Adrie Reinders

Nan, 1350 Spring Street, Atlanta, Georgia – www.nanfinedining.com

During my stay in Atlanta, the concierge at the W hotel recommended the Nan, when I asked her what the best Thai restaurant in Atlanta was in her opinion. I have to say, that it is almost odd to find a gorgeous place like Nan amidst the concrete blocks that make up the city of Atlanta. The warm atmosphere of Thailand, between the highrise buildings and highroads of a city.

The restaurant was founded by chef Nan, who was taught her cooking skills by her mother in Thailand. She left her country at the age of nineteen and came to America, where she worked in various Thai restaurants before opening up her own restaurant in Manhattan, Tamarind. Nan moved to Atlanta with her family a number of years ago where she launched Nan fine dining, which has become a landmark in Atlanta.

Although in a rather large open space,  it has been beautifully decorated and as it has been separaed into a range of carefully secluded smaller areas inside the one large space, it gives you an air of comfort and intimacy. Service is as I recognize from Thailand, very friendly, professional with a hint of deference. I had Beef and Chicken Satay as an appetizer, and as a main course Kung Mung Kron or in plain English, baked lobster with lemongrass sea scallops. It melted in my mouth, the delicate flavours never overpowering one another. As I am still on my diet, this meal proved a highlight during my week and did not clash with my new lifestyle. I did not have any desserts, but the choice offered seemed delicious.

Comfort: 8
Service: 8,5
Food: 9
Price/Quality: 8

Absolutely highly recommended for anyone visiting Atlanta.

W Hotel, 188 14th Street, Atlanta

By now, many people know that the W hotel Mid Town Atlanta is my absolute favorite hotel. It is not just the concept,  but a concept wouldn’t be anything without the staff putting it into practice. I have never experienced staff like at the W Midtown -  they make you feel so very welcome when you arrive at the door, recognising you and remembering your name. And of course, most of all the special welcome I get from Milen.

This time I had 3 days to enjoy every aspect of the W, the outside terrace, The Spice market, (see below for pictures), the Gym, everything. Service is absolutely top of the bill. The W Concierge is doing a great job for you if you need reservations, there is the Accura car service and drivers like Sunil and his colleagues.

The room is fantastic, well maintained, spacious and relaxing. A genuine home away from home.

Food: 8.5
Service: 9
prize/quality: 9

The perfect place to have your business meetings in Atlanta

It isn’t standard procedure for me to write about the same hotel or restaurant twice in 6 weeks…unless something dramatic happens.

Last week I stayed at the W in Atlanta, one of my favourite hotels as I wrote last time. Great accommodation, comfortable rooms and excellent facilities. Milen Menase, Welcome Desk Talent Coach, checked me in this time – she is a natural talent herself, making her guests feel welcome and special – always a treat. Though I really appreciate her assistance then, I only got to truly value her skill later in the week when I was felled by an gallstone attack. I have to admit to never having been in so much pain before. After suffering in the middle of the night, I couldn’t stand it any longer – the hotel reception desk immediately took charge – organized a doctor to visit, took me to the hospital by Accura and generally taking care of all the things I couldn’t do myself. In the days following I was amazed at how genuinely every one in the hotel was concerned and sympathetic – nothing was too much trouble. Roomservice comped my (very light) meal, the hotel organied flowers, a gift and a christmas card signed by all personnel wishing me speedy recovery. I have always maintained that PEOPLE make your business…. it is very clear that the W in Atlanta has got exaclty the right people.