The Brick Store Pub

125 E. Court Sq.

Decatur, GA 30030

404.687.0990

www.brickstorepub.com(link)

It’s the Brick Store Pub.  I am sitting here attempting to muster words or ideas that can add to the already dominating presence and reputation but alas…it’s the Brick Store.  What can I say without repeating what has already been spoken or written?  Oh, you haven’t heard of it?  You must have just arrived in Atlanta.  Stop what you are doing.  Are you around other people?  Stand tall and say the words “Thirsty for Beer” out loud, enough for people to take notice without startling them, wait a few minutes, then you will know…it’s the Brick Store.  Someone has a tale, someone will know and they will direct you.  There are reasons for it’s domination: ambiance, atmosphere, selection, location, service.  Beer.  Food.  People….it’s the Brick Store.  The owners also run Leon’s Full Service, which is special in it’s own right, and I’m sure in 10 years will have a similar reputation as it’s sister…the Brick Store.  What more can I contribute?….how ’bout food shots….from the Brick Store….

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

Pimento Cheese- housemade 3yr. aged pimento cheese, benton's farm bacon, pickled jalepeno, roasted red pepper coulis on crostini

Pierogies- potato & cheese stuffed pasta, fried, brown butter, caramelized onion, crispy sage

Brick Burger- hand pattied angus ground beef, lettuce, tomato, swiss, caramelized onions & sauteed mushrooms

Cup o' curr'ey'- Sweet potatoes, garbonzo beans, cilantro, traditional indian spices, served over bismati rice

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

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