****
Room opened today and I had to be the first to review it! Ok, it was also because I've walked past the Twelve Centennial Park building every weekday for the past year and a half while it was being built and was anxious to finally get to see anything inside.
I dropped in at the bar at Room and had the cucumber martini because, well, I'd never had one before and knew it would either be really awful or really great. Luckily it was really great. Light and refreshing like the cucumbers you would get at a farmers' market (note: the cucumbers from the market at Piedmont Park are almost as sweet as watermelon but that's for another review) rather than those wax covered monstrosities sold at the large chain grocery stores.
The space is modern but refined at the same time. I suspect this is a reflection of the slightly more mature and serious vibe of Downtown/Centennial Hill compared to what you would get in Midtown or VaHi. I can see Room being a good third date location.
While I was sipping my martini and having a nice conversation with the friendly bartender, a large plate of sushi (well, there was no rice so I guess it technically wasn't sushi) and mixed greens was brought over for me to try. Since I've never had sushi before it is impossible for me to compare it to anything else but I really enjoyed it. Don't most people get sick on their first attempt with raw fish? I didn't so that must be a good sign. The greens were fresh though the vinaigrette dressing was a bit over powering. I guess that is why it was served on the bottom of the plate so the amount in each bite could be controlled.
This is a Concentrics restaurant and Bob Amick was sitting down the bar from me. Upon hearing that I was trying "sushi" for the first time, he lightheartedly remarked to get out the barf bag.
Overall I was impressed and am glad to have a new place in the neighborhood to enjoy. The prices look a bit on the high end but very far from the most expensive in town.
Being that it is on the ground floor of the Twelve Hotel, they serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch to give complete coverage to the hotel guests. The only reason why I'm not giving five stars is that I don't think one drink and a plate of "sushi" and greens is enough to fully review a restaurant that appears to have a very extensive repertoire. I'll have to go back and see how the rest of the service and food is like. For now, a solid four stars!
Room is located mere feet from the Civic Center MARTA station, making it a sure star in a future MARTA Pub Crawl.
The map included with the review is off by a couple of blocks. Don't get lost! Click on the link for a larger map to get it right.
