As we know during the pandemic many restaurants had to close their doors, redesign their business model, and/or make accommodations for their customers to stay afloat. It was disheartening to see an enjoyable food experience reduced to take out. This lead to the idea of highlighting amazing restaurants in Athens with the backing of Athens Cultural Affairs Commission and ACC government. Come and view the beauty of food in Athens through my lens.

 
Main image for Home.Made Athens taste of
Home.made dish shot by Fell2 Photography

They say, a happy kitchen makes the best food…after witnessing the rapport and all-around good vibes amongst Mimi and her staff, now I understand why. I am a big believer in always showcasing your best work and the amount of detail that goes into each dish before and after it is plated is beyond incredible. I love shooting the beauty of food, and Mimi and her staff at Home.Made has made what I do extremely easy; From the styling and pairing of different flavors and colors Home.Made dishes not only looks good, but taste even better.

Collage of home.made Athens food and prep
Made from scratch collage of Home.Made Athens
 
 
Mannaweenta collage of spices and veggies
Mannaweenta 3 image collage of main dish
Main dish of Mannaweenta

Three years prior, I first experienced Mannaweenta; also a first time experiencing Ethiopian cuisine and I’ve been hooked ever since. This food is what you call, passion and that’s beautiful. And to see the passion and love Haregu, owner and chef of Mannaweenta puts into every dish is more than delightfully amazing. Talking to Haregu about her process, cultural significance, and explanation of each spice she uses allows you to see just how passionate she is. I was a fan before starting this project and I’m confident anyone who hasn’t tried Mannaweenta would become a fan as well.

Mannaweenta spices and owner Haregu
Main title Image of Independent Baking Co taste of image

To make complex tasks seem easy shows the skills of a craftsmen, and Kevin and his staff at Independent Baking Co are a true testament to this. The beauty of Independent Baking Co is in their skills, craft, and consistency. Bread and pastries are made fresh daily and you can even have a freshly brewed cup of coffee. It was enjoyable to see the art and skill of breadmaking up close and personal. The thought of returning to store bought bread seems dismal. Independent Baking Co is definitely a staple to local Athenians with breads that are not just beautiful works of art, but delicious and tasty.

IBC pastries
3 different bread collage from Independent Baking Co
Independent Baking Co collage of baking and preping
Independent Baking Company artistry collage

Artistry of baking

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Independent Baking Company Pastry and coffee collage

This project began in hopes to highlight the beauty of local restaurants, who had to persevere and overcome setbacks during the pandemic. These three different businesses have thrive in their own way during this time and I am happy to see that as of today their doors are still open. I would like to thank all the restaurants involved in this project as well as Athens Clarke County and Athens Cultural Affairs Commission for the opportunity and to be chosen for the 2020 Arts In Community Resilience Award.