Free-For-All Friday 3/5/10
Decatur Metro | March 5, 2010 | 9:08 amHere we go!
Use this post to make comments and ask questions about local topics not discussed here in the past week.
Comments close on Monday.
Here we go!
Use this post to make comments and ask questions about local topics not discussed here in the past week.
Comments close on Monday.
FHR
Daydreamer
Bo
Dex
Parker Cross
Scott
Steve
Terry
Decatur Heights Dad
Diane Loupe
Diane Loupe
Diane Loupe
Mr. Bad Example
Blake
Terry
Any news on whether the 5th Earl will find a new home?
I recently discovered Patel Brothers, the Indian grocery store up Church St. For that matter, I had no idea how many incredible ethnic markets are nearby, and that put YDFM to shame. Surely with so much diversity in our backyard we can get some Indian or Ethiopian food right on the square. Sure the rents are lower in the strip malls, but we’ve got three Thai places, two Irish pubs, and at least four pizza joints – time for more variety!
Yes, some fine Indian restaurants up that way too. Try Udipi in the same strip. Most of the Indian food around here is south Indian, which mean vegetarian and (alas) no beer. But cheap, good eats, and amazing bread!
Udipi changed names, or relocated, I think. There is another Indian restaurant name where Udipi’s used to be. I haven’t tried it yet. I still go to Bhojanic for all the good Indian food I want.
Udipi relocated to the strip from its former Lawrenceville Hwy. spot. Just follow them wherever they go, you’ll be OK!
Udipi is off Church ST now in the same plaza that Last Chance Thrift Store be in.
What the?! It’s a moving target!
The restaurant where Udipi used to be is now “Bay Leaves”– it’s owned by the same folks, and serves meat (so I’ve heard, haven’t been around yet). I hope Udipi is still around somewhere close, because their dal tadarka is THE best!!!
Mirch Masala up on Church St. and Scott Blvd. has beer and the kids really like the Chicken Lollipop and the Gulab Jamun for dessert.
Don’t forget about Tava & Grill – a carry-out inside Cherian’s Grocery. Mmmmmm.
Come to Oakhurst! The owners of Bhojanic own Nectar, the smoothie place next to Kavarna. They offer Indian food Thurs-Sat for dinner, 5-10pm.
More info:
Nectar is bringing the taste of Indian Cuisine to Oakhurst.
Dishes are served on Thalis (traditional Indian combo platters) and home-style.
Spicy meat such as Chicken Tikka Masala or Chicken Curry served with tasty vegetables and Indian Dal (Lentils) also Vegetarian Thalis guarantee to excite your taste buds.
All Thalis are accompanied with Rice Pulao (basmati rice w. chick peas), Raita (yogurt sauce), Organic Salad and Bread.
Indian food Menu changes seasonally.
Indian food at Nectar is served Thursday through Saturday at Dinner only, from 5:00 – 10pm.
B.Y.O.B.
Nectar
707 – C – East Lake Drive, Decatur, GA 30030 – Oakhurst Village.
Tel: 404-378-4006 –
Actually, I think the Indian food at Nectar is served Monday through Saturday, 6:00 to 9:00.
I am on the list for infant daycare at College Heights and Decatur Baptist – concerned I won’t get into either. Any other recommendations for good infant care (3 months+) in/near the city or between Decatur and downtown?
Does Phoenix School take infants? They’ve got a fabulous reputation. Georgia State used to have a great program.
The trick with these centers is to get on the list and every so often call.
I would include links but my post will get caught up in moderation.
Frasier Center, Jenna Black 404-370-4425 (they don’t have a good web presence)
Druid Hills Child Development Center (this is a great school)
Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool
Phoenix School (notoriously difficult to get into)
If a PMO will do:
North Decatur UMC PMO
Decatur Presbyterian Children’s Community
Decatur UMC PMO
Holy Trinity Parish Preschool
Just a note…my son was #30 on the waiting list at CHECLC and we got in the week before school started in August. Most people can’t wait so they find other things. Depends on your timeframe.
Great tips – thanks!
We use the phoenix school – love it, but their annual lottery just occurred in Feb.
Try the Frazer Center – http://www.thefrazercenter.org/childrens-program
It’s in Lake Claire, close to Decatur and on the way to Downtown ATL.
The contractor for Georgia Power just installed the new “Smart Meter” yesterday replacing our old “dumb meter.” I saw the guy in his truck for the last couple of days before he came to our house and he is still here in the neighborhood today. We live in Winnona Park.
I like the fact that I can see the actual kw hours used in a easy to read digital format. Georgia Power says that one of the benefits of having a Smart Meter is that I will someday be able to access my usage information from the internet. It would be pretty cool to be able to turn on and off electrical devices and get feedback from the internet on how much energy those devices are using.
They can also read your meter remotely.
If I get a parking ticket and complain enough, you suppose that the parking ticket policy will be rewritten because I parked in the wrong place to begin with?
Mr. Dog, you stole my post. Very good, sir.
Or what about the speeding law?
I’ve fought parking tickets in court and won because of lack of signage. So my answer would be yes. If too many people are getting parking tickets because of lack of communication then by all means, complain and get it fixed.
I fail to see your point.
Like you failed to see the Pay Parking signs?
These signs are all over Downtown. These days, “I didn’t know” really isn’t an excuse.
You pay to park or get a ticket or booted or towed, I hate it, but it’s a fact. Anywhere you park you have to assume it’s paid parking.
That certainly isn’t the frame of mind of 90% of metro Atlanta drivers, who expect nothing BUT free parking.
So you think the changes that were made are bad? I don’t see why people are complaining about this. All they changed was they added more signs and they have to give a receipt right? Am I missing something? That’s one of the reasons I moved to City of Decatur, I felt like if I had a problem with something I wouldn’t just be ignored.
Oh and the 2 tickets I fought, 1 was because there simply were no signs (they were stolen who knows when) and the other because the “yellow curb” was A) not yellow and B) not a curb anymore (it was so old it was just rock crumbles at that point.) This wasn’t in Decatur (it wasn’t even in Georgia)
Perhaps you missed the original story. There were signs in the lot, and the person got booted–not ticketed. And it was here in Decatur.
The changes are not bad–the initial point is avoiding to pay for parking at a pay lot, and then complaining that you didn’t know. Of course, if it’s a pay lot, there should be signs–always, and, in this case, there were.
I don’t understand why anyone that was mad at being booted because of “avoiding to pay for parking” would fight to get more/better signs and receipts. Why would they care, they still can’t park for free.
Somebody thought there weren’t enough signs or nothing would have happened, right?
I’ve been illegally booted before (multiple times). There was a huge scam in Midtown around Crescent Ave in the early 2000s. I used to DJ there a lot and people would pay and get booted anyway. We had no receipt to back it up so we were forced to pay. I had to call the police almost every time because they tried to charge me $100+. The legal max was $75 I think. It was funny because every time I took my phone out to call the police they quickly said the would take the boot off for $50. The police caught on though and it stopped.
I’m not saying that’s even close to what happened here, but I still think the changes are good and reasonable.
Who do you like for dinner delivery? We order from Siam and of course, pizza places. Looking for new options! Suggestions?
Chinese Food – Golden Buddha on Clairmont, between the VA Hospital and North Druid, delivers.
(404) 633-5252
I just found out Coyotes has started delivering.
With Mariachi music? That’s a favorite part of the Coyote’s experience!
I love Pyng Ho for Chinese, and Yami Sushi for, well, sushi. If you go to http://www.allmenus.com, you can see their menus as well as several other delivery places, and place your order online. Great for avoiding miscommunications on the phone, and you can place an order ahead and add your tip and everything. Johnny’s Pizza on Church is on that site as well–it works wonderfully!
Las Brasas, over by the old Freight Room then Depeaux, delivers its delicious chicken, rice, beans, corn, vedgies, sweet potato and regular fries, and flan. Best secret in town.
Also, Top Spice in Toco Hill delivers to Decatur too–expensive but worth it.
You beat me to it, Karass! I second the Las Brasas recommendation– their chicken is deeeeefrickenlishius!
You know what, we might just have to have that for dinner tonight. Flan, too! Mmmmmmmm, I’m so hungry (no time for lunch) now…
hmmm. i didn’t know that about las brassas. good to know!! i’m not a fan of pyng ho, golden buddah or jin jin. i wish there was some chinese food i liked nearby! they wouldn’t even have to deliver.
Siam Thai on the square delivers. Very good. I think Mediterranean Grill by Rainbow Foods might deliver — at least they have in the past.
I saw a delivery van for Zucca’s in my neighborhood this evening (though they looked lost – they stopped in the middle of the street, and were attempting a three point turn-around when I pulled into my driveway). I had no idea they delivered – nice to know if you want something a little more haute than our standard, Mojo Pizza.
Bulldog,
I think what you mean is “if I get a ticket and send an email to a friend complaining about it, and that friend publicizes it”, because that’s how it worked for the booting issue.
…but certainly did not pass up the opportunity to appear on TV–you know, just to set things right. It’s odd they didn’t show the Big Peach Running Co. parking lot, with the big “pay here” sign. This is another example of “save three dollars, and change the world.”
Here is a great business idea for you eco-folks. Establish a delivery service using those electricgolf cart/cars like Jim Baskett drives, and contract will as many local eateries as possible to deliver for them. Convenience, not bad for the air quality, less folks on the highway.
Do you think the Pedicabe guys would do pick-up and delivery for me?
Yes, it is my understanding that Easy Living Pedicabs will pick up and deliver to you.
Why would “eco folks” prefer a dirty coal-powered delivery vehicle like an electric golf cart ?
Bike delivery is the way to go.
I like New Century on Scott Blvd better for Chinese delivery, and it’s closer.
Did that clay place (was it “Hooray for Clay”?) ever open up on East Howard up from The Depeaux? We need somewhere fun to take the niece & nephew next weekend– they’re kinda Fernbanked out.
Not yet.
Center for Puppetry Arts is fun.
Mummies at the Carlos Museum on Emory Campus is groovy for kids as well.
There’s a paint your own pottery place that’s just relocated to Suburban Plaza (near Suburban Trophy.) Don’t know any particulars, but it looks niece/nephew worthy.
(Make that: pottery that’s yours after you pay for it.)
The #1 Fun thing request from my nieces & nephew is a thrift store spree. The tween girls love getting unique clothes, bags, jewelry, etc. The little guy goes straight for the tees & flannel granddaddy shirts, then toys. Maybe pick up some home décor stuff to re-craft and a vhs movie for the evening’s entertainment — You’re set!
Two of the very best thrift stores in Atlanta are within about 2 miles of the Square (Last Chance in Suburban Plaza; ValuVillage in Belvedere Plaza on Memorial Drive across from Aldi.)
My teen daughter loves Rag-O-Rama in Little Five Points. Sorta thrift, sorta Bohemian stylish.
Oh, and there’s a terrific little variety story –Richard’s–over next to the Trader Joe’s on Monroe in Midtown near Piedmont Park.
Can you park in a metered spot if the meter is out of order? I pulled into a spot on the square the other day, but moved when I noticed the meter had an out of order sign. The car behind me went ahead and parked there, but I did not want to risk another $15 parking ticket!
I regard these as free parking spots, but if a cop wants to give a ticket a cop will give a ticket.
New Century on Scott Boulevard is my favorite, and the owners/staff go out of their way to help you. I know the question was on delivery food, but if you stop by New Century about 30 mins prior to closing for take home orders, they usually encourage you to clean out their buffet items rather than having to throw them out, then give you a discount on an already reasonable price. Discounts get better as you become a regular.
I know some people get all squeebed out by buffets, but New Century’s buffet is constantly patrolled/cleaned/restocked. God help anyone putting a serving spoon back in the wrong dish! : ) Kidding (somewhat) about the serving spoons…. the staff are very sweet and friendly. We should support our local restaurants and the great folks who run them as often as we can!
Wow, a lot of snide attitudes on a Friday! A few important things to remember:
1) The person who got booted still ended up paying that fee to have it removed.
2) The end result was an even clearer policy on booting/parking in Decatur. I don’t see that as a bad thing, regardless of how clear I perceive the initial policy to have been.
Folks,
The point I was trying to make is this:
Take responsibility for your actions. No one is “entitled” to anything.
If you park in a lot that says you’ll be booted, then don’t get mad if you get booted. It’s your own fault — not the person whose job it is to enforce the parking law.
Might I offer suggestion? Walk. It’s cheaper and you get more exercise (which more than half of America needs anyway).
Does anyone have a good rec for converting old family VHS to digital in (or near) Decatur?
There’s a place in downtown Avondale that does such things. Haven’t used them, though.
Video Impact in the Oakgrove/Lavista Rd area does good work.
Camera Doctor in the Wuxtry Records/Mexico City Gourmet/Rainbow Foods strip.
Is anybody else giggling about all the huffing & puffing over folks not reading signs in a comment section that clearly states: “Use this post to make comments and ask questions about local topics not discussed here in the past week.” ?
At least we didn’t park here.
If only DM could boot posts.
Deanne:
ROTFL at just that.
Thank you!!!
I told the dog it was funny, but she just kept looking at me.
Another good place for burning off energy with the kids is leapin lizards on SAMs street down from where the friends school used to be.
In response to the querry about childcare, we had a VERY unpleasant experience at Frazer a few years ago. At that time (and perhaps still) they claimed to be an integrated program for both traditionally developing children and those with special developmental needs. A number of families, including us, found the services rendered to be far from adequate, especillly when it came to the special needs children. In fact I would say that many of the situations bypassed irresponsible and went right to downright dangerous. Attempts to address this with the administration and boad were met with closed doors and closed minds.
Hopefully things have imporoved since and perhaps there has been a chang in both attitude and leadership. If not, please investigate carefully.
If anyone is interested in more information about our experience please post an email address or phone number and I will be happy to contact you.
I always order from Hunan dragon on clairmont. Super quick delivery and cheap!
As for parking. I’ve always found spots at meters oddly enough.
New crossing lights going up at the Clairemont Superior/Michigan intersection.
Thanks to Mr Boykin, Safe Routes to School and many neighbors who pushed for this to happen. Finally cut through all the GA DOT red tape !