Other southern cities, like Nashville, New Orleans and Charleston, get more attention for their food, but Birmingham has quietly established itself as a regional attraction for foodies. The city still has old school southern joints and soul food restaurants. Breweries are popping up everywhere. Chef Frank Stitt is still the main figure on the food scene, but local chefs are making their own mark and getting national attention.
Crispy Fish Cheeks
Where: Automatic Seafood and Oysters
Chef Adam Evans, in his modern seafood restaurant that opened in 2019, brings big and bold flavors to his dishes without overpowering the seafood that is the star. His crispy fish cheek seasoned with Calabrian chili butter shows his commitment to using all parts of the fish, while his swordfish poached in duck fat is a brilliant bit of decadence . In 2022, Evans won the James Beard Award for best chef in the South.
2824 Fifth Ave. South, Birmingham, (205) 580-1600 On the same subject : Children are being encouraged to eat junk food on holiday with a UK government campaign.
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Meatloaf
Where: Johnny’s Restaurant
Timothy Hontzas has ventured into fine dining restaurants, most notably City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi. When he opened his place, Hontzas decided to update the tradition of Southern meat and three. He is obsessed with food, made with local products, and doesn’t cut corners. To see also : The debate over the best fast food burger of all time rages online. His meatloaf has 32 ingredients. But there is nothing pretentious about this lunch-only restaurant favored by locals.
2902 18th St. South, Homewood, (205) 802-2711
Oxtails
Where: Eagle’s Restaurant
The classic soul food restaurant has been feeding Birmingham since 1951. The menu varies from day to day and includes baked chicken, beef tips with rice and rich and tender oxtail. This may interest you : Hartford’s first food truck park opens Friday. The restaurant was featured on Andrew Zimmern’s television show. Save room for an order of banana pudding or a slice of sweet potato pie.
2610 16th St North, Birmingham, (205) 320-0099
Coconut Pecan Cake
Where: Chez Fonfon
Chef Frank Stitt towers over the Birmingham dining scene. Its flagship Highlands Bar and Grill remains closed due to pandemic staff shortages. But both Stitt’s Italian restaurant, Bottega, and Chez Fonfon, a tribute to French bistros, are open. Chez Fonfon recreates both the cooking of a traditional French bistro and its bustling energy. Stitt’s celebrated pastry chef Dolester Miles recently retired, but you can still get a slice of her coconut cake at Chez Fonfon.
2007 11th Ave. South, Birmingham, (205) 939-3221
Previously: Soul food vs. southern food, what’s the difference? History, culture and appropriation
Hungry?: 3 restaurants where you can taste Birmingham’s past, present and future
Pint of IPA
Where: Good People Brewing Company
Birmingham is bursting with breweries and taprooms. Good People Brewing Company, an early leader in the city’s craft beer scene, is among the top breweries in the state. The brewery hosts rotating food trucks, and outside dining is also allowed. Although the taproom is dog-friendly, humans must be 21 or older to visit.
114 14th St. South, Birmingham, (205) 286-2337
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