Bad Break for a Good Chef

I wrote about 5 Corners and its chef / owner Barry Edelman earlier this year. We met last year on a Zagat shoot. Barry is one of those self-possessed, unassuming people whose age and accomplishments don't line up. He saw the opportunity for a fine food restaurant in downtown Marblehead which surprisingly was lacking, hung up his downtown Boston apron, found the space and built it out, and opened 5 Corners all within 6 months. He's why you have to believe in small businesses.


At the end of June, Barry had hired me to shoot more for the website. He wanted a candid style capturing the feel of the restaurant and food without any focus on the people. I got to spend a night at 5 Corners grabbing shots where I could and creating others while the restaurant hummed along.

I started off at the bar before it got too crowed. Matt, the bartender, put together plenty of drinks made from his years of experience. He could keep the orders coming but never seem rushed while paying attention to his customers.



From cold to hot, I headed to Barry's domain in the kitchen. His arms have various burn marks from the years but you could tell he wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Kitchens are hot but it goes to the next level when you're in one as small as 5 Corner's and you're doing your best to get the shot while also not interrupting the delicate chain of order, cook, and prepping.



Luckily, my photographer friend JD had loaned me his Nikon D700 for the night. I wanted lowlight capabilities beyond what my cameras have and yes, I will be upgrading soon. In this kitchen, there's no way to set up strobes without being in someone's way or with them falling into a cooking meal. Have to just grip and rip and because the d700 still gives a clean file at ISOs well north of 2000, I could concentrate on the image in available light. It's an amazing feeling when gear opens up a new style / method of working.

I almost felt part of the staff and part of the line. At one point, my restaurant instincts kicked in and I called out, "behind you" as the sous chef turned from one range to prep. We slid by each other as he complimented mine having a clue. I took it as a huge compliment.



I came back out to the restaurant to look for some graphic shots. This window light and the women's high heels didn't hurt. I also liked the flow of the restaurant with cups waiting for after dinner while clean glasses headed out to the wait staff station.


Next came the roof at just about the right hour as the evening light blends with the coming night into a royal blue. It is a truly New England intersection with roads coming at all angles seemingly converging on 5 Corners. Isn't five Corners kind of an oxymoron or at least a bit nonsensical? From there it was to street level for another long exposure where a very friendly police officer told me he'd be getting calls and he just wanted to know what to tell the concerned citizens regarding what I was doing.


After warning all the diners, I set my flashes with a radio sync to get this outdoor shot.


The night was winding down and light was low enough in the restaurant now to get a shot Barry wanted of food whizzing by a blurry background.

I was treated to one of Matt's bourbon mixed drinks but mostly bourbon and Barry's roast chicken. The staff got ready for the next day while cracking jokes. Barry relaxed and plugged in his amp to noodle around on the guitar. I was amazed seeing the restaurant somewhat through Barry's eyes. All the things that have to be in sync and working for your meal to come out at a restaurant really is a marvel. He confirmed he often works all days of the week and I gauked a bit. He smiled though and said it's different when you work for yourself.

Since meeting him, I kept seeing Barry taking on challenges and risks and coming out ahead. Unfortunately on July 13th, there was a fire in the next door ice cream parlor of all places. 5 Corners took on heavy smoke and water damage and will be shut until at least late this fall. When it does re-open, if you're looking for a place to eat on the North Shore, please go see Barry at 5 Corners.