50 Favorite Appetizers & Cocktails 2012-2013
Each year, we announce the annual "50 Favorites," best restaurant dishes found by B-Metro magazine and BirminghamRestaurants.com's food editor, Jan Walsh. Categories include 50 Favorite Appetizers; Sandwiches, Soups & Salads, Entrees, Desserts, and All Time Favorites, which are tried and true, memorable dishes that are repeat favorites for many years. The winners of the 50 Favorite Appetizers & Cocktails for 2012-2013 are as follows.
Billy's Sports Grill: Billy’s Seafood Nachos are anything but typical. No corn chips, no chili, and no lack of imagination arrive piled high with house fired wanton chips smothered with sauteed popcorn shrimp and crawfi
sh, kalamata olives, sliced banana peppers, fresh red onion, scallions, tomatoes, and tasty spinach cheese sauce. The wantons provide an unexpected and light foundation for the toppings. And from top to bottom, each crisp bite has enough heat to complement the seafood without overpowering it.
Bottega Cafe: Fried Oysters are golden and crisp on the outside and succulent on the inside. Their accompaniments of kale slaw and caper mayonnaise add a touch of acidity, creaminess and crunch. We pair the oysters with Pardis Margaritas. These divine cocktails are a synthesis of the fun and flavors of a margarita and the style of a martini.
Hot and Hot Fish Club: Foie Gras Terrine and Apple, Almond and Endive Salad. The work of art, Foie Gras dish delicately balances perfection in its texture and flavors. Pecans lend spice and crunch. Petals of the Past persimmons add fruitiness and fall color. And an acidic verjus is offset with sweet sorghum, further balancing the richness of this dish.
MetroPrime Steakhouse: Think MetroPrime is a great place for a steak? It is. But don’t overlook their seafood offerings including
the Seafood Tower. Three seafood appetizers combine in this beautiful and succulent dish: Poached Gulf Shrimp Cocktail, Marinated Gulf Crab Claws and Raw Beau Soleil Oysters. And make at home for a party of 20 or a feast for a few. Watch chef Warren Weiss prepare seafood tower.
Sol Y Luna: Tomatillo Lobster Soft Taco arrives hot topped with a light and creamy tequila corn sauce. Strong lobster flavor dominates this delightful taco. It is paired with Perfect Margarita. Perfect is the perfect name for this cocktail. It is golden
in color with Sauza, Commemorativo, and Contreau integrated with hints of orange and lime—smooth, not too citrusy.
Zea Rotisserie and Grill: Shrimp lovers also can’t miss the Jumbo Shrimp served with a crisp fried green tomato and a tangy, creamy remoulade sauce—highly recommended.