Restaurant Review: Canoe in Atlanta, Georgia

Located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River in the Vinings area of town, Canoe has swiftly become one of Atlanta's trendiest and most popular restaurants. The charm of Canoe, which seats 180 diners, is a combination of its location, design, and the eclectic choices found on the menu. Its location is beautiful--serene, green woods by the river. Walking paths to the river banks with benches draw many couples during Prom season as well as wedding parties in the spring and summer.

The ceiling of the restaurant mirrors the insides of a canoe. A wooden insert shaped like a canoe is found in the back of the bench for guests waiting to be seated in the reception area. Another canoe etching, this time in the ceiling of the reception area, is outlined in tiny white lights, lending a special feeling as you enter the foyer. Pictures and paintings scattered on the walls reflect the talents of some of Atlanta's best artists. Seating is comfortable. The overall ambiance of the restaurant is both relaxing and lively.

Now, the menu. Changed quarterly, the Executive Chef--Carvel Grant Gould has included an interesting variety of fish, game, and red meat. Fish dishes include George's Bank Scallops and Grilled Atlantic Salmon. Slow Roasted Carolina Rabbit and Sage-Roasted Pheasant make for unusual choices for those who wish to have something not found routinely on other menus. Side dishes are many and varied: spaghetti squash, sautéed spinach, and pea risotto, to name a few. Oops, let's not skip the appetizers. Their signature starter--Canoe's House Smoked Salmon --is served engulfed in a crunchy potato pancake of sorts with a melted goat cheese and green onion filling.

Although it took well over 75 minutes before our party of eight received our entrees, service was attentive. Our waiter checked back with us every 10 or 15 minutes and attended to our every need. Business was booming: it was a Saturday night during graduation and Prom season. The chef was kind enough to send out complementary Smoked Salmon starters for our entire group when she realized we had been waiting over 45 minutes for entrees. Crispy, savory, and warm, the goat cheese dressing with the Smoked Salmon was absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious. And it definitely took the edge off of waiting for our meals. A brief walk down by the river to admire the serenity of the woods and the river served as a wonderful respite and helped to pass the time.

When our entrees arrived, we were ready to dig in. And so we did. The bread assortment was delicious and plentiful. Crisp cracker breads, full-bodied wheat bread, and soft white bread filled the bread basket. The entrees were well-seasoned and hot. Everyone was thrilled with their steaming plates. Fish dishes were moist and delicious. Game meats did not disappoint.

The wine list is varied offering 300+ bottles and will satisfy the tastes of most wine connoisseurs. And the dessert menu offers an interesting array of after dinner treats. We tried the White Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding and the Simply Vanilla Crème Brulee. Both were freshly prepared and sumptuous.

With its eclectic mix of Southern and American foods, Canoe will no doubt float your boat.