Spoonfed (Atlanta)

Here is a chance to win! Congratulations to Genie! for participating and winning in the first Spoonfed scavenger hunt.

Stay tuned for more upcoming giveaways on Spoonfed (Atlanta)!

Below you will find a blown up excerpt from one of the images found somewhere on Spoonfed (Atlanta).  To win all you need to do is recognize the image and make a comment on this posting stating what restaurant it is from (notice: to help spam control all comments are admin approved so you may not see your entry right away).  If you answer correctly you will be entered in a drawing to randomly select one winner, grand prize… a $100.00 gift card for this restaurant.

Play on player…

Entries will be accepted until midnight June 13th, 2010 and a winner will be selected on June, 14th 2010.  Be sure to leave a valid email with your comment so I can contact you if you win.

Good Luck!

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Domestic Colorado Lamb w/ Basil Pesto Sauce

Pacci Ristorante

866 West Peachtree St. NW

Atlanta, GA 30308

678.412.2402

www.pacciatlanta.com (link)

Since it’s inception 9 months ago, the incubation of this lil’blog venture has rekindled  an interest I had at an early age for things culinary.  In my schooling years I seemed to opt for the “Home Ec.” and “Foods and Nutrition” elective classes over the “wood shop” and “metal shop” electives,  it just made sense to me.  For third period, I could either breathe saw dust and risk lopping off my digits on some rogue overused table saw or…hang out with a bunch of girls to make (and eat) cookies.  It may have been a risky move in the fragile testosterone driven hierarchy of High School but seriously…sharing warm cookies at 10am with girls…I’ll risk the promise of a beating and some ridicule, just pass me the milk afterwards to wash it down.  Membership in the club has had it’s privileges.  But since this photographic exploration is beginning to get slight notice, I have come across some privileges that I sometimes have a difficult time with.  On occasion I will be invited to an event or dinner for media types.  I assume that this invitation is just more than a ‘glad-hand’ in my direction, and the ultimate goal is exposure.  When I receive any of these invites, I feel an obligation to let the host know that my deal is a bit more involved than just a taste & write.  I come with baggage, literally.  For my blog postings to take shape, I show up with lights and equipment, take a bit of space and require a minimum of 3 hours to capture the caliber of images seen on Spoonfed.  I also prefer to move about the business to incorporate some of the atmosphere of a dining room that will hopefully result in a cohesive presentation.  I feel bad or guilty accepting these dinner invitations only to show up, gorge, and walk away not having taken any shots because of bad lighting, no space, and not wanting to infringe on another’s dining experience with constant flashes.  But after receiving an invite from Pacci a few months ago to attend a wine dinner, I decided to let go of my fears and ‘what ifs’ and enjoy a meal.  I showed up with a scaled down version of my photo kit but quickly realized that it still wasn’t going to work out.  It would have been a hassle for the host to provide me with a special table and also for the other invited guests to endure the dizzying strobes so luckily, I was able to revisit Pacci Ristorante at a later date and take my time…and I am glad I did for these may be some of my new favorites…

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Kobe Beef Carpaccio (Pacci)- Kobe NY Strip, Tapenade, Rucola, Parmesan

Grilled Alaskan Halibut- heirloom cherry tomatoes, grilled corn, red onion, oven roasted brown alba mushrooms, rucola, corn jus

Duck Confit-Anson Mills Polenta, Gorgonzola, Blackberry Marmalade

Chocolate Strata- layer chocolate, chocolate mousse, pecan cocoa nib, vanilla gelato

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Babette’s Cafe

573 N. Highland Ave. NE

Atlanta, GA 30307

404.523.9121

www.babettescafe.com (link)

A couple of months ago I put out a cattle call to those that are tuned in with my social media outlets.  ”Who would you like to see showcased on Spoonfed (Atlanta)?”  I asked to all of my wonderful loyal followers and fans.  The response was overwhelming as I was hit with a whopping ’single’ reply…from a stylist/recently relocated cupcake shop owner (Sugar) that I have had the pleasure of working with in the past (hi Karla).  As the crickets chirped and I scraped myself up from my tantrum of recently realized irrelevance, I inquired into the lone response as it named a restaurant that I had yet to hear about.  ’Babette’s Cafe’ the twitter response announced.  I surfed around to quell my curiosity into this unknown establishment.  After a couple of return emails and a few scheduling speed bumps, I was finally allowed to visit with Marla Adams, Chef/Owner of Babette’s.  As we played with food and cameras I learned that the restaurant was named after a story that was turned into a movie called “Babette’s Feast“, popular in epicurean circles, which in a cook decides to spend recently acquired lottery winnings on the creation of a great feast.  Babette’s Cafe has been around for awhile in the Atlanta culinary scene and is currently located in a renovated bungalow on Highland Avenue.  The setting in this space complete with simple understated decor allows for a correlation between intimate atmosphere and Marla’s rustic European style of cooking.  They offer wine tastings every Thursday and a Sunday brunch from 10:30-2 pm.  If I recall correctly the friend that recommended Babette’s Cafe was not one to eat ‘just anything’ so I would heed her advice and pay a visit.

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Scallops Provencale- w/tomatoes, white wine, fresh herbs, parsley potatoes

Navarin of Lamb; spring lamb stew w/ green beans, english peas, carrots, potatoes and glazed shallots

Alaskan Halibut w/mustard crust, lemon butter sauce

Dried Cherry and Almond Tart

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Stay tuned…Pacci Ristorante…coming soon to Spoonfed (Atlanta)

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Dinner Party

www.dinnerpartyatlanta.com (link)

inquiries@dinnerparty.com

This past weekend I had the opportunity to shoot for ‘dinner party’ in Atlanta.  The concept was initialized by partners Patrick La Bouff and Darren Carr (a partnered owner of Top Flr and the freshly opened the Sound Table).  ’dinner party’s’ clandestine adventure takes the notions of being “a little bit speakeasy, a little bit supper club and definitely unique…”  The concept places signed up guests into a dinner party, set in various atmospheres around the city that may be away from the norm of traditional culinary endeavors, whether it be an airport hanger, an art gallery, an empty warehouse space or the city’s central park.  The menu (like the location) is withheld until the last moment’s notice adding to the covert appeal.  The dinner party’s chef Shane Devereux (also of Top Flr) leads the culinary selections but sometimes enlists the help and variation supplied by a guest chef.  This particular event seemed to be the largest to date serving 200 guests and including much help from noted chefs, bartenders and various staff from some of Atlanta’s great restaurants (listed here).  The event took place at Piedmont Park Conservancy with cocktail hour being held in the indoor and patio setting overlooking the tents set next to the lake for an alfresco dining treat.

You can visit dinner party website to sign up for the waiting list of upcoming events or follow them on Facebook (here) or Twitter (here).

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Click Here: See Top Flr on Spoonfed

Check out group shot of Top Flr and dinner party and the Sound Table founders (here)

If you have an iPad, Check out the iPad version of www.markpetko.com from A Photo Folio!

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Joël Brasserie

3290 Northside Parkway

Atlanta, GA 30327

404.233.3500

www.joelbrasserie.com (link)

As recently stated elsewhere in Blogtown,  I have nary a clue when it comes to knowledge of French cuisine.  How on earth I ended up with two French restaurant showcases being posted within a week of each other is testament to hap and circumstance.  Actually, I feel as if I have nary a clue when it comes to any type of cuisine.  Hardly a ‘foodie’ and barely a connoisseur,  I am but a simpleton, gastronomically speaking, with a camera and a desire to make pretty pictures.  This is part of the reason you will not see a ‘review’ of the food on Spoonfed.   I don’t feel educated enough on cuisine to have a worthy opinion and likewise I’m such an easy sell because frankly,  I like it all.  Criminy, I still eat Stouffer’s French Bread pizza when I’m feeling lazy and jonesn’ for junk (and that, my friends, is the extent of my “French” background).  Don’t get me wrong, I love a well prepared, professional meal but do not look to me with eager eyes expecting fancy terms and vast culinary knowledge.  I’ve attempted to sample wines and pick out the flavors of a vintage but in the end, to me red wine has subtle hints of…well…red wine.   Yet my travels these past couple of months have taken me to many a restaurant, of all types and backgrounds and I am learning as I go, putting to a challenge my ignorance and I am having fun as it happens.  Even though I consciously refrain from eating the food you see at Spoonfed, I have managed somehow to gain a bit of weight as of late.  Calorie Osmosis?  My reasons for restraint are partially due to my background in studio photography, where habits were formed with a general distrust of “styled” food that may have been “faked” or not cooked through.  Another reason is I tend to lose all hunger when focusing on ‘work’, or getting the shot.  But mostly it’s because I tend to eat before a shoot because I don’t want to assume that I am going to get fed.  I feel as if I may have let Executive Chef  Cyrille Holota and Fabien Biraud down slightly when I passed on the offer to sample some of the fare placed before me to shoot.  Fabien is the Chef De Cuisine at Joël Brasserie and was in charge of helping this culinary minion on his photo shoot.  I want to reassure him that I will one day return to Joël for the purpose of dining on the fine looking dishes.  What was made clear on my visit to Joël is even though they have had some transitions in the recent past, what remains constant is the quality of food and professionalism of staff, and holy crud what a huge, beautiful, kitchen.  Ok, back to what I know…pretty pictures…

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi, Sushi Rice, Dijon Mustard Ice Cream, Tomato Water

Seared Sea Bass, Sauteed Spinach, Hon Shimeji Mushrooms, Barigoule Sauce

Seared Filet Mignon (6oz), Pomme Fondante, Bordelaise

Raspberry Macaron, Lemon Sorbet

a meeting of minds

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Miso Izakaya

619 Edgewood Ave. SE.

Atlanta, GA 30312-1987

678.701.0128

www.misoizakaya.com (link- new website, soon to be live)

My first impression walking into Miso Izakaya and meeting owner/chef Guy Wong was how young Guy seemed to be.  Possibly a reflection on the daily realization of my own fading youth (ie. “Meh, these kids these days are looking younger and younger.”) or possibly a missed judgement.  I didn’t ask, nor found out, how old this ‘Guy’ is and maybe he has the Peter Pan effect of being older than he actually looks, forever a youngin’.  Regardless, what was presented in the youthful 20-ish looking package on first impression plays no effect when considering Wong’s maturity and potential.  I was impressed when he quickly admitted that when he opened his restaurant about a year ago, he received some negative reviews and feedback on the initial offerings at Miso.  Wong’s maturity allowed him to not be deflated by these comments but rather to take a higher road and consider what was being said.  He has since reassessed his direction and adjusted his menu and is currently in the process of a rebirth.  The day I was there shooting is the day that from Creative Loafing- Cliff Bostock’s re-review of Miso hit the stands.  The favorable mentions marked a stepping stone to the potential of growth and possibilities that await Guy and those at Miso.  Followed by some other favorable recent reviews and talk amongst people,  especially of the creative twist on ’sliders’,  it seems Miso Izakaya is on the brink of gaining some positive momentum to carry on into the days ahead.  Taking the concept from “Izakaya” in Japan, roughly describing a Japanese drinking establishment, or Saki shop where substantial food is served, Guy’s Miso Izakaya offers just that.  Some small plates, and larger entrees, a variety of libations, all delivered in a comfortable atmosphere great for after work gastro-exploration in self described “tapanese” fashion.  Being located in the growth happening on Edgewood, Miso is positioned for an optimistic future and Guy’s plans reflect that, with hopes to expand a patio or deck into the vacant lot adjoining his space allowing for more outdoor dining and possible nightly musical additions.

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Takoyaki (octopus balls)

Soft Boiled Soy Egg

Salt & Pepper Quail

Karubi (Beef Ribs)

All content © Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Citrus Shrimp & Scallop Skewers-hickory grilled

Venison Rib Chops w/ Wild Mushroom Demi glace

Saskatoon

360 Pharr Rd. NE

Atlanta, GA 30305

404.891.1911

www.saskatoonatlanta.com (link)

My first real job growing up, other than being a paperboy for the Youngstown Vindicator, was working at The Embassy in Ohio.  It is a classic event hall rented for wedding receptions, corporate parties, and AARP luncheons.  At the age of 14, I started as a dishwasher and climbed my way up the teen-corporate ladder to ‘head’ bus boy 2 years later.  Oh yeah!, I was that driven.  Having seen my share of formatted weddings involving such classics as: rigatoni with meatballs, the money dance, the bouquet toss, uncle “Teddy” getting plastered, the cutting and face smashing of cake, and the Y-town standard- the chicken dance, I was always relieved at the change of pace provided by the annual ‘wild game’ dinner hosted by the area’s local wild game hunter’s association.  I don’t remember the actual name of the group, I was 15 and my attentions were mostly centered around my mullet, thrash metal, and waitresses from other schools (all of whom where never really swayed by my mullet, no matter how magical I knew it to be….ahhhhh the ignorance of youth).  The wild game dinner provided for not only a different type of patron than the standard Hunky wedding (lighten up…I’m part Hungarian.), but also supplied the kitchen staff with unusual fare to cook for the members including venison, alligator, and bison (not so unique now but back in ‘88 was really ahead of the trend).  I always felt special, being able to sample these “exotic” treats, at least for the evening knowing that my standard after work-4am breakfast of Country Kitchen’s Skillet Scramble would not attempt to cross such foreign boundaries.  Although who really knows what meat comprises their ham?  Finally, no longer do I have to reminisce about my head banging, non-waitress banging teen years to sample such exotic treats…for Saskatoon has arrived in Atlanta.

Saskatoon Atlanta is the first franchise attempt based off it’s predecessor located in Greenville, SC.  Although the trend of offal meats has been making the rounds as of late, Saskatoon designates itself as “wild game fine dining with hunting lodge atmosphere.”  From their website: “From the northwestern corners of the country, we bring you fresh, cold-water salmon, clear river rainbow trout, wild game like elk, pheasant, and bear, plus interesting tastes like emu, portabella mushrooms, and other outdoor treats. Saskatoon is a steakhouse like no other in Atlanta. Exploring the waters and the fields of the beautiful Northwest, Saskatoon offers you a dining experience rich in aromas, flavors, textures and tastes.”  Heading the culinary endeavors at Saskatoon is Chef Kevin Backus who is coming off of a few years break to focus on parenting (give him some props for that!), but he eagerly prepares Saskatoon’s usual and unusual steakhouse dishes.  The wild game menu is dependent on what is currently fresh and available but Saskatoon also offers many standard options for your dining pleasure.  Check menu here.  (I’m holding out for the ‘braised unicorn cheeks’…now that’s game!)

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Beefsteak Tomato Salad w/ sweet onions, basil, toasted pecans & buffalo mozzarella, tossed in house vinaigrette

Wild Game Eggrolls-housemade & crispy, w/ tempura green bean bundle & 2 dipping sauces

Ribeye Steak- 14oz center cut

dessert- creme brulee layered in phyllo

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

The Brick Store Pub

125 E. Court Sq.

Decatur, GA 30030

404.687.0990

www.brickstorepub.com(link)

It’s the Brick Store Pub.  I am sitting here attempting to muster words or ideas that can add to the already dominating presence and reputation but alas…it’s the Brick Store.  What can I say without repeating what has already been spoken or written?  Oh, you haven’t heard of it?  You must have just arrived in Atlanta.  Stop what you are doing.  Are you around other people?  Stand tall and say the words “Thirsty for Beer” out loud, enough for people to take notice without startling them, wait a few minutes, then you will know…it’s the Brick Store.  Someone has a tale, someone will know and they will direct you.  There are reasons for it’s domination: ambiance, atmosphere, selection, location, service.  Beer.  Food.  People….it’s the Brick Store.  The owners also run Leon’s Full Service, which is special in it’s own right, and I’m sure in 10 years will have a similar reputation as it’s sister…the Brick Store.  What more can I contribute?….how ’bout food shots….from the Brick Store….

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Pimento Cheese- housemade 3yr. aged pimento cheese, benton's farm bacon, pickled jalepeno, roasted red pepper coulis on crostini

Pierogies- potato & cheese stuffed pasta, fried, brown butter, caramelized onion, crispy sage

Brick Burger- hand pattied angus ground beef, lettuce, tomato, swiss, caramelized onions & sauteed mushrooms

Cup o' curr'ey'- Sweet potatoes, garbonzo beans, cilantro, traditional indian spices, served over bismati rice

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Lunch Sashimi Assortment- 4 slices each of: tuna, yellowtail & salmon

RA Sushi

1080 Peachtree St. NE

Atlanta, GA 30309

404.267.0114

www.rasushi.com (link)

I attempt to do a bit of research before visiting a location to shoot.  I believe it to help in obtaining a mindset conducive for achieving optimal photography that is in line with the aesthetic of a restaurant.  So having done some poking around the internets pre-RA-shoot and taking a quick gander at RA’s website revealed in ‘judging a book’s cover’ form, that which is RA.  Based on a franchise chain headquartered in Arizona, and currently fathered by Benihana, Inc., RA makes their web introduction by presenting themselves as a fun, sleek, sexy, cosmopolitan, sushi-bar-restaurant.  By having this persona as a hip, modern, sleek-anese restaurant, I was not surprised upon reading some other blog postings and reviews when the common preemptive disclaimer ,”I wasn’t expecting much…” reared it’s ugly mug.  This bothered me a bit because like the others, I found myself entering, in maybe not the most open of mindsets.  Walking into a place with expectations is a dangerous habit.  We sell ourselves ignorant when this happens and RA proved me wrong.  Granted when I first arrived and was greeted by all the pretty people, housed in an obviously decorated atmosphere, I was on the defensive.  But after spending some time there, my guard dropped. By meeting and talking with some of the staff I started to feel at ease and found myself enjoying the space.  I feel I would be much happier accepting it for what it is and not expecting it to be something I wished it to be.  Sure it may seem like it is trying too hard but RA never fronts about what it is.  It is confident in knowing that it may not supply the sushi purist with a cartwheel inducing meal, but they will do just fine playing hip music, serving the sushi-fused food and drinks they want to and being a place to have fun and not take yourself so serious.  Some of those that walked in with low expectations were pleasantly surprised, others were doomed of mind before a fair chance was had.  But accept it for what it is and you may enjoy some pleasant surprises.

Getting ready for March Madness, RA is introducing ‘Maki Madness’ sushi eating contest with all proceeds being donated to Bert’s Big Adventure.  I have a friend that has some experience participating in Bert’s Big Adventure and she could not speak highly enough about how important her and her daughters’ time on the trip meant to them.  If you wish to be part of a really great, heart touching charity, Bert’s Big Adventure is the place to do it.  Find out more details on Atlanta Dish.

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

'RA'llipop-tuna,salmon,yellowtail,spicy tuna mix, lettuce, asparagus & cucumber wrapped in lobok; served skewered with garlic ponzu sauce

Hot Mess- crispy rice balls topped w/ spicy king crab mix; baked & finished with jalepeno & cilantro

Tunacado-seared ahi tuna dusted w/ Japanese rice cracker bits & black sesame seeds; served with fresh avacado & creamy ponzu dipping sauce

Viva Las Vegas Roll- kani kama crab & cream cheese rolled in rice & seaweed, lightly tempura battered & topped with spicy tuna, kani kama crab mix & sliced lotus root; finished with a sweet eel sauce & spinach tempura bits

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Congratulations to Art and Jan for participating and each winning a $50 gift certificate for Raging Burrito!

Please stay tuned to Spoonfed (Atlanta) for more upcoming giveaways.

Thanks to everyone that submitted a request.

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Raging Burrito

141 Sycamore Street

Decatur, GA 30030

404.377.3311

www.ragingburrito.com (link)

Located next to the Marta station in the downtown Decatur square, Scott Herman’s Raging Burrito has had a notable run participating in the charm exuded by this area.  Having opened in 1996, Raging Burrito’s allure is not only tied to the delivery of a mixture of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and salads but also to an atmosphere of relaxation and fun.  The large, secluded outdoor patio is a great place to sample their eats, beers, or a margarita.  Now…ok…wait…So you’ve made it this far, and by doing so you may be able to enjoy a benefit beyond words and pictures.  To help quell my curiosity I’m trying something a bit clandestine.  I’ve often wondered how many readers are actually reading.  If you have made it past the smoke screen of the first couple of sentences then congratulations!  You may become a winner.  I have acquired one hundred dollars worth of gift certificates of which I will be giving away.  I will split the pot into two, 50 dollar increments and bestow these prizes upon two of my ‘readers’, if you are still reading…that is you.  To enter just click on the “with ___ comments” text directly below the title of this post.  Leave a comment to the post with something obvious like “sign me up”, “I want to win”, or “send me into a Rage…ing Burrito”. (Please note that for aid in controlling spam to the site the comment section is moderated for approval so you may not see your entry appear right away on the blog, but it will show a bit later after approval).   On Monday, March 15th 2010, I will randomly select two commenters to receive fifty dollars each, in gift certificates to Raging Burrito.  Be sure to leave a proper email address with your comment so I can reach you if you win.  Ok…now pretend like nothing happened….huge burritos, in a fun atmosphere, and a slew of beers.  So stop on in and let them know you saw them here.  Enjoy!

To check out some of the items on their menu please visit their website: here

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Pineapple Jerk Burrito- Jerk Chicken or tofu sauteed w/pineapple salsa and roasted red pepper, rolled w/cheese, rice, beans, topped w/pineapple salsa, cilantro

Thai Salad- Marinated Chicken, steak, or tofu over romaine lettuce, carrots, sunflower sprouts, tomatoes, red onion, roasted red pepper and cucumbers, w/ thai peanut sauce

Queso Raging Chimi

chimi-changa-chimi-changa-chimi-changa-ooo ah-ha…

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)