Wednesday, December 19, 2001

Food at the fabulous five

By F.C. FOODIE
Food Critic

During the past year, I have grazed my way through some of the county's best and worst dining establishments.

The gastronomic adventure in Fayette County is getting a little more creative and restaurant owners are becoming a bit more savvy in the dining business.

Everybody is time-constrained and, when we use our dollars to dine, we want our money's worth and also the feeling that we are a little special and not just another link in the food chain.

Foodie's gift to his adoring and sometimes cranky readers is the Fabulous Five. These five restaurants are the best in Fayette County and deserve your attention. All offer unique dining experiences and I have never been disappointed. When the holidays get you down, treat yourself to a good meal. It will melt those holiday blues and give you a warm feeling in these cold months.

In reviewing this year's additions to the dining scene, I did not find anything that struck me as zomething worthy of breaking through the pecking order of last year's winners. I've been to these restaurants again this year and still believe they're the best in the county.

The Fabulous Five (in no particular order):

Pascal's Bistro in Peachtree City.

Pascal has converted the tired Agnes and Muriel's space in Westpark Walk to a wonderful little bistro. During lunch, the chef offers a sumptuous buffet, while dinner offers a wonderful continental selection of specially prepared items.

Valentino's Restaurant in the Braelinn Shopping Center in Peachtree City.

What used to be a run-of-the-mill Italian joint in a strip shopping center has been transformed into a trip to old Italy.

The ownership offers wonderful pasta, chicken and veal dishes with sauces like Mama used to make.

The City Cafe on Ga. Highway 85 in Fayetteville. This is Fayette's most European restaurant and the chef is constantly whipping up dishes that offer Fayette foodies a trip to Europe without a passport.

Village Cafe in the Banks Station Shopping Center. This was Fayette's first truly fine dining restaurant. The restaurant has recently added new items to its menu and offers a welcome respite to the proliferation of chain restaurants around the county.

Ginza Restaurant in Peachtree City. This was Peachtree City's first foray into the sushi culture. The restaurant still dishes up some of the tastiest Japanese cuisine on the south side.

Enjoy!

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