Chef Ford Fry: A local’s guide to Atlanta

Chef Ford Fry has built a restaurant empire in Atlanta. Since opening JCT. Kitchen & Bar in 2007, the restaurateur has expanded his food kingdom to include no. 246, The Optimist, King + Duke, St. Cecilia and Tex-Mex concept Superica, among others.

All of Ford Fry’s restaurants are chef owned and operated and serve food made with local ingredients, but each restaurant also has its own identity. Fry says that when he is looking to develop a new food destination he starts with the location and considers whether the restaurant would meet a need within the community. Then he considers the culinary genre and his inspiration comes from a variety of influences.

Spending his childhood in Texas, Fry studied at the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont and worked as a fine dining chef in Florida, Colorado and California, as well as a corporate chef in Atlanta, where he fell in love with the Peach City.

He has since taken the food scene by storm, and his restaurants have garnered numerous accolades. But where does this seasoned chef go for a good bite to eat or a perfectly mixed cocktail in his spare time? We asked him and, not surprisingly, his picks include some of his raved-about restaurants as well as some other eateries close by.

Hamburger and fries: “My first thought is the ‘butter burger’ at The Optimist,” Fry says. Served with American cheese, grilled onions, “come-back” sauce and fries, the burger’s grinded meat is specifically selected by Executive Chef Adam Evans. As part of the grinding process, he adds in butter, which forms a “fantastic crust as it cooks on a plancha,” Fry says. “It’s fantastic! But, since The Optimist is mine and you may not believe me, hit up The General Muir. Todd Ginsberg has got it down!”

Late night bite: Sticking to a common late-night craving, Chef Ford Fry’s pick is Chinese food at Canton Cooks in Sandy Springs. From salt and pepper squid to pan-fried sea bass, the no-frills establishment’s packed dining room speaks to its local favourite status. “There’s nothing better than true late-night Chinese food,” Fry says.

Charcuterie: “Chef Colin Miles from Leon’s in Decatur shows the most passion for charcuterie,” Fry says. Leon’s Full Service offers small plates of aged ham, bresaola, bratwurst, cheddarwurst pickles and mustard that keeps Fry coming back. The best part, it’s around the corner from no. 246. “So, when you plan to hit up no. 246, stop in Leon’s next door and grab a cocktail and sample Colin’s stuff.”

Farmer’s market: Next to St. Philips Cathedral, Fry’s Saturday morning stomping ground is Peachtree Road Farmers Market. “It’s so well-rounded: you can find anything from local cheese to the best local produce, to artisan bread from Holeman & Finch Bakery.” The outdoor market takes place every Saturday from April to mid-December and includes chef demos, music and more.

Sunday brunch: With a menu of breakfast pizza, ricotta fritters with local honey and biscuits and sausage gravy, Fry’s no. 246 earns his vote. “I promise!” Fry says. Another of his favourite spots on the west side of town is West Egg, where the “pretty tasty” Sunday brunch specials include banana bread French toast with caramel-banana sauce and chicken chilaquiles (chicken and tortillas, sunny eggs, salsa roja, avocado, sour cream, queso fresco, with mixed greens).

Dinner with friends and family: Fry suggests taking the kids and in-laws to The Optimist, not just for its fresh seafood and oyster bar, but also for the fun, laid-back ambiance. “For so many reasons, I feel The Optimist is the best bet. There’s putt-putt for the kids, and quality yet casual dining for the parents.”

To find culinary inspiration: “When I think ‘inspired,’ Angus Brown comes to mind. Check out Lusca or Octopus Bar – they’re funky, cool, and awesome!” Lusca’s daily changing menu highlights oysters, nigiri and a number of vegetarian and meat dishes. Opening at 10:30 p.m., East Atlanta’s Octopus Bar is the quintessential late night foodie stop, with items like braised and fried rabbit legs and sea urchin on the menu.

If you’re looking for the best of the best in Atlanta’s culinary scene, Chef Ford Fry’s picks are quite the curated food map. While you’re feasting on delectable cuisine at one of the aforementioned spots, don’t forget to hold up your drink and toast to the celebrated chef, who might just be sitting at a table in the corner.

Written by Giannina Smith Bedford