Palate Pleasing Experiences in Augusta, Georgia

Events, attractions and activities are great; but truth be known, many travel for the food.

It’s a plain and simple fact.

Don’t believe me? Ask someone what they did on their trip and you might get a comment here and there, but ask about where they ate and when they’re finished telling you, you’ll feel like you were there as well.

What’s great about the South is the fact there are many destinations where you can indulge your appetite. One of those destinations happen to be Augusta, Ga.

Perhaps best known as the home to the Augusta National Golf Club (map) and the Masters Golf Tournament, there’s also the Riverwalk, Artists’ Row, the can’t-miss James Brown statue, and plethora of outdoor activities that include horseback riding and disc golf.

And then there’s the restaurants. In Augusta, be ready to eat, and eat well. You’ll soon discover that the second-oldest and second-largest city is filled with all kinds of palate pleasing experiences.

Here are a few places for you to discover while in the city.

Housed in a restored 1853 Southern mansion in the historic old town, La Maison on Telfair (map) looks intimidating at first, but once you reach inside you are greeted by an intimate and warm atmosphere. It’s much like visiting someone’s home. Headed by the very personable Chef Heinz, the restaurant offers both a tapas menu and a dinner menu. Begin your evening sampling such dishes as Ahi tuna nachos or goat cheese salad. For dinner, choices cover everything from ostrich filet to jumbo diver scallops to lamb and much more. And that’s just the main courses. There’s also appetizers, as well as soups and salads. Be sure to leave room for dessert, because sweets here include crème brulee, cheesecake and a chocolate chili with a surprise “kick.”

If you think you’ve tried it all when it comes to Mexican food, then you haven’t visited Rooster’s Beak (map). Located downtown, you can select to try their tacos, house enchiladas, pizza, salads and nachos. There’s also a tasty chicken dish and steak dish as well. Okay, so everything sounds like the typical fare you’d find at any Mexican restaurant. But this isn’t your parents’ Mexican restaurant. For instance, the house enchiladas are stuffed with nearly everything in the kitchen. The tacos – the favorites tend to be both the pork and catfish. Catching on now? But that doesn’t prepare you for the interesting (and tasty) dessert. How about blueberry bacon flavor ice cream? Cheez-it flavor ice cream? The ice cream flavors are a great way to end a meal.

We’ve all been at a restaurant and wish we could try a little of this and a little of that. The Bee’s Knees (map), also in downtown, knows it’s difficult to stop at one dish. Their tapas menu features a little of everything from avocado chop chop to scallop ceviche tostado to hand-cut fries. If you need a little more to your dish, there’s a big tapas menu that includes such dishes as Pad Thai, pan-fried catfish and soy-ginger tuna steak to satisfy your appetite. How about some dessert to end the evening? Check with the server for their specials.

If you’re somewhat familiar with Augusta, you’ve probably heard of The Partridge Inn (map). Even if you’re not staying at the property, it’s worth going to their Sunday brunch. Taking place at The P.I. Bar and Grill, expect to see shrimp and grits, their famous (and popular) fried chicken, oysters on the half shell, biscuits, an omelet station and more. Word of advice: wear comfortable pants because you will eat.

Augusta, Ga., go for the fun, stay for the restaurant experiences.

The author had meals at the above restaurants during a media trip; the opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author.

Photo credit: (top left) Scallop Ceviche Tostado at The Bee’s Knees, (middle right) Nachos at the Rooster’s Beak), (bottom left) Shrimp and Grits at The Partridge Inn Sunday Brunch.