Taste – Winter 2024
FRANK & SONS
By Griffin Nelson | Photos courtey of Frank & Sons Neighborhood Bistro
The space at 1040 Gaines School Road, Suite 117 is now home to a classic American restaurant, Frank & Sons Neighborhood Bistro. In its first year of business, it has become a favorite for those living nearby as well as throughout Athens, with regulars coming back time and again for juicy burgers, large steaks and brunch on the weekend!
Steising and Frank Cambero’s second venture shows their range within the industry. With the success of their first restaurant, Punta Cana, a Dominican restaurant and bar, the couple wanted to branch out and do something different. Having worked in many different types of restaurants before opening their own place, both Steising and Frank learned the ins and outs of different types of cuisine, as well as managing a space to consistently deliver delicious dishes with quality service.
Frank’s Burger is topped with a fried egg, bacon and fried onions, along with the classic toppings of tomatoes and lettuce, cheese, pickles, mayo and ketchup. “They’re big and juicy — a little messy — but a home run,” says Steising. Pair it with a Creature Comforts Tropicalia and you’ve got the perfect meal.
For those who would rather use a fork and knife, the selection of steaks is impressive. Each one is grilled to order. As Steising puts it, “You can’t go wrong with a ribeye, some mashed potatoes and broccoli.” She’s right, it’s a classic!
The menu includes a variety of house-made dishes for those who prefer something else. The Strawberry Salad and Caesar Salad are a hit with homemade dressings and balanced toppings. Flaky salmon and whole snapper are delightful seafood options. The melting pot that is the United States is evident in the menu as well with tacos, pasta and Philly Cheesesteak rounding out the menu.
The Cambero’s passion for food and serving their neighbors is evident in every aspect of Frank & Sons Bistro, providing a little something for everyone.
DELICIOUSLY BAKED
Top left photo by Danielle Hulsey Photography, middle photo courtesy of Eno’s Baked, and right photo courtesy of @enos_baked on Instagram
Jon Eno Ramsden is not one to sit still. After retiring from a career as an air traffic controller, Jon and his wife settled in Athens, where she had attended the University of Georgia years before. Though he’d always enjoyed baking for friends and family and had worked part-time making candy after he retired, Ramsden had never worked as a baker. However, his natural affinity for baking set him up with a quality product. His time in the candy shop gave him insight into larger-scale operations and small business management, and his career in the aviation industry made him adept at working long hours.
Once the decision was made, Ramsden dove in. In 2019 he got a cottage license, bought some equipment, a tent and reached out to Rashe Malcolm about selling at the winter market she had organized. While at the market someone asked about bagels, for which he is now so well known. At the time the answer was “No” but, not one to be slowed down, Ramsden signed up for classes at the King Arthur headquarters in Vermont.
Soon he was discovered by those at the Athens Farmers Market. At the time only bakers with commercial licenses were allowed to sell, but again Ramsden wasn’t deterred. He worked with the Athens Farmers Market Board of Directors to adjust the requirements to include cottage license bakers. This process also allowed him to build solid relationships with the community and the market’s board. Now Ramsden is a part of that board, working to promote and support the other vendors.
You can find him at the Athens Farmers Market every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. where he sells his famous New York style bagels, various croissants, Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls and a selection of items like sourdough bread, cookies and other pastries which differ from week to week.
“I’m humbled by it. I’m not trained at all,” says Ramsden. “I just practice and practice and it’s really rewarding. I’m having fun in my retirement being part of a community like the Athens Farmers Market. We have some of the freshest vegetables you can possibly get. We have artists that are incredible. The farmers that are out here — it’s their livelihood. We have people selling meat, eggs, everything you can think of … The Athens community is just fabulous as far as supporting that farmers market. They come every week, rain or shine!”
It’s worth it for such a wide variety of locally made goods, especially anything made by Eno’s Baked.
Keep up with Eno’s Baked on Instagram @enos_baked or visit enosbaked.com for their menu.
COCOA AND A CAT
Photo courtesy of Jittery Joe’s Coffee
Everyone knows that Jittery Joe’s is the place to get your coffee. But did you know it’s now also the place to get your hot chocolate? This may be the first time that the popular company has branched out from coffee, but it’s destined to be a success (and has shown to be already) because they stuck with what they know: Working with other local creatives to create a quality product from the community and for the community.
Packaged in the same classic tins, Pete the Cat Cocoa is the perfect treat for kids. Jittery Joe’s worked alongside local Athens children’s author James Dean to create a hot chocolate fit for the fam. Though originally an engineer, Dean started writing the Pete the Cat series on the side, but it became his full-time job as Pete became a household name.
Jittery Joes and Dean began working together over a year ago to create a coffee but wanted to go even further. With this being the first venture outside of the coffee realm, they brought Condor Chocolates into the mix to help create the perfect blend made from the finest Ecuadorian cacao — the ultimate Athens trio.
Pete’s Hot Cocoa is a wonderful treat after a fun and chilly outdoor adventure or can be blended with ice for a frozen drink.
For a jazzy version try Peter Dale’s Nutella® Hot Cocoa!
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Peter Dale’s Nutella® Hot Cocoa
INGREDIENTS
8 oz. of milk (or water)
3 Tbsp. Pete the Cat Cocoa mix
2 Tbsp. Nutella®
Whipped cream (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. In a small saucepan, bring 8 oz. of milk or water to a simmer.
2. Add the hot cocoa mix and Nutella® and simmer for 2 minutes while whisking.
3. Pour in a mug and top with whipped cream, enjoy right away!