To our delight, we were invited to the new and improved Spa Sydell on the corner of Pharr and Peachtree roads, adjacent to The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Parking is readily available and validated, with free valet as an option.
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A luxurious 5,500-square-foot haven welcomed us with the goal of relaxation and rejuvenation. Spa Sydell is proud to offer its distinguished day spa treatments, including assorted massages and facials. They are also stoked to lead Atlanta’s Med Spa Market with medical-grade aesthetic procedures such as injections, fillers, laser therapies for repairing sun damage and hair removal, medical-grade facials and peels, and CoolSculpting.
We were invited to luxuriate in a massage and a facial. We were welcomed by two lovely receptionists who answered our questions and led us to the changing room, which offers lockers, showers, and a steam room. Each locker contains a thick robe for you to change into, as well as slip-on sandals. We proceeded to the tranquil waiting area and were quickly welcomed by our massage therapists, who led each of us to a warm and dimly lit private room. To our surprise, the massage beds were heated, which is an added treat as you slip under the warm and crisp sheet and blanket. We each selected a gentle and calming Swedish massage, which helped loosen up any tension we walked in with and left us unwound.
Next came our traditional Sydell facials. Our aestheticians inquired about our skin and skincare routine. Jen was a bit skeptical about getting a facial. Her last facial was five to seven years ago and she had a very bad experience being overly sensitive to the products that were used on her. Jen has sensitive skin in general but was pleased with her aesthetician Brook Franklin’s knowledge and the care Brook took on her skin, using products specific to her skin type, and recommending products and treatments that would benefit her. Our facials resulted in clean, healthy, glowing skin. Oh, and did we mention that the facials include a full body experience with a shoulder, neck, chest, hand and foot massage? Just what we needed. Ahhhhh!
Showered and feeling fabulous, we hopped, skipped and jumped down the street to Pricci, Buckhead Life Restaurant Group’s Italian concept. Pricci is a contemporary Italian restaurant with a modern and creative, yet authentic menu orchestrated by Chef Piero Premoli, who knows the art of combining classic cuisine with modern flair. After earning his culinary and hospitality degrees, Chef Piero apprenticed throughout Europe and made his way to the United States, establishing his career in noted restaurants and hotels like Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City and New York City’s Café Fiorello. He has made Pricci his home since 2005 and has dedicated his passion and creativity, making Pricci one of Atlanta’s best Italian restaurants.
Chef Piero was excited to present us with a feast, accompanied by great wine. His January menu was inspired from the rustic dishes of osterias around Italy. All of the dishes are made up of simple ingredients but are robust in flavor. We started out with a few cocktails from the Cocktails Della Casa menu. Michal had the very light Rotari Rose wine and Jen had the Aperol Spritz, made with prosecco, Aperol and a splash of soda water served over ice and garnished with a slice of orange.
Our first course brought to us by our waitress Haley was a light sampling of cured smoked Scottish salmon topped with capers on a bed of mixed greens and white char fish on toast points. Curing of the meats is done on premises and all are superbly flavorful.
Our next course began with the Insalata Di Finocchi E Arance, inspired by the province of Trapani. This simple salad made up of baby frisee gems, Sicilia oranges, shaved fennel, Gaeta olives, red onion topped with an orange balsamic vinaigrette and pecorino chucks, was light and delicious. The orange flavors really pop in your mouth.
Our entrees included the Halibut In Umido inspired by the Genova province and the Tortellini di Zucca, a traditional artisanal pasta. The halibut filet was pan braised with cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, rosemary, Taggia olives, Sciacchetra wine served on roasted Jerusalem artichokes. This combination had all the right complimentary flavors and the fish was light and delicious. The tortellini were filled with roasted pumpkin and parmigiano, smoked ricotta and brown butter topped with roasted almonds, amaretti cookie crumbles and optional fresh grated truffle.
For dessert, Chef Piero sent Tiramisu with espresso soaked genoise, layered with soft mascarpone cream and a pasticceria called Bomba, with a Peruvian chocolate mousse center, topped with Chambord-marinated raspberries and blood oranges.
The wine kept flowing as we sat and chatted in this traditional Italian ristorante with its fabulous décor and ambiance that makes you feel like you’re in Italy. Italian music playing through the speakers added to the atmosphere as well. We did not feel rushed and really enjoyed our meal in a relaxing booth. What dinner should be, nice conversation over delicious food, good wine and great company. Stupendo!
You can view Pricci’s menu at www.buckheadrestaurants.com/restaurant/pricci/ and see what services Spa Sydell offers at https://www.spasydell.com/.
To have us review your event or restaurant, contact us at
404-883-2130, jen@atljewishtimes.com, or michal@atljewishtimes.com.
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