Atlanta Good Food category interest

Do you remember... the 21st night of September?

I do. In fact, I remember most of September as a glorious month of dining in Atlanta. We’re closing out the season with the last of summer produce — from tomatoes, peaches, and watermelon gazpacho, to a bright melon salad. Here are the best things I ate in Atlanta this month.

Wok fried green beans at Kamayan ATL

Chefs Mia Orino and Carlo Gan have a Michelin recommendation for a reason. It’s hard to go wrong with any order at Filipino restaurant Kamayan ATL on Buford Highway. True standouts are the wok-fried green beans, seasoned with chilis and Philippine lime. There are plenty of protein options on the menu, so these green beans offer a savory respite as a side. The pork lumpia (spring rolls with a sweet chili sauce), slow-roasted pork belly, and the whole-fried pompano are a must. The mains are served with fresh fruits like lychee and dragon fruit, which Orino says is how her family served dinner to balance out the fatty meats. Don’t skip the ube churros to finish.

Watermelon gazpacho at Dirt Church Ceramics

Chef Zach Meloy (formerly of Better Half) serves up some of the most creative food at his weekly pop-up dinner series, called Mug of the Month Club, at Dirt Church Ceramics. Zach is also a potter and makes the plates and bowls by hand. The menu changes often and tells a seasonal story. The watermelon gazpacho and pork medallions with peaches were a hit during a summer tasting. The pop-up dinner is held at a long table with about 15 guests, so it’s a great way to get to know new neighbors. At the end of dinner, you even get to take a handmade mug home.

Korean fried chicken at Kimchi Red

Kimchi Red in Alpharetta won Yelp’s best fried chicken in the country last year, and it’s for good reason. The Korean fried chicken from the family-owned joint is perfectly crispy dark meat that is tender at every bite. The meat is also halal. You can pick from spicy dipping sauces — the Jeonju sauce is sweet and spicy and the soy garlic pepper is plenty savory and umami. The Red Buldak, which is cheesy, spicy ramen, is a must on the side. Beware, the portions are huge and make for great takeout when you’ve got friends over.

Melon salad at Staplehouse

Just look at it. It’s a wreath of melons topped with thinly sliced jalapeños and sweet peppers, pickled lemon, and drizzled with hot honey. Now, this is a banger way to say goodbye to summer. It’s a refreshing, sweet and spicy salad that goes perfectly accompanied by the pistachio pesto pizza with sausage. The menu here changes often to reflect seasonality. Lunch is a great way to get to know Staplehouse — order many different things off the menu along with a glass of wine. For an elevated version, dinner offers a tasting menu by reservation only.