Wild Game | Spoonfed (Atlanta)

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Saskatoon | Steaks-Fish-Wild Game | Buckhead

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

Citrus Shrimp & Scallop Skewers-hickory grilled

Venison Rib Chops w/ Wild Mushroom Demi glace

Saskatoon

360 Pharr Rd. NE

Atlanta, GA 30305

404.891.1911

www.saskatoonatlanta.com (link)

what'ch U lookin' at?

My first real job growing up, other than being a paperboy for the Youngstown Vindicator, was working at The Embassy in Ohio. It is a classic event hall rented for wedding receptions, corporate parties, and AARP luncheons. At the age of 14, I started as a dishwasher and climbed my way up the teen-corporate ladder to ‘head’ bus boy 2 years later. Oh yeah!, I was that driven. Having seen my share of formatted weddings involving such classics as: rigatoni with meatballs, the money dance, the bouquet toss, uncle “Teddy” getting plastered, the cutting and face smashing of cake, and the Y-town standard- the chicken dance, I was always relieved at the change of pace provided by the annual ‘wild game’ dinner hosted by the area’s local wild game hunter’s association. I don’t remember the actual name of the group, I was 15 and my attentions were mostly centered around my mullet, thrash metal, and waitresses from other schools (all of whom where never really swayed by my mullet, no matter how magical I knew it to be….ahhhhh the ignorance of youth). The wild game dinner provided for not only a different type of patron than the standard Hunky wedding (lighten up…I’m part Hungarian.), but also supplied the kitchen staff with unusual fare to cook for the members including venison, alligator, and bison (not so unique now but back in ‘88 was really ahead of the trend). I always felt special, being able to sample these “exotic” treats, at least for the evening knowing that my standard after work-4am breakfast of Country Kitchen’s Skillet Scramble would not attempt to cross such foreign boundaries. Although who really knows what meat comprises their ham? Finally, no longer do I have to reminisce about my head banging, non-waitress banging teen years to sample such exotic treats…for Saskatoon has arrived in Atlanta.

Saskatoon Atlanta is the first franchise attempt based off it’s predecessor located in Greenville, SC. Although the trend of offal meats has been making the rounds as of late, Saskatoon designates itself as “wild game fine dining with hunting lodge atmosphere.” From their website: “From the northwestern corners of the country, we bring you fresh, cold-water salmon, clear river rainbow trout, wild game like elk, pheasant, and bear, plus interesting tastes like emu, portabella mushrooms, and other outdoor treats. Saskatoon is a steakhouse like no other in Atlanta. Exploring the waters and the fields of the beautiful Northwest, Saskatoon offers you a dining experience rich in aromas, flavors, textures and tastes.” Heading the culinary endeavors at Saskatoon is Chef Kevin Backus who is coming off of a few years break to focus on parenting (give him some props for that!), but he eagerly prepares Saskatoon’s usual and unusual steakhouse dishes. The wild game menu is dependent on what is currently fresh and available but Saskatoon also offers many standard options for your dining pleasure. Check menu here. (I’m holding out for the ‘braised unicorn cheeks’…now that’s game!)

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