Thursday was my birthday, and I got to celebrate it over the weekend. (No one wants to work a 10 hour day hungover do they?) We didn't do much Thursday night, but I did come home to beautiful lilies! 

Naturally, when deciding where to go for dinner, I chose CO'M. Remember the place I blogged about awhile back? 

The plan was to have dinner there with friends, then head back to my place for delicious cupcakes that my hubby ordered and to crack open a few bottles of champagne. 


*If you're ever in Atlanta, you must try The Little Cake Bakery. Their cupcakes are the best in Atlanta (and there are A LOT of cupcake shops here)!*

We get seated, catch up with each other, and order. I get to open cards and the birthday love is pouring in! I ordered the drink special, "Aloe Breeze" that goes down as smooth as silk. It's aloe vera, apricot liqueur, pineapple juice, and rum. Delicious! As always, the food was fabulous. Hubby and I filled up on tofu tempura, spring rolls, and a fabulous Vietnamese crepe. As we were finishing up and getting ready for the bill, our waiter informed us that the owner would like us to move over to the couches to get comfy. 

We move over and were greeted with 6 glasses and a bottle of champagne! What a lucky girl I am! A few minutes later, the staff heads over towards us and starts singing "Happy Birthday." They present me with a gigantic piece of their to-die-for chocolate cake! I know we've got cupcakes at home, but I can't say no to chocolate cake. I am spoiled. I am so lucky to have such wonderful family & friends to celebrate with. We had a fabulous time and I really loved turning 29. I enjoyed it so much, I might try it again next year! 

CO'M is a wonderful little jewel tucked away quietly in Dunwoody Village. I lived in the area for 2 years before I knew this place existed (it's kind of hidden and there's no marketing). When I ate there for the first time, I was mad that I didn't know about it sooner. That's two years of fabulous food that I'll never get back!

As you are approaching the front door, you can't help but be intoxicated by the wonderful aromas coming from the grill. You enter the restaurant and suddenly you are welcomed into a dark, trendy, yet completely comfortable atmosphere. Couches fill the waiting area to ensure your comfort from the start. 

As you are approaching the front door, you can't help but be intoxicated by the wonderful aromas coming from the grill. You enter the restaurant and suddenly you are welcomed into a dark, trendy, yet completely comfortable atmosphere. Couches fill the waiting area to ensure your comfort from the start. There's an impressive bar, filled with everything you can think of, including Absinthe, and the fountain to prepare it with. 

The food is nothing short of fabulous. One word you will never use in CO'M is bland; it's not possible. Each dish is infused with flavors like lemongrass, coconut, cilantro, Thai basil, ginger, and chili. I've had almost every dish on the menu without a single complaint. If it's your first time in, try the Banh Hoi with Rice Paper. You can choose from a variety of meats to go along with your Bahn Hoi - I suggest the grilled chicken or grilled pork. You are served a huge plate of flat rice noodles to be wrapped up with lettuce, daikon, carrots, cucumber, mint, basil, cilantro, carrots, and papaya, along with cripsy onions and peanuts. Think of it as a do-it-yourself spring roll or mini burrito with a sweet chili dipping sauce. It's outstanding. I think I could eat it every night and never grow tired. 

CO'M is definitely a one-size fits all place and I LOVE that. You can go dressy, you can go casual - just GO! It's not a dive, but it's not white table cloths either. It's that perfect place in the middle where everyone is welcome and you feel at home every time you go. The owner, Nadj, (a happy-go-lucky French man) is someone you want to get to know. He's not the type of owner who is only in the background. He's always walking around, talking to customers, and getting to know them. He's outgoing and friendly, and in the later hours of the night, you might catch him singing or doing a dance or two. It is possible that I danced with him once (or twice).

Nadj is also fabulous behind the bar. When I can't decide what to drink, I often ask him to just "make me something." I was lucky enough to gain two recipes that I can share with you here.  

First up is the CO'M Crusta:

1 oz. Bombay or Bombay Sapphire
1 oz. Domaine de Canton (French Ginger Cognac) 
1/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce Blue Curacao

This drink has a warm undertone and it is super refreshing. The ginger gets you as an aftertaste and it is wonderful.

Then onto my favorite, the Parisian Summer:

2 oz. Absolut Citron
1/2 oz. honey
2 oz. lemon juice
1/2 oz. St. Germaine syrup
1/2 oz. St. Germaine Liquor
Splash of Soda
4 lemon slices

This drink can be easily summed up as adult lemonade. It's perfectly balanced between tart and sweet. It's got me thinking of a warm summer night, all year round.

Anytime you are in Atlanta, be sure to stop in CO'M. They feature live music every other Friday and towards the end of the night, the tables can be moved for a make-shift dance floor. If there's a crowd, closing time will be when everyone is ready to go home. Nadj wants his customers to feel at home and have a good time. CO'M is the perfect date night, girls night, or any other night.