Savor

Enjoy shrimp quesadillas with grapefruit margaritas at El Barrio. by Jan Walsh  Photography by Beau Gustafson El Barrio is Spanish for neighborhood. Birmingham’s El Barrio opened recently on Second Avenue North downtown, serving Mexican-influenced cuisine. Brian Somershield and Geoff Lockert—owners of the Italian restaurant, Trattoria Centrale—are the owners/restaurateurs, along with their long-time friend, Chris Cullen…. Read More

Nabeel’s sautéed shrimp, peasant salad, and wine bring back Greek memories. by Jan Walsh  Photography by Beau Gustafson As a daily special Nabeel’s offers several Greek delights. One of my favorites is the “Sautéed Shrimp from the Greek Islands.” It brings a bit of déjà vu of my trips to Greece. Actually the shrimp is… Read More

Chez Fonfon’s simple grilled fish is simply delicious. By Jan Walsh   Photography by Beau Gustafson When lunching at Chez Fonfon, I arrive early. Today I open the place at 11 a.m., because I know that by 11:30 there is typically not a table left. And by noon the bar will likely also be full. Chez… Read More

Cantina Tortilla Grill serves fresh and flavorful Mexican fare. By Jan Walsh   Photography by Beau Gustafson Cantina Tortilla Grill at Pepper Place is the original Cantina location. This successful restaurant sprouted other taquerías in the Birmingham metro area, on Highway 119 and at Patton Creek. Today we lunch on their Pepper Place patio and order… Read More

Another Broken Egg serves soup, salad and sandwiches. By Jan Walsh   Photography by Beau Gustafson Another Broken Egg is a popular breakfast and brunch spot in Mountain Brook Village. Breaking eggs may be their specialty, but they also serve a tasty lunch fare—entrée portion salads, hearty sandwiches and the soup of the day. I am… Read More

Catch this daily lunch special at the Tavern on the Summit. By Jan Walsh                 Photography by Beau Gustafson Tavern on the Summit has a hearty daily lunch special that pleases seafood lovers. The Grilled Shrimp Salad has two hickory grilled shrimp skewers atop either a Tavern or Caesar Salad. Their Caesar is one of my… Read More

Lunch at Jinsei’s is fresh and fulfilling By Jan Walsh, Photography by Beau Gustafson I was delighted when Jinsei began opening for lunch recently. We stop in for Saturday lunch and escape the heat in our favorite seat, the bar’s corner banquette. Jinsei’s watermelon margaritas—a seasonal obsession of mine—offer another reason to escape the summer heat… Read More

Lloyd’s Baked Chicken Greek Style is highly recommended. By Jan Walsh       Photography by Beau Gustafson Lloyd’s has been serving American and Southern style cooking for 74 years. Founded in 1937, the restaurant is a Highway 280 landmark. I can recall when it was “in the middle of nowhere.” Yet through the decades, as its neighborhood changed… Read More

The Pita Stop opens in Cahaba Heights, pleasing long-time and new patrons. By Jan Walsh     Photography by Beau Gustafson One of my favorite restaurants for many years has been The Pita Stop. As a student at UAB I frequented the original Southside location. And now I have another location that is even closer to home… Read More

Enjoy an array of sizable, tasty dishes for $2.95. By Jan Walsh    Photography by Beau Gustafson One of the best deals in town is Brio Tuscan Grille’s Tuscan Tasters $2.95 menu. Served on weekdays, the Tuscan Tasters menu is available from 3 until 7 p.m. and from 9 p.m. until close, in the bar or… Read More

Maki Fresh’s burgers and onion rings comfort all. By Jan Walsh    Photography by Beau Gustafson Think Maki Fresh is just for sushi lovers? Think about two mini burgers and a side of onion rings. Maki Fresh’s regular patrons discovered the burgers long ago, as they are one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. Two Maki… Read More