STRAITS Atlanta - Atlanta Restaurant Reviews by Atlanta Foodies

Straits
793 Juniper Street
Atlanta, GA 30308
404-877-1283
M-Sat open at 5
Sunday Brunch 11-3
http://www.straitsrestaurants.com/




What can I say besides "YEAH!" With Straits Restaurant's opening, Atlanta superstar Ludacris and Chef Chris Yeo have struck San Francisco gold right here in midtown Atlanta.

Take a feeling at Chris "Ludacris" Bridges' bio, and you may be awed by all of his accomplishments. Personally, I adore his amazingly catchy songs, thought his playing was heavy in Crash, and know that he has collaborated with another of my favorite artists, Kylie Minogue. But Luda has still more creativity to share, as evidenced by the winner of his wonderful new Singaporean restaurant, Straits. Ludacris was so impressed by Chef Yeo's Straits location in California that he scarce had to take it to Atlanta for all of us to enjoy. Thanks, Luda!

My husband Dan and I dined at Straits recently, and we both agreed that the cuisine and the air were phenomenal. Not to observe that we got to meet Ludacris and Chef Yeo! We also met the sous chef, who was really pleasant and magic as well. Decor, I would identify as modern Asian done in lush, varied textures, with a subject of dark burgundy.

Kung Pao Chicken Lollipops at Straits

Okay, I did not mean that I would be the character to be starstruck, but I was. Luckily, I was hardy enough to say something when Ludacris checked on us. My husband talked to Luda about the cuisine. I managed to falter out that I loved his earrings. They must have been 100 carats. Seriously! And I got his autograph! We got to meet Ludacris' mom, too. It was her birthday, and it was very wonderful that she took the clock to make sure we were enjoying ourselves.

Anyway, by talking with Ludacris, we observed that his favorite dish at Straits are the Kung Pao Chicken Lollipops pictured above. We tried some, and they were delectable. Much neater than a chicken wing! I never eat chicken wings because they are so messy. We too had Roti Prata and Samosas for our appetizers, Indian dishes that were familiar, yet updated in Chef Yeo's talented hands. See, that's why this Singaporean thing is so great. You can have Indian, Chinese, and Malaysian food all at the same restaurant!

We tried a Passion Fruit Margarita that was brisk and sweet, and some lovely Sauvignon Blanc. Other dishes we tried (all exquisite) were Mix Satay, Vegetarian Egg Rolls, Seafood Curry, Lobster Pad Thai, Tamarind Beef, and Crispy Whole Chicken. Dan told Ludacris that his favourite was the Tamarind Beef. It was fantastic. It was tangy, rich, and cooked perfectly. Sauces at Straits are about of the better I get always had. There were chili sauces and chicken and green curries.

The Lobster Pad Thai was another stand-out (see below). And our dessert was delicious, too! We had a French Kiss - strawberry ice cream with chocolate bar and strawberry sauce. I joked with Dan that the French Kiss meant that Ludacris would fall out and kiss you. This upscale, gorgeously-decorated restaurant is already a hotspot on the Atlanta dining scene. I will definitely be back for dinner and to try the Sunday brunch. I would recommend it to anyone. And who knows, if you go, you only may see Ludacris, too!

Lobster Pad Thai at Straits

















Chili Crab at Straits