We split the basic burger that is smashed on a hot flat griddle so you get thin char on the outside with a juicy interior. It’s the opposite of the backyard flame grill but still delicious. Ours came with melty American cheese and we added a zippy chipotle mayonnaise.
Each Smash location has a regional burger and the Atlanta burger sounded sinfully good with “Wicked Pimena cheese” and Vidalia coleslaw. I’ll wait for winter for that indulgence. A cobb salad is my go to summer salad and Smash makes a good one with chicken, bacon, and egg pulled together with a creamy buttermilk ranch. We also sampled the addictive sweet potato rosemary fries.
You’ve been good with salads and sandwiches, so now it’s dessert time. For ice cream, head to Morelli’s take out but beware of the long line. It’s worth it for Atlanta’s largest unusual selection of artisanal ice cream, with popular flavors including salted caramel or banana Moon Pie. I also sampled the coconut jalapeño which exploded like a tropical firework in my mouth. For something lighter they have excellent sorbets like pear and blackberry.
A newcomer on the block is Pie Shop located on Roswell Road, offering a constantly changing menu of classic and new fusion sweet and savory Southern pies. What does this mean? You can have a cool coconut cream pie or a savory bacon cheddar vidalia quiche or honeydew cheesecake with graham cracker crust – fierce! Go to Pie Shop and leave the oven off.
Alon’s Bakery & Market
1394 N. Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30306
www.alons.com
Smashburger
2625 Piedmont Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30324
www.smashburger.com
Morelli’s Ice Cream
749 Moreland Ave., Ste. B-102
Atlanta, GA 30316
www.morellisicecream.com
The Pie Shop
3210E Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
www.the-pie-shop.com
Top photo: Whether you prefer hearty fruit pies or cool meringue and cream, Pie Shop offers desserts to make your late summer meals complete. (via Facebook)