Archive for the ‘Inman Park’ Category
Agave
Agave
242 Boulevard Dr. SE
Atlanta, GA 30312
404.588.0006
www.agaverestaruant.com (link)
In this game of food there is a given to recognize. Trends. Trends tend to mark a shift in the communal thought process towards a specific liking. As of past, trends can be attributed to the popularity of such things as sushi, dipping bread in olive oil, Brazilian churrasco, and currently continue to run the gamut to cover; cupcakes, offal meats and mixing chocolate with bacon. Trending is an exciting way to join into the nouveau thought stream and to stay tip-toed on the here and now. But trending can wallop a sucker punch when restaurants fly too close to the sun by stressing them too much. It is a head first dive into the shallow end of the pool if one cannot recognize when ‘trend’ becomes ‘fad’ whilst the cheese turns blue. The ability to successfully weather a myriad of trends and remain relevant is a mentionable quality and Agave deserves such mention.
Opened in October of 2000, Agave is seeing their 10th year in business unfold in possibly the worst economic times of it’s history. According to Managing Partner, Tim Pinkham, Agave attributes due credit to a loyal customer base as a main factor in maintaining their business through the valleys of these times. But to have a loyal customer base, one must recognize the work involved in nurturing it. Jack Sobel, (chef/owner) opened this ‘eclectic southwestern eatery and tequila bar’ providing flavorful food “focusing of guest satisfaction” and in a 10 year history, Agave has collected many accolades to back up their boasts. Executive Chef, Ted Lescher oversees the quality and consistency of their offerings so that they continue to provide the degree that has allowed them such a history. Agave, located near the Cotton Mill Lofts and Oakland Cemetery in Cabbagetown/Grant Park, not only provides quality Southwestern edibles but also has a slew of top shelf tequilas and is currently running a 2 for 1 appetizer special at the bar, 5-7pm, any day of the week.
Posole Soup- braised pulled pork, hominy, guajillo red chile, green chile & lime
Guajillo Mussels-Fresh Canadian mussels steamed in signature red chile citrus wine broth w/ basil, lime & tortilla
Fresh Seared Herb & Chile rubbed Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops over fire roasted tomato & serrano stone ground grits accompanied with honey & cider collard greens
Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo- Idaho trout stuffed w/ craw-fish, mushrooms, onions & basil over Spanish rice with roasted tomatillo sauce, fresh cilantro
New Mexico Rack of Lamb-chile & herb rubbed over New Mexico red chile puree w/ Yukon Gold Mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, corn relish
All images and words ©Mark Petko Photography
Shaun’s
Shaun’s (Edgewood Social Club)
1029 Edgewood Ave. NE
Atlanta, GA 30307-2543
404.577.4358
www.shaunsrestaurant.com (link)
As I become a bit more attuned to the culinary surroundings here in Atlanta there seems to be commonly repeated themes that find their way into my presence. Lift your ear to the wind and eventually you will hear repeated names. Do a little poking around on the inter’webs’ trying to research anything culinary in Atlanta and you will soon see persistent patterns. One such common theme that I have found is that of ‘Shaun Doty’ and his restaurant ‘Shaun’s’. After hearing and seeing his name multiple times, I decided to make an attempt to seek him, whom was often spoken of, and was able to visit Shaun’s (Edgewood Social Club) in Inman Park. It was the first time since starting this and my other photo-blog Spoonfed (Raleigh) that a chef or owner requested that I be there during a dinner service. It is customary for me to be as least invasive as possible to a restaurants operations while attempting my measly photographic pursuits, but it was his desire to keep their system in place, and since they change the menu daily the preparations would not be happening until the regular time, just before dinner service. I can appreciate one’s schedule and the fact that the importance of any day revolves around the food that is to be delivered to hungry patrons. I arrived, set up and dabbled around a bit while the staff partook in the customary ‘crew dinner’ and daily meeting discussing that evening’s menu. I noticed, not only a personal and homey feeling from the atmosphere but also from how the group worked together and how they interacted with me. Some showed interest in photography, others just flat out asked if I needed a hand, and now and again throughout the shoot someone would stop by, peek over my shoulder to see what was happening. There were hints throughout the evening that alluded to the fact that this is not just a restaurant owned by a chef, but it is a home, nurtured for by Shaun Doty, open to guests. He provides opportunities for many to enjoy his food not only with the daily offerings of bistro fare but also with an inexpensive weekly pasta dinner and an occasional gluten free menu for those with such dietary requirements.
Join Shaun’s anytime or on Tues. Jan. 19th for a wine dinner with Michael Beringer to launch Artesa.
or on Fri. Jan. 25th to celebrate Tommy Taylor’s opening at Whitespace gallery with a special $29 Tommy Taylor menu and $6 Tommy-tinis
Crispy Sardinian Flatbread; local arugula, ricotta salata
Chinese Pork Buns; dim sum style
Kobe Beef Cheeseburger; white cheddar, brioche bun
