A Taste of Sal Grosso Is Temptation for More

Overview: The 18th Annual Taste of Marietta this past Sunday was a culinary explosion of delectable foods, aromas, sights and sounds.  With almost 80 restaurants to choose from, I knew I would need a strategy to enjoy this food festival. With “tastes” costing only $.50 - $4, it might be a mistake to wander from booth to booth and taste many things.

What if I was miserably full halfway through and then find my perfect dish? Camera in hand, I decided to walk once completely around the Square and if I saw something that looked really good, a “must have," I would take a picture of it.  This strategy actually worked for me. It was easier to walk by booths with tantalizing food knowing I wouldn’t forget what was where (I need to see if I can somehow make the picture taking idea apply to a diet).

After working up an appetite for almost an hour, I feasted on some delicious choices: filet mignon, white chocolate covered strawberries, rum cake and freshly squeezed lemonade. I left feeling satisfied, not gorged and want to share with you a few of the restaurants I think are worth trying again.

Sal Grosso Brazilian Steakhouse – I was served 3 large filet mignon medallions wrapped in bacon for $4. The beef was seasoned with coarse salt and grilled to perfection; my plastic knife cut through it like butter. If you are a meat lover and have never eaten at a Brazilian steakhouse, try Sal Grosso’s. Following the traditions of churrasco -- grilling a variety of meats on skewers over a flaming open pit -- Sal Grosso’s beef was as good (or better) than Buckehead’s Fogo de Chao. Sal Grosso’s, located in the Powers Ferry corridor of East Cobb, normally offers complete Rodizio (tableside service) for lunch for $19.95 per person and complete Rodizio dinner for $39.95 per person. Location: 1927 Powers Ferry Road. Hours: Lunch: 11:30 a. m. – 2 p.m. Mon - Fri, 12 – 3 p.m. Sat – Sun. Dinner: 5 – 9 p.m. Sun - Thu, 5 – 10 p.m. Fri - Sat. Phone: 770-850-1540. Website:  http://www.salgrosso.com

 Miss Scarlet’s Chocolate Emporium - I had the hand-dipped strawberries on a skewer for $3. The huge fresh, red strawberries covered in a delicious white chocolate were scrumptious, sweet, light and fruity. Miss Scarlet’s chocolate is hand made on the premises and can be ordered by the box by phone or online. Based in Acworth, this unique company also offers gourmet cupcakes and pastries, soups, sandwiches, catering services, aromatherapy, specialty coffees, teas and gifts. By appointment only. Phone: 888-886-5959. Website: www. missscarlets.com

Jamaicas Blue Mountain Coffee, based in West Cobb, served up heavenly slices of rum cake for $2. Rich and moist, this cake is a perfect compliment to the company’s famous, full bodied specialty coffees. Coffees, private labeling and a variety of gift packages may be ordered by going to www.jamaicasbluemountaincoffee.com.

NOTE: You can find Jamaicas Blue Mountain Coffees at Cool Beans Coffee Roasters on the Marietta Square. Phone: 770-422-9866. Hours: 7- 9 p.m. Mon - Thu, 7 a.m. –11 p.m. Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m. – 7 p. m.  Sun. Location: 31 Mill St., Marietta. Phone: 770-422-9866. Website: http://coolbeanscoffeeroasters.com

Come-N-Get-It. An interesting combination of Southern and Greek, this restaurant had at least 4 booths and boasted a mind boggling array of appetizing dishes ranging from corn dogs to baklava. Located off the Square near Wellstar-Kennestone Hospital, this restaurant is popular with the locals for their All You Can Eat Breakfast @ $5.99. Hours: 6 a.m. - 8 pm  Mon - Thu, 6 a.m.  - 9 p.m. Fri, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.  Sat, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun. Location: 1409-E Church St Extension, Marietta. Phone: 770-423-0010. Website: www.yallcomengetit.com

Harry’s Farmer’s Market – I saw many people enjoying fresh, perfectly rounded slices of ice cold watermelon. On this hot humid day they looked wonderful! Hours: 9 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.  Mon – Sat, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.  Sun. Location: 70 Powers Ferry Rd. Phone: 770-578-4400. Website:  http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/cobb/