It’s not merely coincidence that I am the spitting image of the Venus of Willendorf. This goddess puts a lot of work into keeping her voluptuous figure! As such, I have become quite the expert on eating well. Unfortunately, palm reading doesn’t pay what it used to, so this Priestess must eat on a budget. Therefore, most of these restaurants are relatively inexpensive. Here are my top ten restaurants, including some menu suggestions:

539 St. Philips St., New Orleans, LA.
This is a place where the “Nawlins” locals go for Italian with French-Creole flair. Translation: It’s really, really good! A bit pricey compared to the rest of this list, Irene’s is worth every penny and then some. I especially enjoyed the stuffed prawns. The presentation was lovely, and the entrée was fantastic! The pastas are also to-die-for. And top off the night with a baked Alaskan or crème brûlée. Because it’s a small restaurant that doesn’t accept reservations, you’ll want to go early or be patient waiting in the “garage” (really just a back room) or at the bar for a table.

Northwoods Plaza, 5091 Buford Hwy N.E., Doraville, GA.
This is the best and most authentic Szechuan food you will ever put in your mouth, outside of actually going to China. I adore the complementary pickles (usually radishes and bean sprouts) that arrive as soon as you are seated. And I haven’t ordered anything that wasn’t absolutely delicious, including green beans! And you must try the appetizer of steamed dumplings in spicy sauce. Unfortunately, rumors have been going around for about a year that the restaurant may have to close or relocate if business doesn’t pick up. So, go there NOW while you can.

In the Ranch 99 shopping center, also on Buford Highway in Doraville.
This is my favorite Vietnamese pho restaurant. However, my favorite meal there is not the pho, which is a rice noodle soup eaten for breakfast by Vietnamese, but rather the slightly spicy beef stew. This meal is not for the faint of heart. Personally, I don’t do tripe. But if you can get over the unusual (i.e., not American) variety of cuts of meat, you will find that this is the best cure for a sinus infection yet! Try also Viet Chateau at 254 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. From what I understand, the same folks operate this restaurant as Pho Hoa. Unfortunately, Viet Chateau doesn’t offer the wonderful beef stew. The ambience is more upscale than Pho Hoa’s cafeteria-style digs, but the food is still very reasonably priced and they’ve made the menu more user-friendly for the Decatur honkies. Of course, I notice that I get less weird looks for my pronunciation of “emperial rolls” versus “cha gio.”