The Graham's Favorite Bites - Little Black Dress

Adored local-based blogger Lesley Graham takes us on a tour of her favorite Marietta eats–and you’re invited!

BY TRACY BROWN
PHOTOS BY MATT DRUIN

For Lesley Graham, life looks pretty flawless. On any given day, she spends her time crafting, cooking and designing inspiring spaces alongside her fiercely awesome husband, Sam, and their two adorable girls, Matilda and Phoebe. She then blogs about it all at lesleywgraham.com, and we simply swoon over the Southern perfection: pea gravel in their gorgeous garden, pancake stacks in cast-iron skillets, and turquoise bicycles at the ready. In fact, if Lesley wasn’t so gosh darn down-to-earth and adorable, you might hate her. But she is … so instead,
we’re all just grateful she lets us along for the journey.

Recently, we joined her family as they noshed their way around Marietta, Lesley’s hometown. “Let’s face it, getting out is a luxury, so we try to make great choices on where we eat,” she says. “It’s like a mini vacation from mom life!” Here are Lesley’s current foodie faves.

1 BREAKFAST AT DOUCEUR DE FRANCE

A taste of France right here in Marietta! Locals love the authentic French bakery atmosphere, cuisine and baked goods. “The girls love their macaroons!” says Lesley, whose youngest is gluten free. “We love their omelets, and the quiche is gorgeous, yummy and fun to order. The girls like to get the roasted potatoes, bacon and fruit.”

SOURCE | Douceur de France. 277 South Marietta Pkwy SW, Marietta. 770-425-5050. Douceurdefrance.com

2 LUNCH AT THE MARIETTA LOCAL

A staple of the Historic Marietta Square, The Marietta Local uses locally sourced produce and fresh
ingredients to make their from-scratch meals. “It’s such a cozy spot for breakfast or lunch,” says Lesley. “We also love the amazing ownership and sweet staff.” When ordering, anything “chicken” is a winner (literally – the restaurant has won the Taste of Marietta “Big Chicken” award for four years running). A patron favorite: Fried Chicken and French Toast, smothered in Ellijay apples and Vermont maple syrup.

SOURCE | The Marietta Local. 148 Roswell St., Marietta. Catering Inquiries: 770-794-2299. themariettalocal.com

3 DINNER AT WR SOCIAL HOUSE

WR Social House is the real deal – like a Cheers bar right here in Marietta. The menu sources from local farms with freshly baked bread from Square Roots Bread Company. “WR Social House is probably our most frequented restaurant on the Square. It’s perfect for a date night or family dinner. We love their taco night and trivia night, and their burgers are hands-down some of the best in the city,” says Lesley. “We’re also obsessed with the superfood salad and their grain bowls.” The most adventurous item on the menu currently is the whole fried Bramlett Farms trout. Don’t be afraid; it’s delicious.

SOURCE | WR Social House. 25 North Park Square, Marietta. 770-792-9995. wrsocialhouse.com

4 DRINKS AT TWO BIRDS TAPHOUSE

Home to over 20 taps of craft beers hailing from Georgia and the Southeast, plus seasonal cocktails and a generous wine list, Two Birds is the place to score a solid beverage. The surprise? No greasy pub food here. The shared-plate menu is local and scrumptious. “Two Birds is really hip and fresh, and we love the open-air feel when they pull back the garage doors,” says Lesley. “I order the ‘Honey, I Drunk The Kids’ cocktail with a splash of honeydew, and Sam loves the Sucker Punch IPA from Atlanta’s Scofflaw Brewing Co. To eat, get the ‘Hot and Sassy’ chicken sandwich paired with the out-of-this-world veggie board. It’s ridiculous and awfully pretty.”