In-the-Know Eats

There’s plenty to love on restaurant menus, but savvy foodies know that sometimes what’s not on the menu is just as special. For example, at the upscale Kyma (kymaatlanta.com), sharable small plates called meze are a favorite way to experience elegantly presented Greek fare. The kitchen is pleased to honor requests for items that have cycled off of the menu, such as cheese and wild mushroom kataifi pie made with filo dough and black truffles, pan-fried barbounia or red mullet from Greece, and Himalayan salt block-seared ahi “a la poncha” over wild mushrooms a la Grecque. One of the perennial favorites at Cooks & Soldiers (cooksandsoldiers. com) on the Westside is the “bikini,” a grilled cheese with jamón ibérico and black truffle. Vegetarians, don’t fret: The kitchen is happy to make it sans ham. While you won’t find it on the menu, like all Basque kitchens, the chefs always have piperade—that’s traditional pepper stew—ready. Request it, and it’ll come served with grilled sourdough and topped with a fried egg. Vegans may steer clear of sushi restaurants, fearing that they’ll be relegated to edamame and steamed rice. Buckhead’s Umi

Order the “bikini” grilled cheese without the signature ham to make this dish at Cooks & Soldiers vegetarian-friendly.

You don’t have to be a “Breaking Bad” fan to appreciate the flavor of NFA Burger’s Heisenburger.

(umiatlanta.com), known for its flawless sushi, offers off-the-menu vegan options. With dishes such as yuzumarinated baby heirloom tomatoes with ice plant; fluffy potato dumpling in kelp broth with hakusai cabbage and yuba; and sushi rice risotto with spicy tofu, black bean sauce and wild mushrooms, you won’t feel left out among your carnivorous dining companions. Chef Todd Dae Baker is even happy to craft a vegan omakase menu on the fly. NFA Burger (nfaburger.com) inside a Chevron gas station in Dunwoody has been named to Thrillist’s “Best Burgers in America List” and has developed a cult following of diehard fans. Next time you’re there, order the Heisenburger, inspired by the TV show “Breaking Bad.” The double-stacked, smashed cheeseburger is topped with hatch green chiles and mustard on an inverted toasted potato bun. The Westside’s powder, which is typically a blend of dried mushrooms and herbs, adds a savory flavor.”

WHAT: Brekkie Bowl

WHERE: Daily Chew, dailychewatl.com

WHY: “You might not think of pickles and hummus for breakfast, but they are a delicious complement to eggs, avocado, greens and sweet potatoes in this yummy bowl to kick off the day. Or grab the bowl for an egg-tastic lunch. Bonus for those who care: It’s gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian, and the veggies are locally sourced.”

WHAT: Açaí Bowl

WHERE: Kale Me Crazy, kalemecrazy.net

WHY: “There’s nothing like a cooling smoothie bowl on a hot day. I love this one that pairs the sweetness of açaí, coconut milk and raw honey with fresh berries, sliced bananas, coconut nibs, granola and mint for a surprising finish on your palate. Request a dollop of almond butter for protein—and because it makes it extra delish.” n

BADASS + HEALTHY badassandhealthy.com • @badasshealthy

SIP, SIP

If staying healthy on the go is a challenge, DTox Juice (dtoxjuice.com) has you covered. Pick up one of the verdant juices such as Green Love (green apples, spinach, kale, ginger and lemon) or the whimsically blue Sapphire Butterfly (pomegranate, blueberry and butterfly pea flower tea), and you’ll feel great about your nutritional choice. Need something even more intense? Do the Sea Moss-ter with known inflammation-fighter Irish sea moss, lemon and apple, or Turmeric with raw honey, cayenne and ginger superfood shots to pack a pick-me-up punch.

ErikMeadows

Marcel (marcelatl.com) is known for its aged steaks, cigars and stiff cocktails that harken back to a golden age of steakhouses. Order the secret “Oscar fries” that come laden with Alabama jumbo lump

Kale