OOPS!!!

Due to repeated unauthorized use by Tantra Restaurant of the images previously posted, I have decided to remove them from this post.

ALL CONTENT ©MARK PETKO PHOTOGRAPHY (CLICK HERE FOR PERMISSION)

Tantra Restaurant & Lounge

2285 Peachtree Rd. Suite 100

Atlanta, GA 30309

In keeping with similar, Eastern philosophically remnant themes of my last post and as the seasonal pink and red frill alert us to the looming holiday (Holiday? Really? Valentines?), we delve into new territory.  A conceptual restaurant called Tantra which may be the perfect location for those seeking something with slightly more wallop than a heart shaped box of chocolates or fuzzy bear.  Be it a far cry from decorating shoe boxes with cut-out construction paper hearts and penning mass produced Snoopy valentines cards to pass unto those sweethearts that tingled our tiny, 3rd grade loins, Tantra derives its theme from a more mature approach.  Now ‘mature’ may not be a great description if one immediately draws upon only thoughts of creative sex when hearing the word ‘Tantra’, but conditioned?  We are.  You may want to explore the background a bit as I’m sure that the sex part is but a cog in the wheel of the philosophy as a whole and Tantra, although nibbling on the play of ‘sex’, is a bit more intricate.  They seem to be selling the complete ‘sensual experience’ of the Tantric mindset to their customers.  They try to accomplish this by surrounding those that enter in the sights, smells, sounds and tastes that will hopefully elicit some form of …eh-hem…reaction?  Playing to the senses with decor, music, and flavors, Tantra draws upon influences from ‘the Silk Road’ regions of Asia, the Mediterranean, Southern Europe and Spain.  At first the atmosphere may seem over the top but if you consider that the purpose is to thoroughly transform you to a different mindset then the elaborations seem fitting, down to the S-shaped Tantric chair that awaits curious customers as they enter.  How is it used?  Indeed…just imagine.  If one gives in and allows ‘what will?’, and after some playful libations then you are left to the mercy of Chef Terry Dwyer to present his dishes to continue the exploration of sensual satisfaction, again utilizing some of the flavors found around ‘the Silk Road’.  Chef Terry is also in charge of the menu provided by Tantra’s sister restaurant ‘Divan’.

Check out Bostock’s review for some food details.

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)

Spicy Tuna Tar-Tar wrapped w/ Avocado topped with Caviar Mousse

MF Buckhead

3280 Peachtree Rd. Ste. 110

Atlanta, GA 30305

404.841.1192

www.mfbuckhead.com (link)

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

Seared Toro w/ Daikon & Purple Potato

Greeting me with a glad hand after passing the bar and into the main dining room of MF Buckhead was Chris Kinjo, co-owner/chef and “Magic Fingers” namesake to this restaurant, as well as its counterpart, MF Sushi. So much emphasis has been placed on those grapplers of the raw that as we shook, I couldn’t help but wonder if Chris has an aversion to such an act?  Not only culturally, with maybe a Japanese ‘bowing’ preference but also in the way that a brain surgeon may refrain from excessive high-fives, pouring scalding hot coffee or waiting another moment… until the cookies cool.  Those tattooed mitts are the tools with which Chris has gained artistic repute and I want to respect them.  These tools alongside a pinstripe suit and designer eye-wear complete the renown that Chris radiates.  When looking upon him, in the surround of his restaurant, there is a relationship that is on display and it becomes obvious that with every breath, he lives in a balance between Art, luxury, sushi and style.  It was just after 2:oo pm and I was told that he usually wasn’t in the restaurant that early due to the late night nature of the restaurant business.  I felt privileged that he took the time for me, but then shortly came to realize, it wasn’t for me, but for the sake of his art.  As I prepped my equipment he took to the kitchen, still in suit, still in style, and began manipulating ingredients with the guardianship and attentiveness one may expect from a master.  The dance begins.  With precision, he embarks on a routine that percolates in repetition.  One can imagine that muscle memory and years of practice are taking the lead and the swaying swagger of these sushi-making induced movements places Chris in a meditative state of sorts. One, with fervor, an open vessel of creation.  Catch some vids of this (here) and (here).

MF Buckhead is yet another venture created by Chris with his brother Alex.  It takes the usual sushi experience to a heightened level, harmonizing Japanese heritage, luxurious atmosphere, and the art of sushi collectively.  Located in the Terminus Building in Buckhead, MF Buckhead caters to all sushi purists but especially to those without monetary restraints.  Thinning the herd and placing a select few above the main dining room into the Omakase Room, Chris takes those privileged participants on an experience in sushi dining, consisting of 16-20 courses designed around ingredients flown in from Japanese markets, paired with sake and taking place as the hours pass with no holds barred, for a mere $250 per diner.  The room seats 8 and the Omakase Room dinning happens twice a month.  Jimmy gets privileged (here)

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

Nigiri Sushi: Madai, Chu, Toro, Ttoro, Wild Buri

Aji Sashimi w/ Grated Ginger & Scallions

Kohada pressed with Kazunoko

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

Blanched Ika w/ Shiso & Goma

Tuna Tataki wrapped around Kaiware w/ thinly sliced Yuzu & Ikura

Uni Sashimi

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

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

Spiced Chicken Samosas, Cilantro Yogurt

Spice Market

W Atlanta Midtown

188 14th St. NE Atlanta, GA 30361

404.724.2550

www.spicemarketatlanta.com (link)

What’s in a name really?  I’m just the son of an electrician, so for those (like me) who have nary an inkling who Jean-Georges Vongerichten is, then all one need to do is check out the most reliable source for factual biographies and information…wikipedia.  Ok, that may be a stretch but really, it’s as good a place as any to gain some ground in your Jean-Georges knowledge building.  Here’s the gist:  He is big-time. French chef, studied at the Auberge de l’ill under yadda, yadda, opened this restaurant and that restaurant, teamed with so and so to write this book and that book, touted by bliggity-blah as the “sha-bang-shazam, bomb-diggity.”  The list goes on and on about his ventures across the globe, partnering and teaming with many, to position his knowledge, influence, culinary proficiency, and name to (it may seem) as many outlets as he can.  His reach is vast as it spans the globe.  And yet I wonder…How does a man, whose name covers a Brobdingnagian jurisdiction rest assured knowing that the quality of product is living up to that name?  And is it possible to spread yourself so thin and to have your name so used that it dilutes into just a phrasing, stripped of clout, countering all that was once worked for?  I don’t know.  What do you think Wolfgang?

Spice Market has the honor of being connected with the original offering, Jean-Georges’ New York restaurant.  It is based on influences of Asian street food yet the luxury and style of the restaurant, smack-dab in the middle of a W Hotel mind you, has little reminiscence to anything ‘street’.  The space is impressive and tasteful with Asian accents but still obviously upscale.  Upon mentioning my recent shoot here at Spice Market, my sister-in-law and her soon to be husband mentioned having dined here and raved about the Samosas (pictured above), seconded by Meridith Ford’s review from just after it’s opening.  Check out some more recent reviews (here) and (here).

View more recent work from Mark Petko Photography

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

Black Pepper Shrimp, Sun Dried Pineapple

Ginger Fried Rice

Sauteed Snapper, Asparagus and Shitake Mushrooms, Sesame Vinaigrette

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

Grilled Strip Steak, Garlic, Coriander and Sesame

Ovaltine Kulfi, Caramelized Banana, Spiced Milk Chocolate Sauce

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