Bite - 'New American Cuisine'

I've always been told that good things come in small packages. Bite is a delightful restaurant, located at 11500 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, and is one of those surprises in a small package.

The restaurant, which I have called Metropolitan Chic in a previous lunch review, is a cozy, comfortable place filled with friendly faces. The owner, Leif Johnson, is on the premises to welcome patrons and entertain them with his culinary skills. Alongside Jason Morgan, the two of them create "thoughtful and honest" food for the local crowd, as well as those who've heard about Bite from a distance.

Leif comes to us via California as a former winery manager. His expertise in the industry comes from not only culinary classes, but from the love of cooking with his grandmother. There's no better place than your grandmother's kitchen! Some of the love of her recipes shines through as we savour the interesting ingredients and product combinations Leif and Jason create. The food is prepared fresh daily, but the foundation of the end product comes from what is done behind the scenes before we see these delicious creations.

Leif tells me that the prep work that goes into his dishes includes pickling and smoking some of the vegetables and cheeses in their own kitchen, as well as purchasing the freshest ingredients for each dish. The end result can be tasted in every "bite"!

When I asked Leif to tell me what he wants people to know about his establishment, he told me he wants to "provide an intimate atmosphere with honest and thoughtful food for his neighborhood bistro." I believe he has done so.

Thursday evening a group of us who have started dining together all had the opportunity to share the Bite experience.

Having just met some of those who join me as "foodie enthusiasts," we begin the evening by getting to know each other. The surroundings at Bite are conducive to friendly and warm conversation.

Florin and his wife, Basimah, are seated next to me and we hit it off immediately, sharing our love of good food and travel. Florin ordered the Steak with Mashed Potatoes, which is served with a demi-glaze. Basimah enjoyed the Couscous with Vegetables and a side salad. Kelly and Tara ordered the same dish, a Chipotle Spaghetini with Chicken. This dish was served in an bowl with abundant splashes of color integrated in the seasonings. Sheila also ordered the steak and thoroughly enjoyed it. Alyssa had the salad to start and ordered the scallops, but if we are being honest here, which I always am, we were disappointed in the portion.

The taste gets points but the portion, not so much! Scarlett and I both ordered the Salmon with Couscous and Vegetables and we both loved it. All in all the evening was an enjoyable and tasty experience. Bite currently does not have a wine and liquor license, but you are welcome to bring your own wine (no cork fee) and enjoy the evening having the benefit of your own bottle or two! Everyone said they will be back.

I would highly recommend Bite as not just a once-in-a-while place to dine, but to be the "lets go to Bite" experience of coming home to your neighbors welcome smile. You will not be disappointed.

Bite is open from Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Closed Sundays.