Spoonfed (Atlanta)

As of late, I have been desiring some new directions and challanges with Spoonfed (Atlanta) and have been thrashing around some ideas as to how I can improve upon it and retain interest for myself and anyone else who decides to spend time viewing.  Last year I had toyed with the idea of photographing ‘other’ Atlanta based food bloggers and had started with one showcasing Dave Jones of Eat Buford Highway.  Shortly after, having been in contact with some other bloggers the project took a back burner due in part to other paid jobs and the usual Spoonfed ‘restaurant’ show case.  Another factor of this being that some of those whom agreed to be photographed, stated conditions upon keeping their anonymity.  This quickly threw me for a loop as to how I was going to photograph my counterparts in such a way.

So as this new year turned, I found myself again asking the questions and decided to retreat to my favorite spot to meditate upon the dilemma. It was there, after some deep breathing exercises and a quick out of body trip to the lower bardos, that upon my return, a vision appeared to me from through the sage brush (or whatever them-there plants are).  The vision quite clear and somehow I felt as if he seemed oddly familiar….

I sat for a moment as the figure paused, looked my direction and waved for me to follow.  At the blink of an eye I found myself in an Atlanta landmark.  Sights and sounds began to fade-in and the hustle and bustle became all too real.  I was suddenly taken aback with life’s greatest question…What will I have?

I followed this calling and the vision and clarity began to fill my senses.  It was at that moment, as the air was thick with grease…when I realized…could it be…was he real…yes, yes, I think it is…

I have seen…

the Foodie Buddha!

The Foodie Buddha. A most excellent, notorious, infamous, loved by some, admittedly ‘not’ by others, Zen-tastic of all bloggers in the Atlanta area.

I followed the Foodie Buddha to his mountain top perch, overlooking the city, his domain…where all one needs is a laptop, some disposable income and an appetite, to reach Nirvana.  We sip martinis and talk of deep spiritual issues such as TV, other food blogs, movies, current letters from food critics to chefs and vice versa.  We chat-chit into the evening and as the aura of this great, wise, experienced guru envelopes me I come to the realization…

Maybe photographing other bloggers and keeping their identity hidden isn’t all that difficult.

Many thanks to Foodie Buddha for the insight, inspiration, wisdom and shameless ability to roll around on the floor, in public, to wear a sumo suit to help me to attain my moment of clarity.

Next trip to Atlanta, dinner is on me…sans sumo suit.

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)