While in Atlanta for business, I tried a few excellent restaurants for the first time. The first night I went to Canoe, located on Paces Ferry Road, with CEO and publisher Francis X. Gallagher and director of sales William Papa. We started out at the lovely bar, waited on by a lovely woman named Joy. She picked out the perfect Chardonnay for me. In fact, it was a “secret” Chardonnay off the menu. It was delightful, and the fact it was “secret” made me feel special.

The staff at Canoe was attentive and charming and told us right away the executive chef Matthew Basford grew up in Australia., exposed to unique cooking techniques influenced by Pan-Asian cuisine. Australian mixed with Pan-Asian and the fact we were in the South made me think I was in a perfect dream. No wonder I loved this restaurant so much! The fresh, local ingredients combined with Chef Brasford’s creativity created a sophisticated palate unique to Canoe.

The Aussie influence really showed on the menu with eye-catching dishes such as Peppercorn-Crusted Kangaroo and Red Wine Braised Australian Lamb Shank. After a long deliberation, I ordered a Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with Yuzu and Napa Cabbage Slaw to start and the Lamb Shank with Anson Mills Polenta and Root Vegetable Jardeniere for my main course.

It was absolutely fabulous.

— Julie St. John Haupin, account executive