In~vol~untary evacuation can lead to marvelous e~vol~utionary processes. For instance, last week we were forced to cancel our dream vacation (again) to Costa Rica, land of volcanoes and Pura Vida. Since we don’t have relatives living in brick homes elsewhere in Florida, we looked outside of the vacation peninsula for refuge. Much of my family lives in Louisiana, already filled with evacuees from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey as the state itself is just now recouperating from the mind numbing flooding they experienced last Summer. We have children up in Nebraska, but since flying was already iffy at best, we decided to head to Atlanta where there was ONE good hotel that we found and made reservations. Also, this is where my youngest son lives, giving us a great opportunity to visit one of my ducklings.
No, there were no volcanoes there; but what we found were wonderful receptive communities who opened their hotels, restaurants and hearts to the influx of evacuees that flooded their borders.
For me the food was re~vol~utionary. I have not had such delectable treats and comfort meals since I left Louisiana, the place I have always known as home.
Atlanta is an old city that is continually e~vol~ving, as witnessed by the development of the Ponce Market area and the growing BeltLine project which gives space to local artists to display their genius and inspiration while encouraging people to get out, breathe the air and enjoy the sights, sounds, food and shopping in one area of this great city.
Why this post? This was one of the most enjoyable events of my Summer, spurned by one of the most devastating events in modern weather history. And it is brought to you courtesy of the weekly prompt ~vol~ by our good friend and host Linda Hill and her Stream of Consciousness Saturday event. Click the link for more great posts and the rules so that you can join in.
Meanwhile, here are some of the most amazing food moments of our hurricane re~vol~ution.
The Holiday Inn was gracious, friendly and even reduced our room rate during the hurricane. Thank you!
First stop, Roux on Canton, located on Canton St in Roswell, GA. Click on any photo for details about the picture
We had our first and last breakfasts at Peachtree Diner, just next to the hotel. The staff worked fast and friendly with all the pressure of increased volume and at one point, loss of power. The empty butter cup in the second photo? Yeah, that was in my grits. That’s G.R.I.T.S. Dan. 😉
There are many photos in this group, so here is a slide show of the BeltLine and Ponce Market.
Great cold beer and decent pork belly tacos at #Hola in Roswell.
We took the opportunity to visit one of the antebellum homes of Atlanta, Barrington Hall. I will post separately about the beautiful grounds there. Autumn was just tipping its hand with temps in the low to upper 60’s most mornings. It was so good to spend time with our son and his girlfriend as well as their gracious and fun friends.
Our last breakfast, just as the weather was taking a bad turn, was at a great little cafe called Cafe Au Lait. Although the wind was whipping up, this lovely couple had their doors open and served us some great breakfast food. And I spotted a little buddy who was also trying to shore himself up for the coming storm.
Yeahhhh. That’s my brunch, a fried chicken sandwich served at a respectable ten a.m. Don’t judge me. I’m versatile. 😉
Ummmm.did I mention dessert? I lusted after the cakes in the display case at Peachtree Diner from the first day and finally got my ‘just desserts’ on our last night in Roswell. The Godiva? Part of my belated birthday gifts from my son. He is so great about indulging my chocolate addiction. I am still working on that box, one piece, one day at a time….
The weather finally caught up to us and was with us for awhile on our journey home but finally the sun came through and things were returning to normal as we made our way home. And I am thankful to say our home was intact with only a broken window and some yard devastation. One rose was smiling at us and all our little limes had hung on for dear life. I have to say going back was very bitterweet….
There were so many beautiful moments in Atlanta. Thank you!
Now, turn up the vol~ume for one of my favorite songs from my absolute favorite movie of this past decade. After the rain comes a rainbow. And vol~uminous possibility.
Tropical Affair 
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