Atlanta Chef’s Expo

This past weekend marked the inaugural Atlanta Chef’s Expo held at the Foundry at Puritan Mill with part of the proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The expo showcased a host of Atlanta chefs, restaurants and catering companies and their best dishes. The expo was one of first Atlanta food events to showcase a special gluten free/vegan section featuring Chow Baby, Chef Barry Garber of Creative Vegan Concepts, Dr. Sweet’s Cake Emporium and Honeysuckle Gelato.

Some of my favorites of the day included Dr. Sweet’s Cake Emporium's gluten free and vegan Ginger Cookies with Blackberry Juniper Jam, Barrelhouse’s Braised Short Rib and Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails’ Espresso Rubbed Apple Brined Pork Loin. While Honeysuckle Gelato didn't have any sorbet samples on hand their list of flavors like Apple Rum Cinnamon, Grapefruit Campari, Lemon Lavender and Orange Anis left me wanting to go pick up a pint.

Dr. Sweet's Cake Emporium's Ginger Cookies

Be sure to check out the event next year! 

Restaurant Review: Sun in my Belly

East of Decatur, nearby the train tracks lay a row of restaurants including Wahoo! Grill, Radial Café, Fox Brothers and Sun in my Belly. Sun in my Belly sits at the corner of College Avenue and Murray Hill Avenue in an unassuming brick building. Walk in and you’re greeted by a deli set up in front of you, to your left you’ll find a small waiting area squared off with antique suede couches and an intimate dining area, and further on in the back room you’ll find warm wood all around and a giant bureau covered with candles. The tables are topped with hand painted mason jars and Tibetian-esque paper streamers hang from ceiling.

While there isn’t a plethora of gluten free and dairy free dishes, the ones on the menu are definitely worth it. The Antipasto Starter includes a selection of cured meats, organic salami from the local producer Patakmeats, lemon zested artichoke hearts, rosemary scented olives and a selection of cheeses with sliced baguette. The staff is very understanding of intolerances and allergies and will happily serve the cheese and bread on a separate plate if you have others dining with you.

The Hermes salad made of fresh arugula, roasted pears, champagne vinaigrette and blue cheese can be ordered without the blue cheese. Many of the other salads can be gluten free and dairy free as well. During dinner hours, you can order off the Supper Club menu. I appreciate how you have the option to order the full Supper Club dinner or order off the menu al a carte. I ordered a green chicken chili soup that was heart warmingly homemade.

Overall, Sun in my Belly is a great place to enjoy a cup of espresso or a light dinner. It’s a good place to have on your list for when you’re looking for a restaurant to appeal to a large group.