By Meridith Ford Goldman

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

You've roasted and toasted. You've dressed and stressed. And now you need something completely different.

Mirch Masala (not rated)

1713 Church St., # B, Decatur, 404-296-9999, www.mirchmasala decatur.com

Oddly formal with a perennially polite staff, this Indian restaurant offers the perfect lunch buffet for the day after. There's nothing out of the ordinary here; just solid Indian favorites, from salads with mint and cilantro chutney, a basket of fresh naan, tandoori chicken, chana masala and mutter paneer. 


Grindhouse Killer Burgers (not rated)

209 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, 404-522-3444, www.grindhouse burgers.com

Inside the historic Sweet Auburn Curb Market, this make-your-own-lunch joint adds yet another burger palace to the crazy mix of ground meat mayhem encompassing Atlanta as fast as pizzerias. Pick a patty: beef, turkey or veggie, then start loading on the toppings, such as smoky meat chili or avocado slices. The "Apache" -- a signature -- is topped with house-roasted green chiles, grilled onions and pepper jack cheese. The chili? It won this year's Chomp & Stomp competition. Maalox not included. There's only one hitch: This burger shack is closed Friday through Sunday, Nov. 27-29. All the more reason to head downtown for lunch (only) on Monday.

Rumi's Kitchen

6152 Roswell Road, Atlanta. 404-477-2100, www.rumiskitchen.com

Every time I eat at Rumi's, I smack myself for not eating here more often. Once or twice a year just isn't enough. This Persian palace takes Atlantans beyond the buffet and into something that smacks of tradition. Mast khiyar (diced cucumbers with yogurt, raisins, walnuts and herbs) with fresh-from-the-oven flatbread, mirza ghasemi (roasted eggplant with tomatoes and garlic) and dolmeh (ground beef, rice and herbs rolled into grape leaves), as well as kebobs and Iranian stews such as badenjoon.

San Pancho (not rated)

4880 Lawrenceville Highway, Suite 9, Tucker, 770-493-9844

There's little more to this real-deal taqueria than its storefront, a few lunchroom tables and a TV switched on to "Manana es para Siempre." But the counter is where it's at: These are some of the best tacos in the area, and one of the only authentic spots that serves tacos dorados -- hard, crispy tacos. Soft or hard, corn tortillas are filled with spicy chorizo or prepared "al pastor"; with marinated, spicy meat Mexico City-style. And the fish tacos, filled with spicy shredded fish dressed with cilantro, will make you forget all about pumpkin pie.

The Yogurt Tap (not rated)

419 Church St., Decatur, 404-373-6090, www.theyogurttap.com

Skipping lunch? Want a smooth frozen snack without the guilt? Like toppings? Crazy about frozen yogurt? Just need to get out of the house? OK. Then this mom-and-pop shop just off the square in Decatur has your ticket to fro-yoville. Here, you serve yourself from choices as seasonal as pumpkin and cranberry, then venture over to the toppings bar, where everything from pineapple bits to pecans await. Get as much as you want, because here you pay by weight.