Happy Wednesday pretty friends! And happy New Year!! We are kicking off 2017 with the last restaurant I had the pleasure of dining at in 2016, Revival. Located in Decatur, Revival is a nod to Chef/Owner Kevin Gillespie’s formative years, offering a proper version of the traditional Sunday dinner served family-style and executed with his precise techniques. Following Gillespie’s allegiance to Southern cuisine, Revival focuses on farm-fresh ingredients and a dining experience that reflects the traditions his own family follows.
What to Order at Revival
Last week my dear friend Cynthia from Darling Down South and I had a fun girls afternoon around Atlanta. We started out date by getting foot massages at Treat Your Feet in Buckhead- only $25 for 30 minutes! After getting pampered, we headed to Decatur to try out Revival for the first time. We both love southern food so we’ve been wanting to try this very popular restaurant! You get complimentary valet parking or you can park for free on the street. From the moment you walk into the cute southern-home style restaurant, you are immediately greeted by warm smiles and welcomes. We were taken to our table and our friendly waitress, Ashley, told us about the menu. Cynthia started the evening off with their Old Fashion while I got their warm apple cider. Yum!
The fun part about Revival is that there are two ways of ordering your food- either a la carte or a more southern traditional way, family style. With the family style option, you each get to pick your entree and your dessert but the Chef picks out appetizers and sides! Since everything on the menu looked delicious, we went with the family style option.
We started out with a small dish that was a play on lox and bagels- cooked salmon on a wheat cracker topped with a dot of creme fraiche. We also tried their kale salad which is made with local kale, apples, charred onions, cheese and a broiled vignette dressing. It was so fresh and delicious!
For our entrees, Cynthia chose the fried catfish and I went with the fried chicken. Both were great but the fried catfish definitely won. It was lightly fried and served with a remoulade sauce. For our sides we got some of their best- Mac n cheese, hickory smoked greens, duck fat fried fingerling potatoes, celery root casserole and cabbage.
Finally, we finished off the night with two amazing desserts- fried apple pie with house made vanilla ice cream and lemon icebox pie. We absolutely loved both of them- Cynthia even asked for the recipe for the lemon pie! Highly recommend going with either of those for dessert.
Now Serving Brunch
Not able to make it to Revival for dinner? No worries- starting this Sunday they will be offering brunch. Revival’s brunch menu is still in the testing phase but cherished Chef Gillespie family recipes and favorites from Chef Müller like the Closed-on-Sunday chicken sandwich and griddled meatloaf sandwich with aged cheddar on a caramelized onion roll have landed a spot the menu. Other Southern classics you might find include scrambled egg and crêpe casserole with truffle mornay; smoked ham and onion breakfast strata; breakfast plate with two eggs, grits, sausage, bacon and biscuits; and catfish bites over grits with gravy.
Brunch will be available on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The restaurant also serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 5 p.m. Revival is located at 129 Church Street in Decatur. Reservations are accepted but not required and can be made online or by calling 470-225-6770. Additional information can be found at revivaldecatur.com.
Xo,
Leave a Reply