Learning From The Best

If you're from Birmingham, the name Frank Stitt is a household name. Frank Stitt owns 4 of the best restaurants in Birmingham and has been a James Beard Award finalist for 9 consecutive years. It all started when he opened the world class Highland Bar and Grill in 1982. Since then, he and wife Pardis have added Bottega Cafe, Bottega and Chez Fonfon.  I will always contend that the reason these four restaurants have maintained the level of excellence over the years is that every night, Frank and Pardis are visible in each and every one.

Last week I took California friends to Chez Fonfon. As we waited for a table at the bar, I snapped this shot as Frank spent a few minutes in the kitchen, then some time with a waitress. If you're even in Birmingham, try one, try them all. You won't be disappointed.

Bon Appétit!

The chef at Chez Lulu in English Village seemed like the perfect person to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!

What's Cooking, Cliff?

Meet my good friend Cliff Holt. He and his beautiful wife Maureen have made Little Savannah one of Birmingham's most popular and respected restaurants.  Want to know the best part?  It's within walking distance from my house!  They use locally grown produce and if you want a fabulous meal.....head to Clairmont Avenue in Forest Park.  My favorites you ask?  Well everything on their ever changing menu is terrific, but their shrimp and grits are the best in town, and I'm a little partial to the Provençal Violette Sparkler at the bar!

I shot these during one of their Saturday morning cooking classes.  They meet the group at the Pepper Place Market and shop for the freshest Alabama produce then move to the restaurant to prepare a delicious meal.   ( Maybe "Kiss the Cook" should have been my title! )