Nikolai's Roof
255 Courtland Street NE (between Harris & Baker; at the Hilton Atlanta)

Coming to Georgia, I wasn't sure I would be able to find any really good food. I usually use Hilton hotels, and many of the hotels' restaurants were shaky at best. So I didn't think much of Nikolai's Roof despite the kudos I've seen on-line. I was wrong...

This place was fabulous. On the 29th floor of the Hilton, the view -- especially during an electrical storm -- was fabulous. It was rather empty as it was a mid-week 9pm seating. I enjoyed the meal beyond belief. The service was fantastic, with excellent service (ask for Richard Ray, the captain).

I started with two nice, home-infused pepper vodkas...excellent. Nice start. With several glasses of grenache, I embarked on a wonderful culinary journey. My starter was a nice carpaccio with a quail egg. Excellent and fresh, better than most other restaurants in presenting this simple dish that ultimately depends on freshness. Mmm.

But the main course was the excellent part. After a nice mezzo between dishes of sorbet, it was time for the main course -- the boar tenderloin with duck fois gras. Absolutely decadant and fantastic! I was loving it. One of the best dishes I've had in a long, long time. Fabulous, I must say!

Dessert was an interesting banana and rum cappuccino, which worked well. With a very nice 1927 sherry -- then more vodka and espresso, I left this rooftop restaurant very happy. If it wasn't for the drunks that wandered in from the adjacent lounge, this would have been nearly perfect. If anything changed my opinions of Atlanta, this did it. Awesome!!!!! New York can learn from this place!

Food: A-
Atmosphere: B+
For Lone Diners: B+