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.

Bamboo on 2nd

Yesterday we visited The Collins Bar on 2nd Avenue North, today we cross the street and have a look at my talented friend Sarah Soule Webb's terrific octopus now hanging at Bamboo on 2nd. Bamboo features not just sushi but Asian fusion dishes.  I am hearing rave reviews for this place.

Euro Birmingham

Bottega Café and Restaurant are always a fine dining experience and offer a lovely taste of Euro Birmingham as well. 

Al Fresco Dining, Birmingham Style

Dining outside on a summer night at Bottega Restaurant and Cafe is about as good as it gets. 

Service With a Smile

For me a night out for dinner at Little Savannah Restaurant in Forest Park,  is a huge treat.  The food is always fabulous,  but having my friend Derrick as our waiter makes it even more special.  Always friendly and knowledgeable, he makes the whole dining experience par excellence!

Moose Country

Waiting for friends for lunch, I decided to snap the moose head that hangs over the bar at Billy's Bar and Grill in English Village has been in business since 1979 and can still draw a crowd.  They are known for their grilled chicken sandwich but there's plenty on the menu to choose from.

2012 Cahaba Road

Mt. Brook 35223

With Legs in the AIr!

So this is what the chairs do after hours at Bottega Restaurant! 

A Cool Spot to Dine

This cool and inviting fountain at Bottega Restaurant and Café on Highland Avenue, is sure to be more popular for outdoor dining as the weather cools here in Birmingham. I can hardly wait!

Stacked Up

Early on a Sunday morning, Daryl and I stopped at Bottega so I could show her these two great Birmingham restaurants.  We both got some good shots that day, even through the windows.

CDP Theme Day - Edges

The Cutting Edge

Well I don't mind telling you that I struggled mightily with this theme. I had almost given up and decided not to be a CDP team player this month, when I found this one.  I caught Chef Cliff Holt ( Little Savannah Restaurant in Forest Park) chopping the daylights out of some flat leaf parsley recently.  His captive audience was an enthusiastic group gathered for his Saturday cooking school.  I was lucky enough to be able to join the fun as the hungry photographer!

Hundreds of of City Daily Photobloggers around the world are joining this Theme Day. Give them a look!
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La Paree

I've chosen this photo today for several reasons.  La Paree in downtown Birmingham closed in 2003 after 60 years in business and was a great Birmingham restaurant that I'm sure many of your remember. If memory serves, I don't believe the cuisine was French but délicieux just the same. The crab claws were a personal favorite.  Well it's been long closed but the marquee remains.

 Today it makes me smile as it reminds me that very soon I'll be dining in Paree.......France!  I will have some good photographer friends that will share some of their work both here in B'ham and around the state as well. I hope you will like the virtual sidetrips. To keep up with my adventures visit my Paris Through My Lens blog.