Spoonfed (Atlanta)

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

Carpaccio de Poulpes-thinly sliced octopus, avocado, lime, extra virgin olive oil, baby herbs

Anis Cafe & Bistro

2974 Grandview Ave.

Atlanta, GA 30305

404.233.9889

www.anisbistro.com (link)

Truite Meuniere-pan roasted trout, wilted greens, marinated artichokes, capers, lemon browned butter

With my guard down, I’ll have to admit to liking some reality TV.  I am fairly closeted about liking such blatant swill but in true interstate wreck form, I can’t help sometimes to peer upon these spectacles and find myself engaged, if only in small doses.  Although, for the life of me I cannot bring myself to quell my gag reflex when seeing any of Bravo’s ‘Housewives’ series.  Especially the ‘Atlanta Housewives’.  I find it enraging.  Maybe it’s due to the ‘too close to home’ nature but them crazies seem a waste of godsbreath (I don’t think this is a real word, but I’m using it…intentionally with a lower case “g”, screw Webster’s, the meaning is in the context).  I am shamed that this is the slice of life in Atlanta that gets airtime in front of the rest of the world.  Wherein I feel apologies are necessary when out of town acquaintances comment on the show and inquire if Atlanta is truly like that.  I think it safe to assume (which Grandma told me never to do) that any of the ‘Housewives’ shows are far from true representations of any of the cities represented and the obvious low-brow antics to cast such society in broadcast light is pandering to today’s America.  These ladies, to me, seem to symbolize everything I think of when I generalize that which is ‘Buckhead’.  I haven’t even watched the show enough to know if the cast frequents the ‘Buckhead’ area and I realize I’m showing my ignorance card but my mind immediately draws a correlation between what is seen and how I feel about the area.  I’ve been in Atlanta for a considerably short amount of time, approximately 8 years, and there may have been a time, before mine, when “Buckhead” wasn’t what “Buckhead” is (or what I consider it to be), and if that is the case I am sad for not knowing it’s former glorious self.  I can’t help myself for cringing slightly when hearing ‘Buckhead’ and I realize I could be alone in this thought process.  Atlanta has a seedy underbelly, dotted with McMansions, plastic surgery, designer t-shirst and superficiality.  The Housewives and Buckhead, to me, are the town criers for this ideal…(or maybe I’m just grumpy this morning).

Now putting my small thought and obvious ignorance aside, and before receiving multiple comments,  I’m sure there remain some redeeming qualities that ‘Buckhead’ has to offer and since starting this blog I have come to know some of them.  There are still plenty of shops and restaurants, galleries and local spots to be had in the area that replenish the ick-factor to a suitable level and my recent visit to Anis Cafe & Bistro is an example of one of these spots. Located in the backwoods of Buckhead, Anis Cafe & Bistro sits as a renovated bungalow that soft pedals itself compared to the usual glitz found on the nearby streets and avenues.  A much discussed and loved covered patio with hand painted tables sits in front and awaits those possibly wanting to be temporarily removed from the South and transported to Southeastern France.  Up a few stairs from the patio opens a pair of doors (French no less), into the indoor dining room with softer, neutral tones that carries a less aloof attitude than the patio but still has enough decor to exude a kitschy, quaint, elegance.  The small adjoining bar seals the homey feel with enough room for a few tables, where it seems easy to be within earshot of those speaking French, lending some authentic allure to Anis.  For the past 16 years Anis Cafe & Bistro has been providing a menu “deeply rooted in the ingredients and aromas that give dishes from the french Mediterranean region their unique flavors” (from their website)  with the kitchen currently being lead by Chef Jeff Gomez.  They are currently serving a Sunday Brunch from 11:30-2:30 and invite you to join their Facebook page to keep you informed of other specials and happenings.

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

Butternut Squash Soup-garnished w/Coles Lake Dairy Chevre and radicchio

Moules Marinieres-mussels, white wine, garlic, parsley, cream

Shrimp a l'Anis- Gulf shrimp w/rice, asparagus, escarole, tomatoes and Pastis shallot vinaigrette

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

Coquilles St. Jacques-roasted Maine scallops, sweet corn, Vidalia onions and truffle honey

Nutella Crepes- buttery crepes filled with bananas, Nutella and toasted almonds

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

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

Georgia Mountain Rainbow Trout, Summer Vegetables, Little Clam Herb Broth

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

Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse

3500 Peachtree Rd. NE (Phipps Plaza)

Atlanta, GA 30326

404.844.4810

www.davios.com (link)

I get by with a little help from my friends.  I’ll admit it.  I’m easy.  I’ll jump into the sack with anyone willing to show me a good time…(when speaking of photography for this blog).  Some of the restaurants showcased here on Spoonfed have been introduced to me through connections with PR firms.  I see this as a win/win scenario.  Dividing my time between two cities and trying to find paying work has tested my time management skills enough so if I receive notice from anyone willing to make an introduction between me and a restaurant, then by all means, hook it up.  This connection provides me with a place to practice my photography and also benefits the restaurant with some extra exposure.

One of the PR firms that I have worked with in the past and has also introduced me to Davio’s is Melissa Libby & Associates specializing in the restaurant/food industry.  One of the many ways Melissa and her team do a great job representing their clients is through their blog Atlanta Dish and also through their social media accounts such as twitter (@MelissaL).  Always on the cusp with new information, Melissa Libby is a great source for ‘what’s the what’ in Atlanta cuisine.  On this particular shoot I was visited by team members Meryl Arnett and Tuan Huynh.  Even though it was nice to have company while I shot, I fear I may have bored them a bit.  First off, not that I’m a chatty fellow to begin with but especially when in the zone of shooting, I’m fairly quiet while involved in work.  Second, food photography is a fairly dull process if you are not directly involved in the capture.  Don’t get the wrong impression, I’m having fun but for those in the dugout, it may not be as exciting as a fashion shoot or celebrity portrait session.  Setting up a shot, finding an angle, and tweaking lights in between captures, I’m sure, is not fun to watch from a close distance.  They were troopers and hung in until the end, another testament to their professionalism and dedication to their clients.  Thanks y’all.

Davio’s is the latest addition to a small chain started in Boston by Steve DiFillippo.  ”The idea behind Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse was simple, regional Italian foods with a focus on the grill” (from their site).  How spring rolls fit into the scheme? I’m not sure but anyhoo…that’s how they roll.  (Sorry, shameless pun).  Along with the appeal of their menu is the ability to sidle up to the bar facing into the open kitchen to enjoy not only the eating of a meal but the visual of watching it being created.  The Atlanta location, fixed at Phipps Plaza, is led by executive chef Bennett Hollberg.

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

Carni- 14 oz Prime Natural Aged New York Sirloin

Seared Organic Salmon, Sundried Tomato-Mascarpone Orzo, Charred Tomato Battuto

Davio's Steak House Burger, Crispy Onion Rings, Manchego, Brioche Roll

Macedonia of Fresh Fruit, Citrus Broth, Mini Sweet Ricotta Cannoli

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

Here are some other firms that have helped me connect with Atlanta restaurants: (if I have forgotten you, sorry, let me know…)

The Reynolds Group, Inc.

Karen Canavan PR

Deborah Evans- demarketing@bellsouth.net

Green Olive Media (Haven’t worked with them but they do their own cool stuff, worth a look-see)

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

Sosaties-Beef filet marinated & topped with a sweet apricot curry sauce, yellow & white rice

10° South

4183 Roswell Rd. NE

Atlanta, GA 30342

404.705.8870

www.10degreessouth.com (link)

The occupational hazards linked with food photography may not be fairly compared to those of say an iron worker, coal miner, or bovine artificial inseminator, but food photography can provide a treacherous landscape for those trying to drop some pounds.  I often place newly captured imagery as my desktop images to remind me of recent work.  If I get tired of looking at something, chances are I need to get up off my dupa and go shoot.  Right now, gracing two screens are a dessert shot complete with dripped chocolate sauce and whipped (pronounced ‘whooped’) cream on one and biscuits covered with approximately 1/4″ thick gooey, melted, glistening cheddar on the other.  My wife astounds when she occasionally sits at my computer.  It dumbfounds her that I can place these images that seem so tantalizing in plain view.  To top it off, I have recently purchased into some exercise DVDs to help get fit, which I play in this setting. So as I am working out, videos being played on one screen inevitably will be flanked by some delicious food shot, in glaring contrast.  A digital yin-yang of health vs. indulgence.  Maybe it comes with being a photographer and starring at the images all day but for the most part, my personal Pavlovian response is rarely swayed by my own imagery.  I liken this phenomenon to cooking.  I could make a duplicate meal, using the same recipe, on the same stove, with the same pots and dishes as my mom but for some reason…it just tastes better when someone else does it.  So is the case in food photography, and even though the ‘after’ product of my own imagery is easy to overcome, being there is a different story.

When arriving at a location to shoot I often mention to whoever is presenting the dishes that color, texture, and depth play important roles in the end product.  ”White soup in a white bowl on a white tablecloth maaaay not be the best choice to showcase your restaurant.”  Most of them get it…most of them.  Certainly Di and Derek Anthony, owners of 10° South got it.  They presented me with such colorful dishes to photograph.  But the lurking danger presented itself towards the end of the shoot.  I was able to accomplish some nice shots quickly and was ready to pack up my gear when it was suggested we shoot a dessert.  ”I would love to” is always my reply.  I love what I do.  And then it came out…Di’s Delight.  It was handed to me and I could feel the warmth of the cake through the bottom of the dish.  The backs of my knees began to sweat.  My eyes dart back and forth between the cake and the lump of vanilla ice cream, my favorite.  A stand alone in and of itself yet so versatile and accommodating. (I’ll never understand you chocolate ice cream folk, with your ‘dominating’ flavor, overpowering any fair flavor-share on a twist cone…Stop!…that’s another post.  Back to the matter…) Eye’s darting, my earlobes quiver and the hairs on my knuckles lunge toward the plate as I make minor adjustments to the setting.  As I work the shot the ice cream begins to melt a bit.  I imagine the sound my spoon would make scraping an almost empty dish of it’s last clutches to this melted delight.  It’s this sound that usually draws a glare from my wife when we share ‘dessert time’.  Lost in my bliss, I often don’t realize I’m making this sound until I look up and her expression fills me in.   I finish the shot to my liking (or subconsciously to the point when I know the ice cream is primed) and turn to my hosts.  ”I think we got it.”  There is excitement in my tone, one part- ‘a day’s work well done’ and one part-’however will I reward myself’(sarcastically).  Then…The Offer.  ”You should try the cake.”  (or some variation of those words, I’m not exactly sure…my ears were ringing and the room was a blur.)  At this point, external influence is futile.  It’s all on me and the dilemma plays out.

I’ve worked so hard to lose this 30 lbs, but what is one bite?  A vision of Will Farrell from Old School plays in my head… “once it hits your lips…it’s so good!”  Knowing the danger, I proceed.  I don’t want to disappoint my hosts.  ”Mwah-Ha-Ha” I hear a demon laughing from the depths of my skull.  I grab a fork and take aim.  The cake depresses slightly to the pressure right before it splits and creeps up either side of the tines as moisture and warmth fogs the solid part of my utensil.  Carefully I level the selective bite atop my fork and reengage the plate, targeting the ice cream side.  The sharp points pierce the melting mass and the perfect amount finds itself upon the fork, sidled up next to the cake, melding into one another.  And then I plunge.  Releasing control. Giving up or Giving in, regardless, Freedom.  A thoroughly enjoyable bite of cake.  I regain my composure, compliment the creators and shift into packing mode as I start to disassemble a strobe.  As I reach for my grip case I hear yet again…The Offer.  ”Would you like to take some home with you?”  Damn you, gracious, nice people.  The bite has been swallowed, defenses down, force field at 7%.  I imagine what it would look like if I say no as a dishwasher scrapes a full piece of cake, minus ‘one’ bite into a garbage bin, shaking their head, questioning the integrity of someone that would waste such a divine  goodie.  ”Sure”  I say half defeated and half ecstatic knowing how the evening will proceed.  ”Mwah-Ha-haha”…damn demons.  Some one else felt the same way.

“Take your tastebuds on safari”® is the claim put out on some of the collateral by 10° South.  Contending to be the only South African restaurant in town 10° South fuses influence from French, Portuguese, Dutch, German, Malaysian cuisines to create their menu.  Since opening in 1998, 10° South has gone from being located in a bungalow to now being in a well designed space that offers multiple atmospheres.  There is an initial dining room encased mostly in high glass walls that allow plenty of light.  Behind that is a more secluded, comfy dining area that allows for a more intimate experience and at the rear of the restaurant is the bar and covered patio with plenty of seating options to enjoy drinks and edibles.  Family run by the Anthony’s along with their son Justin, the setting is classy and cozy and if they treat their customer’s like they treated me, then you should be pleased.  Check out John Kessler’s most recent review here.

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

Prawns

Chicken Curry-w/ traditional South African spices and herbs, yellow & white rice served with sambals

Peri-Peri Chicken- Marinated Cornish hen, butterflied and char-grilled.

Di's Delight-Warm, moist fruit sponge cake served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

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