OOPS!!!

Due to repeated unauthorized use by Tantra Restaurant of the images previously posted, I have decided to remove them from this post.

ALL CONTENT ©MARK PETKO PHOTOGRAPHY (CLICK HERE FOR PERMISSION)

Tantra Restaurant & Lounge

2285 Peachtree Rd. Suite 100

Atlanta, GA 30309

In keeping with similar, Eastern philosophically remnant themes of my last post and as the seasonal pink and red frill alert us to the looming holiday (Holiday? Really? Valentines?), we delve into new territory.  A conceptual restaurant called Tantra which may be the perfect location for those seeking something with slightly more wallop than a heart shaped box of chocolates or fuzzy bear.  Be it a far cry from decorating shoe boxes with cut-out construction paper hearts and penning mass produced Snoopy valentines cards to pass unto those sweethearts that tingled our tiny, 3rd grade loins, Tantra derives its theme from a more mature approach.  Now ‘mature’ may not be a great description if one immediately draws upon only thoughts of creative sex when hearing the word ‘Tantra’, but conditioned?  We are.  You may want to explore the background a bit as I’m sure that the sex part is but a cog in the wheel of the philosophy as a whole and Tantra, although nibbling on the play of ‘sex’, is a bit more intricate.  They seem to be selling the complete ‘sensual experience’ of the Tantric mindset to their customers.  They try to accomplish this by surrounding those that enter in the sights, smells, sounds and tastes that will hopefully elicit some form of …eh-hem…reaction?  Playing to the senses with decor, music, and flavors, Tantra draws upon influences from ‘the Silk Road’ regions of Asia, the Mediterranean, Southern Europe and Spain.  At first the atmosphere may seem over the top but if you consider that the purpose is to thoroughly transform you to a different mindset then the elaborations seem fitting, down to the S-shaped Tantric chair that awaits curious customers as they enter.  How is it used?  Indeed…just imagine.  If one gives in and allows ‘what will?’, and after some playful libations then you are left to the mercy of Chef Terry Dwyer to present his dishes to continue the exploration of sensual satisfaction, again utilizing some of the flavors found around ‘the Silk Road’.  Chef Terry is also in charge of the menu provided by Tantra’s sister restaurant ‘Divan’.

Check out Bostock’s review for some food details.

ALL CONTENT ©MARK PETKO PHOTOGRAPHY (CLICK HERE FOR PERMISSION)

ALL CONTENT ©MARK PETKO PHOTOGRAPHY (CLICK HERE FOR PERMISSION)

I recently shot some imagery of Empire State South for ‘the Atlantan’ magazine for their January 2011 issue.  You can see the full spread and link to the online version of The Atlantan (here).  Or go get you a copy.

Below are some of the shots used along with some out-takes.

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

Empire State South

999 Peachtree St.

Atlanta, GA 30309

404.541.1105

www.empirestatesouth.com (link)

Executive Chef Ryan Smith & Chef/Owner Hugh Acheson (Hugh details the evening’s special at the staff dinner)

Check out Hugh Acheson’s personal blog ‘Hugh Cooks Food‘

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

Persimmon and Pear Chutney

Country Ham & Pickled Egg-spiced walnuts, baby beets, frisee, clothbound cheddar

Triggerfish- meyer lemon marmalade: lentils, hakurei turnips & apples

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

www.iotajot.com

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

Spicy Tuna Tar-Tar wrapped w/ Avocado topped with Caviar Mousse

MF Buckhead

3280 Peachtree Rd. Ste. 110

Atlanta, GA 30305

404.841.1192

www.mfbuckhead.com (link)

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

Seared Toro w/ Daikon & Purple Potato

Greeting me with a glad hand after passing the bar and into the main dining room of MF Buckhead was Chris Kinjo, co-owner/chef and “Magic Fingers” namesake to this restaurant, as well as its counterpart, MF Sushi. So much emphasis has been placed on those grapplers of the raw that as we shook, I couldn’t help but wonder if Chris has an aversion to such an act?  Not only culturally, with maybe a Japanese ‘bowing’ preference but also in the way that a brain surgeon may refrain from excessive high-fives, pouring scalding hot coffee or waiting another moment… until the cookies cool.  Those tattooed mitts are the tools with which Chris has gained artistic repute and I want to respect them.  These tools alongside a pinstripe suit and designer eye-wear complete the renown that Chris radiates.  When looking upon him, in the surround of his restaurant, there is a relationship that is on display and it becomes obvious that with every breath, he lives in a balance between Art, luxury, sushi and style.  It was just after 2:oo pm and I was told that he usually wasn’t in the restaurant that early due to the late night nature of the restaurant business.  I felt privileged that he took the time for me, but then shortly came to realize, it wasn’t for me, but for the sake of his art.  As I prepped my equipment he took to the kitchen, still in suit, still in style, and began manipulating ingredients with the guardianship and attentiveness one may expect from a master.  The dance begins.  With precision, he embarks on a routine that percolates in repetition.  One can imagine that muscle memory and years of practice are taking the lead and the swaying swagger of these sushi-making induced movements places Chris in a meditative state of sorts. One, with fervor, an open vessel of creation.  Catch some vids of this (here) and (here).

MF Buckhead is yet another venture created by Chris with his brother Alex.  It takes the usual sushi experience to a heightened level, harmonizing Japanese heritage, luxurious atmosphere, and the art of sushi collectively.  Located in the Terminus Building in Buckhead, MF Buckhead caters to all sushi purists but especially to those without monetary restraints.  Thinning the herd and placing a select few above the main dining room into the Omakase Room, Chris takes those privileged participants on an experience in sushi dining, consisting of 16-20 courses designed around ingredients flown in from Japanese markets, paired with sake and taking place as the hours pass with no holds barred, for a mere $250 per diner.  The room seats 8 and the Omakase Room dinning happens twice a month.  Jimmy gets privileged (here)

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

Nigiri Sushi: Madai, Chu, Toro, Ttoro, Wild Buri

Aji Sashimi w/ Grated Ginger & Scallions

Kohada pressed with Kazunoko

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

Blanched Ika w/ Shiso & Goma

Tuna Tataki wrapped around Kaiware w/ thinly sliced Yuzu & Ikura

Uni Sashimi

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