Can you tell me one or two absolutely special places to dine ... preferably in the Buckhead /NW area where I'll be staying. I'll have wheels. I genreally go to Atlanta once or twice a year ... used to live there, but don't really know it well now. I've tried Zagat's suggestions in the past ... I know there are a few of you who know the restaurant scene a lot better ... I could use your help this time too. I'm taking some loved ones out to dinner ... I'd like to make it special. Any ideas would be appreciated. And you may be sure I'll follow your advise. Many thanks, have a nice day, and ciao. L

Jeez, "advice" ... how embarrassing (gosh, I hope that one's right). Ciao, Leone

Hmmm- two ideas, both special spots. 1)Seeger's, 111 West Paces Ferry Rd., 404-846-9779. Wonderful wine list, very fine presentation. If you have party of 8, call well ahead for a private room- one is downstairs, removed from the restaurant, and the other is partitioned off by curtains from the main dining area. Expect to pay $70+ per person, excluding drinks/wine. 2)Bacchanalia, 1198 Howell Mill Rd., 404-365-0410. The cheese selection is outstanding. Bacchanalia also offers a private, curtained dining area for 8- definitely call ahead for this spot. Plan to spend $60+ plus, excluding drinks/wine. Seeger's is probably more accessible to your location; if you'd like to really splurge, do Seeger's at night and go to Bacchanalia for lunch. It's over near the ATL Waterworks and several fabric/home furnishing shops. Lunch is a better deal there, plus if there are decorators in your party, they'd probably enjoy shopping at Forsyth Fabrics or some of the other shops in the area. (Old industrial area, not "shoppes", but definitely concentration of businesses catering to the design trade.)

My favorite restaurant in Atlanta is Pano's and Paul's on Paces Ferry Rd. We've eaten there several times over the years and never been disappointed. It doesn't look like much on the outside but it's very elegant inside. The food and service is the best. Always a pleasant and memorable dining experience.

My vote is for Canoe, which has a nice river view and the prices aren't as high as Bachannalia. It's off Paces Ferry Road, heading west from 75.

Mind you, the food is excellent as well. It has a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere that makes it special.

Another vote for Bacchanalia. Absolutely wonderful (food, service, atmosphere) and a fairly easy drive down Northside Drive to NW Midtown.

Haven't been to Seeger's, but local critics consider it one of the best (and priciest). Have heard that the snob factor is a bit high there though.

Check out the recent articles at http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/living/dining/ for more suggestions.

Thanks, RB, G, TM and Brian ... that is exactly the advice I needed. Personal note: hearing the streets was like reliving my younger years. I used to date on Howell Mill Rd. I always drove down West Paces Ferry to see friends who atttended Northside HS. I know where Pano and Pauls is - in the small shopping ctr. next to Paces Fy. Canoe, I believe, is by the Chattahoocheee River where we used to tube. I will be about 5 minutes from Northside Drive, so a drive to Midtown will be okay. Again, thank you very much for your consideration. I will stop here and start deciding. Best regards and have a good day. Ciao, L

I'll add my vote for Canoe. It has a lovely riverside setting, very good, creative offerings, and knowlegeable, attentive staff. It will definitely be on our list next time we're in Atlanta.

You might find some discussion on Atlanta restaurants on www.chowhound.com

1) Horseradish Grill
http://www.horseradishgrill.com/buckhead/

(charming, special)

2) Dantes Down the Hatch
special, go for the live jazz and sit on the ship at table 113...
fondue, try the mandarin

topping to prove their are good restaurants in Atlanta!