Babette’s Cafe

573 N. Highland Ave. NE

Atlanta, GA 30307

404.523.9121

www.babettescafe.com (link)

A couple of months ago I put out a cattle call to those that are tuned in with my social media outlets.  ”Who would you like to see showcased on Spoonfed (Atlanta)?”  I asked to all of my wonderful loyal followers and fans.  The response was overwhelming as I was hit with a whopping ’single’ reply…from a stylist/recently relocated cupcake shop owner (Sugar) that I have had the pleasure of working with in the past (hi Karla).  As the crickets chirped and I scraped myself up from my tantrum of recently realized irrelevance, I inquired into the lone response as it named a restaurant that I had yet to hear about.  ’Babette’s Cafe’ the twitter response announced.  I surfed around to quell my curiosity into this unknown establishment.  After a couple of return emails and a few scheduling speed bumps, I was finally allowed to visit with Marla Adams, Chef/Owner of Babette’s.  As we played with food and cameras I learned that the restaurant was named after a story that was turned into a movie called “Babette’s Feast“, popular in epicurean circles, which in a cook decides to spend recently acquired lottery winnings on the creation of a great feast.  Babette’s Cafe has been around for awhile in the Atlanta culinary scene and is currently located in a renovated bungalow on Highland Avenue.  The setting in this space complete with simple understated decor allows for a correlation between intimate atmosphere and Marla’s rustic European style of cooking.  They offer wine tastings every Thursday and a Sunday brunch from 10:30-2 pm.  If I recall correctly the friend that recommended Babette’s Cafe was not one to eat ‘just anything’ so I would heed her advice and pay a visit.

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

Scallops Provencale- w/tomatoes, white wine, fresh herbs, parsley potatoes

Navarin of Lamb; spring lamb stew w/ green beans, english peas, carrots, potatoes and glazed shallots

Alaskan Halibut w/mustard crust, lemon butter sauce

Dried Cherry and Almond Tart

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

Stay tuned…Pacci Ristorante…coming soon to Spoonfed (Atlanta)

The Original El Taco

1186 N. Highland Ave. NE

Atlanta, GA 30306

404.873.4656

www.eltaco-atlanta.com

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

Spicy Shrimp Ceviche, jicama, orange and cilantro

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas w/corn and Jack cheese

Wood-Grilled Chicken Mexican "Pizza"

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

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

All images and words ©2009 Mark Petko Photography

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

(Nacho Libre 2006)