 Local and regional foods shine in Dyron’s cuisine.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Dyron’s Lowcountry you can’t miss the chalkboard that is front and center. It boasts the local food purveyors with their products served on the menu. This tribute provides both well-deserved recognition and speaks to the authenticity of Dyron’s lowcountry cuisine.
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 Café Dupont’s farmer’s harvest vegetable plate is upscale and downhome.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
It is always a difficult decision to choose a dish for lunch at Café Dupont. Each appetizer and every entrée sound tempting. Yet today I am curious to see what Chef Chris Dupont does with the farmer’s harvest vegetable plate. And I pair this Southern veggie feast with a glass of food friendly Sancerre—Claude Riffault Sanceere Les Boucauds 2010.
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 Chef Benard Tamburello achieves authentic Italian at La Dolce Vita.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Tonight we get a taste of Italian heritage at La Dolce Vita. Here the Italian is in the details. Our bread starts baking when we sit down. The pasta we order is handmade bursting with Old World texture and flavor. And the ingredients are authentically Italian—tomatoes from San Marzano, cheese from Parma, balsamic vinegar from Modena, and olive oil from Tuscany.
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 I’m hooked on Ocean’s catch and George Reis’ cooking.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
I love seafood—crab, oysters, scallops, shrimp, grouper, snapper, lobster and more. I like them wood fire grilled, steamed, baked, pan seared, or Southern fried. And Ocean’s offerings and preparations are as vast as the sea—serving only the best quality seafood from every continent—prepared as desired. So what is not to love?
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 Nabeel’s sautéed shrimp, peasant salad, and wine bring back Greek memories.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
As a daily special Nabeel’s offers several Greek delights. One of my favorites is the “Sautéed Shrimp from the Greek Islands.” It brings a bit of déjà vu of my trips to the Greek Islands. Actually the shrimp is from the Gulf Coast, but the recipe is from the Greek Islands. And this delicious dish, its accompanying tangy salad and a cold glass of crisp, white Greek wine tease my palate as to my real location—Nabeel’s in Homewood.
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 MetroPrime is a swank new steakhouse on Southside.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
MetroPrime is a locally owned steakhouse that recently opened in a prime location on Southside. Located at 1035 20th Street South, the steakhouse is situated on the curve in Five Points South and is open for dinner Mondays through Saturdays and serves Sunday Brunch.
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 Chez Fonfon’s simple grilled fish is simply delicious.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
When lunching at Chez Fonfon, I arrive early. Today I open the place at 11:00 a.m. because I know that by 11:30 there is typically not a table left. And by noon the bar will likely also be full.
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 Avo and Dram host Innis & Gunn Beer Dinner.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Avo & Dram’s recent Innis and Gunn Highland 18 Year Old Beer Dinner included four courses paired with Innis and Gunn Beer poured in their signature glassware. Here I learned the Innis and Gunn’s Oak Aged Beers story, which is almost as incredible as their beers.
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 Ted’s Southern cooking serves a loyal following.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
You can’t miss Ted’s Restaurant. It is located at 328 12th Street South with the large, original “Ted’s Cafeteria Restaurant” sign on the corner. Recent updates to the interior make lunching here more appealing. But it is not ambience that draws the crowds. We go to Ted’s for a taste of what busy Southerners miss—but have no time to cook—fresh meat and three, home style fare.
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 Pair pizza and Peroni at Slice Stone Pizza and Brew.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
I love to try “new” restaurants—a few months after they open. Today we lunch at the new family owned and operated pizza restaurant in Birmingham’s Lakeview District. Appropriately located in the stone building at 29th Street South, Jeff, Chris and Jason Bajalieh opened Slice Stone Pizza and Brew here in 2011.
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 The Bright Star’s ambience, cuisine and service achieve excellence.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
New concept restaurants come and go. Restaurants that consistently achieve excellence—in what they bring to the table—remain. And as the oldest continuously family owned restaurant in Alabama, The Bright Star has won the test of time.
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 Mix is a popular, downtown artisan bakery and eatery.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Dining at another Mix gives me a bit of déjà vu. As a loyal patron, I followed Chris Dupont’s Café Dupont from Springville to downtown Birmingham years ago, and was delighted when he expanded the restaurant by adding the bar next door. In 2011 Dupont’s entrepreneurial bent for seeing undeveloped possibilities and envisioning their potential led him to open his second downtown eatery, Mix, with chef and baker Corey Hinkel.
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 Cantina Tortilla Grill serves fresh and flavorful Mexican fare.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Cantina Tortilla Grill at Pepper Place is the original Cantina location. This successful restaurant sprouted other taquerías in the Birmingham metro area, on Highway 119 and at Patton Creek.
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 Highlands Bar and Grill celebrates 29 years of excellence.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
On November 21, 1982 Frank Stitt opened his first restaurant, Highlands Bar and Grill. With monies raised from his cooking classes and from his mother mortgaging her home, Highlands opened to rave reviews. And 29 year later, patrons and media are still raving about this French inspired Southern restaurant.
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 Veranda on Highland’s wine cellar is filled with legendary wines.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
My favorite table at the Veranda on Highland is the chef’s table in the wine cellar. Here vintage, first class—and first growth—wines are displayed under lock and key, in wine cabinets with antique bronze screens in this 1,500 bottle capacity cellar. And above these racks are personal wine lockers of VIP patrons.
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 Another Broken Egg serves soup, salad and sandwiches.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Another Broken Egg is a popular breakfast and brunch spot in Mountain Brook Village. Breaking eggs may be their specialty, but they also serve a tasty lunch fare——entrée portion salads, hearty sandwiches and the soup of the day.
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 Catch this daily lunch special at the Tavern on the Summit.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Tavern on the Summit has a hearty daily lunch special that pleases seafood lovers. The Grilled Shrimp Salad has two hickory grilled shrimp skewers atop either a Tavern or Caesar Salad. Hmm, their Caesar is one of my favorite Caesars in town—chopped Romaine, croutons, Tavern on the Summit’s signature Dressing with shredded Parmesan on top, and anchovies if requested. But today I will try the shrimp with the Tavern Salad with Ranch dressing paired with a glass of Kings Estate Pinot Gris.
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 Chef Marco Morosini spices things up at The Silvertron Cafe.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
The Silvertron Cafe has been a popular neighborhood restaurant for more than 25 years. In November 2007, Marco Morosini and his wife Elan reopened the restaurant, preserving the past’s popular dishes while bringing new life to The Slivertron Café with Marco’s Italian influence.
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 Brava Rotisserie Grill’s fare is healthy, flavorful and affordable.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Much like the Spanish coast for which it is named, Brava has something for everyone—and appeals to those who are looking for something extraordinary.
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Lloyd’s Baked Chicken Greek Style is highly recommended.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Lloyd’s has been serving American and Southern style cooking for 74 years. Founded in 1937, the restaurant is a Highway 280 landmark. I can recall when it was “in the middle of no where.” Yet through the decades, as its neighborhood changed into a bustling area, Lloyd’s has remained true to its identity of a family style restaurant with friendly, attentive service and an extensive menu—all things Southern veggies, BBQ, steaks, steaks and more.
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 The Pita Stop opens in Cahaba Heights, pleasing long time and new patrons.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
One of my favorite restaurants, for many years, has been The Pita Stop. As a student at UAB I frequented the original Southside location. And now I have another location that is even closer to home in Vestavia Hills’ Cahaba Heights. This building is brand-new yet has an architectural integrity similar to the original location. The space includes a separate bar with televisions a large dining space, and a spacious covered patio.
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 Sol Y Luna serves authentic Mexican fare in a contemporary atmosphere.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
True to the continual feast, snacking is a Hispanic tradition. Dinner at Sol Y Luna is a tasty tribute to this tradition. Choose among a long list of tapas, and pair with your choice of 60 premium tequilas at Sol Y Luna.
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 Enjoy an array of sizable, tasty dishes for $2.95.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
One of the best deals in town is Brio Tuscan Grille’s Tuscan Tasters $2.95 menu. Served on weekdays, the Tuscan Tasters menu is available from 3:00 until 7:00 and from 9:00 until close, in the bar or on the front patio.
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 Enjoy awesome food in a casual mood at Billy’s Sports Grills.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Billy’s Sports Grills offer terrific food, comfortable ambiences, and friendly service.
Billy’s Sports Grills offer terrific food, comfortable ambiences, and friendly service.
In 1979 the original Billy's Sports Grill opened as a bar and small kitchen serving simple sandwiches in Mountain Brook’s English Village. Billy's Chicken Sandwich quickly became the signature dish.
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 Root Beer Float at Jackson’s Bar and Bistro will make you smile.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
A favorite, spring meeting place is the spacious patio of Jackson’s Bar and Bistro. The black iron umbrella tables that dot the space invite you to pull up a chair. And the menu entices with a variety of tempting cocktails. Hmm, what will it be? Misery and Gin sounds tempting—hasn’t been a good day. The Root Beer Float sounds happy. I opt for happy.
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Brunch at Bistro V scores big.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Former University of Alabama safety, Jeremy Downey now plays quarterback at Bistro V. As chef and owner, Downey starts with top quality products, prepares them to perfection and serves them at affordable prices—a winning combo.
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Bellini’s Cheese Ravioli is a plateful of comfort.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
It is believed that ravioli was invented as a means to use left over food and originated in Liguria, Italy. Thus the original name—Rabiole—means bits and pieces, odds and ends in Genoese dialect. Agnolotti is a variation from Piedmont, which are cut into rounds.
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Day and night, locals love to dine at GianMarco’s Restaurant.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
GianMarco’s Restaurant is undisputedly one of the most popular restaurants in the Birmingham metro area. Yet hunger alone is not what draws locals here. Instead it is an appreciation—and a craving—for an Old World Italian cuisine and dining experience that GianMarco’s consistently achieves. Due to its popularity, dinner reservations are needed. But if you crave their authentic Italian—and have no diner reservations—show up for lunch, as we did today.
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Fall in love with the Valentine’s Day dessert at 26.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
On New Year’s Eve, 26 featured a delightful new dessert—White Chocolate Parfait. Now back, by popular demand, is this lovely parfait. It is the featured dessert for the month of February, including Valentine’s Day.
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Veranda on Highland’s kitchen is an imaginative workshop.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Combine a beautiful, historic Southern ambience with impeccable service and Southern hospitality. Add the inventive fare of a top-notch chef. And you have Veranda on Highland.
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My favorite beef tenderloin tacos just got bigger!
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
A longtime favorite dish is the Soft Tenderloin Tacos at Village Tavern. Tender bite sized tips of beef tenderloin overfill three warm flour tortillas—in this dish found on the appetizer menu. The tacos also include shredded lettuce, a luscious lime crema, hot salsa and fresh guacamole. Bowls of the creama and salsa are served on the side for those who want to add more. In addition to the beef tenderloin taco, options of fresh fish and chicken soft tacos are also available.
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 Bottega Cafe is an institution among locals.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Frank and Pardis Stitt’s Bottega Cafe is one of my favorites for lunch, cocktails and dinner. And I am in good company. Local “movers and shakers” are among the cafe’s steady clientele.
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 A holiday dinner at Shula’s Steakhouse can’t be beat.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
I have always enjoyed drinks and dinner at Shula’s. Yet tonight’s experience beats all. From cocktails to crème brulee, it is a real winner.
Located inside the Wynfrey Hotel—in the Riverchase Galleria—Shula’s Steak House has its own entrance for locals, with complimentary valet parking. For hotel guests there is an entrance is in the hotel lobby. The steakhouse is themed after the 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins team and their "perfect” 17 - 0 season. Dark paneling and black leather booth provide an elegant contrast with white tablecloths, in several dining spaces, including Shula’s No Name Lounge.
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 Nabeel’s Café and Market is one of a kind.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Nabeel’s Cafe and Market is an authentic, Homewood landmark, situated at the edge of Homewood Park.
The Heritage
Nabeel’s is named for its original owner Nabeel Shunnarah, who opened it in 1972. In 1993 John Krontiras and his wife, Ottavia bought the café from Shunnarah. During the 17 years since, they have expanded into three dining rooms and a market. The café and market reflect the owners’ heritages. John Krontiras is Greek and Ottavia is Italian. Nabeel’s is both, with additional touches of other Mediterranean flavors.
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 Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar reels in a tasty new catch.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
I have my favorites at Flemings: the back booth in the bar, the petite filet, the seafood tower, and their chilled Champagne flutes. But the list just got longer with a taste of their new sole and crab dish.
I have my favorites at Flemings: the back booth in the bar, the petite filet, the seafood tower, and their chilled Champagne flutes. But the list just got longer with a taste of their new sole and crab dish.
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 Cafe Dupont is a favorite among local foodies.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
A foodie is a person with an ardent appreciation for food, the preparation of food and the latest food trends. A foodie might—or might not—do much cooking because a foodie’s “highest and best use” is eating, not cooking. Local foodies are food warriors, who dine around in search of “the best” of everything. From fried chicken to rare tuna, they revisit only restaurants with a cuisine that lives up to their standards. And among the restaurants local foodies frequent is Cafe Dupont.
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 Veranda On Highland’s newest dish meets the grit critic.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
When it comes to grits, I am very particular. My family says that the first bite of a restaurant’s grits will either make or break my opinion of their entire brunch or breakfast. Thin grits, thick grits, tasteless grits, even (forbid) quick grits have been known to get my day off to a very bad start. So fearing disappointment, I often avoid ordering them at all. Only when I know the chef, or trust the restaurant’s reputation, and the grits are stone ground do I order grits.
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 Ocean consistently serves the best of fish, prepared to perfection.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
For seafood lovers, such as myself, Ocean is the place for dinner. Ocean starts with the best quality fish from every continent and prepares it to your preferences.
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 Highland’s Bar and Grill hosts Thomas Keller dinner and book signing.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Celebrity chef Thomas Keller visits Birmingham. He is hosted by Frank and Pardis Stitt for a dinner and book signing—for his latest cookbook, Ad Hoc at Home—at Highlands Bar and Grill.
The Keller Restaurant Group includes nine restaurants and bakeries in the United States. In addition to Ad Hoc, French Laundry, per se, and Bouchon (in Yountville, Las Vegas and Beverly Hills), he owns three Bouchon Bakeries in Napa Valley and Per Se in New York. He is the author of three other cookbooks: The French Laundry, Bouchon, and Under Pressure: Cooking Sous Vide.
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 Dyron’s serves lowcountry cuisine in a low-key ambience.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Dyron’s Lowcountry opened in the summer of 2009, in Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village. Owners, Dyron and Sonya Powell opened the restaurant to share their love of lowcountry fare—regional and seafood dishes found from Charleston to New Orleans.
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 Dodiyós serves an array of tasty Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Dodiyós opened in late 2009, in the former Tria Market location at SoHo Square. The eatery’s cuisine is a mix—of both traditional and innovative dishes primarily from Greece, but also from Spain, Italy, France, Turkey, the Balkans, North Africa and the Middle East. The exotic, eclectic ambience and cuisine have been well received by locals.
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 Zea Rotisserie and Grill serves continental, comfort food at comforting prices.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Jason Wallis
Zea Rotisserie Grill opened late 2009 at Colonial Brookwood Village, as one of 12 locations for this multi location restaurant group. Zea serves comfort foods of various cultures, which have also become favorites of American’s culture—thus their slogan, “Inspired American Cuisine.” The restaurant concept is the brainchild of three chefs: Hans Limburg, Greg Reggio, and Gary Darling, who make up the culinary and restaurant development team.
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 Pair Shula’s Steak House with a night at the Wynfrey Hotel.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Jason Wallis
Located inside the Wynfrey Hotel—in the Riverchase Galleria—Shula’s Steak House maintains a freestanding atmosphere, with its own entrance adjacent to the hotel’s revolving doors, and complimentary valet parking. And a second entry is located in the hotel lobby. This swank steakhouse is themed after the 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins team and their "perfect” 17 - 0 season. Dark paneling provides a warm and welcoming backdrop to the white tablecloths, candlelit tables and hunter green leather booths. The restaurant is divided among several dining spaces, including Shula’s No Name Lounge—with memorabilia boasting the theme of 17.
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 Satterfield’s chef driven fare is made of local and regional products.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
In 2005 Becky Satterfield evolved her successful catering business into a restaurant of her own—Satterfield’s. Located at 3161 Cahaba Heights Road, the restaurant is conveniently located to the greater metro area. And it is one of the closest chef driven restaurants to my Liberty Park neighborhood, the surrounding Vestavia and Mountain Brook neighborhoods, and The Summit.
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 Another Broken Egg cracks open in Mountain Brook Village.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Craving Eggs Benedict at 1:30 p.m. or a cheeseburger at 6:30 a.m.? No problem. Another Broken Egg is a family oriented and family operated restaurant that serves a vast breakfast, brunch and lunch menu—300 items—daily from 6:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
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 Veranda On Highland pairs culinary delights with enchanting ambience.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Miller Mobley
Veranda on Highland’s historic building is a beautifully renovated Southern home, which dates back to the 1920s. The ambience of this enchanting restaurant alone attracts many diners. Yet it is the cuisine keeps them coming back for more.
Fireplaces and stained glass windows provide an elegant and comforting backdrop for a white tablecloth, candle lit dinner or brunch at Veranda on Highland. The restaurant boasts nine separate dining rooms, a wine cellar for private dining, a patio, a second story veranda with a view of Red Mountain, and a bar—Papa’s Bar and Lounge, where a bust of Hemingway is the pièce de résistance.
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 Chris Dupont lives the American dream daily in downtown Birmingham.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Jason Wallis
In times like these it is important to realize that the American dream is alive and well—in downtown Birmingham. Dreaming is easy. Bringing dreams to fruition is difficult. And once all the work to make a dream comes true is done, it is easy to take what has been built for granted and move onto another dream. But when perfection is one’s dream, the work is never done. And Chris Dupont accepts nothing less than perfection.
For most of us, dining out at an upscale restaurant is more than a meal. It is an experience to look forward to from the time we make a reservation until we walk through the door. Hopes for a nice table, excellent service and a memorable meal are high. Chris Dupont understands these expectations and consistently exceeds them.
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 Dram serves comfort fare in a welcoming ambience.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Dram Whiskey Bar is located in the heart of Mountain Brook Village. It is named for the traditional Scottish whiskey measure—dram.
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 Food is both simple and magical at Hot and Hot Fish Club.
By Jan Walsh
Photograhy by Beau Gustafson
Catch a behind the scenes glimpse of the people who make Hot and Hot Fish Club a success. Find the best seat in the house, and most importantly get a bite of the best dishes—course by course. And find recipes from Chris and Idie Hasting’s cookbook—hot off the press.
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 Highlands Bar and Grill is rich in history and deserving of accolades.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Jason Wallis
In 2009 Highlands Bar and Grill was a nominee for James Beard’s top honor, our nation’s most outstanding restaurant. How can I follow such a rave review? I can’t. Yet I can share my own dining experience tonight—and my knowledge and experience of this restaurant and its cuisine developed over many years as well as tonight’s dining experience.
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 Nabeel’s is a synthesis of a family’s heritage—Greek and Italian.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Miller Mobley
Nabeel’s Cafe is an original. John Krontiras was born in Greece, and his wife, Ottavia was born in Italy. In Homewood, Alabama, they conceived a café that is both—along with additional Mediterranean influences. Since 1993 the Krontiras family has grown the original Nabeel’s Cafe more than three times the original size, overtaking the entire building, with three dining rooms and a Greek market.
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 GianMarco’s family, food and experience bring diners back for more.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
GianMarco’s is a cult restaurant. Regulars would like to keep this small Italian, family owned and family run restaurant all to themselves. But—good or bad—foodies tend to dine and tell their dining experiences. Thus they soon find themselves boasting about their lunch or dinner at GianMarco’s to family, friends and co-workers, only to find them at the next table the following week.
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 Dine in style, and within your budget, on Fleming’s $6 Prime Sirloin burger.
By Jan Walsh
The only good thing I have found about this bad economy is the new $6 Prime Sirloin Burger at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. Available in Fleming’s bar area until 7:00 p.m. each evening, this scrumptious burger is sure to draw a loyal following.
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 Chef driven Avo opens in heart of Mountain Brook.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Upscale Avo is a new chef driven restaurant in Mountain Brook Village. It is located in a new, brick building upstairs from its partner, more casual eatery, Dram Whiskey Bar. Tonight we dine at Avo but take a peek inside Dram.
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 Sip cool, cocktails in the new, old world bar at Cafe Dupont.
By Jan Walsh
Chris Dupont's new bar opened in March 2009. Expanding the restaurant into the adjacent storefront created space for the bar and a new façade and entry for the restaurant. Entering through the double doors into the bar, it is evident that Dupont restored, rather than remade, this 131-year-old building. From the original tiles on the floor to the beamed ceiling above, the bar exudes authenticity and transcends time. For the bar, Dupont used the same interior designer he previously used for the restaurant—his wife, Leslie.
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 Divine is in the details at Satterfield’s.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Great restaurants don’t just happen. They are born of both imagination and execution. Pastry chef and owner, Becky Satterfield created a fine dining ambience that is relaxing rather than pretentious. She believes that every possible detail should be attended to, for each and every guest. And this belief is executed into a reality found in every detail of the restaurant—from the valet in waiting to the last bite of delectable dessert.
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 Ocean’s wide net of offerings touches all continents and satisfies many appetites.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
To say that Ocean is a “seafood restaurant” is an understatement. This upscale, restaurant’s cuisine draws flavors from every continent. On the menu are fish from the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, Pacific and the Mediterranean. And in the kitchen, executive chef /co owner (with his wife Harriet), George Reis uses spices and techniques from the countries that surround these waters.
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 Cafe Dupont resumes lunch service, offering familiar favorites and new temptations.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Today is a day I have been looking forward to for quite sometime. It is the opening day for lunch at Cafe Dupont. And I celebrate the occasion with a dining room filled with many other Dupont followers.
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 Chez Fonfon's Chocolate Pot De Creme is a pure pleasure.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
I have never had much of a sweet tooth. I can easily say, "No" to most desserts. But at Chez Fonfon the first thing I see each time I enter the door is dessert. Fresh baked tarts, a towering cake and other specialties of the day line the antique, wooden server and the small, white marble-topped table beside it.
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 Take a break from holiday shopping with lunch at Brio.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Holiday shopping is hard work that is full of decisions. Brio Tuscan Grill has a lunch that will sustain you.
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 Bottega celebrates 20th anniversary and debut of the restaurant's cookbook.
By Jan Walsh
Bottega Restaurant has much to celebrate. In 2008 the restaurant's interior underwent a remodeling that retained the integrity of its architecture but updated its ambience. This same year, executive chef Frank Stitt was awarded the national distinction of being one of five chefs to receive a James Beard Nominee for Outstanding Chef. And Stitt's new cookbook, Bottega Favorita, which debuted in Birmingham in November, will become available in bookstores nationally on January 1, 2009.
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 Veranda on Highland's cuisine is a soulful combo of classic Southern with tastes of New Orleans.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Veranda On Highland's Southern Cuisine, but certainly with a heavy influence from the ‘Big Easy. There will always be a gumbo and turtle soup available daily. And classics like Shrimp Remoulade and Beef Debris have been big hits at the restaurant.
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 I fall for Bellini's at first bite.
By Jan Walsh
Bellini's Ristorante and Bar is my kind of place. It is one of those restaurants that everyone wishes were in their neighborhood, a place to stop by for a glass of wine after work, reserve a table for a romantic dinner with your spouse, or pop in for an impromptu evening with friends. Their Tuscan style, steakhouse fare is familiar enough to bring you back for more, yet sophisticated enough to satisfy a cosmopolitan palate. The menu offers variety, while remaining true to their core cuisine offerings of Italian and steakhouse. And the nightly specials make any evening at Bellini's a new experience.
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 Dip into a decadent dark chocolate fondue at The Melting Pot.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Who can resist a late night bite of fondue and chocolate?
Purists will enjoy Pure Chocolate of melted dark chocolate. Chocoholics with a sweet tooth prefer the Cookies ‘n Cream Marshmallow Dream of dark chocolate topped with marshmallow cream, flambéed, and swirled with crushed Oreos.
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 Cafe Dupont's cuisine wows and whets the appetite for more.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Cafe Dupont draws diners from both near and far. When a writer for Food & Wine magazine called me from New York to discuss Birmingham as a culinary city, she asked for recommendations of restaurants to review. Cafe Dupont was one of my suggestions. Upon her arrival to town she popped in for lunch, and called me afterwards with her critique.
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 Remember this number, 26.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Being a writer I am not number oriented. I find it difficult to recall phone numbers, account numbers, any numbers. But there is one number that I have no problems with at all. And that is 26. Perhaps it is the memories of good times shared lunching there with friends and nights out with my husband. Perhaps it is the Monday night special of unforgettable baby lobster tails with Champagne. Perhaps it is the chocolate desserts. 26 makes a lasting impression.
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 Billy's Bar and Grill opens second location, Billy's On Overton.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Every neighborhood needs a Billy's. Liberty Park, and nearby Mountain Brook area residents, just got one. Billy's On Overton is the brother restaurant to Billy's Bar and Grill in Mountain Brook, a longtime neighborhood favorite of many who live, work and shop in English Village. Satisfying the need for an upscale sports bar and grill, the new eatery on Overton opened its doors in April 2008. Those of us who live in the area have watched, waited and been looking forward to this for months.
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 GianMarco's cheese ravioli is both large and light.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Ordering lunch or dinner at GianMarco is always a dilemma. But no matter what I order, it is consistently delicious and always arrives hot with steam rising from the plate. And this always reminds me of co-owner, Giani Respinto's line, "People wait for pasta. Pasta does not wait for people."
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 Tavern on the Summit's Traditional Onion Soup satisfies my soul.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Tavern on the Summit serves Traditional Onion Soup for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Other scrumptious soups are offered as daily specials. But their onion soup is always on the menu and deservedly so. It is a long-time favorite and consistently delicious. As a child my favorite soup was French onion, and it still is. A bowl of this simply rich soup is a meal in itself as it combines cheese, bread, vegetable, and meat broth. It is also warm, comforting and familiar—just as the restaurant itself. And each bowl is as tasty as the last.
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 Chez Fonfon is classically French and absolutely excellent.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Excellence is easy to observe and difficult to replicate. Frank and Pardis Stitt replicate excellence without replicating restaurants. Each of their eateries (Highlands Bar and Grill, Bottega, Bottega Cafe, and Chez Fonfon) has its own identity, style, cuisine, and standard of excellence. With each dining experience comes a renewed respect for the Stitts. Being a bit of a Francophile, Chez Fonfon satisfies my appetite for French bistro fare and French wine.
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 Have your cake and candy too with Veranda on Highland's Praline Cheesecake.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
The desserts are as delicious as the savory dishes they follow at Veranda on Highland. And this makes selecting only one of his desserts quite difficult.
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 Village Tavern's Birmingham location is home to the company's corporate executive chef.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Mary Grace Viado is the corporate executive chef for the eight Village Taverns across the United States. As corporate executive chef for the company, it is Viado's job to create and execute recipes.
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 Hot and Hot Fish Club's tasting menu has it all.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Co-Owner and executive chef of Hot and Hot Fish Club, Chris Hastings created a menu just for my table. Sommelier John Rusiecki paired each course with wines. And they will happily to do the same for you.
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 Shula's 48-ounce Porterhouse satisfies the heartiest of appetites.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
If you can't get enough of a good steak, join the club. Shula's Steak House offers a steak that will satisfy any appetite. This 48-ounce Porterhouse is made of Shula's own certified Angus beef, breed on The Graham Angus Farm in Albany, Georgia. And if you make the cut, by can finishing this 48-ounce Porterhouse, you become a member of The 48 Ounce Club.
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 Billy's Sports Grill's Santa Fe Salad is big on flavor.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Billy's Sports Grill in English Village is a family-owned, neighborhood pub Located in English Village. They offer an extensive menu featuring appetizers, grilled burgers, steaks and salads. And the Santa Fe Salad is a favorite for those who want, not just a salad, a meal.
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 The Melting Pot offers fondue for intimate, business and social dining.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
As the X Generation discovers fondue, we Baby Boomers are bubbling over with memories of swirling chunks of French bread in melted cheese, beef tips sizzling in hot oil and dipping fruit into pots of deep, dark chocolate for dessert. But Bob Dylan was right. Times are a-changing. And much is new in fondue.
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 Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar serves a summer showpiece.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Take a bite out of summer with a Chilled Seafood Tower at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. This appetizer is offered in two sizes. The smaller dish serves two to four appetizer servings, and the larger one serves four to six. Yet the large tower also makes a perfect entrée for two. Pair it with a bottle of Champagne for the perfect summer feast.
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 The Bright Star celebrates 100th Anniversary.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
The Bright Star is the oldest, continuously operated, family owned restaurant in Alabama. And June 2007 begins the second century of success for this landmark restaurant.
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 Four delectable dishes are paired off at The Wine Loft.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
The Wine Loft is a new wine bar-located in the Goodall Brown Building in Birmingham's loft district-at 2200 First Avenue North. This hip, cosmopolitan wine bar offers over 40 wines by the glass, 150 by the bottle, and a menu of 12 wine friendly dishes. Birmingham's Wine Loft was opened in February by franchise owners and father and son partners, Mike and Mick Dunnavant. The Dunnavants have strong belief in, and high hopes for, the future of the downtown district. "It is my dream that downtown will one day have 50 of the best restaurants and bars in the area where people can walk from one to another," Mike says.
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 Explore the depths of Ocean's diverse offerings.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Ocean celebrates its fifth anniversary. And patrons continue to discover fresh, new pleasures from its extensive menu. Ocean and 26 (located next door) are locally owned and operated by executive chef, George Reis and his wife Harriet.
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 Dine at a dream restaurant, Veranda On Highland.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Gustafson
Veranda on Highland is everything that a chef and his guests could wish for in a restaurant. Dinner is served in nine separate dining rooms amidst the glow of fireplaces and stained glass windows. Weather permitting, dine alfresco on the patio or upstairs on the veranda. Dating to the 1920s, this charming, historic building is a beautifully, renovated home.
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 Cafe Dupont celebrates three years of culinary excellence.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
In December 2003, Chris Dupont opened Cafe Dupont on 20th Street North-to rave reviews. The consistently divine cuisine soon brought a host of regulars. And three years later this perfectionist continues to outdo himself. "Looking back, I was very fearful of where I was, what I was doing, and how long it took to get the restaurant open..."
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 Highlands Bar & Grill transcends time and exceeds expectations.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Convinced that Alabama would support a restaurant with "southern soul and Provencal flavors," Frank Stitt raised money teaching cooking classes, his mother mortgaged her home, and Highlands Bar & Grill opened November 21, 1982. Stitt quickly became Birmingham's celebrity chef and put the city on the culinary map.
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 Start with an upbeat ambience, add an eclectic mix of menus, and the sum is George Reis' new restaurant, 26.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Ocean is no longer an only child. Owners George and Harriet Reis recently added a new member to the family. "Brother restaurant," 26 (Twenty-Six) is located just next door to Ocean. Its name is a play off the numbers two and six-as their two sons were born two years and six months apart, both were born on the twenty-sixth, and wore baseball jerseys numbered two and six. Yet like many younger brothers, 26 quickly developed an identity all its own.
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 Jinsei Sushi Bar and Lounge rolls out the freshest Japanese cuisine in a chic ambience.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Jinsei Sushi Bar fuses Japanese fare with French Champagne. Owner of Zoes, John Cassimus and partner Charleston Wilson chose the name Jinsei (Jin-sey) for its definition-meaning life in Japanese-just as Zoe means in Greek. "Life as in living," Wilson describes. And those who patronize Jinsei obviously know how to live.
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 La Dolce Vita serves the charm, elegance and flavors of Italy.
By Jan Walsh
Photography Beau Gustafson
Indulge in the sweet life, Italian style. Enjoy the pleasures of the present with a special dinner and bottle of wine at La Dolce Vita. Proprietor/chef Benard Tamburello and wife Sophia dined at the restaurant for many years before finally buying it. And this month as they celebrate their first anniversary as owners of La Dolce Vita, the Tamburellos' life has never been sweeter.
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Family owned and operated, GianMarco's serves the finest authentic Italian fare.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Less than three years ago, GianMarco's opened in Homewood and quickly became a neighborhood favorite. Soon afterwards, recommendations of their authentic, Italian cuisine and treat you like family service brought diners from far beyond the neighborhood. And today brothers, Giani and Marco Respinto and their father Giovanni's restaurant is a small, "Italian" landmark for Birmingham area diners.
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Dinner at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar is a rare pairing of vintage wines with the freshest of fare.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Investing both their money and their lives in Birmingham, operating partner John Cowan and chef partner Oliver Robinson opened Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar at the Summit in 2002. And with their continued dedication of time and talents, it's still sizzling.
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