Yes,
the autumn chill is upon us and this year with COVID, Halloween will be very
interesting to say the least. One of my
favorite experiences in Atlanta lies down the street from the gold dome of the State
Capital on Memorial Drive directly at the Historic Oakland Cemetery.
For those unfamiliar, this is Atlanta's oldest public park, 48 acres of
above-ground tombs, statues, and monuments including the final resting places of
notable Atlantans including legendary golfer, Bobby Jones, Gone with the Wind author, Margaret Mitchell, and former mayor,
Maynard Jackson. A walk through there even
on a nice day is a beautiful and haunting experience.
Here's a pro tip: head down and walk the grounds but if you do also be sure to check out the newest restaurant to open on Memorial Drive across the street, Woodward and Park. Aptly named for the intersection behind the restaurant, this brand-new gastropub/bistro serves some fantastic American food with an international influence. Chef Dan Brown came from 5 Church and Spice Market, so he has some pretty great chops working with some Asian influences which he displays on his Okonomiyaki, a Japanese cabbage pancake, his tempura-fried avocado and a take on a Philly cheesesteak using Korean Pork. There are lots of center-of-the-plate classics like burgers, steak frittes and smoked chicken but Brown usually works some sort of gratifying twist into each plate to make it special. Also, be sure to imbibe a cocktail and with Halloween candy in short supply hit your calorie limit with their dense blondie banana pudding with burnt marshmallow fluff or the chocolate passionfruit trifle. Everything I tried was outstanding; they also have a great outdoor patio if that's on your safe-dining checklist.
So while Trick Or Treating might not
be in the cards for you and the kids this year, put on the costumes, grab some incredible
food at Woodward and Park and while you are there walk through the Oakland
Cemetery for a Covid-safe Halloween!
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