JCT. RESTAURANT REVIEW

     My friend Bob and I recently ate lunch at JCT., short for Junction, restaurant in the Westside Urban Market in Atlanta.  This establishment shares space occupied by Star Provisions, the gourmet market attached to the famed Baccahanalia restaurant. The whole Market inhabits an old slaughterhouse located on a main railway line in a part of the city that has experienced a great deal of revitalization in recent years.  The entire market provides a unique urban feel, yet it is open and natural, offering an idyllic sense of space.
     Located in the rear of the Market,  JCT. pleases many, offering a variety of spaces in which to enjoy your food or drink. It is open and airy, offers a rooftop bar and outdoor eating spaces.  The joint is always crowded at lunch, reservations are recommended.  We did not have reservations, saw the place was packed, and spoke to the front - who told us to wait 10 or so minutes.  Five minutes later we were being seated.  Though full of people, the restaurant never felt crowded.  The interior space is well planned such that people are not sitting on top of one another.
     The lunch menu was diverse and could please all types of eaters.  Even vegetarians could get anything from deviled eggs to a "grown up grilled cheese - Assorted cheeses and roasted tomato on buttered semolina toast served with a cup of tomato soup.  The menu is decidedly southern and a carnivore's dream.  Wood grilled lamb burgers, pork belly BLT, fried Springer Mountain chicken and wood grilled chicken are just a smattering of the meats dishes available.  Homemade crab cakes, wood grilled salmon, and shrimp and grits are on tap to delight lovers of the sea.  It's all here.
     Bob and I opted for a starter, with a menu this appealing, we couldn't resist.  Up first, the small fry, a southern fried blend of oysters, calamari and fried green tomatoes served with remoulade sauce.  The batter, though heavy, was crispy and tasty. The remoulade sauce was delicious, rich and spicy.  The tomatoes were sufficiently tart. The oysters were divine, though the calamari was a bit chewy, but not overly so.
     When the person eating with you recommends you get a particular salad when a menu like this stares you in the face, a few things come to mind.  Is he watching out for my or his own health, does he not know the menu that well...or what?  Turns out, he knows what he wants and he was spot on when he said it was delicious and not just any salad.  When the salad reached the table it was very appealing to the eye.  Dawning watermelon radish, corn, fresh tomatoes, fresh grated parmigiano reggiano, red peppers and wood grilled chicken to die for, this salad kicked but.  The taste of the chicken was tender, succulent and smokey - unbelievable!
     I opted for the shrimp and grits, cleverly served with a poached egg on top! These weren't just any ole grits, they were Tim and Alice's Red Mule grits, milled right here here in Georgia in Athens. Check them out here http://www.redmulegrits.com/index.html The grits were prepared properly: smooth and creamy without much chaff.  The shrimp tasted fresh and sweet and was cooked to perfection.  The toasted bread served for mopping was great, even as a standalone.  The sauce, which was rich and delicious, blended well when I finally broke the yolk of my perfectly poached egg.  MMM.  This touch reminded me of northern Spain.  A place where people have mastered every application of this incredible, edible staple.
    Topping off a terrific culinary experience was attentive and caring service.  Our server could not have been better.  Though assisted by a team of waitstaff, he had numerous tables to attend, yet he was very aware of our needs.  Sometimes, I just want to eat in peace, yet want service the moment I require.  He understood this philosophy very well looking our way for subtle body language cues.  I will definitely be returning soon - hopefully, to enjoy fine food with my fine friend. Thanks Bob.
     Check out JCT. here http://www.jctkitchen.com/index.html
     Please note this menu is the basis for lunch everyday.  It does vary slightly - and in a good way!
     P.S. go at lunch to try out things on their dinner menu at a reduced price ;)
EasyB