Let’s talk about decadence! Picture this, white chocolate encrusted shrimp served with imported chocolate balsamic or an eight ounce black angus ribeye encrusted with Italian garlic herb cheese and garnished with red onions! Have the cravings started? I haven’t even begun! Tucked away at the Blairsville downtown square you can indulge in all of the decadent cuisine at Michaelee’s Italian Life Caffe.

After years of working for the International Adoption industry owner, Lisa Collins, from Sebring, Florida, decided it was time to open a restaurant that reflected her travels. So, in 2006, Michaelee’s was born, first in Hiawassee and then moving to its current home in Blairsville. Lisa’s vantage point is what makes Michaelee’s unique with their commitment to providing the highest quality food and beverages which include much of their food being imported from Italy.

What immediately comes to your mind when you think about Italy? The pasta, the beautiful architecture or the wine? At Michaele’s, you get all of this and more! The interior is beautifully decorated to make you feel like you have been transported right to Italy. And the cuisine is succulent! You can start your meal with chocolate shrimp, mama’s meatballs or baked brie? The baked brie is their number one selling appetizer. The brie cheese board features warm French brie topped with garlic infused olive oil, aged balsamic and candied pecans. It is served with gala apples, fresh strawberries, red pepper jelly, French Parisian bread and toasted crisps. Wow! The entrees are just as divine as the appetizers. The Chicken Picatta is the best in town and the Lobster Ravioli is just as scrumptious and filled with lobster, leeks, mozzarella and ricotta cheese served in a housemade white wine lobster cream sauce topped with fresh lobster. With this menu you can see why their motto is “Where Friends and Memories are Made!” Another seafood favorite is the Seafood Newburg which features shrimp, sea scallops, and pan sauteed grouper with fresh mushrooms simmered in their housemade lobster newburg sauce, tossed with imported Italian linguine pasta. Michaelee’s also has many specials, a favorite is their gnocchi with filet tips. The desserts are also exquisite so save some room or pack it up to go! They have an assortment of options from chocolate cake to a salted caramel crunch cake. Or perhaps your version of dessert is a nice dessert wine. Michaelee’s has many wines to pair with your meal or to enjoy for dessert.

Michaelee’s is a reservation and dinner only restaurant and as you would expect, they fill up fast. Another fun tidbit is Michaelee’s has a cellar which serves as an extension of the restaurant and is also a mini store. If you eat with your eyes, check out their Facebook page as they have many pictures of their mouthwatering meals. Be sure to make your reservations. Your tastebuds will thank you