Hungry Black Man Media, with over 7 years of Black-owned restaurant reviews nationwide, found Atlanta’s culinary scene improving, despite some tourist misconceptions. Celebrity-driven spaces often overshadow quality-focused eateries, so we set out to find the best amongst that class of eatery. Enter Frost Bistro, owned by Rasheeda Frost, and located at 281 Peters St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313. As shared, Atlanta boasts numerous Black celebrity-driven restaurants, but not all deliver on food quality.
Thankfully, Frost Bistro surprised us positively. The restaurant’s aesthetics are stunning, offering modern design and a lively atmosphere for both indoor and outdoor dining. We opted for the latter due to the bustling indoor dining area. We started our food journey with the Southern Style Chicken and Strawberry Flavored Waffle, which offered an intriguing combination of flavors and textures that left room for refinement.
Let’s delve into the waffle conundrum first. Its soft, stretchy texture was an enigma to say the least. One couldn’t help but wonder what culinary wizardry had led to this curious consistency. To truly elevate this dish, a more non-stretchy, yet soft interior with a slightly crispy exterior is the path to perfection. A simple tweak in the recipe or cooking process could work wonders.
Now, on to the star of the show—the waffle’s natural strawberry flavor. It was nothing short of a revelation, conjuring images of sun-drenched strawberry fields. The delicate sweetness was a testament to the chef’s artistry and creativity. Paired with the fried chicken, which boasted a well-seasoned batter that was tender and moist, it was a harmonious dance of sweet and savory that tickled the taste buds.
But, ah, the feathers! My brief venture into the minds of the cooks unveiled an oversight that bordered on the comical. Neglecting to remove chicken feathers is a culinary sin that can cast doubts on a restaurant’s dedication to its craft. Attention to detail is the bedrock of fine cuisine, and I pray they correct this. Atlanta in general, seems to have issue with removing feathers.
Moving on to the oxtails and grits. The grits were a revelation—creamy, buttery, and possessing the perfect toothsome texture. It was evident that the cook knew precisely what was required in the grits department. The grits were a creamy delight, boasting a perfect texture that didn’t require excessive chewing. The chef certainly aced the grits. However, the oxtails left something to be desired. Their mild flavor failed to capture the robust beefiness that this cut can deliver. More seasoning and a judicious amount of gelatinous fat surrounding the lean parts could elevate this dish to its true potential. Perhaps a conversation with the purveyor about sourcing a premium cut might be in order.
Lastly, the peach cobbler French Toast, bedecked with berries, was a bittersweet note to end on. While the flavor profile was acceptable, the texture of the brioche bread left much to be desired. Sourcing from a local baker or baking in-house could infuse new life into this dish. The decadent graham cracker crumble, however, was a delightful touch, enhancing the sugary and cinnamon-laden embrace of the peach cobbler drizzle and the peaches themselves.
In sum, this dining experience was a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges, but yet, delicious.
The restaurant’s ambiance shone as one of Atlanta’s best in the world of celebrity-hyped spots, and the warmth and kindness of the owner and service staff were commendable. While there are certainly other Black-owned culinary gems in Atlanta for the discerning foodie, dining here won’t leave you entirely disappointed if you seek to savor both the hype and a good meal. On the Gold scale, I’d bestow a respectable 4 out of 5 stars, with the tantalizing promise of improvement on the horizon. I, for one, will eagerly return for another taste. Call them at (404) 963-5495.
