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)

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)

Lunch Sashimi Assortment- 4 slices each of: tuna, yellowtail & salmon

RA Sushi

1080 Peachtree St. NE

Atlanta, GA 30309

404.267.0114

www.rasushi.com (link)

I attempt to do a bit of research before visiting a location to shoot.  I believe it to help in obtaining a mindset conducive for achieving optimal photography that is in line with the aesthetic of a restaurant.  So having done some poking around the internets pre-RA-shoot and taking a quick gander at RA’s website revealed in ‘judging a book’s cover’ form, that which is RA.  Based on a franchise chain headquartered in Arizona, and currently fathered by Benihana, Inc., RA makes their web introduction by presenting themselves as a fun, sleek, sexy, cosmopolitan, sushi-bar-restaurant.  By having this persona as a hip, modern, sleek-anese restaurant, I was not surprised upon reading some other blog postings and reviews when the common preemptive disclaimer ,”I wasn’t expecting much…” reared it’s ugly mug.  This bothered me a bit because like the others, I found myself entering, in maybe not the most open of mindsets.  Walking into a place with expectations is a dangerous habit.  We sell ourselves ignorant when this happens and RA proved me wrong.  Granted when I first arrived and was greeted by all the pretty people, housed in an obviously decorated atmosphere, I was on the defensive.  But after spending some time there, my guard dropped. By meeting and talking with some of the staff I started to feel at ease and found myself enjoying the space.  I feel I would be much happier accepting it for what it is and not expecting it to be something I wished it to be.  Sure it may seem like it is trying too hard but RA never fronts about what it is.  It is confident in knowing that it may not supply the sushi purist with a cartwheel inducing meal, but they will do just fine playing hip music, serving the sushi-fused food and drinks they want to and being a place to have fun and not take yourself so serious.  Some of those that walked in with low expectations were pleasantly surprised, others were doomed of mind before a fair chance was had.  But accept it for what it is and you may enjoy some pleasant surprises.

Getting ready for March Madness, RA is introducing ‘Maki Madness’ sushi eating contest with all proceeds being donated to Bert’s Big Adventure.  I have a friend that has some experience participating in Bert’s Big Adventure and she could not speak highly enough about how important her and her daughters’ time on the trip meant to them.  If you wish to be part of a really great, heart touching charity, Bert’s Big Adventure is the place to do it.  Find out more details on Atlanta Dish.

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

'RA'llipop-tuna,salmon,yellowtail,spicy tuna mix, lettuce, asparagus & cucumber wrapped in lobok; served skewered with garlic ponzu sauce

Hot Mess- crispy rice balls topped w/ spicy king crab mix; baked & finished with jalepeno & cilantro

Tunacado-seared ahi tuna dusted w/ Japanese rice cracker bits & black sesame seeds; served with fresh avacado & creamy ponzu dipping sauce

Viva Las Vegas Roll- kani kama crab & cream cheese rolled in rice & seaweed, lightly tempura battered & topped with spicy tuna, kani kama crab mix & sliced lotus root; finished with a sweet eel sauce & spinach tempura bits

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