 Bountiful and Beautiful Bellini’s new fall dishes are highly recommended. By Jan Walsh Kev and I like to go the “back way” to Bellini’s Ristorante & Bar. From Liberty Park we drive over Lake Purdy and are there in fifteen minutes. And as we arrive tonight, fall is in the air, and the place is already packed at 5:30 p.m. on a Thursday evening. Good thing we have reservations.
|
 A Feminine Affair
The Gardens Café host private event for Les Dames d’Escoffier.
By Jan Walsh
Les Dames d’Escoffier, Birmingham Chapter welcomed new members this week at The Gardens Café by Kathy G. Located at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the cafe was the perfect place to have this annual event.
|
 Galley and Garden named one of America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants 2018 by Wine Enthusiast.
By Jan Walsh, Photography by Wine Enthusiast and Beau Gustafson My favorite table at the Galley and Garden is the chef’s table in the wine room. 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. Thus, it was no surprise to me to learn that Galley and Garden is now being recognized nationally and internationally for its wine collection.
|
 Pollo Asado Rojo
Chef recommends El ZunZún’s roasted chicken, and so do I.
By Jan Walsh
For this week’s “Food Find,” I found a whole new restaurant—El ZunZún! The restaurant is a sister restaurant to Satterfield’s Restaurant, as both are owned by Becky Satterfield.
|
 Magic GritsThe Gulf Shrimp and Grits at Marre and Allen are phenomenal.By Jan Walsh I am not easy to please when it comes to grits. Like Mr. Tipton in the movie, My Cousin Vinny, I believe, “No self-respecting southerner uses instant grits. I take pride in my grits.”
|
 Chocolate Taco And the winner of the Magic City Chocolate Challenge… By Jan Walsh It was my pleasure to judge the 4th Annual Magic City Chocolate Challenge last night. The event was held at Regions Field in the Diamonds Direct Ballroom and benefits Disabilities Rights and Resources, drradvocates.org. Here local chocolatiers and pastry chefs competed as we tasted and judged which dish would be named Birmingham’s Best Chocolate. The event also included live music, a silent auction, free non-alcoholic beverages, and a cash bar.
|
 In the Know Pair brand new dishes with a secret rosé at Marre and Allen. By Jan Walsh Marre and Allen Bar and Kitchen is a destination restaurant. It is located in the Birmingham Marriott. But unlike most hotel restaurants, it boasts an all-star culinary team—Executive Chef, Chad Schofield and Sous Chef, Damon Davis. And Birmingham Marriott’s General Manager, Chris Townsley brings his extensive culinary and wine background to mentor the chefs and assist in product selection.
|
 El ZunZún Opening Summer 2018
Becky Satterfield is preparing to open her second restaurant, EL ZunZún. And Jan Walsh was Wowed by her first taste at a preview media party this week.
|
 Cheers! Brunch Bill passes.
Birmingham restaurants now serving alcohol on Sundays starting at 10 a.m. The Birmingham City Council voted to allow restaurants to begin selling alcohol at 10 a.m. on Sundays.
|
 Newk's Breakfast Coming Soon!
Newk’s Eatery in downtown Birmingham will soon be opening early to serve breakfast. Starting Wednesday, April 18 at its downtown Birmingham location, 611 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. S., guests will enjoy a full menu of made-from-scratch, modern-quality, comfort food to accommodate a variety of tastes.
|