Everything on Your Plate - The Peach and The Porkchop

“If you ever open a restaurant together, you should name it Peach and The Porkchop” said the co-owner’s father. You gotta love a restaurant that’s takes itself SO lightly that it’s named after Peach - the wife and her husband - Porkchop. Located in the far reaches of Roswell, (okay so now you know I’m ITP) this restaurant is worth the drive. No, really. Let me tell you why.

It’s been over a month since my visit, and although a really delicious memory, I’ve procrastinated about putting my enthusiasm in print. But, I’m at the Georgia Organics conference this weekend celebrating local food and farmers, the best that our state has to offer. (Love rubbing shoulders with others who are conscious in their food decisions and know how to enjoy good food.) So naturally, The Peach and the Porkchop burbled to the top of my mind.

As an Atlanta Food Blogger, I’m lucky to get invites to eat out weekly. One reason I don’t attend many is they don’t fit my point-of-view, and there are lots of writers out there who do a great job of reviewing. As a Healthy Chef Partyologist, I appreciate a well-made chicken wing. I LOVE French fries, and a good steak every once in a while makes me a very happy camper. (Ditto on a craft cocktail or excellent glass of wine.) Don’t call me a food Nazi I’m not. I just prefer to treat that tangle of fries as a real treat, and I think its lots easier to find a good steak in this town than it is to find a great veggie plate or food that honors our place in the South.

So when “Porkchop” beginning rattling off his list of local purveyors, I was intrigued. It not often you find an owner who can tell you where his lettuce last grew, the pasture his beef last grazed and the name of every vegetable farmer who contributed to a plate. The results of the restaurant’s local sourcing and the skill of the chef, Keegan Hughes were beautiful and delicious.

Some of my favorites? Lets start at the beginning…with drinks. Two luscious cocktails with clean and clear flavors appeared. The thyme in the Bourbon Peach Thyme Smash was just the right touch and the London Dry Gin and Green Tea drink named the “Writers Block” hit only high notes. As for other libations, I was surprised to see a diverse wine list with more than the usual suspects appearing. Congrats to wine director Brendan.

My favorite of the appetizers, the tea glazed deviled eggs were interesting and pretty. Two salads were served, both yummy, but the P and P really rocked. Pickled baby heirloom tomato, crispy chickpeas, cilantro, cucumber, shaved pecorino gran cru drizzled with a honey lime vinaigrette. (I’ve had dreams about how good that pickled tomato would taste nestled in a very dry gin martini.)

Of the entrees, two rang my bell. The trout topping broccolini with pancetta jalapeño creamed corn was notable for its intensity of flavor. And the massive pork chop was tender and juicy, its bed of greens cooked perfectly.

Oh, and did I mention dessert? Yes, the group devoured decadent, gorgeous towers of chocolate and cheesecake, coconut cake and more. The tiny glass of Choc-zilla Adult Milkshake made my evening perfect. Chocolate liqueur and Van Gogh vanilla vodka over chocolate ice cream, count me in.

I’m glad I traveled - It's a legit culinary destination for those of us who take pleasure in good food and where it comes from. Every menu item I tasted was scrumptious; I’ve just talked about my favorites here. Word to the wise: plan on sharing plates with two or even four eaters, or take home lunch for the week. (Portions are ginormous so know this before you order.)

Fellow Atlantan, go. It’s worth the traffic and worth exploring. For those of you who live in Roswell, Alpharetta and points beyond, this should be your local hangout. Especially families, since out of the 23 kid-friendly menu options only the ice cream is frozen. This should be a BIG draw. Better yet, ask me to dinner. I’ll split the porkchop with you!

Full disclosure - my meal was absolutely free, I enjoyed it and have already sent friends back!
The Peach and The Porkchop

Slightly North of South

12040 Etris Rd, D100, Roswell, GA.