DINING
Where the Locals Eat Four notable residents residents share their favorite Gwinnett restaurants BY JENNIFER SENATOR
DANIEL BURAPAVONG
Tree Story Bakery & Cafe
When Daniel Burapavong moved to Atlanta to attend Georgia Tech 18 years ago, it wasn’t long before he realized many of his favorite restaurants were in Gwinnett County. “The main reason I purchased a Peach Pass years ago was because I found myself driving to Gwinnett so often to dine out,” he says. He continues to eat out in Gwinnett regularly, using the hashtag #ExploreGwinnett to document his culinary outings. All-around favorite restaurant: Right now, it’s K BBQ Factory. Korean barbecue is one of my favorite types of cuisine. You can’t get much better than these guys in terms of the quality of food and service. Best breakfast/brunch: Georgia French Bakery & Cafe is as authentic as it gets when it comes to delicious, madefrom-scratch breads, pastries, and sandwiches. The Parisian sandwich, made with roast beef, balsamic mayo, red onions, blue cheese, and tomato, is phenomenal. Best date spot: Why not make it a doughnuts date? Sarah Donuts has the best doughnuts in metro Atlanta. My favorites are the red velvet cake with icing and the glazed twist cake. Best on a budget: RW’s Subs—this sandwich shop is legit and arguably the best in metro Atlanta.
Sa r ah Don uts
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Ryan’s Honey Club (smoked turkey, ham, crispy bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, and honey mustard) is perfect from top to bottom. Favorite coffee shop: I love the whimsical, storybook-like atmosphere at Tree Story Bakery & Cafe. It offers an ever-changing selection of drip-brewed coffee and interesting foods like fresh mochi (Japanese rice cake) and sweet green bean paste buns. Best place to take out-of-town guests: Bally Budaejjigae is unique—they specialize in budae-jjigae, Korean for “army base
stew.” There are stoves at every table to cook and keep the hearty stew nice and hot. Best dessert: The flavored snow (shaved ice) and toast at Snowflake Tea House not only looks great, it tastes great, too. The ice is neatly shaved into soft, thin, ribbons and the toast creations are large and impressive. Best ethnic restaurant: Gwinnett has some of the best Korean food in the country, and Seo Ra Beol is one of my favorites. Their naengmyeon (cold noodles) and bibimbap (mixed rice) are outstanding. Plus, it’s open 24/7.
