Spoonfed (Atlanta)

Mark Petko photographs Atlanta's culinary scene.

Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Raging Burrito

with 25 comments

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

Raging Burrito

141 Sycamore Street

Decatur, GA 30030

404.377.3311

www.ragingburrito.com (link)

Located next to the Marta station in the downtown Decatur square, Scott Herman’s Raging Burrito has had a notable run participating in the charm exuded by this area.  Having opened in 1996, Raging Burrito’s allure is not only tied to the delivery of a mixture of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and salads but also to an atmosphere of relaxation and fun.  The large, secluded outdoor patio is a great place to sample their eats, beers, or a margarita.  Now…ok…wait…So you’ve made it this far, and by doing so you may be able to enjoy a benefit beyond words and pictures.  To help quell my curiosity I’m trying something a bit clandestine.  I’ve often wondered how many readers are actually reading.  If you have made it past the smoke screen of the first couple of sentences then congratulations!  You may become a winner.  I have acquired one hundred dollars worth of gift certificates of which I will be giving away.  I will split the pot into two, 50 dollar increments and bestow these prizes upon two of my ‘readers’, if you are still reading…that is you.  To enter just click on the “with ___ comments” text directly below the title of this post.  Leave a comment to the post with something obvious like “sign me up”, “I want to win”, or “send me into a Rage…ing Burrito”. (Please note that for aid in controlling spam to the site the comment section is moderated for approval so you may not see your entry appear right away on the blog, but it will show a bit later after approval).   On Monday, March 15th 2010, I will randomly select two commenters to receive fifty dollars each, in gift certificates to Raging Burrito.  Be sure to leave a proper email address with your comment so I can reach you if you win.  Ok…now pretend like nothing happened….huge burritos, in a fun atmosphere, and a slew of beers.  So stop on in and let them know you saw them here.  Enjoy!

To check out some of the items on their menu please visit their website: here

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

Pineapple Jerk Burrito- Jerk Chicken or tofu sauteed w/pineapple salsa and roasted red pepper, rolled w/cheese, rice, beans, topped w/pineapple salsa, cilantro

Thai Salad- Marinated Chicken, steak, or tofu over romaine lettuce, carrots, sunflower sprouts, tomatoes, red onion, roasted red pepper and cucumbers, w/ thai peanut sauce

Queso Raging Chimi

chimi-changa-chimi-changa-chimi-changa-ooo ah-ha…

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



Raging Burrito & Taco on Urbanspoon

Written by Mark Petko

March 3rd, 2010 at 1:14 pm

Dave Jones | Eat Buford Highway

with one comment

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

So I have decided to expand the parameters of the Spoonfed blog project and this post is the first of  a series that will occasionally appear.  As is the ultimate goal…this blog keeps me shooting.  It forces a camera into my hands and shoves me out the door among the feared universe to explore and discover, capture and reflect upon.  I revel in the idea of challenging myself by immersion but as of late I have noticed that the pursuit, although it has led to some visually appealing food-smut, runs the danger of becoming stagnant (to me at least and as of now this blog is mostly a self-serving entity, until google decides to buy it…hello…anyone from google…are you there…oh well, I can wait).

This new facet of Spoonfed will explore people with a similar interest in food blogging.  I have recently linked to Urbanspoon and noticed a list of 82 other food bloggers just in the Atlanta area, and these are only the ones linked with Urbanspoon.  So in keeping with ‘photographing anything culinary’, I will attempt to meet and shoot portraits of some of these other bloggers.  Shooting portraits is a totally different beast than shooting food and I feel the practice would do me good.  Luckily, with one stone and two birds,  it was a goal of mine for my ‘monthly self-assignment’ for February to shoot some environmental portraiture. Some more of which can be seen here on my photo blog, Blown Out! (blog).

Instead of diving head first into unknown waters I opted to dip my toe just a bit to test it out.  I asked a fellow blogger, whom I had actually met before if he would help me on starting this endeavor and lucky for me, he obliged.

This is Dave Jones….(spare the ‘locker’ jokes, I’m sure he’s heard’em)…

©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Dave pens the blog Eat Buford Highway.  It consist of occasional jaunts exploring the ethnic treasures found in Atlanta with an emphasis towards the Buford Highway region, Atlanta’s own ‘little HispanAsianic’ territory laced with a barrage of wonderful treats.  Alongside some restaurant trips Dave also posts some home cooking experiments with some product pointers on ingredients that most Food Network viewers still may not have heard of.  Dave says, “It started mostly out of frustration. I was looking for information on places I had never tried on Buford Highway and was having a hard time finding it. I kept finding dated articles on the same old places. My first thought was to do a comprehensive compendium of Buford Highway dining, but that became daunting really quickly. The blog is really a loose compilation of some of my explorations of food and cooking, and while I’ve tried to stick with the “Buford Highway” theme – focusing on ethnic food, primarily, I admittedly drift around. I’m currently working on prepping another blog with a friend that will have a broader approach to food. Hopefully that will let me keep EBH a bit more focused.”

We met at the Food Court at 5385 New Peachtree Road housing the Hong Kong BBQ, and Chong Qing Hot Pot among others.  It was a place we had met before for an impromptu ‘food bloggers’ eat up organized by Dave and shared by yours truly, Octosquid, Live to Feast, and Food Near Snellville.(beware fellow bloggers…I want to shoot you).

Dave is a pleasant fella that became involved in food at an early age since his grandfather owned Jones’ Open Pit Barbecue just a stone’s toss from Daytona Speedway in Florida.  He may try to fool you into believing that he is floundering with his blog and that he may not know much about food but don’t be duped by his nonchalant demeanor of smoke and mirrors.  He knows what he talks of and he writes it well.

When asked if he has any ‘must read’ blogs that he visits regularly he replys, “Sadly, I don’t have as much time to catch up on blogs as I’d like. In my reader, I’ve got a folder of Atlanta food blogs that I try to skim over once a week, and I’ve got another folder of “other” food blogs.

When asked about ‘must visit’ restaurants…

Wow, that’s hard – there are so many, and I change my mind constantly.
Manchunhong – Chinese/Korean
Pho Dai Loi #2 – Vietnamese
El Pastor – Mexican
Cho Sun Ok – Korean Barbecue
Quoc Huong – Vietnamese – best banh mi
El Pollo del Rey – Peruvian chicken
La Casona – Colombian
Wareong Corner – Indonesian
Chinatown Food Court
Mings, Mings, Mings

Pay him a visit and comment on his blog. Eat Buford Highway or follow him on twitter @EatBuHi

I realize this is a long shot but if any other Atlanta based food bloggers are not camera shy and wouldn’t mind sitting for a portrait please contact me.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts from Raging Burrito (Decatur), RA sushi (midtown), and the Brickstore (Decatur)

Check out a recent shot from Top Flr (Atlanta)

What up in Raleigh?

Check out my monthly portrait project.

Written by Mark Petko

February 24th, 2010 at 3:18 pm

Aqua Blue

with 2 comments

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

Aqua Blue

1564 Holcomb Bridge Road

Roswell, GA 30076

770.643.8886

www.aquablueatl.com (link)

Is there notable culinary life outside the perimeter of Atlanta?  Living in the burbs I would suggest so.  Even though the concentration of independent restaurants may be less then in the pit of the peach, there are some juicy pulp options for those that have chosen to shake city living.  Granted these places are often dwarfed and camouflaged by the massive standards of plazas, laced with signage frequently displaying ‘Max’, ‘Depot’, or ‘Mart’.  But for those that snicker when one of us outsiders make reference to our location, you may want to take a look around.  Some of the newer developments that are gracing your prestigious city are looking more and more like the burbs everyday and are including the same generic logos.  Getting past the sliders, spinach dip, and molten lava cake and finding worthy eats in the burbs does take effort, but the hunt makes the kill all the more enjoyable.  Sure we may not be able to walk to such places and that may negate a ‘neighborhood’ feel but parking is hardly an issue and I’ve never had to wonder what that swerving Penske truck is up to and why my back hurts. Don’t get me wrong.  I do enjoy a night ‘in-town’ and relish the vibe of a big city, but let us not forget, nor mock the places that sustain those on the fringe.

Co-founder, Owner and Executive Chef John Metz aims to provide us o.t.p.-ers with a worthy option other than driving into Atlanta to find a decent meal.  Located just off 400, Aqua Blue invites one to “Enjoy our Fresh Seafood and Sushi Prepared Daily, along with our Hand cut Steaks cooked to perfection. Our delicious cuisine can be enjoyed with our Classic Cocktails and Signature Martinis or our extensive Wine List with Over 50 Wines by the Glass.”  Metz brings many years of experience to the table at Aqua Blue and also owns Marlow’s Tavern and Sterling Spoon.
All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)


Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass-pan seared, served w/ Baby Bok Choy, sauteed spinach in a lush shitake mushroom broth

Sashimi Combo- Sake Futo Maki and assorted sashimi

Grilled Beef Tenderloin- Yukon Gold Cheddar Potato Cake, sauteed Spinach, matchstick potatoes, and Harvey's Bristol Cream

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


Aqua Blue on Urbanspoon

Written by Mark Petko

February 16th, 2010 at 5:10 pm

Leon’s Full Service

with 6 comments

pig smorgas, benton’s country ham, melted gruyere, cherry jam, pineapple on toast

Leon’s Full Service

131 East Ponce De Leon Ave.

Decatur, GA 30030

404.687.0500

www.leonsfullservice.com (link)

I had heard about Leon’s a while ago just by being somewhat conscious.  It was hard not to.  Created by the owners of the much loved Brickstore, just around the corner,  Leon’s reputation preceded itself before we were formally introduced.  It was on my list of ’someday’, maybe I’ll get there to eat.  It’s quite a haul from Marietta and even further from Raleigh.  But at the recommendation of an ex-photographer, now financial guru friend, our time to meet one another was set as if we were on a blind date, not knowing much about each other, seeing some pics and asking around and each of us deciding, “why not, what’s a little peck on the cheek?”

At early contact, thru email, I was asked if I minded being there during the same time as another photographer, doing a shoot for a local business magazine.  My blind date was starting off two-timing and playing the field.  You dirty….  ”Ooohhhhhh man, two vipers in the same pit.”  I joked, reassuring that I was used to working with anywhere from 7 to 15 photographers elbow to ribcage and that there would be no problems from me…I think I’m pretty easy to work alongside (comments welcome to the contrary, go on, speak your mind…).

I arrived and set up finding a nice little spot to begin.  It wasn’t long before the other photographer arrived, we quickly got to talking and as is common with the photo community in Atlanta, found that we knew some of the same people.  Judging by our similar outlook, I could tell there would definitely be no problems and it was a great opportunity to meet another mentor and maybe pick up some tips from a seasoned pro.  Here is one:  At the end of the shoot he loaded up the ’shot’ edibles in take out containers and hit the road (oh yeah, I could learn a lot from this guy!)  John Haigwood based in Roswell has been working as a photographer in Atlanta since 1988.  Check out some of his work here.

Having read some of the other blog posts and reviews on Leon’s and fearing even more repetition, I will spare the usually verbal chronicles and let the images speak to the deliciousness of their food.  I would like to first link you to some of the reviews: here.   And also, more importantly, mention that this post is going up in time to spread the word about Leon’s One Year Anniversary event: (from their site).

One Year Anniversary party!!! Tuesday Feb 9th… we’re roasting a whole pig! Live music from tongo hiti-featuring Mike Geier and members of Kingsized, tiki cocktail features

So stop on in grab some hog and let them know how good their food looked on Spoonfed (Atlanta)!

See more Leon’s events: here

All images and words ©Mark Petko Photography

grass-fed beef burger, tillamook cheddar, house made catsup, mustard, bread & butter pickles

pork, grilled all natural chop, roasted fingerlings, greens, orange chimichurri

baby arugula, candied lemon peanuts, black cherry vinaigrette, grana padano

fish, crispy skin mountain trout, endive & radicchio, cashews, apricot vinaigrette

bird, grilled duck breast, golden beets, dried cranberries, orange duck jus

All images and words ©Mark Petko Photography

Leon's Full Service on Urbanspoon

Written by Mark Petko

February 1st, 2010 at 2:56 pm

Agave

with 6 comments

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

Agave on Urbanspoon

Written by Mark Petko

January 27th, 2010 at 7:41 am

Shaun’s

with 2 comments

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

Shaun's on Urbanspoon

All images and words © 2010 Mark Petko Photography

Written by Mark Petko

January 13th, 2010 at 12:31 pm

Holiday Giveaway-Win $100 Gift Certificate to 4th and Swift

with 2 comments

Congratulations to Ann Lang for participating and winning!!!!!!!

Stay tuned for more posts and giveaways coming soon in 2010

4th_Swift-13

The Prize:

1 Gift Card for 4th & Swift worth $100.00.  (see post on 4th & Swift here)

How to enter?

You get two chances to win!

1st: Between the dates of December 21st, 2009 and December 31st, 2009 subscribe to the Spoonfed (Atlanta) email list by signing up in the box located top right of this page.  (By joining you will be entered in this holiday giveaway, and will also receive updates and news from Spoonfed (Atlanta).  If you are already on my ‘Mark Petko Photography’ email list you must still join this list to enter into this specific giveaway, you can opt out of either list after the prize has been awarded).

(This list will only be used by Spoonfed Atlanta and never be given or sold to any other party for any other purposes)

and/or,

2nd: Follow me on twitter (here) and ‘Retweet’ my ‘holiday giveaway’ tweet to your followers. (making sure @markpetko is in the retweet so I can track it).  Only 1 entry per Retweet per follower.

Doing either one of these will enter you once, doing both of these will enter you twice!  2 chances to win!  But only 2.

Winning:

On Friday, January 1st, 2010 a winner will be randomly selected and notified thru email or direct message on twitter and has seven (7) days to confirm/verify.  If winner is not reached and verified by Friday, January 8th then a new winner will be randomly selected.  Gift card will be sent registered mail with signature confirmation to verify receipt.

Good Luck and Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!!

Written by Mark Petko

December 21st, 2009 at 8:26 am

The Original El Taco

with one comment

eltaco-3 eltaco-10

eltaco-16 eltaco-4

eltaco-12eltaco-9

The Original El Taco

1186 N. Highland Ave. NE

Atlanta, GA 30306

404.873.4656

www.eltaco-atlanta.com

eltaco-11

Take one part vibrant atmosphere, one part Mexican edibles, and two parts liquor, shake, serve.  Throw in some friends or family and you have the making of an enjoyable evening courtesy of The Original El Taco.  One of The Fifth Group restaurants, located in Virginia Highlands, El Taco provides a festive atmosphere consisting of a brightly colored mural, created by students of SCAD, joined with tons of red color, star shaped lighting fixtures, thick log-based bar stools and other brick-a-brack, leading the patron to a sense of real, true and authentic… ‘Americameximazation’  (?look it up if you dare).  The food on the menu, conceptualized by in-town heavy weight Shaun Doty and executed by Chefs Craig Sauls and Micah Willix consist of a ‘mex’ture (sorry) of dishes from tacos, fajitas and enchiladas to Mexican pizzas, closely resembling Oaxaca’s street food, tlayudas.  The bar provides standard bevys, weighted with many tequilas and also boasts a list of suitable margaritas to accompany their fare.  While being family friendly, with spinning wheels of giveaway sthick, El Taco also transforms to a locals type watering hole and is a suitable spot for any group on a mirthful quest.  Go in without your tie and let you hair down, relax and enjoy.

If you haven’t made your plans yet then consider their New Year’s Eve specials: $2.00 Miller High Life (champagne in beer form) and $5.00 Champagnaritas.  Reservations can be made by calling 404.873.4656

eltaco-2

Spicy Shrimp Ceviche, jicama, orange and cilantro

eltaco-7

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas w/corn and Jack cheese

Wood-Grilled Chicken Mexican "Pizza"

Wood-Grilled Chicken Mexican "Pizza"

eltaco-14eltaco-15eltaco-13

eltaco-5

Fried Chicken Taco, Mexico City grilled corn in lime mayo, crumbled Mexican cheese

2 Pork Carnitas Tacos and 1 Mexican Chorizo Taco w/ yuca, raja, Fresno arbol salsa

2 Pork Carnitas Tacos and 1 Mexican Chorizo Taco w/ yuca, raja, Fresno arbol salsa

Stop in for some and tell’em… alimentado con una cuchara.

All images and words ©2009 Mark Petko Photography

el pinel

Nacho: Chancho. When you are a man, sometimes you wear stretchy pants in your room. It’s for fun.

(Nacho Libre 2006)




The Original El Taco on Urbanspoon

Written by Mark Petko

December 18th, 2009 at 10:16 am

Taverna Fiorentina

with 4 comments

taverna_fiorentina-10 taverna_fiorentina-12

taverna_fiorentina-3

Taverna Fiorentina

3324 Cobb Parkway

Riverview Village in Vinings

Atlanta, GA 30339

770.272.9825

www.tavernafiorentina.com (link)

taverna_fiorentina taverna_fiorentina-4 taverna_fiorentina-2

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.  When in Florence, do as the Tuscans do.  When in Atlanta, do as the Cobb Parkwayions do.  Just inside the perimeter (for all you ITP elitists) is where you may consider traveling to, if you desire the taste of  ’fresh, simple and flavorful’ Tuscan dishes.  Discreetly snuggled into a standard plaza facade (Atlanta shopping plaza, not Italian piazza) and currently playing ‘backwoods’ to a Christmas Tree sales lot is Taverna Fiorentina.  Co-owned by executive chef Paolo Tondo and sommelier Jasmin Reyes Scott, Taverna Fiorentina’s cozy dining room, decorated with a wine cellar wall and authentic accents such as a butcher block table, a classic old world hutch, alongside Italian imported, custom made, fold out tables lends itself to endorse the feeling of Tuscan authentication.  Mild in manner, Paolo Tondo traded in his electro/mechanical engineering degree and restaurant equipment sales job to bring his beloved Italian dishes to Atlanta.  Serving “authentic Florentine dishes that stand alongside contemporary classics” Tondo’s presentation and delivery have gained many positive reviews.  Taverna Fiorentina also offers a private dining room available for events and parties.

Thank you to Paolo, Jasmin, and Deborah for allowing me to photograph.

Reserve your spot.

Connect with Facebook.

Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad

Ravioli Gnudi- spinach, ricotta dumplings in fresh cherry tomato sauce w/ parmigan cheese

Ravioli Gnudi- spinach, ricotta dumplings in fresh cherry tomato sauce w/ parmigiana cheese

Calamari Fritti

Calamari Fritti

Agnello Scottadito, Baby lamb chops w/ black olives, roasted potatoes and artichoke

Agnello Scottadito, Baby lamb chops w/ black olives, roasted potatoes and artichoke

Tiramisu

Tiramisu

All images and word ©2009 Mark Petko Photography

Have a restaurant….Be a part of Spoonfed!!! (here)

Taverna Fiorentina on Urbanspoon

Written by Mark Petko

December 11th, 2009 at 9:32 am

repast

with 5 comments

repast-14

repast-8 repast-19

repast-7repast-5repast-6

repast

620 Glen Iris Drive NE

Atlanta, GA 30308

404.870.8707

www.repastrestaurant.com (link)

repast-17 repast-4

repast-11repast-9

before/after: Chorizo crusted Berkshire Pork Chop, Sweet Potato Turnip Gratin, Sherry Vinegar Gastrique

repast-3repast

What can one say about a man that holds his own when going tête-à-tête with Martha Stewart.  What limited experience I have watching Martha is enough to know that on her show…she rules the roost.  With an uncanny knack for cutting people short or ignoring shared screen commentary, Martha can sometimes push a guest to seem, to me, not entirely welcome, but just this side of ‘worthy enough’ to breathe the same air.  Maybe this is a defense mechanism learned during recess in the yards of incarceration or maybe it is a trait possessed by many successful corporate kingpins.  What is for sure is that when chef Joe Truex of repast restaurant was honored with a spot on Martha’s show, he seemed to stay just enough ahead of Martha as to not befall the same fate as those before and that many more to come will know.  Check the video. Oh, and Martha, please disregard this post if you happen to stumble across this blog looking to hire a photographer for some work…you’re the cat’s pajamas, f’shizzle. (even though I giggle when I imagine you getting a ‘tear drop’ prison-tattoo next to your eye).

After spending some hours shooting at repast it became obvious to me that there is a passionate force on which this restaurant is built.  There is pride behind the words when Truex talks about the in house made stock, the beauty of a cut of pork, the color in a sweet potato turnip gratin and also in his golf swing.  He is obviously content with the home that he and his chef wife Mihoko Obunai have made here in Atlanta.  It seems that a large part of chef Turex’s passionate exploitations revolves around his love of wine and his ability to stock the perfect compliments to his food.  To support this I asked that he recommend some pairings for the dishes photographed (his comments are displayed with the images).  repast is self described at “Asian influenced new American cuisine with metropolitan flair”.  In addition to their regular menu, repast chef Obunai has been certified in macrobiotic cuisine from Kushi Institute of Japan and can accommodate those following a macrobiotic diet at the restaurant or with private cooking services.   repast also offers a desirable private dining room that would be an excellent location for a corporate or personal function.

…on with the goods:

Japanese Octopus Carpaccio, Shaved Fennel & Onion Salad

Japanese Octopus Carpaccio, Shaved Fennel & Onion Salad

Truex pairing:  ”Domaine de la Tourmaline, Muscadet Sevre et Maine” 2007…”Historic & quality producer of Muscadet from Robert Chadderdon.  This is Muscadet and seafood at it’s most sublime pairing”

Pork Belly "grattons", fortified mustard, local radish salad

Pork Belly "grattons", fortified mustard, local radish salad

Truex pairing:  ”Dios Baco, Olorosso Sherry”…”The nutty sweetness is a rich and interesting counterpoint to the crispy fatty quality of the belly”

Porcini Crusted Filet Mignon, Wild Mushroom Fricassee, Black Truffle Angolotti, Port Wine Foie Gras Mousse

Porcini Crusted Filet Mignon, Wild Mushroom Fricassee, Black Truffle Angolotti, Port Wine Foie Gras Mousse

Truex pairing:  ”Arceno, Prima Voce, Super Tuscan” 2005…”Lush, rich, sexy, delecious, all the way around.”

repast-13

go try some of chef Truex’s pairings and tell him you got ’spoonfed’!

All images and word © 2009 Mark Petko Photography

Be a part of Spoonfed!!! (here)

WWMT (What would Martha think?)

Repast on Urbanspoon

Written by Mark Petko

December 4th, 2009 at 10:58 am