 Primo Lunch
Lingering over a chef driven lunch at Bottega Café
By Jan Walsh
Grabbing a bite of lunch is not our style. Lunch is our favorite meal. And enjoying lunch at a locally owned, chef driven restaurant makes our day. Unfortunately, in recent years many of our favorite restaurants discontinued lunch. Fortunately, Frank and Pardis Stitt’s Bottega Café and Chez Fonfon are open for lunch with the same menus as dinner. Both restaurants offer a wide variety of offerings with the freshest fare. Show up early at the Café for Italian and reserve Fonfon for French.
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 All the Difference
Details are in the distinction of Café Dupont.
By Jan Walsh
Our history with Café Dupont goes back a couple of decades. Kev and I escaped the world for romantic lunches and dinners at its original Springville location. It was just far enough away to enjoy both the ride and the restaurant. As newlyweds we could not get enough of each other and this place. And we were captivated by the cuisine. From the front of the house, we never saw the kitchen. Thus, we never met the talented sous chef, Chef Chris Evans, who plated the perfection we enjoyed.
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 Shh! Surf Hound
Coming Fall 2024! Abhi's third restaurant, Surf Hound Club and Restaurant will be located below Abhi Restaurant and Bar in Mountain Brook.
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 Full Bellies, Happy Hearts
Saturday brunch at Sol Y Luna leaves us happy and satisfied.
By Jan Walsh
There is a Mexican saying, barriga llena, corazón contento, which translates to “full belly, happy heart.” Its original source may be anonymous, but it is often attributed to Mexican grandmas because whenever her grandchildren feel sad, brokenhearted, or lonely, Mexican matriarchs comfort them with food.
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 Celebrating Dads
Father’s Day Brunch at Galley and Garden is an annual tradition.
By Jan Walsh
As we valet the car, the garden welcomes us. Friendly flowers, such as Black-eyed Susans and Echinaceas pop with vibrant gold and purple tones. Complimenting Maître D’ Stan Reynolds on the garden, he shares that he also has plums out back… This man’s talents never cease! He came to Galley and Garden in 2014, from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Today not only does he have a green thumb, he has the hands of an artist. Drawing on his art degree from Auburn, he adorns Galley and Garden’s walls with his framed watercolor paintings. We catch up as he pours sparkling water from a glass bottle that we did not order. But he knows to serve.
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 Cheers to 28 Years!
Anniversary dinner at a restaurant we love, Dyron’s Lowcountry.
By Jan Walsh
Together Kev and I have lived life to the fullest for 28 years. And tonight, we chose Dyron’s Lowcountry for our special celebration. Dyron and Sonya Powell’s Mountain Brook restaurant has always been a favorite. And most recently we have a new reason to love Dyron’s...
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 Lunch at Troup’s Pizza is handmade for everyone.
By Jan Walsh
Today is a blessed day. The daughter I never had, Rachel Duncan, is home from England with her family. Like me, Rachel and her husband, Richard Duncan have two sons. And Richard Phillips, who is like a son to me, drove her from their hometown of Oneonta for a day trip. We start with an early lunch at Troup’s Pizza in Cahaba Heights before going back to my house for the afternoon.
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 Sloan’s
Owners of Bistro 218 and Bocca Ristorante, Birmingham native and professionally trained chef Tom Saab and wife, Christina Saab are opening their third Birmingham location. Coming to 2308 2nd Avenue North, scheduled to open in August.
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 Le Patio
Lunch with my sons on Chez Fonfon’s patio is delicious and delightful.
By Jan Walsh
Today we “travel” to the South of France for lunch, at Chez Fonfon’s patio. This oasis of blooming hydrangeas and lush layers of green, surrounding the bubbling water fountain, soothes the eye and the soul. “The Boys” are home for Mother’s Day week, and we are the first ones on the patio. I am seated across from them so that I can see both in one view. Neither have been on the patio before and they are captivated.
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 Last Chance
We landed at Ocean’s bar for the final Tuesday Takeover.
By Jan Walsh
Ocean Restaurant reopened on Tuesday nights last fall. And to get the party started they launched Tuesday Takeover, featuring half priced sushi, buy one get one raw oyster specials, and brought back their famous Lobster Pot Pie!
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