Food Studio® Spring Fling Menu Will Have You Flinging Sweaters, Flaunting Sandals

Well, looks like Mother Nature has stopped playing with our emotions and spring has finally sprung! I love this time of year because the trees are always fresh shades of green, brightly colored wardrobes begin to emerge and eating lunch outside is no longer wishful thinking. Spring is also a great time to love food! Restaurants begin to feature dishes with succulent fruit, crisp salads and creative sandwiches. So, when I found out Food Studio is going to salute the season with a special menu, I couldn't wait to make reservations.

Officially, the April 24 – May 3 menu is titled “Spring Harvest,” as its focus is spring’s seasonal bounty. Off the record, we, and the folks at Yelp! , have dubbed it “Spring Fling.” Reason being, Executive Chef Mark Alba’s crisp, fresh flavors will have you flinging those fleeces far and wide while simultaneously wriggling those toes free under the table. And, like the daffodils, tulips and azaleas, these riotous flavors will pass with the season. Eat now, or be doomed to don that sweater until next year! Go prix fixe and choose one selection from each course below for $39 per person or pick and choose à la carte.

First Course

Yellowfin tuna tataki, marinated mushrooms, crispy shallots and oak-aged soy ($12)Grilled hanger steak, avocado puree, pickled peppers and cilantro ($9)White and green asparagus, morels, fried quail egg, truffle vinaigrette and pecorino ($9)Sweet corn agnolotti, grilled Vidalia onions, country ham, smoked tomato cream and pea shoots ($9 / $16)

Second Course

Atlantic salmon and rye panzanella salad, watercress and horseradish cream ($20)Maine diver sea scallops, crispy gold potatoes, chorizo and saffron-mussel sauce ($26)Roasted leg of lamb, potato puree, spring squash, gremolata and lamb jus ($23)Herb-roasted young chicken, Vidalia onion risotto, Swiss chard and chicken jus ($21)

Dessert

Peach almond tart with late harvest Riesling ice cream ($8)Milk chocolate mousse with spiced bananas and miniature malted milk balls ($8)

Food Studio, a Fifth Group Restaurant®, is located at 887 W. Marietta Street; 404-815-6677. http://www.fifthgroup.com/