I was pressed for time and tired of all the usual Buckhead spots, so I called my friend Suzanne for inspiration. I asked her about a couple of untried spots, but she suggested I hit up Chow Bing because it was close. In fact, I was right around the corner - score!

I had never heard of this place. What did it look like? Well, she explained, it's right next to the cigar and vacuum cleaner store. Um, ok. While this is a fine description if you're on Buford Highway in Buckhead, I was suspicious.

Suzanne is one of my Buford Hwy adventure buddies, so it's not like her to recommend a chain* restaurant. (*There are two locations, one at Disco Kroger in Buckhead and one at the Pencil Factory in downtown Atlanta, so it's a little chain, but still...).

However, since I trust Suzanne, away I went.

When I walked into the space, I immediately ran into a friend who was also making a first-time visit. I took this as a promising sign.

Then when I checked out the menu I noticed Chow Bing took great pride in their ingredients, leading with the following statements:

Absolutely NO MSG
Humanely raised meats
Sustainable seafood
Organic Tofu
Locally grown vegetables as practically possible, some Organic vegetables
No canned foods
No microwave
Cooked fresh daily

Well, this was a fine development indeed! I ordered the build-your-own bing where you select your meat, rice, veggie mix, dressing and any extras. I opted for chicken, garlic steamed white rice, broccoli, onions, mushrooms, and the cilantro dressing. I topped the whole thing with a fried egg because -- well, because if someone offers me a fried egg with lunch, I say yes.

This is what came to my table...It was as delicious as it looks.

I will be back and next time I'll save room for bubble tea!

Dining Out: Chow Bing