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Exotic Eats

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.

Multicultural Menu

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.

Romantic Sojourn

Pair Shula’s Steak House with a night at the Wynfrey Hotel.

By Jan Walsh

Photography by Jason Wallis

This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday—perfect timing for a romantic overnighter or weekend. Shula’s Steak House and the Wynfrey Hotel offer two packages from which to choose. “A Touch of Romance” is available during Valentine’s weekend, February 12 through February 14. And the “Taste of Shula’s” is available year round!

Local Appetite

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.

Sunny Sustenance

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.

Total Package

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 of executive chef Tom Robey that keeps them coming back for more.

Cafe of Dreams

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.

Southern Comfort

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.

Familiar Favorites

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.

Historic Highlands

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.

Authentic Mediterranean

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.

Italian Landmark

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.

Bone Appetite

Savor succulent barbecue and beyond at Sweet Bones Alabama.

By Jan Walsh

Photography by Beau Gustafson

Sweet Bones Alabama satisfies both picky palates and hearty appetites. From foul to fish, pork to beef, and salads to sandwiches, there is—more than— something for everyone.

Steel City Lemonade Martini

Beat the heat with a Steel City Lemonade Martini at 26!

By Jan Walsh

Here's The Beef

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.

Bravo Avo

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.

Transcend Time

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.

Imagination and Execution

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.

Jinsei Two Ways

Raw fare verses cooked, both are winners at Jinsei.

By Jan Walsh

Photography by Beau Gustafson

Some like their fish served raw. Others think fire was a great discovery and prefer their fish cooked. And some of us like it all. Tonight Robin Colter, creative director of Birmingham magazine joins me for dinner and orders four courses, raw. And I order four courses, cooked.

Wide Net

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.

Better Than Ever

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.

Near And Far

Brock's at Ross Bridge brings both local foodies and hotel guests back for more.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

Let's face it. Other than a well-done steakhouse, it is rare to find a fine dining, hotel restaurant that draws the locals. But Brock's, located at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa, exceptional cuisine makes it the exception. Director of food and beverage, Chris Townsley and executive chef Robert Kamm have settled for nothing less, since the resort opened in 2006. Kamm is European trained, and his experience includes working at Hotel Alexander Am See in Twalwll-Zurich, Switzerland, a boutique hotel with only 35 exclusive rooms, for master chef Beat Schittenhelm. In 2008, sous chef Joshua Towey joined the staff, bringing years of local experience, working for Frank Stitt and Chris Hastings.

Bite of Heaven

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.

Two Chefs, One Kitchen

At Daniel George, two chefs feed off each other.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

Daniel George is Mountain Brook Village's neighborhood, fine dining restaurant. The menu changes daily, featuring a variety of Gulf seafood, wild and domestic game, meats, poultry and fresh produce prepared by two chefs, Daniel Briggs and George McMillan III.

Soup, Salad and Shopping

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.

Italian Sensation

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.

Lofty Pairings

The Wine Lofts are for wining and dining.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

Both locations of The Wine Loft offer an appetizing menu of light fare that pairs well with wine.

Flashy and Fried

Shula's Flash Fried Lobster is simply fabulous.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

Order seafood at a steakhouse, Shula's Steakhouse. And make it the Flash Fried Lobster Tail.

Heart and Soul

Veranda on Highland's cuisine is created with loving care by executive chef Thomas Robey.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

Veranda on Highland's executive chef, Thomas Robey is not just the head of the kitchen. He is the heart of the kitchen, and the restaurant. Being the chef here is a full-time passion for Robey. It is both his work and his play. "I love having a beautiful restaurant like the Veranda to run. The place is always on my mind," executive chef Thomas Robey says. "I am usually at the restaurant. Even on Mondays when we're closed, I spend an hour or two, just poking around, putting together orders and such. And when I am not here, I'm shopping at the market or cooking."

Amore

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.

Sweet Heat

I can't eat just one of Jim and Nick's spare ribs.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

People sometimes ask me if I cook. I jokingly answer, "I don't cook; I write about cooking." I actually do cook when I have time, which is not often. But cook ribs? Never. Barbecuing ribs is best left to the pros.

Chocolate Fondue

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?

Insatiable Appetite

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. "I was wowed by Cafe Dupont!" she exclaimed, before going on to describe in detail each delicious dish. I was not surprised, as I have been "wowed" again and again since the restaurant opened in 2003. And Cafe Dupont led her "Food and Wine Across America" article on Birmingham, which was published in the October 2007.

Unforgettable

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.

White Barbecued Shrimp

Open Door Cafe's shrimp is dark, deep and rich in flavor.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

I frequent Open Door Cafe for Sunday brunch. But tonight I find a standout on the dinner menu, the White Barbecued Shrimp. Executive chef Dave Knoll, brings the best of New Orleans to the table at Open Door. So rather than covered in a white sauce, this New Orleans dish arrives in a white bowl filled with a pink pile of shrimp resting atop a dark, deep and rich garlic butter sauce.

Billy's Younger Brother

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.

Rumor Has It

Are these Egg Rolls made from Joy Young's recipe?

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

I heard a rumor. And I am spreading it. There is a little Chinese take out place that makes Joy Young's egg rolls, or egg rolls just like them.

Still Sizzling

Ruth's Chris celebrates 15 years in Birmingham.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

In 1993 the first hotel-based Ruth's Chris Steak House opened in the Embassy Suites property in Birmingham. Situated in the lobby of the Embassy Suites hotel the restaurant is conveniently located just off the Red Mountain Expressway between Homewood and Mountain Brook. And over the past 15 years many from these neighborhoods and beyond have become regulars for both lunch and dinner.

Big Cheese

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."

A Satisfying Ritual

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.

Le French Café

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.

Scrumptious Synthesis

Have your cake and candy too with Veranda on Highland's Praline Cheesecake.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

Some chefs are savory chefs. Others are dessert chefs. And some are equally talented at both, such as Veranda On Highland's executive chef Thomas Robey. His desserts are as delicious as the savory dishes they follow, and this makes selecting only one of his desserts quite difficult.

Chef's Creations

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.

Signature Sandwich

Clubhouse at Ross Bridge chef Scott Cohen makes a namesake sandwich.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

The Clubhouse is a popular eatery for those who are staying at the Ross Bridge Renaissance Hotel & Spa, golfing, or live in the Ross Bridge neighborhood.And it is being discovered by many other diners who enjoy the five flat screen televisions, the open fireplace and the casual, comforting fare.

Crafty Cuisine

Fox Valley's fare continues to captivate diners from near and far.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

Helena's Fox Valley restaurant opened its doors in 1990. The cuisine of partners and executive chefs Sue Lemieux and Anthony Mangold, paired with an extensive wine list, immediately brought a regular following. And through the 17 years that followed, the crab cakes became famous, and the wine list has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year for over a decade.

Fall Fare

Brio Tuscan Grille's fall menu includes a palatable pork tenderloin.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

Fall and winter appetites crave comfort food. And Brio Tuscan Grille's fall menu offers a satisfying selection of Tuscan peasantry home cooking.

Customized Courses

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.

Big Appetite

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.

Perfect Parfait

Brock's puts the perfection in parfait.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

Parfait is a French word that means perfect. But it can be perfectly confusing. A French parfait is frozen custard made of cream, often including a fruit puree. An American parfait is typically served in a tall glass with ice cream, syrups and topped with whipped cream and a cherry a sundae. Brock's executive chef, Robert Kamm makes the ultimate parfait, but named it Frozen Mousse on the menu for clarity.

Clubhouse at Ross Bridge

Brock's sister restaurant offers casually upscale Southern fare.

By Jan Walsh

Clubhouse is the Ross Bridge alternative to Brock's. Brock's is about finesse. And Clubhouse is about fast. Executive chef of Brock's and Clubhouse, Robert Kamm says that you don't have to be staying or playing at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa to drop in for a bite at Clubhouse. The restaurant is a neighborhood favorite to Ross Bridge residents for both dining in and taking out. Birmingham area residents have also discovered that Clubhouse is a great place for lunch and dinner.

Salad Days

Billy's Bar and Grill's Santa Fe Salad is big on flavor.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

Billy's Bar and 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.

Select, Swirl and Savor

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.

The Big Chill

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.

Centennial Cuisine

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.

A Lofty Wine Bar

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.

Costa's Mediterranean Cafe

Offering Diners a Variety of Cuisines

By Carla Jean Whitley
Photography by Beau Gustafson

Walking into Costa's Mediterranean Cafe is nothing special. The Trussville location is a former Bennigan's, and the chain restaurant atmosphere still exists. But when you're at Costa's, it isn't for the atmosphere, it's for the food.

The Lure of Ocean

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.

Dish Fulfillment

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.

Diner of Distinction

John's City Diner serves familiar fare in a slick, suburban ambience.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

In 2004, husband and wife, Shannon and Shana Gober transformed the downtown John's City Diner into a landmark of their own. Just two years later they opened a second location in Trussville. And today the Gobers have not one, but two successful diners in the greater Birmingham area.

From Passion to Perfection

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..."

Culinary Masterpiece

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.

Totally Cool

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.

Champagne and Chopsticks

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.

The Sweet Life

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.

Now That's Italian!

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.

Easy Elegance

Brock's at Ross Bridge blends Southern substance with Mediterranean style.

By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson

Brock's, at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, opened only a couple of months ago, but already has a loyal, local following. Appetizing aromas of familiar Southern fare accented by exotic Mediterranean notes drift through the air, luring both hotel guests and local foodies. The appealing ambiance of warm, energetic colors-azure, lime, and cherry red-balanced by cool metals of iron and copper bridge the gap between the two cultures. And its picturesque views of the golf course and patio-where roaring fire pits and tunes of bag piper, Jim MacRae-entice diners to linger longer.

Prime Time

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.

New Flame

Muy Caliente! Cocina Superior lights a fire at Brookwood.

By Jan Walsh
Photography Beau Gustafson

The anticipation is over. But the temptation has just begun. For months, Brookwood Village passersby watched the demolition of the former East City Grill. Both puzzled and intrigued by the tearing down of exterior brick walls and the gutting of the interior, the building's transformation became a spectator sport for future diners. Eventually evolving into a glistening glass eatery with panoramic views, this wide-open ambiance is now home to chef Jess Bourgeois, formerly a Creole chef at Commander's Palace in New Orleans, which remains closed since Hurricane Katrina. Prior to Commander's Palace, Bourgeois graduated from LSU with a degree in food science and nutrition before earning an associate's degree from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Austin, Texas.

Still On Fire

Fire's cuisine sparks new flames in Crestline.

By Jan Walsh
Photography Beau Gustafson

Like a slow burning flame, Fire's ambiance is both intimate and relaxing. The cuisine is consistently comforting. And executive chef/owner Danny Lasseter avoids predictability by garnishing with a touch of chic-and presenting with panache.

Butcher, Baker, Ambience Maker

Paul Casey creates Italian American cuisine and a French atmosphere at Rock House Grill.

By Jan Walsh
Photography Beau Gustafson

Multi talented Paul Casey finds a home at the Lakeview's Rock House Grill. Everything in this house has that Casey touch-summer blossoms ushering diners inside, chandeliers he crafted with antique crystals, and scrumptious Italian American fare-all designed with an artistic flair.

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