Finding comfort food in Atlanta during trying times

Watching the United States turn into a fullfledged plutocracy, headed by an orange puppet of corporate business, hideously supported by the same people who are its victims, has been surreal. Dining with friends, no matter the context, has always been a way of finding refuge. I recommend breaking bread at home or restaurants that give you comfort and, perhaps, a dose of nostalgia, even if they aren’t the best around.

I dined with friends at two such restaurants in the past few weeks, starting with the stalwart

Mary Mac’s Tea Room (224 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-876-1800, www.marymacs.com).