Spoonfed (Atlanta)

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)