Savor Sandy Springs

The stuffed red pepper was filled with cooked grains, red onion, corn and peas. It was the perfect doneness with all of the veggies still having a brightness and toothsome crunch.

The spinach quiche and the vegetable pie were also quite good. Kim uses the same dough for these as she does her strucla. The lack of a side or garnish makes it feel like you’re dining in a bakery more than a restaurant. Kim later explained that when their traffic picks up she will have the ability to include more garnishes and sides but for now, she tries to limit her perishables. All of her baked products are made fresh each day.

For dessert, we tried Kim’s signature strucla, a “classic” apricot. As Ray explains, “It has apricots, walnuts, golden raisins, coconut and some hmmm, hmmm, hmmm.” It was gooey and not too sweet. We also tried a fig strucla, a ginger cookie and the pecan shortbread. All were very good with the ginger cookie packing a spicy punch.

Kim emerged from the kitchen to inquire how we liked our lunch. It’s clear that she and Ray have big plans for this restaurant even talking of eventually opening a kid’s baking school and a meals-to-go section. It’s also clear that those plans are firmly rooted in values that honor family and community.

Making it in the restaurant business is tough. Kim and Ray have already fielded offers to sell their products through grocery chains and other restaurants, but have resisted, fearful that they would not be able to maintain the quality and high standards that are the bedrocks of their business.

As to the original question, will Aunt Bella make it? It’s clear that she already has.

Bella’s Best Organic Gourmet is located at 25-D Bennett St. For more information, call (404) 603-4733 or visit bellasbestcookies.com.

Art Huckabee is one of Yelp’s Elite Reviewers, as well as a pilot, gourmet cook and food lover. Send feedback to tastingintown@atlantaintownpaper.com.

B’s Bistro is a neighborhood restaurant with a casual, yet elegant ambiance where everyone is welcome. It’s the place to enjoy food and drinks among friends. Our menu is “food you know and love with a twist” classic continental cuisine, with a signature flare. We source the freshest local items prepared daily.

B’s Bistro 6010 Sandy Springs Circle www.BsBistro.com

There are more than 100 full-service fine dining restaurants in Sandy Springs. Reserve a table and enjoy a delicious meal in our community!

For more information about dining in Sandy Springs, please visit: www.VisitSandySprings.org