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)

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)

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)

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 (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

All images and words © 2010 Mark Petko Photography