Bhm - Where do you buy your spirits?

Sorry for the thread derailment, but I simply don't buy here. I go to Atlanta. I've never found specialty spirits here that I've sought. And the prices?!!!!

G200 in Central South

Birmingham...Best choice of cured meats

Thanks! Perfect timing of your post - I'm on my way out in 30 minutes.

G200 in Central South

Hispanic grocery store

There are two El Mercados. One on Lorna and the other on Greensprings. I don't know where Brito's is - never heard of it. The El Mercado on Greensprings is in that shopping center on the west side of Greensprings and south of Valley. I believe there is a Radio Shack, a Mexican restaurant, and maybe a Tuesday Morning in the same center. The two El Mercados are essentially the same, although the one in Hoover is a newer store.

G200 in Central South

Birmingham...Best choice of cured meats

Is Whole Paycheck, er uh Foods my best bet for a large selection of Italian cured meats? My contribution to this year's Thanksgiving.

Thanks.

G200 in Central South

Hispanic grocery store

I DARE YOU to go on a Saturday or Sunday morning and try to walk out without buying tamales, carnitas, or something else from the back. I've never been able to sustain the willpower to do so.

G200 in Central South

Birmingham - Red Pearl Hot and Spicy Fish Fillet Soup

I like the idea of a Chowdown. Their menu is so varied and fairly expansive, but my stomach is only so large. I'd be more than willing to meet even just a few for lunch or dinner who would like to order 9-10 different items.

I will look for the pepper oil as well as the peppercorns.

Thanks.

G200 in Central South

Birmingham - Red Pearl Hot and Spicy Fish Fillet Soup

I went to Red Pearl today, specifically seeking out something, anything with Sichuan peppercorns. I've never had them, but have read of their lip and mouth numbing quality, much as you described, Dax. While there, and in somewhat of a rush, I couldn't find the soup you mentioned. I do see a "Fillet in hot chili oil soup."

I asked my server if there is anything on the menu made with Sichuan peppercorns. He replied, "No." I asked again, just to make sure that I was clear. Again I got a "no." I didn't push it. Service was great, and I didn't want it to change.

So what gives? Dax, I'll take your word for it that the soup does contain the peppercorns, but my server was unaware of it. Is there anything else on the menu with the Sichuan peppercorns? I'll probably go back early next week to find something else. I'm never disappointed with Red Pearl, but I'm itching to try these peppercorns.

G200 in Central South

California Hound Needs Birmingham to Auburn Recs

If they can wait a couple of hours before eating, there's a restaurant in Sylacauga that I've heard wonderful things about. http://www.buttermilkhillrestaurant.com/

It is only a couple of miles out of the way, located about halfway between BHM and Auburn. My understanding is that their menu changes daily, and is reflective of what is fresh and available. Upscale, but relaxed Southern dining. From the looks of their website, they even have a veranda. Quintessential enough?

Please let us know if they go. My wife and I are planning a trip in November and would love a report.

G200 in Central South

BHAM- oriental market

Good suggestion. I forgot about that place. They've had Thai ingredients when the other shop I've mentioned earlier did not. Specifically, galangal and fresh kaffir lime leaves.

G200 in Central South

BHAM- oriental market

I've made them twice before. Aesthetically, they were not pretty, but passable. They were, however, delicious. You can really fill them with anything, although I think fresh herbs are probably a key ingredient. You've got me really hungry for some!

G200 in Central South

BHAM- oriental market

I assume you're talking about fresh rolls like the ones you'll find at Thai and Vietnamese restaurants? While you'll be able to find what you need at almost any Asian store, there is a store that specializes in Southeast Asian foods. It's located behind the Purple Onion and across from Baskits on Greensprings. I believe the street is named Carr. I'm not even sure there's much of a sign, and parking for only about 4 cars, but their SE Asian offerings are superior to other Asian markets in town.

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Purple Onion
1550 Montgomery Hwy Ste P, Birmingham, AL 35216

G200 in Central South

Bagels in Birmingham?

Thanks. I won't even spend the time or gas, then. A bagel isn't really a bagel if not boiled, is it?

G200 in Central South

Bagels in Birmingham?

I'm looking for bagels in Bham. Boiled, chewy bagels. I don't expect to find bagels similar to those I'd find in NY or Boston, but a close approximation will do. Thanks.

G200 in Central South

Brava Rotisserie Grill in Hoover [Birmingham Alabama]

Your welcome. I really hope you give them a try. As far as paella - I haven't ventured it. I haven't eaten paella since I visited Tampa's Columbia restaurant. I'm assuming that a fast casual restaurant can't touch Columbia's.

G200 in Central South

Brava Rotisserie Grill in Hoover [Birmingham Alabama]

This is not the type of a place that hires a "chef", much like you would not find a chef at most fast-casual restaurants. The owner has family in and has spent time visiting Spain, thus the influence. I believe that the owner hopes to establish a reproducible concept. I have seen the same young guy behind the counter each time.

I wish the restaurant's decor was a bit softer. On a night that's cool enough, diners can easily enjoy a leisurely meal at an outside table, but the inside dining is a little less inviting for those long meals.

G200 in Central South

Brava Rotisserie Grill in Hoover [Birmingham Alabama]

I have been 3 times, and have always been satisfied with the quality of the food and service. My suggestion is that you order the plates vs. sandwiches. The sandwiches are a good value, but the taste of the pork or chicken can be overpowered by the pita. The sides are the stars of the show, however. Fries with a generous sprinkle of Manchego and parsley are delicous. The potatoes with balsamic are also great. The salads consist of fresh, good quality lettuces, not the wilted bagged stuff that you often find at fast casual restaurants. Their spicy sauce (Romesco, I think) is delicous and different. It's a thick almost paste-like red sauce that reminds me of the Middle Eastern harissa, but definitely different. If I had it at home, I'd eat it with my cereal.

They also have available Good People beer. Since you're not local, give either the IPA or the Brown Ale a try if you imbibe.

G200 in Central South

Busy Bee Burger in Chelsea?

I tried their burgers once. I'll go back for a second try, mostly because I'd like to see a small business prosper, but I'll be expecting a little less. The burger I had was on the tough side and overcooked. Their buns were a welcome departure from the norm. Heavier and denser than your typical bun from a bag.

G200 in Central South

Birmingham -- Pork Belly

I've ordered it from the Cajun Cleaver in Hoover. Their sources vary.

G200 in Central South

Best Birmingham restaurant open Sunday, July 4? Brunch OR dinner

She got hotter as the night wore on.

G200 in Central South

Alabaster Area

We ate at Joe's last night with great anticipation. We had hopes of finding a restaurant that knows how to serve simple, unadulterated, Italian food. Unfortunately, we left somewhat disappointed. I ordered the Lasagna Bianca – “scratch made lasagna” with spicy Italian sausage and turnip greens, sort of a take on sausage and kale. The sausage was spicy as advertised, and complemented the turnip greens very well. The problem was that it was drowned in a pool of cheesy cream sauce. My wife ordered the Lobster ravioli for $20. That, too, was submerged in a white sauce. The homogenous filling consisted of finely processed lobster mixed with ricotta, I’m guessing. There were absolutely no small pieces of lobster meat, which would have given the dish a much more rustic and homemade quality. Instead, its taste and mouth feel leads me to believe the pasta came straight out of a package. For $20, I thought the dish should have at least some “made from scratch” qualities. My daughter’s spaghetti aglio e olio was just OK. The garlic was cooked beyond golden, and was dark brown and fairly bitter.

Noticeably absent from the menu were simple selections like Ensalada Caprese, cured meats, cheeses, olives, and other antipasti.

The service, after a 30 minute wait, was good, although rushed. They are not hurting for business, so I think they are trying to accommodate all of their guests. This isn’t a place to have a leisurely meal , at least on a weekend night.

Their beer list includes some six or so selections from the French Canadian Unibroue brewery, in addition to the usual (plus Naked Pig).

We really hoped to find an inexpensive Italian place that understands the beauty of simple, well-prepared foods. We’ll give them one more try, but I’ll go with lowered expectations.

G200 in Central South

Road trip - Alabama and Mississippi

I would suggest you stop somewhere along the Mississippi Tamale Trail for some Southern tamales. These are usually quite different from Mexican and other Latin tamales. Do a search for "tamale trail" and you'll find an interactive map that will help you plan your trip if you decide to stop for some. Have fun and drive safely.

G200 in Central South

Grapevine ethnic

Taco H was great, as advertised. Thanks for the recommendations. Tacos carnitas and al pastor were wonderfully moist and well spiced. I would have preferred some of those crunchy bits you often find in carnitas. The guacamole was good, too. Creamy with some chunks. Although I didn't see a beer menu, I was able to enjoy an horchata. With two weeks left here, I'm sure I'll see Taco H again.

My first night, since my flight arrived late, I had to find something near the hotel. Big mistake. I'm ashamed to admit I ate at El Fenix. Lesson learned.

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El Fenix Restaurants
6391 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76116

G200 in Dallas - Ft. Worth

Grapevine ethnic

Thanks all for the good suggestions. The BreadHaus and Market Street sound intriguing. I can deal with eating take-out for a few nights. As far as Tolbert's, I plan on only eating chili while cooling my tongue with a cold beer. I've had the chili before and rather enjoyed it. Taco H sounds like my kind of place. It's on my list.

G200 in Dallas - Ft. Worth

Grapevine ethnic

Hi,

I'll be staying at the Hilton Garden Inn in Grapevine (near Main Street) for 2 weeks and am looking for some dining opportunities. Since meals will be eaten alone, I prefer to avoid the more formal restaurants and instead prefer smaller, more casual restaurants. In particular, I enjoy eating almost any ethnic food, including Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Mexican (for tacos al pastor, de lengua, huevos y nopales, etc), Italian, etc... The closer to my hotel, the better, as I usually like to have a beer with dinner and prefer to keep driving distances to a minimum after doing so.

I'm also interested in other dining opportunities that are nearby. I'm familiar with and will be eating at Tolbert's for chili and Weinberger's for an Italian Beef. Anything other don't miss casual restaurants nearby?

Thanks.

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Tolbert's
423 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051

G200 in Dallas - Ft. Worth

Birmingham -- Mr. Chen's

We were told by someone that ownership had changed as well. We asked the young girl that works the register and were told that ownership has NOT changed hands.

G200 in Central South

Birmingham - Bagels

Bagels, if not boiled, aren't really bagels. I'm fortunate enough to make it to Goldbergs Bagels in New Jersey every month or so, and have been spoiled. I've given up my search for a real bagel in Birmingham.

G200 in Central South

Birmingham -- Mr. Chen's

Dax,
Based on your recommendation of the boiled beef in hot oil, I gave it a try this weekend. Outstanding! We asked for ours to be made spicy and got a good bit of heat. Great suggestion.

G200 in Central South

Birmingham - Silver Coin Indian Grill

BD - Baaaaad idea to read your suggestions while hungry. Silver Coin sounds like a great place for the next Chowdown.

G200 in Central South

Birmingham -- Mr. Chen's

Ahhh. Pork belly it will be. One can never have enough. Matter of fact I have a 5 lb piece curing in my warm fridge. Hoping to have pancetta in another 2 weeks.

G200 in Central South