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| The Food Studio by Ann Lovett Looking to rediscover one of Atlanta’s premier restaurants? If so, head on over to The Food Studio, a Fifth Group Restaurant gem that has only improved with age since its 1996 debut. Owned by Fifth Group Restaurants’ partners Steve Simon, Robby Kukler and Kris Reinhard, The Food Studio offers consistently excellent new American cuisine and an award-winning wine list in one of the city’s most original dining atmospheres. Located within the historic King Plow Arts Center between Downtown and Midtown, The Food Studio’s ambiance and architecture both speak for themselves. Think atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere! Originally built as a plow center and manufacturing plant by King Shaw’s great-grandfather in 1902, the entire center underwent a $6 million renovation in the early 90s. The result is an amazing mixed-use facility that’s home to residential and commercial studios, as well as artists’ lofts, gallery spaces, apartments, offices and the urban chic Food Studio. The restaurant’s historic base is complimented by a contemporary design founded in steel and metallic finishes, understated lighting and warm, rich colors. The entire interior, both downstairs and upstairs – as well as the exhibition kitchen – is enhanced by vaulted ceilings and a prominent wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. Be it for a pre-dinner cocktail or post-dinner cordial, the handsome cosmopolitan wine bar (and its impressive wine list!) is not to be missed. Similar to the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere, The Food Studio staff welcomes and serves patrons with genuine hospitality and educated, timely service. Once seated, my dining partner and I sipped on a glass of the El Roy Proprietor’s Blend while we enjoyed warm rolls and a black olive-based cream spread. After wavering between the many appealing appetizers, we settled on the Spicy Salmon Tartare Tacos and the Braised Rabbit Turnover. The Salmon Tartare brings “tacos” to a whole new level. Served with wonton crisps, cucumber, sesame mayonnaise and cilantro oil, it’s nearly impossible not to finish the entire serving. The Rabbit Turnover, which is generous in portion and sharp in presentation, is accompanied by caramelized fennel and served in a grafton cheddar fondue. A rich starter, it paired nicely with the El Roy. For our salad, we opted to share the Arugula Salad. Flavorful and light, it’s topped with toasted raisin croutons, house-smoke salmon and a tasty lemon walnut vinaigrette. Other signature pre-meal bites include the Roasted Parsnip Soup with truffled chantilly and the Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras “BLT” with challah toast, tomato jelly, candied bacon, mache and a balsamic reduction. Thanks in large part to our server’s astute advice, we chose the Grilled Medallions of Beef Tenderloin and the Monkfish for our entrees. The tenderloin, one of The Food Studio’s most popular dishes, is a fine example of Chef Mark Alba's culinary sophistication. Prepared to the perfect degree, it is accompanied by young asparagus and red fennel hash and served in a delicious foie gras butter. The tender monkfish (just one of the many seafood dishes available) is complimented by a coconut milk sauce and served over a large portion of steamed broccoli. An urbane dish, it was sharply accented by a glass of Big Fire Pinot Gris. Save room for dessert, for similar to the main menu, The Food Studio’s sweets don’t disappoint. We indulged in the Chocolate Dipped Cheesecakes, which are vanilla bean cheesecakes enrobed in chocolate, berry coulis, gingered pears and orange thyme compote. Not a cheesecake fan? No worries. Treat yourself to the Molten Chocolate Cake with roasted banana sauce and fudge ice cream or the Sweet Potato Pecan Tart with cinnamon anglaise and praline sauce. Or perhaps try a glass of one of their many delectable dessert wines. Once known for its architecturally stunning interior, The Food Studio is now known for its stunning culinary capability. Avant-garde without pretense and tenacious in its pursuit of high quality dining, The Food Studio has earned its foothold in the Atlanta dining scene. The Food Studio is located at 887 West Marietta Street in Studio K-102. The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00. For reservations, directions or more information, call (404) 815.6677 or visit them online at www.thefoodstudio.com. |
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| From top: Foiegras; Duck; Chef Mark Alba; Chocolate dipped cheesecake. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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