Java Monkey

Like all the different neighborhoods in Atlanta, Decatur too has its own, very inviting, coffee shop. It’s called Java Monkey; an organic coffee house and wine bar. This petite café could almost be your grand mom’s kitchen, with the well worn couches, home-made cookies and truffles, freshly baked cakes and of course the warm and welcoming smell of coffee beans wafting all through. There’s a coffee bar, an outdoor patio and a cozy living area. I think the best part of Java Monkey is its location. Right outside the little shop, is a beautiful piazza. With the quaint shops all around, the old-fashioned street lights, the benches and the gazebo at the far end, you’re definitely treating yourself to a little more than just coffee when you’re at the Java Monkey.

Oh! Did I mention that the latte was pretty good too…..

Thali

A delicious-home cooked meal; there are somethings that money can't buy.

SALA – Sabor de Mexico

Sala, is yet another one of Virginia Highland’s well kept secrets. The cuisine is Mexcican; exquisite and authentic. To begin with, I was charmed by the interiors; fire red, orange and very inviting. They have an outdoor patio, an indoor salon and an ample bar. It seems like a popular restaurant, it was crowded and we even bumped into friends, enjoying the same Mexican earthiness as us!

They serve a very delicious, complimentary dip with chips, a touch out of the ordinary salsa. The wine list was extensive and was well paired with the different entrees. Most of the entrees are wood-grilled or roasted and the portions very large. Me, in my effort to be different, chose the shrimp cocktail however and I can honestly admit that it wasn’t all that appetizing. My favorite part, as usual, was the dessert; dense chocolate cake with a mousse.

The only down-side was that they did not have complimentary parking and despite a reservation, the wait time was pretty long. It was worth the wait though!

Banana Loaf

Here's a recipe I randomly found on the Internet for a simple Banana Loaf.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
3 eggs
3 bananas
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Nuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking tray. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition, stir in the mashed bananas. Overipe bananas are just perfect. In another large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt. Blend the banana mixture into the flour mixture.

Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean.

You can also add in pecans or walnuts. It turned out pretty good, a little more butter would have made it perfectly moist. I wish it were good enough to kick away the Sunday evening blues!