Tim's restaurant hopping turns up intriguing and satisfying bites - covering everything from street food to fine dining. He picks three "Best Bites" every week to share with Connect readers:

Sol

In the wake of a first birthday celebration for Shelley Smith's Eos, she quietly opened Sol, two blocks north of Eos. The synergy of these two restaurants -- totally different concepts -- has been interesting to watch.

Even with a limited soft opening menu, I discovered that Smith and her talented and passionate crew are again raising the bar with a this Southwest-inspired menu . My Chicken Mole (Mole is virtually unattainable in this city) was steamed in a banana leaf and offered a wonderfully crispy, dark, flavorful skin. The chicken leg quarter was hot, moist and flavorful, the Sol take on Spanish rice was seasoned just right.

Grand opening weekend is May 22 and continues into May 23. Doors open at 3 each day - until 11 p.m. Drink specials, live music, expanded menu.

1611 Habersham

232-1874

La Nopalero

I am worn out with meat in a tortilla. So, on my last visit to La Nopalera, I sampled Carne Asada and was slapped silly with joy. Tender, flavorful, thin-sliced steak is grilled, then plated with refried beans, a small salad of shredded lettuce, guacamole, sliced tomato and an assortment of tasty additions - like sliced limes and a pair of pickled green chilies. Bueno!
A drizzle of lime juice and juices from the chilies added some kick.

108 Mall Blvd.

354-0300

Golden Breakfast

Not only can I hide out at this teeny little Southside breakfast and lunch diner - the food rocks! It's a favorite breakfast hangout for me and Ms. T.J. The coffee is always fresh and hot; eggs, pancakes and omelettes are made to order and served piping hot. Clean, neat as a pin and quiet - on slow days, it's the perfect place to do some reading while eating - or to watch in gratitude as the bustling traffic passes by you and your pancakes.

Cross Pointe, Suite 1, 310 Montgomery Cross Road

354-1688