An Evening with Cathy and Frank

Tonight I attended a swell event. The Harvard Club of Birmingham's E. O. Wilson Distinguished Lecture featured tapas from Shindig's Catering, charcuterie by Bettola's Chef James Lewis and dessert by Dolester Miles, Chef Stitt's longtime pastry chef and winner of this year's James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef.  After dinner, Cathy Sloss Jones sat down with Chef Frank Stitt, winner of this year's James Beard Award for Best Restaurant. They discussed the the emerging food culture of Birmingham and the influence both Cathy and Frank have had on the changes and resurgence of Alabama farmers, thanks to the Pepper Place Market. Good food, good company and great conversation.

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.

A Birmingham MUST HAVE

You can take this tip to the bank. When visiting Birmingham, you must dine at Chez Fonfon in 5 Points South. Save room for dessert because that coconut cake in the center is absolutely sublime. When it's served with crème anglaise drizzled over it, you will thank me. Chez Fonfon is just one of Chef Frank Stitt's four wonderful restaurants in the Birmingham area.

If You're Lucky Enough...

to get to here for lunch or dinner, I hope it's open!  Chef Frank Stitt's flagship restaurant,  Highlands Bar & Grill   at Five Points South, after hours.

A Paris Moment à Birmingham

Ohhh la la, I met my chère amie and fellow Paris blogger Genie, at Chez Fonfon yesterday . She and daughter Lauren were up from Mobile and when asked where we should lunch, I knew just the place.  We all agreed that it has a very French feel. They even have moules and frites on the menu!! This is one of internationally known and James Beard finalist, Chef Frank Stitt's fleet of three outstanding restaurants in Birmingham.  Located in Five Points South right next door to his fabulous Highlands Bar and Grill.


My friend and photography buddy, Bill Dixon has shared his photos here many times when I've been away.  Guess blogworld rubbed off on him, so he's gone and created his very own photoblog....Southern Stuff.  Please stop by, have a look, leave a comment and Follow his blog!

Bottega Revisited

Last year I took you to Bottega Restaurant and Cafe´. Located on Highland Avenue near Five Points South, this is one of Chef Frank Stitt's "fleet" of fine restaurants. I had the pleasure of having lunch at the cafe with my daughter and granddaughter, a little Grandparents' Day celebration last May. The food was delicious, and as we were leaving I decided to take a few photographs!

Highlands

That one word....Highlands...... is all you have to say around here. Folks know that you are headed to Highland's Bar and Grill, Frank Stitt's flagship restaurant. If you read the NY Times article 36 Hours in Birmingham,  you know that it was ranked in the top 5 for the prestigious James Beard Award.  I featured another window here before my last trip to Paris.  Today, a photograph that was one of those "Christmas presents" as I like to call them.  A photo that when loaded on your computer makes you sit back and smile.  This is a personal favorite of mine. I love the reflection being the star and the interior of the restaurant taking a back seat. Coming to Birmingham?  Make reservations at Highlands.  Bon appétit!

Merci beaucoup mille fois to my friend PJ at Pensacola Daily Photo for her dear bon voyage post for me today.  Merci PJ, what a thoughtful gesture.

PARIS COUNTDOWN.......4 DAYS!!!!

Cheers!

Today, with any luck at all, Karen, Peter and I will be in Jardins des Tuilieries,  sitting in the chairs below, sipping a little of the above.  La vie est tres bonne!

Top photo:  Highlands Bar and Grill on Birmingham's  southside. This is the flagship restaurant of Chef Frank Stitt. When you come to Birmingham, you must eat here. Mary, next time we will!

Bottom Photo:  The fountain, Jardins de Tuileries, March 2007

My friend D.C. Confidential has graciously consented to blogsit for me while I'm gone.  Should Blogger send the gremlins out, she will fix it right up. You just never know. Thanks, J.!

I am in Paris this week.   I am preposting my blog entries.  Each day I am including a photo from my trip to Paris in March 2007 ,  in addition to my Birmingham photo.  I may from time to time leave a comment from Paris.  Thanks for stopping by!

The Tune du Jour is on the sidebar this week.  Enjoy!

Bottega , Birmingham's Favorita!

Bottega Restaurant and Cafe are two more of Chef Frank Stitt's terrific restaurants * in Birmingham.  Located in the historic Bottega Favorita building on Highlands Avenue, they offer Italian, north African and Mediterranean cuisine.  For casual dining, the Cafe is a popular spot of dinner and drinks.  For a more formal dining experience, the restaurant offers an elegant setting and menu to match.  

* Highlands Bar and Grill and Chez Fonfon  are known for their French cuisine and are also owned and managed by Stitt and his wife Pardis.          

       

                      The Tune du Jour is "Caruso" by Josh Groban                                           

                                                                       

Bottega Cafe

Restaurant Entrance

Waiting

These waiters at Chez Fonfon, on Birmingham's 5 Points District, were enjoying the calm before the storm. I caught them right before the evening crowd began to gather.  Chez Fonfon is one of Chef Frank Stitt's fine restaurants here in Birmingham.  Check one of my earlier posts for a photo of their outdoor dining area.