Definitely a "Muss"

Bizarre early weekday reservations followed speedracer like dodging of traffic in order to fill one's tummy prior to "Turandot" at the Atlanta opera. We were out of breath and pleasantly surprised by Muss and Turners located nearby the new Cobb Energy Arts Center.

Dang them, they were everything we had read and more. My only question was why hadn't I heard of them before? Our waiter was pleasant, thoughtful, attentive and more than helpful without being too visible. (Difficult as we were the only early diners.)

We decided, as usual to eat too much and drink too much. Note to self: Do not drink several beers and a bottle of wine prior to weekday Opera...coffee and Rockstar couldn't even keep us alive. Now to the food!

First course
Antipasto Plate of:
Roasted Beets with Laura Chanel Goat Cheese (Delicious, though I felt the beets were pickled versus roasted...more firm and piquant than sweet and luscious)
Asian Sesame Cucumber Slaw (Refreshing, Crunchy, Sweet, Light)
Greenless Green Salad with Feta Cheese (REALLY Good, Clean flavors allowing all ingredients to shine through, no overwhelming vinegar dressing...nutty feta...)
Domestic Jumbo Shrimp Salad Remoulade (Juicy, firm, light, not too saucy/creamy, the delicate marine flavor hinted at sea treasures)

Cheese Courses
Rocchetta - Sheep's milk from Italy with House made black truffle honey (The Sweetgrass Green Hill may have been replaced. This was orgasmic. We dueled with forks over it.)
Sweetgrass Thomasville - (Firm and flavorful, though doesn't beat the Green Hill.)

Main Course (More small plates)
Enslada Escabeche - Spanish mackeral, arugala, red wine vinegar, fingerling potatoes, basil, chimichurri, marcona almonds (Pungent, savory, clean...definitely something I have not tasted before, and would like to eat again.)
Charcuterie Plate - Chef's selection of cured meats (We have had tons of these, but usually there is only one, if one, standout on the plate...This entire plate had, robust, flavorful, meats, each with their own superb and unique personalities...delightful...and you can buy them in the case five feet away!)
Marinated Olives - Chef's Mix (Again...outstanding and for sale. We love olives, and there was several varieties here that we had not tasted before.)

To Drink
St. Bernardus Blanche Belgian Beer
Left Hand Oktoberfest Bavarian Beer
Trevor Jones "Boots" Grenache, S. Aussie, '03 (Describes as a "sexy gem" on the menu...it does not disappoint...I wish we could have sat all night...with a second bottle.)

In addition to the four star food, the excellent service, and the proximity and convenience of the charming deli, the interior was cheerful and clean. We loved the paintings in the dining area and as an added bonus, the boy excitedly pointed out that they included Chateau Yquem on the wine list, the wine Hannibal Lector gives Clarice Starling in "Hannibal." What more could you ask for?

We were charmed. And we will be back.