Have you ever hosted a dinner party for friends or friends-to-be? Okay, so let’s say the friends-to-be are actually just strangers you’d like to know better. If you have hosted such a party, did you pull out all the stops to include using your good dishes and napkins, spending hours of deliberation over the menu and making sure your place offered the kind of vibe that would make your guests want to explore a little? I have. I’ve hosted a number of gatherings at home and know that the anticipation of it all can be wonderfully overwhelming, equally exhausting but highly worth it when our guests part feeling deeply satisfied.

I’ve also been a guest at such affairs with the most recent being a visit to Grace 17.20 in Peachtree Corners, GA. I shared dinner there with an intimate group of bloggers and have to say that our hosts were beyond generous with their hospitality. The care and attention they served along with a delicious meal left me feeling inspired and truly blessed.

Our experience offered a number of shareable plates and wines. To begin, we were offered a Sauvage Rosè as we enjoyed a few moments on the patio admiring the large stacked stone fireplace, string lights and overall cozy setting. The weather was not ideal for dining outside that day but I imagine the addition of a little sunshine would make it an ideal location for lunch or dinner.

Once back inside we snacked on an Artisanal Cheese Plate with dried salami, Kalamata and green olives, a trio of cheeses, candied nuts, dried fruit and marmalade.

Afterwards, we enjoyed a warm glass of Tomato Basil Soup and Bread Baskets filled with sweet and savory options. The salad that followed prompted a conversation that happens pretty often.

The Beet Salad at Grace 17.20 is assembled with orange segments, toasted hazelnuts and avocado slices then drizzled with a sherry vinaigrette. This is a dish that quickly separates avocado and beet lovers from those who just can’t. There was a time when I was on Team Not This Time but I’m glad to say that I love the earthy taste of fresh beets and the creamy texture of avocados. I would not have imagined being an advocate for serving both on the same plate but I think they work well together.

Another good one was the Caprese Salad which was followed by Turkey & Brie Sandwiches. This one left me wanting more. Between two slices of house made focaccia were slices of turkey, brie, bacon, arugula and sweet pepper jelly. So so good. I order meals to go often and this sandwich is one I’d want for lunch or dinner.

The main courses featured Grilled Organic Chicken Breast Risotto and Smoked Salmon Linguine. A non-meat option is also available for the risotto.

A nice surprise was the selection of wines we sampled. As an explorer in search of her one true glass of vino, I feel like I’m getting closer. The wines poured at Grace 17.20 were all palatable. While I’ve primarily leaned towards white wines, The Four Graces seems to have placed a finger on the scale in favor of reds. For someone like me, what better way to discover wines, than with an array of delicious food.

The last dish I’m sharing is actually one of the salads because this was my favorite of the night. It’s a Coconut Curried Kale Salad with quinoa, braised red onion, garbanzo beans, coconut milk and lime. It’s light, fresh, flavorful, guilt-free and gorgeous!

Our dessert options included a Flourless Chocolate Cake, Creme Brulee and a dessert Sherry.

I’m happy to have tried the Sherry it but it wasn’t for me on this night. I do believe in being open-minded enough to try again so I may do so another time.

Overall, dinner was a beautiful experience at Grace 17.20. Our hosts were generous with their time and space. The care they put into planning our evening was evident in its execution and “this” particular guest left feeling satisfied. Had I not accepted the invite, I would not have known that this white tablecloth restaurant was actually a place where one could go for a casual, relaxed meal in a warm, welcoming setting.

To learn more about Grace 17.20

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Disclosure: The tasting at Grace 17.20 was complimentary. I received no monetary compensation for this post. All opinions are based on my own personal experience.

(Matthew 17:20) I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.