Spoonfed (Atlanta)

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)

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)

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

Aqua Blue

1564 Holcomb Bridge Road

Roswell, GA 30076

770.643.8886

www.aquablueatl.com (link)

Is there notable culinary life outside the perimeter of Atlanta?  Living in the burbs I would suggest so.  Even though the concentration of independent restaurants may be less then in the pit of the peach, there are some juicy pulp options for those that have chosen to shake city living.  Granted these places are often dwarfed and camouflaged by the massive standards of plazas, laced with signage frequently displaying ‘Max’, ‘Depot’, or ‘Mart’.  But for those that snicker when one of us outsiders make reference to our location, you may want to take a look around.  Some of the newer developments that are gracing your prestigious city are looking more and more like the burbs everyday and are including the same generic logos.  Getting past the sliders, spinach dip, and molten lava cake and finding worthy eats in the burbs does take effort, but the hunt makes the kill all the more enjoyable.  Sure we may not be able to walk to such places and that may negate a ‘neighborhood’ feel but parking is hardly an issue and I’ve never had to wonder what that swerving Penske truck is up to and why my back hurts. Don’t get me wrong.  I do enjoy a night ‘in-town’ and relish the vibe of a big city, but let us not forget, nor mock the places that sustain those on the fringe.

Co-founder, Owner and Executive Chef John Metz aims to provide us o.t.p.-ers with a worthy option other than driving into Atlanta to find a decent meal.  Located just off 400, Aqua Blue invites one to “Enjoy our Fresh Seafood and Sushi Prepared Daily, along with our Hand cut Steaks cooked to perfection. Our delicious cuisine can be enjoyed with our Classic Cocktails and Signature Martinis or our extensive Wine List with Over 50 Wines by the Glass.”  Metz brings many years of experience to the table at Aqua Blue and also owns Marlow’s Tavern and Sterling Spoon.
All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass-pan seared, served w/ Baby Bok Choy, sauteed spinach in a lush shitake mushroom broth

Sashimi Combo- Sake Futo Maki and assorted sashimi

Grilled Beef Tenderloin- Yukon Gold Cheddar Potato Cake, sauteed Spinach, matchstick potatoes, and Harvey's Bristol Cream

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