Dinner on Top of the World

Dining at the SunDial Restaurant & Bar

The most memorable meal I've ever enjoyed was served to me at the age of 22 on a mild, Atlanta evening. It was during my first-ever business trip and I had planned the entire experience for weeks. In my research of HOTlanta, I discovered that it was host to several interesting attractions including the studios of CNN. However, the most intriguing place I wanted to see was a room with a view and extremely good food.

The SunDial located atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza in downtown Atlanta tops this food lover's list of memorable dining experiences. Planned strategically the night before we were to leave, my colleague Jessica and I made reservations for 7:00 p.m. that September Wednesday night. After parking in the Westin's parking garage and rounding the block, we proceeded to our first elevator ride that took us a few floors up.

After exiting the first elevator, we took a break and sat on couches as we were early for our dinner date. While we proceeded to wait, we took pictures of our "tired feet" - or shoes, rather. After a quick call to the restaurant, I surmised that we could go ahead and ride up to the 72^nd floor and take in the view until a table opened up.

In our excitement to reach the top, we happened to be at the front of the line to the glass elevators but failed to push the button. After waiting for what eventually turned out to be a couple of awkward minutes, somebody in the line mentioned that we should push the button. We did and low and behold, the doors opened up!

When I stepped inside, I immediately felt like Charlie in the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The glass elevator positioned on the exterior of the hotel, gives the most amazing view of Atlanta as you ascend to the 72^nd floor in a mere 85 seconds. As we exited the elevator, we immediately began visiting each observatory deck, snapping pictures during dusk. We then claimed our reservation and were seated at a charming little table complete with candle and flowers on a revolving platform. That's right. I said revolving.