Spoonfed (Raleigh)

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

Market Restaurant

938 N. Blount St.

Raleigh, NC 27604

919.754.0900

www.EatAtMarket.com (link)

I wonder what country folk think when they hear someone use the term ‘farm to table’?  Likewise does the rest of the world guff-ah at us when they realize that we are naming to a trend, something that is so basically natural to them?  Go to the bush in Africa, or a farm in Russia, a mountain in China or a jungle south of America.  Sit with a tribesman, a sharecropper or a Sherpa. Shake their worked hands, and look into their weathered faces, tell them of your home and try and sell an idea of the wonderful transition restaurants and food producers seem to be going through, focusing on the supplying of fresh, local, organic food to your palate.  I’m sure the blank stares of non-amazement and furrowed ‘no shit sherlock’ brows will help to remind you how American you are.  Don’t get me wrong, over the past couple months I have attempted to change my own eating and shopping habits for the benefit of my health and have bought into the mass appeal.  I find myself favoring Trader Joes, scouring labels looking for keywords and reading ingredient lists looking for the unpronounceable, clues to aid my purchasing decisions.   I have watched and found influence from movies like Food, Inc. and Our Daily Bread and am coming to know the pleasure of farmer’s markets and local staples.  But as I notice this declaration of  ’farm to table’ becoming more popular and the frequency of which makes it sound of a sales pitch, I realize that there is money involved and as more and more corporations shift to a conscious platform towards ‘green’ and ‘organic’ my skeptic nature kicks in.  After thirty-seven years of being ‘sold’ to in America I now pick up a piece of fruit or a box labeled “organic” and actually wonder…really?  I feel that at any moment the evening news will reveal some scandalous event discovering that the only distinction between a pesticide laden piece of fruit and an organic piece is the placement of a sticker and a weighted price-tag, dubbing us all to the category of ‘sucker’ yet again.  I imagine shopping for groceries one day and being approached by a man,  ”I’m Chris Hansen,” stepping from behind a conspicuous bar placed awkwardly in the middle of the produce section, “Did you know that ‘organic’ mango you just bought is basically poison?”  Until that time I may just have to trust onto others and tread the marketplace unabashed.

Since I have been trying to make more conscious choices with the quality of food I eat, I was excited to hear of the opening of Market Restaurant, not only due to it’s close proximity to my home, but also for their philosophy.  Instead of being a business that has ‘transitioned’ to follow a trend, Market was created in it.  Born to a standard and living for the purpose.  From their website: Market Restaurant is committed to serving whole, all-natural, unprocessed foods from local sources. We make every effort to support organic and sustainable farming practices while providing our guests with the best experience possible. Healthy food, prepared fresh, from local seasonal ingredients. Chef/Owner Chad McIntyre has created a laid back atmosphere in a small duplex plaza in the historic Mordecai neighborhood, sharing a wall with local-Wonkas Escazu.  There is not much to the space but a few touches lend themselves to a tasteful decorative palate including a decent patio cornered by a visible herb garden with the inclusion of pepper plants and also a vintage RC Cola cooler stocked with brew kept at a prime temp.  The menu, being based on local ingredients is uncluttered and mildly priced with notations for Vegetarian and Gluten-free diners.  The small and viewable kitchen adds to the intimacy of Market and to the comfort of knowing the truth to the food you are delivered.  I feel good in the knowledge that when I am ready for a wholesome meal, and don’t want to worry about the mysteries of what I am actually eating, Market will provide.

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

Kale Chips w/side of homemade ketchup

Grilled Shrimp & Watermelon over mixed greens w/ white pepper vinaigrette

Fish Tacos, fresh flour tortillas, lime creme, thin sliced cabbage and pico-de-gallo, served w/roasted corn salad

Creme Fraiche Cheesecake, topped w/ bourbon-vanilla peaches (and a vintage RC cola machine to boot!)

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

The Cupcake Shoppe/ Bakery

104 Glenwood Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.821.4223

www.thecupcakeshopperaleigh.com (link)

Sara Coleman, owner of this quaint business located in the Glenwood South district of downtown Raleigh loads a pastry bag with icing, soon to become the billowy dollops that top her many creations.  A hands on owner mixing it up with the bakers and decorators. Sara’s personal touch and care for her business are on display in the decor and it is also obvious through the kind disposition that all of her staff exudes, not only to me, an intruding photographer, but to every customer who enters.  The bakery offers a dozen(or so) flavors, made fresh daily along with a flavor of the week to additionally tempt those of us with nary any hope of self control.  Do not be duped by the name of this business because alongside these cupcakes are an assortment of muffins, cookies, coffees and treats abound.  They also provide cupcakes and regular decorated cakes for any of your event or special occasion needs.  Likewise if you are dining at one of the many restaurants in Glenwood South, then consider the Cupcake Shoppe as an alternative dessert option.  Continuing your evening in this establishment during their extended weekend hours will no doubt provide the opportunity for a memorable evening.

Thank you to Sara and your staff for allowing me the opportunity to visit, sample and shoot.

“Flavor of the Week” (while I was shooting)….Pistachio Lime {flavors coming soon…Watermelon and Margarita!}

“Big Red” (Old Fashioned Red Velvet Cake w/ Cream Cheese icing)

“Peanut Butter Cup”

Black & White (and) Mint Condition Minis with floral and monogram embellishments

Stop in and get’cha one…tell’em you got “spoonfed”

All images © 2009 Mark Petko Photography