Chocolate, Ice Cream and Margaritas

There are some wonderful stores and restaurants tucked away and off the beaten path in and around Atlanta. I love shopping these places. They're special gems that I like to think only I know about. 

is a candy store sitting across the street from the Chamblee (GA) Marta station. Actually, candy store does not do Maison Robert justice. It is more a confiserie-pâtisserie, an elegant old world shop offering fine hand dipped candies and beautifully decorated pastries. 

The sweet treats are all the work of a fourth generation, French trained confectioner. Choose from a case filled with perfectly luscious little bites or make a selection from their many beautifully wrapped gift box assortments.

I fell in love with the adorable marzipan critters. (Actually, anything marzipan will send me swooning.) They tasted as good as they looked. You can also find delicate pastel macaroons, fruit tarts, black and white mousse and Sachertorte. 

For those of you who want to learn the fine art of candy making, Maison Robert also offers classes.

Maison Robert Fine Chocolates 
 5256 Peachtree Road, Suite 110, Atlanta, Georgia 30341 |
(770) 454-6442 | (800) 782-3249

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When it's hot and steamy in Atlanta and I'm craving home made frozen goodness, I head for the Frosty Caboose. An old railroad caboose parked on unused track takes pride of place along Chamblee's  (GA) antique row. It also anchors a site adjacent to the summertime Saturday Farmer's Market.

The Menu:  

Floats, Malts, Shakes, Sundaes, Cups and Cones 

Frozen Doggie Treats 

Ice Cream, Sorbet, Sherbet, Frozen Yogurt, Gourmet light

The Flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Green Tea,  Black Cherry, Coffee, Cookies and Cream, Pistachio, Mint Chocolate Chip, Peach, Butter Pecan, Superman, Birthday Cake, Rocky Road, Coffee Almond Fudge, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.....

The Toppings: Sprinkles, Heath Bar Pieces, Chocolate Chips, Rainbow Nerds, Chocolate Cookie Crunch, Reese's Pieces, M&M's, Peanuts, Almonds, Strawberries, Caramel, Blueberry, Marshmallow, Hot Fudge, Chocolate Syrup.....

5435 Peachtree Road ~ Chamblee, GA 30341 ~ 770-451-4556

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In my neighborhood Monterrey is the place to go when any of us need a pitcher of margaritas, good food, a relaxed atmosphere and pleasant service. If the weather's good we sit outside under colorful umbrellas. As more and more friends arrive, heeding the call for an adult beverage and a bite to eat, the tables magically expand as the accommodating, smiling staff know to add chairs, add glasses and bring more pitchers of frozen limey goodness.

The food is traditional (Americanized) Mexican. Hearty, well made, unpretentious food. Generous servings of tacos, tortillas, taquitos, chalupas, empanadas, fajitas, enchiladas come by themselves or with refried beans, rice, lettuce tomato, crema, guacamole.

They make a drop-dead-best-I've-ever-eaten  home made chicken soup that arrives in a huge steamy bowl laden with large pieces of white meat chicken, rice, cilantro, carrots, celery and lime. Don't make a face. It's delicious. The other day I had chicken taquitos. Crispy, deep fried tacos wrapped around nicely seasoned chicken. I ate four doused with a little crema. I intend to go back for more.

There are combination plates and vegetarian options. Nothing is over $15 and the margaritas, by the pitcher, frozen or straight up, rock.

Go there, Relax. Hang Out. Watch the world go by. You'll eat and drink well.  "Ve allí, Relax. Pasar el rato. Ver el mundo pasar. Que va a comer y beber bien."

Monterrey Mexican 5406 Buford Hwy
Doraville, GA 30340  770-458-1179