THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Asada

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Asada Restaurant Review:

Michael Hosp and partner Liz Callison's 1940s-era former Texaco service station now shelters a charming, amiable neighborhood bistro focused on Southwestern-Mexican fare. The garage's two former bay doors open to admit Atlanta's soft summer air and allow the eye to flow unencumbered to the generous outdoor patio. Hosp's food is more wine-friendly than when the place first opened, and adding a zingy fruit-forward rosé (the Viña Vilano from Spain) to the line-up brings on board a wine that will go with nearly all the dishes. Margarita fans will find much to fuss over, and tequila purists will go wild over this list. The guacamole is nicely textured and fresh tasting, accompanied by a generous pile of multicolored tortilla chips. Tamales are a serious treat here, especially the crawfish-chorizo selection. Mac 'n' cheese is made with goat cheese and is positively irresistible. For brunch, don't miss the shrimp on grits. For dessert, the winner is the flan, a creamy-textured dense version that Hosp wisely keeps free of any ludicrous embellishments. It takes confidence to let its glorious simplicity rule.