It's no secret that I'm a massive fan of Kevin Gillespie, and I've been anxiously waiting the opening of his new restaurant Revival. A few months ago when Jimmy and I were on a date night at Gunshow (Kevin's existing restaurant and our favorite in Atlanta), we got to taste test some of the fried chicken they were trying for Revival and got so excited for it to open!
We learned it would be a meat and 3 restaurant inspired by Kevin's grandmother. We loved the fried chicken we tried that night and planned on going to Revival soon after it opened.
We figured we would give the restaurant a week or two to get up and running before we called for a reservation, but on the second night the doors were open we got some family news that called for a celebration! (no, I'm not pregnant again). I was trying to think of the best way to celebrate, and I knew I had to try for Revival. They were so kind to accommodate us with a reservation! We went to the St. Regis for celebratory drinks, and then Jimmy, my brother, his girlfriend and I headed to Decatur.
Revival is located inside a house, and it's decorated to make you feel like you're eating in either Kevin's living room or his grandmother's house. There are family portraits and heirlooms that create a comfortable and homey vibe.
When we arrived we headed to the bar to wait for our table, and we started with a delicious bottle of wine the bartender suggested.
As soon as we were seated, we received the most delicious cornbread I've ever tasted. It was hot and buttery and melted in my mouth.
We started with the sliced local tomatoes with cucumbers and sweet onions. It was honestly one of the best dishes I've ever tried. It was simple, delicious and perfect.
We decided to tackle the menu by each getting an entree and sharing a bunch of sides. I got the fried chicken (anxious to try the final recipe), Jimmy got the meatloaf, Ben got the pork steak, and Laura got the quail. Even though it was the best fried chicken I've ever had in my life, all the entrees were excellent.
Kevin and I must have had grandmothers with similar cooking styles, because all the sides took me right back to my grandmother's table. It was an experience I never thought I'd have again. I was so grateful for the texture of the mac and cheese and the creaminess of the corn. I thought my grandmother's cooking was the best thing in the world, and I'm so happy to know it's available here in Atlanta any time I want it.
We ended the meal with a selection of desserts. When I was a little girl, Ya, our housekeeper who helped raise me, had a special family recipe for poundcake. Once a month she would bring a book to work with her, and the recipe was stuck in the pages of the book. She and I would spend the afternoon making that poundcake. I would ask if I could hold the mixer while she put in the butter, and I watched as she carefully opened the oven and checked the cake with a toothpick. After the cake was finished baking, the hour we had to wait for it to cool on the rack seemed like an eternity. She would finally hand us a slice of still warm poundcake slathered with butter. I have not tasted that in over 15 years, and when they served it at Revival I could have cried of pure happiness and love for my sweet Ya.
Thank you so much to Revival for an unforgettable dinner! I urge you all go.
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