Livingston @ the Georgian Terrace Hotel

Invited to the Georgian Terrace Hotel's grand re-opening, we headed over late, 3 hours into the kickoff time expecting a disappearing buffet, the "You got the last glass of champagne" & people already leaving kind of thing. We were right, but still got to see & taste exactly what we needed. We got just the right dose. We walked into the lobby, and saw all the burlesque models sitting in the lounge, clearly done with their act. We headed into the function room which was gorgeous. High ceilings, re-modeled to restore the pristine white detailed columns and classic chandeliers. There was a band with burlesque dancers and the white linen tablecloth draped bar. I asked if there was any champagne, I was told "looks like you got the last glass!" How predictable. Chris opted for a Jack & coke and with that, we walked around checking out the place. We walked past a disappearing buffet towards the french doors leading to the terrace. We sat outside and breathed in the Atlanta night air and walked back inside toward the restaurant I had heard so much about. Livingston. A modern day chic, yet classically elegant dining room. A champagne room display & glass cased wine rack. The bar/lounge area was filled with snake skin chaises & tables. We sat at the bar. The cold bartender was a little delayed with everything. Standing directly in front of us with her hands on her hips, she didn't even make eye contact. Once she did, she didn't dare flash a smile nor a welcoming hello! That was too bad, because there's nothing worse than someone from a new, happening hotel (Me & The Hotel Palomar with it's lovely Alto Rex terrace bar & Pacci- the unparalleled restaurant) coming to seek out other boutique hotels/restaurants in the same competitive set & have to experience someone like that. Just goes to show... Just goes to show. Any who, we opted for the bottle of Trevor Jones (read below) and the cheese plate. Let me tell you something, in my opinion, you can really pick a part any restaurant by the quality of their cheese plate. Unfortunately this was one of the most boring cheese plates I have had in a long time. I'm a cheese plate aficionado, I know what I like. I didn't like this one. It came presented with three cheeses, crostini, a fig & apricot compotes. Cheese number one, and the most disappointing was the Parmesan. This Parmesan should have been FINELY SHREDDED and placed on top of penne with sauce from a jar. That's all I'll say about that one. Cheese number two, was tiny goat cheese balls rolled up and coated with finely chopped chives, sounds good, but to me, it was as if they were trying to hide something, like say, a poorly stored cheese? Cheese number three, and my favorite of them all, was the very standard creamy Gorgonzola. No description necessary, very self-explanatory. The fig & apricot compotes were of course, good, but nothing spectacular. Like I said, boring; I mean, look at the picture. Generally, I can see the good in all food and concepts, but nothing ticks me more than a blah cheese plate. Here is my positive input: There must be something great on that menu, I just haven't ordered it yet. Cheese plate & bartender aside, we definitely enjoyed ourselves, we had great conversation, wine and atmosphere. I'd go back for a drink... and maybe to seek out their something great.