork fulls and certainly earned his place as the King of the Clean Plate Club.

There is no doubt J. Christopher's will be a huge success in downtown Woodstock, and all I can say is "Welcome! It's about time!"


J.Christophers
315 Chamber Street, Woodstock

Must Try-Mojave Southwestern Grill and Margarita Bar

I found this place when I was contracted to write a story about it. It's in Acworth, right across the street from Kennworth Park. When I first walked in, I was immediately impressed with the authentic southwestern decor- stucco walls, wood floors and a large fireplace. A few days after the interview, I was so intrigued by the menu and plethora of margarita flavors that I returned with my husband to dine there.

While chips and salsa aren't anything new, not having to reach for the salt shaker is for me. The chips have a really nice and flavorful seasoning, and you can definitely tell the salsa is homemade.

The margarita that I immediately zoomed in on was the "Skinny Margarita." If you're a fan of the Bravo series Housewives of New York City, you know exactly what I'm referring to. The "Skinny" is made with Patron (THE best), limes and soda.. no sweet and sour. I've had this concoction at other bars and not until now did a bar tender actually know how to make one that didn't taste like pure tequila. Delish!

The menu has a variety of unique items. I had three of the gourmet tacos, fish, slow roasted brisket and bbq. Mike had two of the gourmet enchiladas including the show stopper, lobster and steak! On another occasion (yes, I've been back a few times!), I had the chicken mole- so good!

What always appeals to me is outdoor seating. I love to eat outdoors, especially in the summer! Mojave has a huge outdoor seating area that includes a fire pit large enough to comfortably seat 10 people around. We have stopped in there just to have a drink and sit by the fire pit! It's a great way to unwind after the day or before or after your meal.

This place is destined to be a hit!

3975 South Main Street, Acworth

www.facebook.com/MojaveAcworth

Hit! Waterstone Grill, Acworth

The architecture of downtown Acworth lends itself to unique, cozy and utterly delicious eateries. The latest one we discovered was the Waterstone Grill, located on Main Street. In fact, Waterstone Grill use to be the location of another famous Acworth dining destination, Henri's, before Henri's moved into its current larger location.

But, moving on to the real reason one visits a restaurant — the food. The first time we tried the Waterstone Grill, we were on the heels of a wine tasting at Boutier Winery (http://www.boutierwinery.com/), worthy of a separate blog. As part of the wine tasting, we received a coupon for the Waterstone, which we eagarly accepted as we had to try the place.

The barbeque shrimp was recommended to us by the owners of the winery, so we took her advise, and they indeed were recommendable! Bacon wrapped with a hint of horseradish, the shrimp were cooked perfectly. That night, I tried the scallops, pan seared with an orange butter sauce... mouth watering yet?

Subsequent dining choices included the lightly blackened tilapia, roasted beet salad and the indulgence of creme brulee.

In seeing other reviews about the Waterstone Grill, the service seems to be the biggest complaint and may be Achilles Heel of this restaurant. We've been served by the owner so it was exceptional. We did go there for Valentines Day, and we found the service to be extremely hurried; The menu was prix fix, and we no sooner sat down when our first course was delivered along with the wine pairing. I like prompt service but the frantic speed at which the dishes arrived was ridiculous. I did request that the meal be slowed down, and that's all it took to lessen the pace of the meal.

I have experienced nothing but fantastic food in this quiet and cozy restaurant. It's not large in size so I would recommend reservations, but there is a small bar to wait for your table.

The Waterstone is open for lunch and dinner, and on Saturday nights, they offer select bottles of wine for $10! If you sign up for their email list, you will receive weekly notifications regarding specials for each night of the week.

http://www.waterstonegrill.com/