Where the Locals Eat

Four residents share their favorite spots for a memorable meal

BY JENNIFER SENATOR

Santiago Marquez

President and CEO, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

When Santiago Marquez moved to Grayson 20 years ago, his family was attracted to the area’s schools, affordability, and “country feel,” he says. “There are still patches of it left, but it’s starting to feel more urban. There’s a tremendous amount of opportunity here.” Marquez, who works in downtown Atlanta, says he is intentional about patronizing area restaurants on weekends. “When I’m home I like to stay local.”

All-around favorite restaurant: I like to cook, but when I see we’re in a bind I go to the Summit Chase Country Club and place an order to go. I purposely don’t call ahead; I sit at the bar so I can get a martini. They have outstanding food and are very close to my house. I usually get the grilled buffalo chicken wrap for lunch, and the quesadillas are outstanding. You can usually find me there at least once a week. Best breakfast: Pancake House in Grayson has phenomenal pancakes. We like going there after early mass. My kids love the chocolate chip pancakes, but I’m partial to the regular old pancakes. For brunch, I like Local Republic; a Bloody Mary is usually in order, and they have some really good ones. Best date spot: Moonshiners in Grayson has excellent craft cocktails, made with all types of moonshine. I really like the Lemon Drop, made with a smoky moonshine, and the Backyard Tea, made with peach moonshine. Best special-occasion restaurant: When we’re celebrating family birthdays, we go to Frida’s. They have very good food, it’s affordable, you get the sombrero, and they sing. The atmosphere is festive. My wife and I share the steak, chicken, and shrimp fajitas.

Local Republic

The guacamole is really good—they make it fresh at the table—and their salsa is homemade, too. Best hidden gem: Unless you’re a local, you wouldn’t know about Sam’s in downtown Grayson. They do an interesting take on Mediterranean and Southern cuisine, and everything is made there. Start with the fried green tomatoes, and their fried chicken is really good. You get country gravy on the side and garlic mashed potatoes. I also like their gyro salad and barbecue chicken salad. Best patio: Slow Pour has a phenomenal beer garden and patio. You can bring in your own food, and I like the Too Many Words Double IPA. They serve it at Gladiators and Stripers games. Best international cuisine: While the best Cuban food comes from my mom, we also like Mojitos in downtown Norcross. They make an excellent Cuba Libre, and their ropa vieja is really, really good, served with black beans and rice and maduros.

Amanda Yu-Nguyen

Director of the Center for Healthful Living, Oxford College of Emory University

A graduate of North Gwinnett High School, Amanda Yu-Nguyen returned to the area after college and now lives in Loganville with her partner, whom she met in high school. “We chose to move back to Gwinnett because of the reasonable commute, great park system, and higher concentration of Asian restaurants and grocery stores,” she says. “Plus, as an avid runner, it’s a joy to live near so many wonderful paths and trails.”

All-around favorite restaurant: I can’t pick one. Sushi Avenue in Snellville has been my go-to for sushi close to home. The owners source fresh fish weekly, and the customer service is top-notch. I am fond of the spider roll and yellowtail roll. Each time I eat at Ming’s BBQ in Duluth, I’m reminded of my Chinese family roots and trips to Hong Kong. I love their beef chow fun (gon chow ngau ho), and they have good barbecue pork, too. Best breakfast/brunch: The Brunch Apothecary in Dacula is a great spot. I enjoy their hash brown casserole. It can be a bit of a wait on the weekends, but it’s worth it. Best coffee: I love grabbing a cup of coffee and sitting on the front porch of

Boulder Creek Coffee

on the Lawrenceville Square. They know how to do pour-overs well. Best special-occasion restaurant: When I’m feeling like wearing stretchy pants and going all in on all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue, you can find me at Breakers in Duluth. I like to order "All You Can Eat A" and get some garlic in butter to cook on the plate. Fun fact: You can spot me in the promo video that streams along the back wall. Best hidden gem: Tucked away in the back of an unassuming strip mall, El Jinete in Snellville is a great place to grab some Mexican food. If you weren’t looking for it,

Breakers

you’d drive right by. Best patio: Local Republic in Lawrenceville has great food and indooroutdoor dining options. I enjoy the bacon mac and cheese and the fish tacos. Best local hangout: I love stopping by Matcha Cafe Maiko to get my green tea fill. I enjoy their matcha soft-serve as well as their raindrop cake. Best international cuisine: Wavez Bakery and Restaurant in Snellville is a great place to grab some delicious Caribbean food on the way home. I love their oxtail, and they have great sweets, too. If you’re hungry, come early!

Claus Staalner

Owner, C.S. Industries

A Suwanee resident since 1985, Claus Staalner remembers that when his family first moved to town, “It was the new frontier,” he laughs. “There was nothing but forest, fields, and snakes.” Today Staalner, who enjoys trying new restaurants with his family, describes the area quite differently. “It’s a mecca for eating out. We have incredible choices in all price ranges.”

All-around favorite restaurant: I love the chef and the food at Sperata in Buford. Christopher Hope is very talented. I always try the specials, which are very unique, but his claim to fame is the Crab Tower. You have to try it. Best breakfast/brunch: We like Parma in Buford. They offer some unique breakfast combinations; it’s not just two eggs over easy. I like their breakfast sandwiches, biscuits, and home fries. And they have excellent coffee. Best special-occasion restaurant: It’s hard to choose between Sperata and La Belle Vie. Sperata is the very best Gwinnett has to offer—always fantastic food and good service. La Belle Vie is cute and quaint and has some great dishes. The escargot is absolutely fantastic. Best patio: We enjoy Slow Pour in Lawrenceville. The beer is super, and there are food trucks. It’s a great place for the family. There’s a great outdoor area where you can play games.

La Belle Vie Best local hangout: Taco Mac in Suwanee is just a good place to sit at the bar, watch a game, or meet up with friends for a cold one. Best international cuisine: We love Talay, a Thai restaurant in Suwanee. Their mandarin beef is the best in town.

Slow Pour

Bianca Adams

Owner, Hometown Plumbing

“We love Gwinnett for many reasons, but the number one reason is its diversity,” says Bianca Adams, who moved with her husband, Gabe, and their four sons to Dacula nine years ago. “I am a first-generation American on my father’s side . . . it was important for us to raise our guys in a diverse environment.” She also appreciates the diversity in Gwinnett’s dining scene. As owners of a local business, she says it’s important to them to support restaurants in their community.

All-around favorite restaurant: Local Republic, hands down. It’s our Cheers. We get the surf ’n turf when available and share it and have more than enough food. For lunch, you can’t go wrong with the pimento cheese and the Fire Chicken, but be warned, it is hot! They also have drink specials most nights. Go on Wednesdays for the best old-fashioned for $5. Best breakfast/brunch: The Brunch Apothecary. It’s owned by a local favorite chef, Rico Cunnington, who also owns Rico’s World Kitchen. Our favorites are the Pork Belly Benedict and the shrimp and grits, but be sure to add fried green tomatoes and a biscuit; those are heavenly. Best cocktails: We often stop by Parkside District just to sit at the bar and have a drink. I like the peach whiskey cosmo. Best special-occasion restaurant: Cotton Calf Kitchen has it all, from the perfect romantic ambiance to the desserts. We’ve had many items from the menu here, but our go-to is the 16-ounce Cajun ribeye. The sides are equally impressive, and we often over-order these to have leftovers the next day. Get the creamed spinach, Southwest creamed corn, and the Lyonnaise potatoes. The vanilla bean crème brûlée is our favorite. Best hidden gem: 1910 Public House is a fun little spot on the Lilburn square, which is often overlooked. They have great food and drinks and a dessert fridge that calls your name right when you walk in. Best patio: Pure Taqueria has a great patio for people-watching on the Duluth square, especially when there is a concert or festival going on. Be sure to order the Queso Gringo with pickled jalapenos. We always get the tacos and a “manarita.” Best local hangout: Marlow’s Tavern is a family favorite. It has something for all six of us. Our guys often get the Tavern Burger, while Gabe gets the Prime Rib French Dip, and I get the Black & Blue Salad. Best international cuisine: Mojitos is a great spot for Cuban food. We start with the beef empanadas and tamales and share the roast pork loin and palomilla steak. Go the last Wednesday of the month for bottomless mojitos.

Local Republic