Farm-to-Table Eateries in ATL

We’re longing for warm outdoor shoots and green landscapes. Until we can shed the coats, I hope a look at some of the best farm-to-table restaurants in Atlanta–and the vibrant shots we took of them in much warmer weather–will help those fresh summer vegetables and patio dining feel more within reach! Our roundup includes eateries that are on a mission to improve our food and how we treat animals, and to source local, seasonal food because it simply tastes better. Eating fresher and supporting the local economy and environment while we’re at it is now downright easy in Atlanta…and we think that’s something to celebrate.

Al fresco dining at King + Duke

1. Kimball House

Kimball House in Decatur combines fine dining with a deep respect for fresh, seasonal, locally sourced food and the farms that provide it. The result is a daily-changing farm to table menu with unusual French panache. The owners passion for preservation and old fashioned hospitality comes through in the unique building, too: A former railroad station rehabilitated in the style of the Kimball House Hotel that once graced downtown Atlanta. The restaurant’s many accolades include being named one of Southern Living‘s Best New Restaurants last year.

2. Empire State South

At Empire State South on Peachtree, Hugh Acheson from Top Chef leads the culinary team in redefining Southern food as something much more–and much healthier–than the stereotypical fried chicken and barbecue. He believes in taking advantage of the agrarian landscape around us, and it shows in the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that draw heavily from Georgia farms and feature local yogurts and cheeses. ESS’s recipes have been printed in many national magazines and Acheson’s own veggie-centric cookbook, A New Turn in the South: Southern Flavors Reinvented for Your Kitchen, has gotten lots of great press.

3. King + Duke 

The atmosphere at King + Duke in Buckhead is defined by a unique hearth, which also drives the menu: Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients cooked over an open fire. This direct-heat cooking is combined with sustainable, organic advocacy that extends to responsible butchering. And…Chef EJ Hodgkinson is now offering complimentary hushpuppies with housemade chili jam and aioli at the bar from 3 – 6 p.m. if you order a cocktail or glass of wine. Sweet!

4./5. Farm Burger and YEAH! BURGER 

I’ve grouped these because Farm Burger and YEAH! BURGER are among a growing number of area restaurants that are on a mission to show people you don’t need a fine dining budget to enjoy locally sourced, healthy food. They’re committed to improving fast food by sourcing from humane farmers who engage in sustainable, environmentally friendly practices (no harmful chemicals, no heavy processing). Farm Burger takes “local” seriously with all-natural buns, hormone-free cattle raised on Southeastern sweet grass and goat cheese from Georgia’s Decimal Place Farm. You can check out Farm Burger in either Dunwoody or Decatur; YEAH! BURGER has both West Midtown and ‎Virginia-Highland locations.

Thanks to the AJC for giving us the chance to learn about all of these great spots while shooting for their Living Intown magazine!

Welcome to Inman Park…

When I worked on the September/October issue of the AJC‘s Living Intown magazine I had the chance to photograph some very cool Atlanta landmarks and venues in Inman Park and the Old Fourth Ward through the eyes of a newcomer.  It’s amazing the beautiful details we can miss about the sights we regularly pass in our daily rush. Inman Park, Atlanta’s “first suburb”, is one of those nuanced areas in-town. It’s such a unique combination of historic buildings, hip shops and restaurants and diverse people.

One of Inman Park’s  earliest attractions was proximity to downtown. Well-heeled residents could get there in just a trolley ride. The trolley barn still stands intact.

My walking tour spanned historical landmarks, trendy shops, artisan restaurants and great hang out spots. It struck me that Inman Park is a great example of community preservation in a truly active sense–not for the sole sake of admiring historical artifacts, but for the good of the people who live in and love the community today.  The fabulous Victorian may be the most striking of architectural styles that you see in Inman Park, but Colonial Revival,  Jacobean Revival, bungalow and Shingle style buildings proudly flank Atlanta’s painted ladies throughout the neighborhood. What a feast for my camera!

These welcoming front porches are some of the many where neighbors and families have chatted and sipped coffee for well over a century.

Speaking of coffee, I got to visit some neighborhood eateries like Juliannna’s Coffee & Crepes. Julianna’s combines a vintage setting with yummy crepes made from local ingredients like Georgia jams. A reviewer on Yelp summed it up perfectly for me: “It’s like a tavern-y joint carved out of a market carved out of a creperie in the heart of Inman. Sweet awesomeness.”

Another great spot combining the historic and the hip is PARISH. It’s located in the one structure still standing from an old pipe factory built in 1890. Good food at mid-tier prices and a rustic design make this a place I’d like to spend some time.  I can say the same for The Albert, which is definitely on the list for a future brew and a game.

I can’t end my ravings about Inman Park without a nod to the shopping. A good way to find an afternoon of shopping bliss is at City Issue Atlanta (technically in the Old Fourth Ward). The shop is a treasure trove of mid-century style furnishings and accessories.

My exploration of the many things “Living Intown” can mean isn’t ending anytime soon, and I look forward to sharing what I find on my adventures! Thanks to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the shop owners and everyone in Inman Park who opened their doors to me.

Living Intown – Loving It!

I’m having such a blast working on Living Intown magazine! If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re in for a treat. It’s a lifestyle magazine produced by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that gives you an insider’s perspective on what’s going on in town, like walking tours of neighborhoods with unique personalities, along with lots of shopping, restaurants and cultural events.

The AJC has actually made one of my shots available as wallpaper for your desktop. You can download the JPEG file at http://www.ajc.com/about/livingintown/. I’m not sure how long they’ll keep it posted so please download it while it’s there!

If you don’t technically live “in town” as defined by the AJC– like some of our folks on the AEP team–you may not have seen the magazine yet because it’s only being automatically distributed to specific zip codes. But you can still snag a copy at a handful of local businesses, like Highland Bakery, Alon’s Bakery, some Fellini’s locations, the Decatur Visitors Center and V’s Barber Shop.

Some great topics will be covered in upcoming issues, like profiles of Smyrna/Vinings and the Old Fourth Ward neighborhoods and a look at the best al fresco dining and BBQ.

Let me know what you think if you have a chance to take a peek!