Lunch With Stevie Baggs Jr At Farm Burger
Farm Burger
Address: 4514B Chamblee Dunwoody Dr Dunwoody, Georgia 30338
Phone Number: 770-454-2201
Website: http://www.farmburger.net/dunwoody/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FarmBurgerDunwoodyGA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FBDecatur
I am ALWAYS in a mood for a GREAT gourmet burger. Having seen several Farm Burger locations spring up in the metro Atlanta area and it receiving RAVING recommendations from close friends; I had to give it a go. I decided to patronage the Farm Burger located in Dunwoody. Being a keen believer that a restaurant has to be pleasing, both aesthetically and to the palate, I was immensely pleased once I opened the doors. The décor had a Southwestern ranch vibe that projects such an energy that encourages feasting and drinking with good company.
Farm Burger is not just your run-of- the-mill burger joint. As the website states, all “burgers are made from 100% grass-fed beef that is dry-aged and ground fresh.” “Our cows are raised on the sweet grasses of the southeast, and never fed antibiotics, hormones, or grain.” This is clean eating at its best. To ensure the best quality and freshness of every burger served, the menu is seasonal because all cuts of meat, fruits and vegetables are sourced from local farms.
An added bonus to this location…A HOMEMADE ICE CREAM SHOP! Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream (which is a completely separate business) was founded in 2008. Morelli’s was started by husband and wife power duo, Donald and Clarissa Morelli. The ice cream is completely homemade and contains no chemicals and no preservatives allowing for many creamy, delicious flavors. Morelli’s was named the 4th best ice cream shop in America by Bon Appétit Magazine in 2009. Freshly ground, scrumptious, gourmet burgers and fresh, homemade ice cream together under one roof – what could be better? This idea was GENIUS!
Farm Burger Dunwoody Location.
The menu at Farm Burger was VERY impressive, offering MANY tasty options including build your own burger and signature burgers. Several burgers on the menu caught my attention. The No. 2 is the veggie quinoa burger consisting of a meatless veggie patty that is comprised of mixed greens, marinated beets, balsamic onions and garlic aioli. I am not a vegetarian but I would love to try this burger. The No. 4 is a chicken burger, topped with smoked Gouda, sherry-date BBQ sauce, kale coleslaw and crispy onions. If a menu has G2 (Gouda or goat cheese) it’s already off to a great start in my book.
On this particular afternoon, I invited fellow foodie, Stevie Baggs, Jr., to come have lunch with me. You may recognize Baggs as a talented football player or as K. Michelle’s date on Love and Hip Hop Atlanta season 1 episode 7. He is the only professional football player to play for twelve different teams within the National Football League and the Canadian Football League. One of the first questions I asked was how does his diet change from season to off season. His reply, “There isn’t a diet, it’s a lifestyle.” “Eating clean is important but I do have occasional cheat days.” I was happy to know that the invitation was extended on a cheat day.
We started with kale slaw and squash soup as appetizers. I loved the squash soup. However, Stevie found it less that palatable. Neither one of us were a fan kale slaw. But I have a rule, whenever I visit a restaurant I make sure to try whatever the chef recommends. I opted for a build your own burger. It was a beef patty topped with Gouda cheese, spicy mayo, and arugula. Stevie chose a double No. 4. We also ordered the parmesan fries. The fries are definitely a must try. The fries have a rich Parmesan taste with just the right mix and hint of house spices. The combined flavors of the fries and burgers danced to create a completely orgasmic eating experience. What better way to finish this meal than with a handmade milkshake? The milkshakes are made fresh to order. I had a strawberry milkshake and Stevie had butter pecan shake. The milkshakes was extremely fresh and creamy. I was certainly stuffed and happy by the end of the night. The service at both establishments was AMAZING; leaving me with a wonderful impression and making it to my must return list.
Picture 1 Build It Burger Topped with Gouda, Arugula, Smoked Paprika Mayo,and Pickles. Picture 2 A No 2 and No 3 Picture 3 Kale-Slaw.
Fun Food Facts about Stevie Baggs Jr:
*His favorite restaurant in Atlanta: Busy Bee Cafe.
*His favorite restaurant in Canada: Earls
*Favorite Food: HOW DOES HE LIKE HIS BURGER COOKED??? juicy burger
*Favorite meal to cook: Parmesan Crusted Tilapia with sautéed spinach and sweet potatoes
*Favorite Chef: Mom
* Favorite cuisine: Soul Food
Mr. Baggs, Jr. wears many hats outside of his helmet for the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL – actor, public speaker and most importantly, philanthropist. Currently, he is focused on his foundation, CTEA foundation http://www.cetafoundation.org . CTEA stands for Creating Empowerment Through Autonomy. Baggs started a foundation because says he feels it is important to give back to the community and show children positive influences that prepare them for the future. He runs the foundation with his mother, Lola Robinson. His mother was a huge reason why he decided to start a foundation. Stevie watched his mother take in girls and help them become women ready for the world. He also speaks at charity events, local schools and shares positive encouragement to others. What I admired most about the foundation is it is one of few foundations that are coed, as CTEA mentors girls and boys. CTE empowers the youth by focusing on very important aspects of life such as nutrition, personal hygiene and health. He is also working on his first book Greater Than The Game. It initially started out as an autobiography but transitioned into words of encouragement and life lessons through personally experiences. Stevie also is working on his first feature film When I Hold My Ears. Although he could not give me all the details, he did give me a VERY brief snippet. The movie is about pastor who ends up in some serious trouble and depicts his road to redemption. The movie is set to release early next year (2014). Even with all of his accomplishments and current projects Stevie still remains humble and charismatic. Follow Stevie on twitter @steviebaggsjr.
Photos: Stevie Baggs Jr and Erica Key, Manager Of Farm Burger Dunwoody.