By Kelli J. Cook

"Upscale dining in a cozy atmosphere"—the perfect logo for this intimate little restaurant, housed in an inviting cottage nestled next to Ocmulgee Art Center on quaint Ingleside Ave. From the moment I approached the restaurant I knew I was in for an exceptional dining experience. As I neared the front door, it was opened for me and I was extended a warm welcome, and then the host firmly secured it behind me. With the recent rash of restaurant robberies I appreciated this demonstration of concern. And this attentiveness lasted throughout the evening.

Having arrived for dinner prior to my guest, I was seated, immediately brought water, shown a nicely varied wine list, had my beverage order taken, and fresh bread delivered as an enticing beginning to the evening. However, when making reservations during the winter months I would suggest requesting a table away from the front door. Because I’d become slightly chilled, when my guest arrived we requested another table and were graciously accommodated.

Chef/owner Christian Losito has compiled a most elegant and appealing dinner menu. Entrees of seafood, beef, chicken, pork, lamb, pasta, and even bison, all seemed to be calling out to me for my selection. Our server was very knowledgeable about the evening’s specials and preparation of each entrée. We decided to share the lump crab-cake with champagne sauce appetizer ($12.75) and for entrees, I ordered the grilled filet of fresh grouper ($17.75), my guest selected the rack of lamb ($21.00).

As crab-cakes are my all-time favorite appetizer, I could hardly wait to taste this one, described by our server as ALL lump crabmeat with no breading (accounting for the rather pricey charge). The champagne sauce was too salty for my taste, but the crab-cake itself was delicious. Next time I’ll order it with the sauce on the side. A crispy romaine salad tossed with Dijon mustard vinaigrette was another tasty prelude to our dinner entrees.

Our entrees were fabulous—the grouper melted in my mouth and my guest’s lamb was prepared to a fully cooked, yet remarkably tender, medium-well doneness. While we were both pleasantly full after our entrees, we couldn’t resist the temptation of dessert following our server’s "mouthwatering" descriptions. I must admit, I am so glad we decided NOT to share! I ordered the Creamy French Lemon Cheesecake, my guest the St. Honore Cake ($6.50 each). While the generous slices were certainly enough for two people to share, I recommend ordering your own—you can always take the remainder home for a delicious snack the next day!

Perhaps my most important recommendation when planning to dine here is to leave the kids at home! This is a great upscale "date" restaurant—the ambiance, service, and cuisine all reflect romance and intimacy. With February being the month for romance, I encourage you to hire a babysitter and make a reservation for you and your special loved one. It’s time to move romance off the backburner and to The Backburner Restaurant!

VITAL STATISTICS
Cuisine: upscale dining
Service: full service, reservations encouraged
Prices: $7.25-$12.25 lunch
           $15.25-$21.00 dinner

Chef/Owner: Christian J.P. Losito

Hours: lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Dinner: 6:00-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
private parties by reservation