Cabbagetown Market’s turn in spotlight

The folks at Food Network must really love Atlanta.

One of the net’s biggest stars, Alton Brown, is based here, and Paula Deen lives just down the road in Savannah.

Now, Food Network is highlighting the Cabbagetown Market on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” the latest in a string of metro Atlanta food establishments to appear on the show.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Lisa Hanson, who co-owns the lunch counter with her partner, Maria Locke.

The show, which host Guy Fieri refers to as “Triple D,” usually features, as its title suggests, diners, drive-throughs and hole-in-the-walls that feature over-the-top greasy chow. But tonight’s episode is about more off-the-beaten-path treats such as fried quail on a cornmeal waffle and Frogmore Stew, which Fieri cooked up alongside Locke and Hanson.

“We’re kinda famous for our burgers,” she said, “but they wanted us to do something a little different.”

The Food Network crew spent two days at the Cabbagetown Market —- part grocery market, part general store, part quick-serve eatery —- filming back in February. Day one featured Fieri cooking; day two was shooting the same thing, but with close-ups and background shots.

“We had to wear the same clothes both days, and sort of try to look the same,” Hanson said.

In June, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” featured Matthews Cafeteria, a mom-and-pop joint in downtown Tucker. That segment was also shot over two days in February. Hanson said Food Network officials told her the show also shot segments at the Colonnade on Cheshire Bridge Road and a handful of other local eateries. The show has also featured the Marietta Diner on Cobb Parkway.

Hanson and Locke bought the place, at 198 Carroll St., in March 2007 from Leon Little, whose father opened it in the late 1920. Hanson said Fieri (who’s “very, very sweet off the air”) called the day after the March 14 tornado that ravaged downtown Atlanta and Cabbagetown (but didn’t seriously damage the market).

“He probably wanted to make sure we didn’t get blown away and they’d have to cancel the show,” Hanson jokes, “but it was nice anyway.”

ON TV

“Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”

10 tonight on Food Network