DINING
Where the Locals Eat Four residents share their favorite spots for a memorable meal BY JENNIFER SENATOR
Local Republic
Santiago Marquez President and CEO, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce When Santiago Marquez moved to Grayson 20 years ago, his family was attracted to the area’s schools, affordability, and “country feel,” he says. “There are still patches of it left, but it’s starting to feel more urban. There’s a tremendous amount of opportunity here.” Marquez, who works in downtown Atlanta, says he is intentional about patronizing area restaurants on weekends. “When I’m home I like to stay local.” All-around favorite restaurant: I like to cook, but when I see we’re in a bind I go to the Summit Chase Country Club and place an order to go. I purposely don’t call ahead; I sit at the bar so I can get a martini. They have 60 • EXPLORE GWINNET T
outstanding food and are very close to my house. I usually get the grilled buffalo chicken wrap for lunch, and the quesadillas are outstanding. You can usually find me there at least once a week. Best breakfast: Pancake House in Grayson has phenomenal pancakes. We like going there after early mass. My kids love the chocolate chip pancakes, but I’m partial to the regular old pancakes. For brunch, I like Local Republic; a Bloody Mary is usually in order, and they have some really good ones. Best date spot: Moonshiners in Grayson has excellent craft cocktails, made with all types of moonshine. I really like the Lemon Drop, made with a smoky moonshine, and the Backyard Tea, made with peach moonshine. Best special-occasion restaurant: When we’re celebrating family birthdays, we go to Frida’s. They have very good food, it’s affordable, you get the sombrero, and they sing. The atmosphere is festive. My wife and I share the steak, chicken, and shrimp fajitas.
The guacamole is really good—they make it fresh at the table—and their salsa is homemade, too. Best hidden gem: Unless you’re a local, you wouldn’t know about Sam’s in downtown Grayson. They do an interesting take on Mediterranean and Southern cuisine, and everything is made there. Start with the fried green tomatoes, and their fried chicken is really good. You get country gravy on the side and garlic mashed potatoes. I also like their gyro salad and barbecue chicken salad. Best patio: Slow Pour has a phenomenal beer garden and patio. You can bring in your own food, and I like the Too Many Words Double IPA. They serve it at Gladiators and Stripers games. Best international cuisine: While the best Cuban food comes from my mom, we also like Mojitos in downtown Norcross. They make an excellent Cuba Libre, and their ropa vieja is really, really good, served with black beans and rice and maduros.
