I usually write to you about the new and exciting restaurants in and around our neighborhoods. Today I'd like to write about something a bit more serious.
How many times have you walked into a restaurant and felt an immediate welcome, feeling like you've arrived at your favorite relative's home for dinner? Well, I have experienced that in many of our local establishments. It may very well be that I frequent them more often that the average person, but how wonderful is it to walk in and feel a warm smile greeting you, sometimes even with hugs and air kisses?
I am writing this blog today to let you all know that one of my favorite little pubs had to close its doors. , sent me a notice last week, thanking me for my patronage and letting me know that they can no longer sustain their business. I am saddened by this news because they are locally owned and I feel like a family member has just moved away. They still own Olde Blind Dog, but the feeling of having a "go to" in the neighborhood has disappeared.
I urge all of you, who have a favorite locally owned establishment, to continue to let your friends know about each one of these places. Spread the word when you find someplace special.
It is difficult enough for small businesses to make it these days so when you find a great little Bistro, a beloved cafe, or a special hideaway- talk it up.
Although I am sad about losing one of my favorites, there are still many great places to eat. Stay locally or venture to a nearby neighborhood, but remember to support the small business owner so they don't vanish.
Please feel free to post any of the names of your favorite individually owned restaurants.
Bon Appetite!
Maybe now that the Patch is here and there's a Best Of coming out which is highlighting lots of great neighborhood places, people will venture out a bit more. For instance, I've tried Marco's Pizza and I've tried a few new things at Rosa Mia on someone's suggestion here. There's just not that much nearby, so to hear that 52 Bistro was great, but is closing is sad. Glad to hear they have other great opportunity ( I recall a 90 minute wait at Olde Blind Dog a couple of months ago ) so I'm sure that crew will come out ahead :) Thanks for the blogging!
He frequently reviews locally owned, smaller restaurants and you can find past reviews as well.
www. rootsinalpharetta since I review a few places myself! Thanks for reading my blog.
I was sorry to read about your disappointment in downtown Alpharetta. There are many good places here, even though you think they lack the "vibe of Roswell. Its a completely different atmosphere, yes, but a few good places non the less. Perhaps trying our local places will change your mind. Alpharetta is trying to revamp, but needs the support of the local community to succeed. Please reconsider frequenting the eateries along Highway 9 and Main Street. To quote a favorite movie- "if you build it, they will come".
Downtown Alpharetta will be a case of the haves (east of 9) and have nots (west of hwy 9)... $29m being spent on east side, couple hundred K on west side maybe. What kind of restaurant/nightspot y'all want downtown? I'll bring you one or two.
Haven't heard of Erwoods. What type of restaurant? Maybe I'll make it my next review. Are you the owner? We'd love to see a really good casual seafood "go to". Perhaps a good ol' all American bistro like the one we lost. You know great sandwiches, steaks and burgers, wine list (always a plus). We also need a really good Chinese/Asian restaurant on this end of town, not the basic Cantonese, but a really good mix of savory treats. Can you make this happen? Thanks Rob.
Erwoods is a worthy local restaurant (Rob, you should probably mention that you're the owner). I liked their former sister restaurant, Tifosi, better.
I will try it and let you know. Thanks for the tip!
I hope you are referring to my great reviews! I have reviewed all those restaurants and agree that they are great finds. Boga is a wonderful little place, but never crowded so it scares me a bit that they won't make it. Lets spread the word about how good their food is.- Boga Taqueria Highway 9. La Casa is also one of my favorites. Pasquale is fantastico!