Spoonfed (Atlanta)

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

Les Fromages- Chef's Daily Cheese Selection

Amuse! Restaurant

560 Dutch Valley Rd.

Atlanta, GA

404.888.1890

www.amuseatlanta.com (link)

As the afternoon warmed on a cloud sparse day, I exited my car and began unloading equipment from the trunk in preparation to begin yet another mid-week Spoonfed shoot.  As I stacked some gear upon my multi-cart I noticed a convertible Alpha Romeo, top down, cornering into the lot and backing into an empty space.  Blue-sky filled days like this seem as though they were created on purpose for the enjoyment of such a machine.  I quickly recognized the driver as Arnaud Michel, part owner of Amuse! Restaurant.  I had met Arnaud a few weeks ago while shooting at another of his creations, Anis Cafe and Bistro.  He stepped from his car and greeted me with a handshake, hair wind blown and smiling as if he had just come off a ride at an amusement park, his voice toned with enjoyment, probably from the ride over.  He proceeded to lead me into Amuse! and took me on an impromptu tour of the space he had helped in designing.  He points out the details that help to elicit the whimsical, Bohemian feel of this casual French Bistro, such as the custom bar tables, made with industrial metal framing and others with wood tops fastened with railroad ties.  The walls are lined with various artwork and random brick-a-brac like bicycle wheels and vintage belts alongside an assortment of styled-seating, allowing the space a relaxed aura.  The dining room has other similar nuances like custom light fixtures and various chalk boards to show certain specials, easily read by all.  We discuss how to proceed with the shoot as he leads me to the kitchen to meet Chef de Cuisine, Noelle Thomas, who will be preparing the day’s subjects of photography.  She smiled brightly and asked me about the food that we were about to shoot…I think…It was all in French and I’m sure the typical ‘blank American stare’ and verbal ‘uhhhhhhh’ she received was enough indication to my ignorance.  Arnaud politely took the lead and translated some details.  Hearing them talk back and forth helps me to build anticipation for an upcoming trip to Paris that my wife and I have planned.  I mention the trip to them, maybe to diminish my American Ignorance Guilt, maybe in hopes that one of them has a Parisian apartment they are willing to offer on the cheap, or maybe just to bridge a gap and quell the usual nerves of meeting new people.  Once I am at ease, Noelle proceeds to provide me with dish after dish, showcasing Amuse’s French cuisine and continuing with the excitement building for my upcoming journey.

Amuse! Restaurant is a joint venture by Arnaud Michel (Anis Bistro) and Andy Alibaksh (Apres Diem, Carpe Diem, Carroll Street Cafe and Village Pizza) serving a French-inspired menu.  Open Tuesday-Sunday and serving brunch on the weekends.

See their website for further details or to make reservations.

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

House Made Pâté

Steamed PEI Mussels Poulette-White Wine, Shallots, Parsley, Garlic, Cream

Goat Cheese on Bed of Tomatoes w/Basil, Arugula, Pesto Dressing and Saba Sauce

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

Seafood Ravioli-House Made filled w/ Lobster, Scallops & Shrimp in Lobster Sauce

Cassoulet (Thursday Special)

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

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

Babette’s Cafe

573 N. Highland Ave. NE

Atlanta, GA 30307

404.523.9121

www.babettescafe.com (link)

A couple of months ago I put out a cattle call to those that are tuned in with my social media outlets.  ”Who would you like to see showcased on Spoonfed (Atlanta)?”  I asked to all of my wonderful loyal followers and fans.  The response was overwhelming as I was hit with a whopping ‘single’ reply…from a stylist/recently relocated cupcake shop owner (Sugar) that I have had the pleasure of working with in the past (hi Karla).  As the crickets chirped and I scraped myself up from my tantrum of recently realized irrelevance, I inquired into the lone response as it named a restaurant that I had yet to hear about.  ’Babette’s Cafe’ the twitter response announced.  I surfed around to quell my curiosity into this unknown establishment.  After a couple of return emails and a few scheduling speed bumps, I was finally allowed to visit with Marla Adams, Chef/Owner of Babette’s.  As we played with food and cameras I learned that the restaurant was named after a story that was turned into a movie called “Babette’s Feast“, popular in epicurean circles, which in a cook decides to spend recently acquired lottery winnings on the creation of a great feast.  Babette’s Cafe has been around for awhile in the Atlanta culinary scene and is currently located in a renovated bungalow on Highland Avenue.  The setting in this space complete with simple understated decor allows for a correlation between intimate atmosphere and Marla’s rustic European style of cooking.  They offer wine tastings every Thursday and a Sunday brunch from 10:30-2 pm.  If I recall correctly the friend that recommended Babette’s Cafe was not one to eat ‘just anything’ so I would heed her advice and pay a visit.

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

Scallops Provencale- w/tomatoes, white wine, fresh herbs, parsley potatoes

Navarin of Lamb; spring lamb stew w/ green beans, english peas, carrots, potatoes and glazed shallots

Alaskan Halibut w/mustard crust, lemon butter sauce

Dried Cherry and Almond Tart

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

Stay tuned…Pacci Ristorante…coming soon to 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)