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Food Studio Says Goodbye
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
GOING, GOING, GONE… the orange rice pudding napoleon with grapefruit vodka gelee at the Food Studio.
Photo: T. Levette Bagwell/AJC
I had been at the AJC a little over a year when I rereviewed the Food Studio, a West Side hottie that had opened in July 1996, smack dab in the middle of the Olympics craze. When it opened, the menu had that whole artsy food conceit going on —- menu pontifications that described the food in James Joyce-ian script, and what came to the table was beautiful but contrived.
Time aged and improved the kitchen’s attitude, making the food more inviting rather than off-putting. Mark Alba was chef when I reviewed and his approach to modern American cuisine had a mature touch and quiet veneer, but with subtle splashes of personality.
But the West Side became a hot bed of activity for restaurants and retail — new places popped up not just in that area, but all over the city. The dining public seemed to forget how hip they thought the artsy King Plow building, a former farmhouse/manufacturing plant, was. And they moved on.
Now the news is that the space will be used for events only, as part of parent company Fifth Group’s Bold American Catering with BAC’s exec chef Todd Anis. The “new chapter” will change the space from restaurant to event venue on July 19.
This feels a little like you don’t know what you have til it’s gone to me — a hip spot when it opened, hotter than hot, with a progressive menu for the time and a very cool space. I am sad to see it go….
Do you have a memory of Food Studio? Have you eaten there recently?
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment | Categories: Dining
Comments
By Rodney
June 26, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Wow. D*mnit. Every time someone asks me for my favorite restos I always include Food Studio in my top picks.
D*mnit. I had SO many good meals at TFS. It was kinda my “go-to-guy” whenever anyone came to town or I needed to take someone new out!
I’m going to miss the lemon basil bombe the most, I think. :)
By charlie309
June 27, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
I never like the food studio. It’s over-priced, the food just isn’t good and the service is sub par. I say good riddance.
By Erin
June 27, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Food Studio was mine and my husband’s favorite “special occasion” restaurant. While I love all of Fifth Group’s restaurants, Food Studio was at the top of my list because they could always be counted on to have something a little different, or prepare something like you’ve never tasted before. We ate there two weeks ago, and as usual, both the food and service were impeccable. I’ll especially miss my fave cocktail, the So Fresh and So Clean Clean!
By Michael
June 27, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Just a reminder that Food Studio will be open through July 19 so make your reservations today! Call 404.815.6677 and enjoy this Atlanta gem one final time.
By Michael
June 27, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Just a reminder that Food Studio will be open through July 19 so make your reservations today! Call 404.815.6677 and enjoy this Atlanta gem one final time.