137091 Wed Jan 21 04:35:02 -0800 2004 2 11 South 0 735202 Sylvia's Pastry, in Norcross, home of the best Mexcian home cooking and mole and hand-made tortilla's and flan in Atlanta, needs chow support. While on the road this week, I got a call from Roberto, the owner, asking if I was ok that he hadn't seen me in awhile. (Actually, in six months since I've been losing some weight via the pick-and-choose-lo-carb path, to the exclusion of all the things I love at Sylvia's). We got to talking, and it sounded like business at Sylvia's, despite wonderful press from the Atlanta Constitution and Creative Loafing, is slow. Just a head's up for every one who cares. Sylvia's Pastry & Mexican Food 6065 S Norcross Tucker Rd NW, Norcross, GA (770) 496-4550 Closed Wednesday. Cash only. Posts at Chowhound put Sylvia's on our Atlanta food reviewers' radar. Here's hoping we still have some mojo. Wed Jan 21 04:35:02 -0800 2004 0 Steve Drucker 1 735358 I have been wanting to sample Sylvia's offerings since you first mentioned the place. This post prompted us to make the 23 mile drive from NE Cobb for dinner Friday evening. Perhaps we arrived too late in the evening. It was 8pm when we walked in the door. Perhaps we didn't order what Sylvia's does best. Regardless, my wife has made it quite clear that Sylvia's is one place we will not visit again. My wife ordered the enchilada dinner and I ordered carne asada. My meal was served with a plastic fork only, and it was evident that the steak was quite well done. When I asked, I was brought a plastic knife - which eventually was able to do its job. I frequently cut through the styrofoam plate while trying to cut through the meat. The salsa verde was a life saver. It made the meat palatable - barely. My wife's enchiladas were decent, but nothing to rave about she reported. Regardless of the above, the corn tortillas were the best I have ever had in my life - and that includes 21 years in New Mexico. The pastry case was nearly empty. There was no flan left, so we shared a piece of cake (tres leches) which was quite good. Would I have been happier with a burrito? Or what? Thu Jan 29 17:11:46 -0800 2004 735202 0 Milt 2 735457 Sylvia's solid winners: --Tacos Al Pastor (pork) --Chicken Mole --Enchiladas de Queso con Mole --Enchiladas de Pollo con Mole --get the 'Charros' (whole beans) instead of frijoles --flan, flan, flan --I always thought the beef soup rather bland, and have never tried the chicken soup or menudo. That said, it sounds like Sylvia's hasn't earned your return patronage. Maybe rightfully so, as things are changing there. Sigh. And I just heard that Katz's in Dunwoody closed, so no more good falafel or Turkey Schwarma. Must go out more, and discover this year's crop of new places! Thu Feb 05 15:05:42 -0800 2004 735358 0 Steve Drucker