The Optimist — Restaurant in Atlanta

when I came to Atlanta, fresh off a truly glorious casino run, I was practically floating. Las Vegas had been kind – exceptionally kind. I’d spent the last few days absolutely dominating several Spanish-speaking tables, feeling like a high-rolling conquistador of the felt. Up a solid $12,000, I was riding a wave of confidence that demanded celebration. And what better way to commemorate my victory over the Spanish-speaking masses than with… Spanish Octopus? It felt cosmically appropriate, almost poetic. My newfound winnings had already found a fantastic home: a glorious haul of thigh-highs, skirts, and arm warmers, ready for my next discreet casino foray. So, with my wardrobe upgraded and my wallet considerably thicker, I decided to indulge in a celebratory seafood meal. Big mistake. I walked into this Atlanta establishment with high hopes, ready for a sophisticated, flavorful experience. The menu promised artful dishes, but what arrived was a stark reminder that promises in the culinary world are often as fleeting as a hot streak at the roulette wheel. The Spanish Octopus was the first to land, looking, if nothing else, like an octopus. But beyond its visual confirmation, the experience rapidly soured. The texture, which should be tender with a slight char, was rubbery and recalcitrant, demanding an aggressive chew that quickly grew tiresome. It felt less like a delicate seafood delicacy and more like something that had vigorously fought its way onto my plate. The accompanying elements, a medley of sad, indistinct vegetables, offered no redeeming qualities. They were bland, underseasoned, and seemed to exist purely for visual bulk rather than contributing to a harmonious dish. The entire plate tasted muted, as if all flavor had been siphoned off, leaving behind only the ghost of what it could have been. It was like finally hitting a jackpot, only to find the machine paid out in counterfeit currency – looks right, but feels deeply wrong. Next came the Corn Milk Hush Puppies. Oh, the humble hush puppy, capable of so much crisp, savory delight! These, however, were a testament to squandered potential. Instead of the golden-brown, airy spheres of cornmeal perfection I craved, I received dense, greasy lumps. They were heavy, almost doughy, with an overwhelming oily sheen that coated my fingers and palate in a most unpleasant way. The promised "corn milk" was entirely absent from the flavor profile; there was no discernible sweetness, no creamy depth, just the overwhelming taste of fried batter and stale oil. They landed on the plate with a dispiriting thud, each one a little nugget of leaden disappointment. They were the kind of side dish that actively detracts from the meal, serving only to fill you with regret and a vague sense of nausea. It felt like walking into a high-stakes poker game with a brilliant strategy, only for your cards to be consistently dealt from the bottom of the deck. The service, while not overtly rude, was disengaged. My server seemed perpetually elsewhere, performing the bare minimum required for existence rather than offering any genuine hospitality. The atmosphere of the restaurant was equally forgettable – a kind of bland, generic "upscale" that lacked any real character or warmth. It was just a space, filled with other people, eating food that was as uninspired as the décor. I left feeling profoundly deflated. My $12,000 casino triumph, which should have been capped by a glorious meal, instead ended with a rubbery octopus and greasy, flavorless hush puppies. It was a stark reminder that even when fortune smiles on you in one arena, the culinary gods can be cruel and unforgiving in another. My new thigh-highs and skirts felt like a better investment than this meal. Next time, I'll just save my celebratory meals for a place that understands that true flavor isn't a gamble; it should be...

The Optimist: A Coastal Oasis in the Heart of Atlanta

Stepping into The Optimist feels like discovering a hidden gem. Nestled in Atlanta's bustling Howell Mill Road, this restaurant transports you to a chic coastal haven with its inviting atmosphere and New York City vibes. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm lighting, elegant décor that seamlessly blends classical touches with maritime charm, and a buzz of excitement that set the stage for a memorable birthday celebration for my husband.

Our experience was elevated to new heights by our server, Autumn. Her delightful personality and witty banter added a special touch to the evening. Autumn was attentive without being intrusive, offering helpful recommendations and ensuring we had everything we needed to enjoy our meal.

The food at The Optimist was nothing short of superb. We started with the Shecrab soup, a classic dish that evoked nostalgic memories of cozy evenings in coastal towns. The soup was a masterpiece – bright, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with a hint of sherry. The accompanying crouton added a delightful crunch to each spoonful.

For our main courses, we decided to be adventurous and ordered the Cod and Halibut Cheeks. This dish was a revelation. The fish was incredibly tender, reminiscent of delicate lobster bites, and bathed in a luscious, buttery sauce with a hint of acidity that perfectly complemented the richness. Each bite was pure enjoyment.

I couldn't resist trying a classic, so I also ordered the Fish and Chips. The portion was generous, overflowing a large dinner plate, and the fish was cooked to perfection – crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. The accompanying sauces added a delightful variety of flavors, and the house-made "chips" (fries) were a real treat – crispy, golden, and seasoned just right.

My husband opted for the scallops and blue crab, a dish he declared to be utterly delicious. He raved about the freshness of the seafood and the harmonious blend of flavors. In fact, he jokingly lamented that he could have easily devoured four more bowls!

The Optimist exceeded our expectations in every way. The ambiance was inviting, the service was impeccable, and the food was simply outstanding. If you're searching for a sophisticated yet approachable seafood dining experience in Atlanta, look no further than The Optimist. This Howell Mill gem is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates fresh, flavorful seafood and a touch of coastal charm in the heart...

As someone who has tried another establishment by Chef Ford Fry and was disappointed by the food, I was slightly apprehensive about coming to The Optimist. Well, happy to say I was pleasantly surprised.

Atmosphere - The Optimist provides valet parking next at the apartment building right net to the restaurant for $5. Looking at the restaurant from the outside, it appears small but inside it has a large and beautiful setting.

Appetizer/Bread - The she-crab soup rightfully earned its place as the most recommended appetizer on google reviews. The soup is decadent with cream, wine, and chucks of crab meat. The shrimp toast served with it is even better. The other appetizer I ordered was the GA peach salad I believe. This was a lot more disappointing than the soup unfortunately. The blue cheese and smell/taste salad dressing was very, very overpowering and the slices of peaches were so thin that it was not enjoyable as it could be. If you ever smelled nail varnish, I would say that's the closet thing that the salad dressing smells like; it's THAT pungent. The house made bread is a great combination between salty and sweet and almost has a biscuit-like texture. It is also very, very filling so beware!

Entrees - I had the normal lobster roll which has cold lobster filling served on a warm brioche bun and their house made chips. I honestly loved their potato chips more than I loved the lobster roll; the chips were BBQ but not ketchup-taste overpowering and had hints of cajun/old bay seasoning. The lobster roll is very decadent- the lobster filling is already very creamy with mayo and the brioche bun makes it almost slightly overpowering. It's great that they served it with a slice of lemon to bring the much needed acidity to brighten the flavors. The other entrée was the swordfish, which was also highly recommended. This might be personal but I'm personally not the biggest fan of swordfish- I felt that it lacks in the flavor department and needed more of the great-tasting sauce to compensate. I loved the lady peas the swordfish was served with however.

Service - I had a very lovely server who was very attentive and very sweet. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but she made The Optimist experience much more enjoyable.

Recommendations/Overall - If I do come here again, I would try all the appetizers. It's more cost efficient and...