Appetizing Aperture: Duck a la Presse at King + Duke

Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee

When chefs get new toys, they can’t wait to show them off in the kitchen. Chef Joe Schafer is borderline obsessed with his new duck press, and he has added duck a la presse to the “For Two” section of the dinner menu at King + Duke in Buckhead. The GrassRoots Farms pastured duck is served with duck fat-fried potatoes, kale salad and a cognac sauce ($75).

King + Duke and Umi Named as Atlanta Must-Visits by The Huffington Post

King + Duke Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee

In John Mariani's January 2 "What's New in Atlanta" article, the Esquire food and travel columnist and The Huffington Post contributor names a pair of Buckhead neighbors on his list.

At King + Duke, executive chef Joe Schafer centers cuisine preparation around an open kitchen and wood-fire cooking on a 24-foot hearth. Mariani notes that, "If you want to find Atlantans of every stripe having a grand old time, check out King + Duke any night of the week from five o'clock till midnight."

Only a short walk from King + Duke is Umi, where guests are greeted by Tokyo-born chef Fuyuhiko Ito as he turns ocean-fresh catches into delectable sushi. For those wondering what to order on their next visit, Mariani's recommendations include the "irresistible scallops seared on the grill" and "the piece de resistance, Kobe-beef toban-yaki in a dashi broth that ameliorated the decadent richness of the beef, which at $28 an ounce is sheer indulgence."

King + Duke Named to Esquire's Best New Restaurants List

Courtesy of Andrew Thomas Lee Photography

So, the King asked the Duke, "Did you see that we're included in Esquire magazine's list of Best New Restaurants of 2013?" With Joe Schafer at the helm of King + Duke's  24-foot hearth and Chrysta Poulos dishing out the desserts, we're sure the Duke and guests can both agree that this award is well-deserved. Add in a beverage program under the direction of Lara Creasy and you have a formidable team that Ford Fry has put together. Fry is no newcomer to this restaurant list -- The Optimist made last year's roster and was named "Restaurant of the Year." Congrats to the team at King + Duke!

King + Duke Hosts Atlanta Community Food Bank Supper Club on July 16

Ford Fry and his newest restaurant King + Duke are teaming up with Supper Club on Tuesday, July 16 from 5-10 p.m. to help provide meals for those in need through the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Ford Fry's commitment to community service is as strong as his dedication to his award-winning restaurants such as JCT. Kitchen & Bar, No. 246, The Optimist, and People’s Food Truck. On Tuesday night, guests can get in on the philanthropic drive as 20 percent of each tab during the ACFB Supper Club event will be donated to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. With no membership fees or long-term commitments, the ACFB Supper Club is a no-brainer. The only tough decisions you'll have to make are what to order once you're in the hands of chef Joe Schafer. With hearth-cooked fish, fowl and farm along with starters, bites and shareables on the menu, you'll be facing a lot of difficult choices. Of course, you could just maximize your donation and order to your heart's content. We say go ahead and order dessert and rest assured that you're helping those in need at the same time. Make reservations online. 

The King said to the Duke, "We're Opening Monday, May 13!"

Crown Chef Ford Fry marvelously mischievous. King + Duke, his new Buckhead outpost opens Monday, May 13. Turns out Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" inspired the naming of this fun and welcoming restaurant resplendent in classic American themes and bold, wood-fired cooking on a 24-foot open hearth. With Executive Chef Joe Schafer at the helm, slower cooking methods, woodsy smokiness and locally sourced ingredients come together at the hearth. Pastry Chef Chrysta Poulos' desserts can be paired with wine or cocktails. Top mixologist Lara Creasy runs with Fry's American history and literature inspirations in the beverage program that includes 35 wines by the glass and a "library" of more than 200 selections from around the world, including our original 13 colonies. Coffee roasted by Counter Culture in North Carolina fills cups. Located at 3060 Peachtree Road, King + Duke serves dinner nightly and lunch on weekdays, and offers a dining room, garden patio with a bar and lounge. Valet parking is available. Reservations: 404-477-3500.