Cece In The City

Tag: foodie

  • 🌸 Nature, New Bites & A Much-Needed Reset in Gainesville, GA 🌸

    Yesterday, I had one of those soul-soothing days that you don’t even realize you need until you’re deep in it. I packed up my thoughts, my neck fan (my summer BFF!), and hung out with a friend for a little escape to the Atlanta Botanical Garden – Gainesville.

    Now listen, don’t let the word “Gainesville” fool you. While it’s smaller than the bustling Atlanta location, it carries its own charm, character, and calm. Nestled in the heart of North Georgia, this garden is actually an extension of the original Atlanta Botanical Garden and opened in 2015. Fun fact: it was built on land once home to a grand estate, and today it’s a blooming retreat filled with curated trails, colorful floral displays, and all the serenity your spirit can handle.

    We got there early—before the sun had fully clocked in for the day. It was warm, high 80s, but not melt-into-the-ground hot, thank goodness. My trusty neck fan came through like always! As we wandered through rose-lined paths and beneath shady trees, I felt the stress I’d been carrying slowly fade into the breeze. There’s just something about being surrounded by nature, hearing the birds sing their morning songs, and exchanging good convo with a friend—it’s therapy without the co-pay.

    The people were so friendly too! Everyone seemed to be on the same wavelength—just out there soaking in the beauty, smiling, and vibing with the Earth. Pure peace.

    But you know me… the day wasn’t complete without a little foodie adventure. We ended up at a local gem called The Cream in Duluth —and babyyyy, let me tell you! I stepped way out of my comfort zone and tried octopus fritters. Yes, you read that right. OCTOPUS. And guess what? They were 🔥. Golden, crispy, and surprisingly delicious. The texture? Perfect. The flavor? On point. Sometimes, your taste buds just need a passport and a little courage!

    Moral of the story: Don’t let the name scare you—just taste it. You might surprise yourself.

    By the time I got home, I was worn out in the best way. Tired body, full heart. That little Gainesville getaway reminded me how healing nature, connection, and good food can be.

    If you’re ever in North Georgia, carve out a few hours for the Botanical Garden in Gainesville and end it with a bold food move. You won’t regret it. 💚

  • Back at the Lobster Trap: A Seafood Throwback with a Twist of New Leadership 🦞

    So, me and my homegirl decided to take a little seafood stroll down memory lane and hit up none other than Red Lobster. Yes, that Red Lobster — home of the iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits that still slap just like you remember (and yes, we had to get extra to-go 😅).

    It’s honestly been years since I last stepped foot in a Red Lobster, but this time, something felt different — in a good way. Did you know Red Lobster now has a new CEO? Shoutout to Famolade Adamolekun, who recently stepped in to lead the brand. That’s major! It’s refreshing to see fresh leadership taking over a nostalgic name in dining, especially one that’s been around since 1968 — yep, Red Lobster has been serving up seafood classics for over 50 years.

    We pulled up expecting a quiet dinner, but to my surprise, the vibe was alive — not packed to the brim, but just the right amount of busy. A comfortable buzz of families, date nights, and friends catching up filled the room. The staff? Super friendly and attentive — customer service was on point!

    I went all in and got the crab legs 🦀 — juicy, tender, and seasoned just right. My homegirl tried the seafood boil, and it looked like it came straight from the bayou. You ever tried it? If not, that might need to be your next order!

    And of course, no Red Lobster trip is complete without those warm, cheesy biscuits. Iconic. Legendary. Still undefeated. 💛

    All in all, it was a vibe. Sometimes it’s good to revisit places from your past and see how they’re holding up — and Red Lobster? Still got it.

    When’s the last time you been to Red Lobster? Have you tried the boil yet? Let me know your go-to order.

  • A Weekend to Remember: Graduation, Good Eats, and Family Fun

    Whew—what a weekend! Before I dive into the adventures, let me start with a heartfelt shoutout to the Class of 2025—especially my amazing daughter, who walked across that stage and made her mama proud! Watching her grow from a little girl into a determined young woman ready to take on the world was nothing short of magical. She worked so hard, and seeing her cross that finish line was A+ awesome.

    In today’s world, it’s not always easy—so when our kids win, we celebrate big. Whether it’s your child, niece, nephew, or cousin—congratulations to all the grads out there. Keep pushing them. Keep showing up. These moments matter, and Friday gave us memories I’ll never forget. I’m beyond excited to see what’s next for my graduate!

    To celebrate, we dined at a cool spot tucked away in Duluth, GA—Volcano Steak & Sushi. Now let me tell you, this place is more than just lunch—it’s an experience. You’ve got two options: order from the menu and have your food delivered by a robot (yes, seriously—welcome to the future!), or go the hibachi route where the chef cooks right at your table. We went full hibachi, and our chef? Hilarious and talented. From the moment we walked in to the sizzling, flaming finale, it was a vibe. Definitely another hidden gem worth checking out.

    And the weekend fun didn’t stop there! We wrapped things up at Stars and Strikes in Stone Mountain, where we let loose with arcade games, laser tag, and bowling. And guess who walked away with the W? Yep—your girl right here. (Winning feels even better after hibachi.)

    All in all, it was the perfect mix of celebration, family time, and laughter. Life’s short—so celebrate the wins, cherish your people, and never pass up a good hibachi show.

    Until next time,
    Cece in the City

  • My Trip to Boca ATL – Summerhill

    Let’s taco ‘bout a spot that had me vibin’ from the moment I walked in—Boca ATL, a charming Mexican restaurant tucked away in the heart of Atlanta. This place had been on my foodie radar for a minute, and I finally made it happen. Trust me when I say, it was worth the wait.

    First Impressions: Vibes on Point
    The moment I stepped into Boca, I felt like I’d been transported somewhere between a modern-day cantina and a Pinterest board dream. Bright colors, cute decor, and that cozy, can’t-leave-here-for-a-while energy. It’s the kind of place where you immediately think, “Yep—this is where the girls’ night starts or the solo lunch turns into a vibe.”

    Let’s Talk Tacos
    Okay, let’s get into the real reason I came—the food. I ordered tacos (of course), and they did what they needed to do! Flavorful, fresh, and perfectly seasoned. Whether you’re a classic carne asada type or you’re feeling fancy with shrimp or birria, Boca knows what they’re doing. It’s the kind of meal that makes you nod after every bite like, “Mmmhmm, yep… this right here.”

    Service with a Smile
    You know how customer service can make or break a dining experience? Boca’s staff were super friendly, attentive, and just added to the welcoming energy of the spot. I love when a restaurant feels like you’re being hosted, not just served.

    A Little Sazón of History
    The name Boca means “mouth” in Spanish—perfect, right? In many Latin cultures, the phrase “una buena boca” can refer to a good taste, or even having a flair for flavor. Mexican cuisine itself is a rich fusion of indigenous and Spanish influences, with tacos dating back to the 18th century—originally a working-class street food that’s now taken over the world (and my cravings). So when you bite into a taco at a place like Boca, you’re literally tasting centuries of culture, tradition, and bold, beautiful flavor.

    Final Thoughts
    Boca ATL isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a whole experience. Good food, cute space, great people, and a little sprinkle of heritage? Say less. If you’re in the city and haven’t been, go ahead and add it to your list. And if you’ve already been—well, I totally get why you’d go back.

  • Fingerz in Snellville – Worth the Hype!

    Hey, hey! I finally got a chance to check out Fingerz in Snellville, GA, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint! I first heard about this spot from Mr. Chime Time (y’all know he’s got the inside scoop on the best eats), so I had to see what the hype was about.

    I went with the wings and fries, keeping it classic, but with a twist—I got the Georgia Peach flavor on the side. You know Georgia peaches are sweet, so I was expecting that perfect balance of sweet and savory. And let me tell you, these wings were SO good! Juicy, flavorful, and just the right amount of crisp.

    Now, I already know I’ll be back because the beef Italian sub caught my eye, and it looked amazing! So that’s definitely on my list for next time.

    If you’re in the Snellville area, do yourself a favor and check out Fingerz—you won’t be disappointed!

  • Discovering the Golden Apple Buffet in Snellville

    I recently had the chance to check out a new spot in Snellville called The Golden Apple Buffet, and let me tell you, it was an experience! It’s been a while since I’ve indulged in an all-you-can-eat buffet, so I was excited to dive in. Although I missed the lunch buffet, the dinner spread did not disappoint. They had an impressive variety—sushi, crab, seafood, pizza, and so much more.

    The interior was surprisingly upscale and inviting, making it the perfect setting to treat the kids before they headed back to school after Christmas break. We decided to make it a mini food adventure and tried a little bit of everything. For the first time ever, the kids ventured into the world of sushi and even sampled squid and octopus! Now, while those weren’t exactly their favorites (their expressions said it all!), I was proud of them for being open to trying something new.

    If you’re in the area and looking for a place to enjoy a wide variety of food in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, I highly recommend stopping by The Golden Apple Buffet. Who knows—you might just discover your new favorite dish!

  • Soul Food Bliss at She Did That Soul Food Kitchen in Snellville, GA

    When a friend raved about She Did That Soul Food Kitchen in Snellville, GA, I knew I had to give it a try. I was craving turkey wings—something I hadn’t enjoyed in what felt like forever. Spoiler alert: they did not disappoint.

    The turkey wings were fall-off-the-bone tender, served atop a bed of perfectly seasoned rice that soaked up all the flavorful juices. For my sides, I went classic with creamy mac and cheese and sweet, candied yams. Every bite felt like a warm hug from the South, and by the time I finished, I was so full I had to save the rest for dinner.

    This spot is officially on my list for whenever I’m in the mood for comforting, home-cooked soul food. If you’re in the area, trust me—check them out. Your taste buds will thank you!

  • Spice House

    Hey food enthusiasts!

    As July wraps up, I’m excited to share Day 30 of my culinary adventure in Atlanta. Today’s spotlight is on Spice House, another fantastic Caribbean restaurant that you absolutely need to visit!

    Spice House is more than just a place to eat; it’s a vibrant experience. The stylish interior sets the perfect ambiance for a memorable meal with friends. I went with some lady friends, and we had an absolute blast!

    The food at Spice House is a symphony of flavors, bringing the best of Caribbean cuisine right to your table. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warm, inviting vibes that make you feel right at home.

    If you’re in Atlanta, make sure to put Spice House on your must-visit list. It’s a culinary gem that promises great food, great company, and an all-around fantastic time.

    Stay tuned for more delicious discoveries!

  • Rock Steady

    Hey food lovers!

    Continuing my July journey of highlighting some of Atlanta’s best restaurants, today’s spotlight is on Day 29: Rock Steady. This Caribbean gem is truly a standout!

    Rock Steady isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The interior is chic and stylish, making it a perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends. The cozy atmosphere, combined with unique decor, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

    But let’s talk about the food. Bursting with vibrant Caribbean flavors, each dish is a delight. And to top it off, they have a live DJ spinning tunes that add to the lively and inviting ambiance. It’s a feast for both your taste buds and your ears!

    If you find yourself in Atlanta, you’ve got to check out Rock Steady. Great food, great music, and great vibes – it’s the perfect recipe for a fantastic time.

    Stay tuned for more culinary adventures!

  • Chick’nCone

    Hey foodies!

    As part of my July journey to highlight some amazing restaurants and food spots in Atlanta, today’s adventure takes us to Day 28 at Chick’nCone. Let me tell you, this place is a game-changer!

    Imagine this: crispy, tender chicken served in a waffle cone. Sounds different, right? But trust me, it’s a flavor explosion. The combination is unexpectedly delicious, and the sauces add an extra kick that takes it to the next level.

    The atmosphere inside Chick’nCone is cozy and welcoming, with a modern twist. Plus, they have a lovely patio area where you can enjoy your meal al fresco. It’s a perfect spot for a casual hangout or a quick bite.

    I never thought I’d be eating chicken out of a cone, but I’m so glad I did. If you’re looking for something unique and tasty, Chick’nCone is a must-try. Embrace the adventure and treat yourself to this delightful and inventive dish!

    Happy eating!