Being a foodie town with top chef talent, Atlanta has several really unique opportunities for diners looking to take their experience to the next level. The latest is the Chef’s Counter at No. 246 in Decatur!

Details: Chef’s Counter, No. 246 - Mon thru Thurs for dinner. $50pp for 5-courses chosen by Chef Drew Belline!

A recent birthday celebration provided the perfect excuse and occasion to try this out and it was a huge hit! We went on a Monday, which actually turned out great since we got the counter to ourselves and had a lot of time with Chef Drew Belline. We learned that he keeps bees on his family’s farm and uses the honeycomb on cheese and for dishes. We also got to hear about his passion for locally sourced ingredients and the inspiration behind his cooking.

And then there was the food…..seriously amazing! It was well over 5-courses, we started with some olives, oil & bread, moved to a delicious tomato basil soup with cracked pepper, then decadent flatbread (prosciutto, chanterelle mushooms, aged balsamic, arugula and shaved parmesan cheese), followed by pasta with oysters, shrimp, shaved garlic and bread crumbs. It was great sitting next to the prep areas in the kitchen, the chef’s team was happy to tell us about different dishes, ingredients and their backgrounds in the industry.

The courses kept coming, next was fois gras ravioli in a brown butter sauce, topped with butternut squash and sage,followed by seared beef with roasted brussel sprouts, apples and bacon. Next was the cheese course - which was hand selected and dressed by Chef Belline. He was particular about what each cheese should have accompany it - the highlight was the Taleggio with his homemade honeycomb and roasted hazelnuts. Insanely good!

The desserts (yes plural) kept the gluttony train rolling with three scoops of handmade ice cream (chocolate hazelnut with toasted hazelnuts, pumpkin with toasted seeds and mint) in a house-made waffle cone, as well as Italian ‘doughnuts’ with a chocolate espresso dipping sauce.

Needless to say, if you look on the menu - you won’t see most of these dishes there. You are paying for an experience as only Chef Belline can create for you and it’s worth the trip! Looking to impress a date or just indulge with friends in some amazingly inspired Italian cuisine? Book your spot at the No. 246 Chef’s Counter! Come hungry and tell Chef Drew I sent you…