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)

Taverna Fiorentina

3324 Cobb Parkway

Riverview Village in Vinings

Atlanta, GA 30339

770.272.9825

www.tavernafiorentina.com (link)

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.  When in Florence, do as the Tuscans do.  When in Atlanta, do as the Cobb Parkwayions do.  Just inside the perimeter (for all you ITP elitists) is where you may consider traveling to, if you desire the taste of  ’fresh, simple and flavorful’ Tuscan dishes.  Discreetly snuggled into a standard plaza facade (Atlanta shopping plaza, not Italian piazza) and currently playing ‘backwoods’ to a Christmas Tree sales lot is Taverna Fiorentina.  Co-owned by executive chef Paolo Tondo and sommelier Jasmin Reyes Scott, Taverna Fiorentina’s cozy dining room, decorated with a wine cellar wall and authentic accents such as a butcher block table, a classic old world hutch, alongside Italian imported, custom made, fold out tables lends itself to endorse the feeling of Tuscan authentication.  Mild in manner, Paolo Tondo traded in his electro/mechanical engineering degree and restaurant equipment sales job to bring his beloved Italian dishes to Atlanta.  Serving “authentic Florentine dishes that stand alongside contemporary classics” Tondo’s presentation and delivery have gained many positive reviews.  Taverna Fiorentina also offers a private dining room available for events and parties.

Thank you to Paolo, Jasmin, and Deborah for allowing me to photograph.

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Caprese Salad

Ravioli Gnudi- spinach, ricotta dumplings in fresh cherry tomato sauce w/ parmigiana cheese

Calamari Fritti

Agnello Scottadito, Baby lamb chops w/ black olives, roasted potatoes and artichoke

Tiramisu

All images and word ©2009 Mark Petko Photography

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Serpas True Food

(@ Studioplex)

659 Auburn Ave. #501

Atlanta, GA 30312

404.688.0040

www.serpasrestaurant.com (link)

Playing an active role in the revitalization of the historic Old 4th Ward district is important to Serpas True Food according to Dawn Serpas, wife of Chef Serpas and designing influence to elements of this restaurant.  She explains as she cuts fresh flowers to arrange in display, later seen at the reception station, ready to greet the evening’s diners at the front door.  She is witness (and participant) to the transformation that has occurred to the area and remembers balking when asked by her father “if the area is safe?”, hearkening back to the days of ol’, way before my time here in Atlanta.  Being ten months into its virgin year, Serpas True Food has been a noticeable asset to the growth of its community.  Occupying this former 1900’s cotton storage facility and acting as a cornerstone business to the Pavillion at Studioplex, Serpas True Food melds the original essence of the space with its own design homages to both the history of the space and to the basis of its culinary foundation. Serpas True Food does this in the forms of a cotton blossom mural and repeated cotton plant-like patterns on the bench seating, and also with the oyster inlaid counter tops, reminding the diner of Chef/Owner Scott Serpas’ New Orleans upbringing.  He claims to be the only one in his family to have “flown the coop” away from the bayou, and what a flight it has been. Serpas’ culinary trajectory has taken him from NOLA, to Dallas, to Atlanta working around town and finally ending up as the big bird at Two Urban Licks accepting many accolades during his tenure.  He has since started his first independent venture, Serpas True Food, featuring “approachable dishes true to their Louisiana, Asian and Southwestern influences…comfort cuisine that encompasses fresh, hand crafted ingredients perfectly complemented by global wines and cocktails.”  Serpas True Food offers a Sunday Brunch along with their regular weekly dinner services, full bar, and plenty of atmosphere to enjoy your next meal.

Andouille Veal Meatballs

Oyster Rockefellar with Fennel Bacon Relish

Grilled Veal Chop, Blue Cheese Orzo, Buttered Corn w/ Chanterelles

Beignets and Hot Chocolate

True dat…go get some True Food…tell’em you got “spoonfed”…

All images and words ©2009 Mark Petko Photography

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Another “hearkening to days of ol’ “

Lamb Chop, Harissa, Feta Salad, Naan Bread

4th & Swift

621 North Avenue NE

Building B

Atlanta, GA 30308

678.904.0160

4thandswift.com (link)

One may never fully understand the farm to table concept until provided the visual aid of  a whole hog spread eagle awaiting preparation.  Sure this may make some squeamish, but in an effort to photograph things culinary, I admittedly felt giddy when Chef Jay Swift told me he had acquired a fine specimen for an upcoming party.  For me personally, there is little distinction between the beauty in imagery that exemplifies the food chain and that of posed and plated dishes lining the pages of magazines and cookbooks.  Whether it is a butcher at work or a lioness chasing an infant gazelle, I find myself awe stricken when I stumble across an opportunity to view how the natural world sustains itself …and hunger quenching sustenance is noticeably easy to land at 4th & Swift.

The former engine room of Southern Dairies in the Old Fourth Ward district of Atlanta is the location of Chef Jay Swift’s culinary abode.  Offering modern American comfort food served with Southern hospitality, this restaurant and bar combo takes these offerings and surrounds them in an updated industrial space.  4th & Swift combines tasteful fabrics and wood tones with concrete floors, found metal beams and exposed original brick to provide an agreeable and laid back atmosphere.  The entire dining room is positioned to view the inner workings of the kitchen through a floor to ceiling glass wall.

Following a farm to table concept, Chef Swift and company provide ever changing seasonal dishes using the “freshest ingredients from local and regional sources including those from all natural and sustainable farmers.”  Over Jay Swift’s 30 year career he has traveled from Baltimore, to Boston, New York City and most recently to the South landing at South City Kitchen in Atlanta, receiving many accolades and much notice.  He has since created 4th & Swift and been involved with some charitable organizations like “Share our Strength” and “Flavors of Atlanta“.

Since the menu is in constant flux, it is recommended you sign up on their email list to receive updates and notice of specials.  Also be on the look out for them at “Fall in the 4th“.

Thanks to Jay, Seth, Jeb and Chrysta for providing their time and expertise.

Wild Stripe Bass, Preserved Lemon Rissoto, Tomato Water, Fennel

Salmon Crudo, Avocado Sorbet, Corn Relish, Cilantro Crema

"Scallop BLT", Seared Diver Scallop, Crispy Pork Belly, Arugula, Tomato Jam

Sugar Doughnuts w/ Peach Jam, Rye Ice Cream

Baked Chocolate Mousse, Bananas, Caramel Ice Cream & Candied Bacon

You still may have time to catch one of these dishes before changing to their fall menu…be “swift” and tell’em you got “spoonfed”.

-sorry for the pun…

All images and words © Mark Petko Photography

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just another pig shot