Ep 2. Atlanta

In the second episode of season 7 of The Best Thing I Ever Ate, we explore Atlanta and the delicious eats it has to offer. From fried chicken to BBQ, Atlanta is known for its southern cuisine and the episode does not disappoint in showcasing some of the best dishes in the city.

The show starts off with an exploration of the Kirkwood neighborhood where we meet Chef Hector Santiago who takes us to a hidden gem called El Tesoro. El Tesoro is a Mexican restaurant that many locals don't even know about. Chef Santiago raves about the tacos de lengua and their signature dish, the Molcajete Azteca. The Molcajete Azteca is a large lava rock bowl filled with arrachera, shrimp, queso, cactus, and salsa roja. The dish is served with fresh tortillas and is a must-try for anyone visiting Atlanta.

Next up, we head to Ponce City Market to try some of the best fried chicken in the city at Hop's Chicken. Chef Kevin Gillespie joins the show and tells us about his favorite dish, the Hop's Hot Chicken Sandwich. The sandwich features hot chicken, house pickles, and a house-made ranch dressing. The sandwich isn't for the faint of heart and Chef Gillespie warns us that it may make us sweat, but assures us that it is worth it.

We then head to Midtown to check out a classic Atlanta establishment, Mary Mac's Tea Room. Mary Mac's has been serving Southern comfort food since 1945 and is known for its meat and three options. Chef Jernard Wells takes us on a tour of the menu and recommends the fried okra and the chicken and dumplings. The chicken and dumplings are made with fresh vegetables and a secret recipe that has been passed down for generations.

After a stop at The Varsity, a classic Atlanta drive-in restaurant, we head to the West End to try some of the best BBQ in the city at B's Cracklin' BBQ. Chef Ford Fry joins the show and talks about how B's Cracklin' BBQ is a hidden gem in the city. The restaurant is known for its whole hog BBQ and the show features the Hogs for the Cause plate which includes pulled pork, spare ribs, and brisket. Chef Terry Koval also joins the show to recommend the smoked wings and the cracklin' cornbread.

Our final stop on the Atlanta food tour takes us to the Buford Highway Farmer's Market. The market is a one-stop-shop for international cuisine and has over 30,000 products from around the world. Chef Steven Satterfield joins the show and recommends the Korean fried chicken and the seafood paella from the market's restaurant. The paella features fresh seafood, Spanish saffron, and is made fresh to order.

Overall, the Atlanta episode of The Best Thing I Ever Ate does an excellent job of showcasing the diverse cuisine that the city has to offer. From Mexican to Southern comfort food to international cuisine, the episode has something for everyone. The local chefs and food personalities featured on the show are passionate about their city and their food and it shines through in their recommendations. If you're planning a trip to Atlanta or just looking for some delicious food inspiration, this episode is a must-watch.