I could not wait to write this review...I woke up early this morning still thinking about parts of…read morethe meal. This restaurant really really surprised me!! We actually did not have much expectations. Seriously, I did not think it was going to be anything amazing. Such a fool, a total fool.
We had gotten into a slump, working too much and then just going to where it was the easiest. Lately we have been trying to make it to some different places for us. Mirae, Siren, Chef Rob's Cafe & Bar, etc., have all been fine. Spring is a restaurant I had heard about since it opened like 10 years ago (been in ATL since before the construction of the GA-400 toll booths...so basically ATL local).
Unfortunately, my deep-rooted aversion to traffic and leaving ITP was embarrassingly the reason for not visiting. Big mistake, huge! I think what was very impressive to me was the thoughtfully curated wine list. Wow! I have not been so interested in a wine list in a while around here. I am not knowledgeable about wine, I know the basics and I know what I think tastes good for me. I think that it is not difficult to curate a great list if you pack it full of expensive well-known bottles. This wine list is fun to explore!
Admittedly, before a visit to any restaurant, I have already done much research. For some reason, 10 years ago, I thought Spring was a tasting menu that had like dashes of Korean or Asian influence. I think maybe I thought, why drive so far away when great tasting menus minutes away....so wrong to have thought this! We ordered the oysters, beef tartar, the hamachi, parfait, halibut, chicken, white chocolate and grapefruit, and the tart.
I actually think this is the first time I liked everything. The OYSTER! Blew my mind! I told my partner that I wanted to come back just for a dozen of these oysters and champagne! The oyster from New Zealand were plump and large, and clean tasting. When the flavor first hit, my brain thought "what is this slightly oily feeling and do I like it?" And then, OMG...uh yes! It all worked together. I mean seriously, party in the mouth! I LOVED it. Perfection!
I usually do not eat or like beef tartar. However, this one is delicious. I cannot describe it comparing to others, but I think it tasted good.
The Hamachi was amazing! The funny thing is my partner was not sure if he would like it, he thought the fish would not be good. Hahaha the look on his face after he took a bite was priceless! Fresh and delicious! Hahaha he basically finished the whole dish!
The entrees were incredible. The fish was heaven. My piece was cooked perfectly and omg, the bacon, ham, whatever pork thing, wrapped around the fish was magic! I even tasted some of the chicken (I am not a huge chicken fan) and it was succulent and juicy, and soooo tasty!
The desserts were delicious, but for me it was the crust of the tart. The gooey syrup had soaked into the crust and it was warm and comforting and gosh, just perfect for cold or rainy weather. I don't know why, but the crust reminded me a little of my favorite cookie, a fresh-made Yakgwa!
Now the wine list! Even the wines by the glasses are interesting. The wine sommelier recommended a nice glass of white to begin our dinner (no cocktails at the restaurant). The white for me was perfect to drink through the whole meal. It was fresh, clean, and had a bite. I think it was great with the oyster, and also able to cut through the fat of the parfait and tartar. My partner and I were really interested in a bottle that we had been wanting to try. Daniel gave us such great history on the wine! And the wine was absolutely delicious! It didn't really "go" with our meal but...whatever. Will definitely be finding this bottle!
And best of all....it is not like a $350/pp, before wine pairing, meal. The à la cart menu looks like a tasting menu, it tastes like a tasting menu, but you are not punched in the face with paying a tasting menu's price. It was great to be able to share some of our dishes (the portions are filling, not the tiny food that requires a stop at Taco Bell afterwards).
Oh and they sell their bread! We had to bring it home with us!