Dining Guide

For great dining, head west

Wed, 09/21/2005 - 10:22pm
By: F. C. Foodie

I love independent restaurants. Usually, these are the labors of love of a very determined chef who has worked in other restaurants and has finally decided its time to bite the bullet, find financing and open the space.

I've recently discovered what may be the best restaurant in Fayette and Coweta counties. Andre's Off the Square in Newnan is part of the city's plan to create a synergy around the square, and let me tell you, it's working.

I decided to try the restaurant after hearing good things from some fellow foodies, and I was stunned to say the least. I lived in Newnan from 1985-1989, and there was nothing close to this for foodies to hit.

The restaurant was started by a former Peachtree City resident who went off to cooking school and then worked at several Atlanta area restaurants.

He decided to open a restaurant, and picked what I think, is a perfect location.

The restaurant features a lot of exposed brick and glass block. There is tasteful artwork hung throughout the restaurant, and a classy bar area for adult libations. Everything about the restaurant oozes class and sophistication. The restaurant has far more in common with New York than the Newnan of my youth.

But now let's get to the best part: the food. Andre serves continental food with a twist. Appetizers include a delicious Vidalia onion tart and miniature filet mignons.

Entrees feature everything from pan roasted free range chicken breast to Niman Ranch pork loin. One of my favorites is the blackened catfish served with fried green tomatoes, roasted red peppers and pecan brown butter sauce.

The restaurant also excels in desserts. The menu includes old fashioned blueberry cobbler and a wonderful dish of roasted apples in bourbon crepes.

I dined at Andre's on a Wednesday night,and it was remarkably full. I'm sure the weekends are packed, so make your reservations early. It's worth the drive to have one of the best meals in the region.

Andre's is located at 11 Jefferson Street in Newnan and can be reached at 770-304-3557. Entrees range from $14-$25.

login to post comments

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.
Head West Indeed
Submitted by Ed Ingram on Wed, 01/25/2006 - 11:47am.

I agree in your assesment of Andres Off the Square restaurant in downtown Newnan, except in one area. There are TWO exceptional restaurants located just off the square in Newnan. I would encourage you to revisit the Newnan Square and have dinner at the BrickYard Restaurant, located at 9 East Court Square. This restaurant is located just around the corner from Andres, and is celebrating it's 2nd anniversary this year. The ad that is running in the current issue of the Guide Magazine - 2006 on page 103 just about says it all... "Fine Dining... Period". The owner and chef at this local eatery, Jeff Ingram, was born and raised in PTC, and has been in the fine dining business for over 10 years. As a matter of fact, he and Andre are close personal friends, and visit each other's establishments often. I would ask that you visit the BrickYard and perhaps enjoy one of their "Signature Steaks" or Jumbo Lump Crabcakes. And don't forget the house deserts that are created daily. After doing so, you might just want to revisit your article. Both are excellent choices for anyone who enjoys "Fine Dining" and I encourage everyone to patronize each. The owner's are both local boys who have "done good" and have established two restaurants that PTC/Newnan residents should enjoy to their fullest. Just inside the door at the BrickYard is a sign that says "Come as strangers...leave as friends". Why not take them up on their offer ?

login to post comments
Andres Off the Square
Submitted by pandybj1946 on Sun, 01/29/2006 - 11:34am.

I took my daughter there for the first time on her birthday and found a treasure in my own hometown. No longer do I have to go to Atlanta for a great steak and sides, Newnan now has a master cheft and restaurant. The garlic mashed potatoes were the best I've ever tasted. The steak,both in quality and taste was beyond description! The atmosphere and service is wonderful. I now measure steaks by Andres,not by Bones or good ole Ruth
C..Anyone who adds steak seansoning to a Andres steak,should be slapped for being stupid. The steak is wonderful just by itself. Wait till you taste the deserts!!!!
Andre,thanks for choosing Newnan-We are up and coming and on our way!

login to post comments

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.