Please indulge me for a moment while I get my whining and sniveling out of the way. I am not a fan of the Atlanta airport! It seems that no matter where I am going or have been there is a mandatory stop at Hartsfield and those stops are always way too short or way too long. Alright then, I am through whining and sniveling.
After my last out-of-town assignment while on a trip back to Tampa I got stuck with one of those long layovers as the plane plopped me out at terminal E. Having had nothing since breakfast except the two peanuts in a bag on the plane I began searching for the least objectionable food establishment that I could find. Suddenly, I stumbled upon a gem of a place that seemed to spring from a Georgia pine forest. The One Flew South screamed my name and demanded I step inside to enjoy the best meal I have ever consumed in an airport, and one of the better meals anywhere.
The One Flew South has a dandy full bar, but I was more hungry than thirsty so I chose a table over near the pine forest photo-mural...a very relaxing location. I was tempted by the sushi bar, but decided that would have to wait for another trip. The menu was very impressive, so much so that I totally forgot that I was in an airport. So many exciting choices and there I was with just one stomach. My eyes landed on the Thyme Roasted Pork Belly with black-eyed pea arugula salad, parsnip puree, with a blackberry marmalade and my belly said "this is the one." I salivate at the mere memory and my taste buds still tingle. That was and still is the best roasted pork belly I have ever had.
It is probably a bit presumptuous to gush over a dining establishment that one has only visited one time, but I was impressed. This definitely wasn't typical airport food or one of those ubiquitous chains one normally is stuck with. The One Flew South, if they are consistant, would almost be a destination by itself. I look forward to my next long layover.
The One Flew South isn't cheap. I blew my $45 per diem and then some at this one sitting but that included a few "medicinal" adult beverages and the built-in 18% gratuity.
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