The Alabama Tourism Department has declared 2012 the “Year of Alabama Food,” and just in time for Birmingham to raise the bar for fine dining in the state. This year Birmingham made Southern Living’s “10 Tastiest Towns in the South,” and four Birmingham chefs and restaurant owners were chosen by the James Beard Foundation as finalists for its annual awards, one of the most prestigious competitions in the culinary world.
From the basic “meat and three”—three vegetables, that is—served with cornbread and sweet tea to more rarified fare such as rabbit tamales and crawfish bisque, Birmingham can be counted upon to dish up something special for groups.
Hot and Hot Fish Club (www.hotandhotfishclub.com) has been serving up fresh, inventive cuisine and garnering awards since 1995. Chef and co-owners Christopher and Idie Hastings base their menu on local ingredients, and signature dishes include Hot and Hot shrimp and grits made with country ham, fresh thyme, tomatoes and ver jus, and Elton’s chocolate souffle with fresh cream. Chris recently won national acclaim as the champion on Food Network’s Iron Chef America. The couple has also created a cookbook, The Hot and Hot Fish Club Cookbook, A Celebration of Food, Family and Traditions, which chronicles the Hastings’ passion for sharing special meals with loved ones throughout the year. There is group dining for 10 in the main dining room and space for 14 at a rustic, handmade table in the Harvest Room. The restaurant also caters events.
Veranda on Highland (www.verandaonhighland.com) infuses traditional Southern dishes with zesty twists borrowed from New Orleans and Caribbean cuisine. The restaurant, located in an elegant, renovated 1908 home, can welcome groups as large as 250. Diners can also have a drink in the Hemingway-themed Papa’s Bar and Lounge or try the live jazz brunch on Sundays. Chef Jeffrey Hansell took the helm of the eatery in March, inspired by the abundance of fresh, local ingredients found in the Birmingham area.
Groups can take their time at Cafe Dupont (www.cafedupont.net), a slow food destination in the city’s North End. The renowned restaurant prides itself on partnerships with local farms that provide its ultra-fresh, organic produce, milk and more. Housed in an 1870s storefront building, the restaurant won the Best Downtown Preservation Award from the Birmingham City Council and Chamber of Commerce. Its private dining loft looks out onto historic 20th Street and can welcome groups of 100 for receptions or 60 for banquets.
For groups anxious to sample the best of the area, the Greater Birmingham CVB has resurrected its popular Southern Foods Tour (www.inbirmingham.net) itinerary for groups. With stops at Golden Flake Snack Foods, Bud’s Best Cookies and farmers markets, as well as seasonal tastings at local wineries, the tour showcases the unique delicacies of Birmingham.
