I am constantly amazed by the wide variety of restaurants that exist within Athens.

Since I heard about The Sultan last semester, I have been dying to try it. The Sultan is a local Lebanese restaurant that is located out on Atlanta Highway, right beside Best Buy. It’s almost to Bogart on your right.

My first experience with Lebanese/Middle Eastern food was when I studied abroad in Paris two summers ago. If these next few sentences come off seeming stupid, please forgive me.

In case you didn’t know, Lebanon is located on basically the other side of the world in a climate that is extremely different than ours. In fact, most of the crops they grow in the Middle East cannot be grown in America and vice-versa. What I found most fascinating about the Lebanese restaurant was what their food was made of- the crops in their backyard.

Does this make sense to you? It was sooo different than anything I had ever had, but, when you think about it, the eggplant, lamb, beef, chickpeas, nuts, rice, and vegetables are just what grow. It’s a simple concept, but it made me so excited to try everything.

I hadn’t had Lebanese food since Paris, and last Tuesday I got to have it again. Fist pump!!

I went to The Sultan on a whim, and decided I’d go in for a to-go plate. I was by myself, so I was a little apprehensive about going into a new restaurant alone. However, I walked in the door, and I was greeted by the owner and a nice family who looked like regulars. They were just hanging out and cutting up. I knew right then it was going to be a good experience.

After looking at the menu, I decided to go with the ground beef skewers with a side of hummus. The ground beef was mixed with onions and spices, and they came with a vegetable skewer. They were on top of some yummy basmati rice and came with a side salad.

I paid my $12 and went to the car. Oh my gosh…my car smelled so good. I was so excited about my Lebanese meal that I seriously had to stop myself from running in my house.

Once I got settled and ready, I decided the plate was too big to eat in one sitting. So, I took one beef skewer, the vegetable skewer, half the rice, the salad, and the hummus on a plate. The inaguration balls were on, so I plopped in front of the TV to watch all the festivities.

The ground beef skewer was fabulous. It wasn’t tough, but you could definitely taste the Middle Eastern spices and onions mixed in. It wasn’t a super strong flavor, and it was very tasty. The vegetables tasted grilled, and they definitely were a nice complement to the beef.

I loved the rice. I don’t know what they boil it in, but it tasted like there was a little chicken broth or something. I could be totally wrong, but I’m just trying to describe it to you.

The hummus was AMAZING. There’s nothing like good, authentic hummus, and it was so beautifully displayed even if it was in a styrofoam dessert tray. He topped it with paprika and olive oil. I made that stuff last for three more days. The pita he sent with it was awesome, too. It had been toasted a little and was hot.

All I have to say is TRY IT. If you’ve never had the traditional dishes like falafel, tabouli, or baba ghanoush, that’s where you need to start. I’m sure the people at The Sultan will explain everything to you. For all you picky eaters, it’s not WEIRD. It’s just different. Step out of the box, and go to The Sultan!

Let me preface by saying I NEVER get food when I go into Target, Wal-Mart or any other stores with food places inside them.

However, on Friday, I was particularly craving some mint chocolate chip ice cream at Target, so I went and “scooped” out the situation. 

I was pleasantly surprised to see Edy’s Ice Cream containers in the freezer, so I asked the guy behind the counter what the smallest cup looked like.  He said, “We only have one cup size, but a small is two scoops and a large is three scoops.”

I told him I wanted a small and proceeded to the register.  When I looked back about 30 seconds later, no joke, he had scooped (I don’t even know how to describe it) a mound of ice cream that was about six inches tall and four wide- maybe the size of a softball and a baseball.  Either way, it was HUGE!

I walked back over there and said, “Um, can you take about half of that off?”  Guys, it was SO much ice cream.  He seemed a little startled but obliged to my request.

Guess what the grand total was at the cash register?  $1.38.  The ice cream in the cup was still more than I could eat.  I think three people could have split the original amount.

Moral of the story: if you want some good, cheap ice cream, head to Target (tar-JHAY).  I wouldn’t take your boo on a date there, but it definitely satisfies an ice cream fix.  Sheesh.

Agua Linda is on the move.

I was driving by the Atlanta Highway and Timothy Road intersection the other day, and I noticed Agua Linda is moving into a new shopping center. The location is right next to Academy Sports and in front of Loco’s.

I don’t know if they are moving locations or if they’re opening a new restaurant, but Sherlock Strate will soon be on the case.

There is also a new Italian restaurant moving in next door to Agua Linda. My friend is helping paint a mural in their back hall with Athens scenes, so I’ll have to ask her about it.

If you know anything about these two restaurants, let us know!

Go Giants.

It’s that time of year.

No student wants to be studying while there are Christmas decoration to put up.
Kids are longing for some homemade hot chocolate put in a mug by their mammas.
The smell of cinnamon or pumpkin pie is enough to make any stressed studier become a little weepy.
You’re wondering if your family will wait on you to put up the Christmas tree.

We know we don’t want to be at school, but it’s crunch time.

What better way to make yourself feel better than to go to your favorite restaurant for some comfort food?

I want to know what YOUR safe haven is.

Here’s my vote:

Fresh Air Barbeque

There are two locations for the restaurant. I’ve only been to the one out on Atlanta Highway- right after it turns into a two-lane road. There’s nothing better than a good barbeque sandwich or brunswick stew. This is definitely the place to go. The people are nice, and you can go in for pick up or sit down. Price is good. Cozy. Comforting.

Other people like it, too.

Where will you go when you need a break?