And the mail keeps coming...

Two months ago, I asked residents what type of restaurant they would like to see in Fayette County.

Last month, I printed a sampling of your replies. This month, I'll throw one more stick of kindling on the fire with this letter from a Peachtree City resident.

“I read with interest your article on what type of restaurants people would like to see locate in this area. It reinforces what the gentleman from Rosemary's Cafe said a couple of months ago.

“Give the people of Fayette County all they can eat for $3.95 regardless of what it is, and they will flock to your doors.

“A case in point is Village Cafe. My wife, mother and I went there recently thinking we were going to a nice upscale restaurant. The owner is a true chef with good credentials. Unfortunately, he has had to adjust his menu to the tastes of Fayette County.

“Prime rib by definition of the FDA is `prime' standing rib roast. They serve boneless rib roast of `choice' grade meat. Au jus gravy is the natural juices from the meat mixed with a little water or wine, nothing more.

“They advertise prime rib with au jus gravy. Their gravy is good old thick gravy slathered all over the meat, not even on the side so that you would have the option of not eating it. `Traditional Caesar salad' is another case in point. Do not call Caesar salad `traditional' unless it is made with olive oil, lemon or wine vinegar, anchovy, Worcestershire, garlic and egg.“

“Traditional' Caesar salad does not have a `creamy' dressing. This is what the people of Fayette County want because it is cheap and there is a lot of it. Taste or quality has nothing to do with it.

“Why does a place like the old Hogans' Heroes survive? Because they don't bow to people with no taste, they stand their ground and people who appreciate quality and taste in their food come from North Atlanta where there are GOOD restaurants.

“I realize this is going to offend people in the county with one of the highest per capita incomes in the state, however they obviously wouldn't know a fine (let alone gourmet) restaurant if they were standing in front of one. Maybe I am wrong — it may be they just don't have the taste for one.”

The reader makes some valid points, but I'm hopeful that Fayette County's fellow foodies will prove him wrong and create a clamor for a destination, gourmet restuarant that has customers driving from Atlanta, instead of us heading north for a dining experience.

In other dining notes around the county:

• Ventura's Pizza between Fayetteville and Peachtree City has closed its doors. Rumors are swirling that the owners had a lease problem with the building and are looking for another location.

Hopefully, it won't be too much longer until Ventura's is back serving the best pizza in the county.

• In my initial call for restaurants, I selfishly wished for a Thai restaurant to call Fayette home. Well, one hasn't opened in the county yet, but in Clayton County, Flavors of Thailand has opened its doors. According to my reports, the restaurant, at 847 Southway Drive in Jonesboro, is dishing up some fine authentic cuisine.

• A hearty welcome to three more chains to the Fayette County dining scene.

On the Border and Chili's have opened their doors for business on Ga. Highway 74 in Peachtree City, while Malone's recently opened on Ga. Highway 85 South in Fayetteville.

One advisory note to Chili's, though: Please take names and seat people in the smoking section. As it is now, smokers have to wait until they see a vacant table and then run to nab it. I foresee a fight one busy Friday or Saturday night.

• The old Agnes and Muriel's location in Westpark Walk in Peachtree City is now home to Pascal's.

Pascal's is a continental bistro and bears watching as an interesting addition to the food scene.

• One of the county's best restaurants, City Cafe in Fayetteville, is serving up German specials this month to celebrate Octoberfest. While you're there, be sure to bring home some of the best pastries and bread in the area.

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