Friday, December 30, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 132


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 131


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 130


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 129


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

ALsocme Collecting Clothing for Tornado Survivors

The Alabama Social Media Association is having a mixer on Wednesday, December 14, of the tacky variety.

They will be having a Tacky Christmas Sweater contest at Rogue Tavern from 6 to 8pm, and the worst sweater will receive a door prize. They ask that you bring new clothing to donate to tornado survivors, of which they will distribute to appropriate charitable organizations.

“Our organization is glad to continue giving back to the community as we’ve done throughout our inaugural year,” said executive director Stephanie Hutcheson. Past donations have included food and cash for various charities.

It's a great opportunity to get out and socialize with other Birmingham social media users and give back to the community all at once. The event is free, they just ask that you RSVP on their Facebook page.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 128


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Monday, November 28, 2011

#AlaBlogMeet This Friday!

Our next Alabama Bloggers meet is being hosted by the fabulous Alison Lewis from Ingredients Inc!

Alison has been busy traveling to promote her new book, 400 Best Sandwich Recipes, but has generously made time in her crazy schedule to join us at lunch. Alison's blog always has a delicious recipe that is both healthy and kid-approved, so be sure to check it out!

The meet-up will be held on Friday, December 2 at Cantina Downtown. We will meet at 11:30, but feel free to come late if you need to - we're usually there for a while!

We always have a wonderful time at meet-ups, discussing everything related and unrelated to social media. And everyone is invited!! Help us spread the word on Twitter and Facebook - the hashtag is #AlaBlogMeet.

Please RSVP on this post or the original post by December 1 so that we can save you a seat!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 127


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 126


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Next Alabama Blogger Meet!

Our next Alabama Bloggers meet is being hosted by the fabulous Alison Lewis from Ingredients Inc!

Alison has been busy traveling to promote her new book, 400 Best Sandwich Recipes, but has generously made time in her crazy schedule to join us at lunch. Alison's blog always has a delicious recipe that is both healthy and kid-approved, so be sure to check it out!

The meet-up will be held on Friday, December 2 at Cantina Downtown. We will meet at 11:30, but feel free to come late if you need to - we're usually there for a while!

We always have a wonderful time at meet-ups, discussing everything related and unrelated to social media. And everyone is invited!! Help us spread the word on Twitter and Facebook - the hashtag is #AlaBlogMeet.

Please RSVP on this post by November 30 so that we can save you a seat!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 125


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 124


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Find Out What Motivates Your Social Media Audience!

Have you ever wondered why your social media audience does what it does? What motivates people to respond to your tweets, to comment on your blog posts, and to interact with you? Why do some people pay attention to everything you say, and others never bother to even check?

The next ALsocme meeting will address this subject. Jenny Schmitt from Cloudspark will be sharing a talk on “The Digital Divide: The Psychographics of Social Media,” where she will discuss how different generations use and integrate social media into their lives and what motivates their nearly every move online.

The luncheon is on November 9th from 11:15 am to noon at the Hill Event Center. The event is free, and lunch will be provided. If you haven't been to an ALsocme event yet, this is an excellent one to attend!! I highly recommend coming to network with others and learn from Jenny's talk.

For more information, click here.

Best Post of the Week: Week 123


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Shop Birmingham - and a Giveaway!



I truly adore the ever-increasing focus on shopping locally over the past few years. Alabama has an unbelievable wealth of local merchants, artisans, and restaurants, and the more we support these businesses, the more of our money stays in Alabama and, therefore, makes Alabama an even better place to live.

One organization that is making it easier to shop locally is ShopBirmingham.com. Shop Birmingham is an awesome resource featuring menus, gift certificates, products, services, and general contact information for businesses in the Birmingham metro area. Their site is a great resource to help Birminghamians know where they can go to shop local, and even to be able to shop locally from their computer!

Also, it's a win-win for local merchants. At no charge, you can list your business information and up to five items for sale. It's a great way to get recognized as a local business, and to be able to easily offer online ordering! They also offer more in depth services for a fee, so you can get as much as you want out of the site.

But if you're not in Birmingham, don't despair! Shop Birmingham is expanding rapidly. They currently have two more sister sites, Shop Mountain Brook and Shop Homewood, and are planning on expanding throughout the state! Keep your eyes out for a a site near you in the future.

Shop Birmingham gave me five awesome T-Shirts to give away - they are a great way to share the love of shopping locally! And they're pretty fashionable shirts, too. They sell on their site for $20 each, and they wear very nicely.


AND, as a bonus, the five winners will be put into a drawing to possibly win two tickets to a show at the Alys Stephens Center!

If you would like to win, hop on over to my other blog and enter!! But hurry - the contest only lasts until October 31st!!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 122


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

#AlaBlogMeet MOVED Due to Strike

Tomorrow's Alabama Blogger's Meet has been relocated, due to Cantina being closed because of the strike. We will still be meeting in Hoover, though - at The Fish Market on Highway 31. We hope to still see you there at 11:30!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Reminder: #AlaBlogMeet This Friday!!

We will be meeting next on Friday, October 14 at 11:30 at Cantina in Patton Creek. If you need to be late, no problem - we're usually there for a while!

If you've never joined us at a meet-up before, you are absolutely welcome, whether you're already blogging or just thinking about it. We usually discuss a number of topics, both of the social media and non-social media nature. And no matter what we end up talking about, there's always plenty of laughter!

If you'd like to join us for lunch, please RSVP on this post or the original post by October 12. And help spread the word - the hashtag is #AlaBlogMeet !

Hope to see you there!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 120


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 119


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 118


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

October Alabama Blogger's Meet-Up!

***UPDATE: This Alabama Blogger's Meet has been relocated, due to Cantina being closed because of the strike. We will still be meeting in Hoover, though - at The Fish Market on Highway 31. We hope to still see you there at 11:30, or when you can make it! *****


It's been a couple of months since we've had our traditional monthly meet-up, and I've missed you all!

We will be meeting next on Friday, October 14 at 11:30 at Cantina in Patton Creek. If you need to be late, no problem - we're usually there for a while!

If you've never joined us at a meet-up before, you are absolutely welcome, whether you're already blogging or just thinking about it. We usually discuss a number of topics, both of the social media and non-social media nature. And no matter what we end up talking about, there's always plenty of laughter!

If you'd like to join us for lunch, please RSVP on this post by October 12. And help spread the word - the hashtag is #AlaBlogMeet !

Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Upcoming Social Media Events!!

Just a reminder that two great opportunities to meet other bloggers in person are coming up toward the end of this month:

1. ALsocme's Tech Tweetup is September 21 from 5 - 8 pm. This event will be a wonderful opportunity to network with people you've already met via social media and meet new people, as well as learn more about social media as it relates to Birmingham.

Mayor William Bell will be presenting a short address on the state of technology in the city from 6 - 6:30, and there will be networking time before and after. Dinner is free, and will be provided by Ted's Restaurant.

Tickets are free, but attendees must register at alsocme.com.

2. See Jane Write's See Jane Write Blogger Bash is on Thursday, September 29 at The Wine Loft. It starts at 5:30, and there will be door prizes!!

If you would like to come hang out with a bunch of other area women bloggers, be sure to sign up for this free event!

The hashtag for the event is #sjwbhm.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 116


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Monday, September 5, 2011

See Jane Write Blogger Bash

See Jane Write is an awesome organization that is encouraging women writers of all kinds. They have held several educational meetings, and on top of the valuable information shared, everyone has just wanted to visit and get to know each other.

So, to give ample opportunity for that, they have put together a social event specifically for bloggers! The See Jane Write Blogger Bash is on Thursday, September 29 at The Wine Loft. It starts at 5:30, and there will be door prizes!!

If you would like to come hang out with a bunch of other area women bloggers, be sure to sign up for this free event!

The hashtag for the event is #sjwbhm.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 115


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

ALsocme Tech Tweet-Up September 21!

One of the chief purposes of Alabama Bloggers is to encourage relationship building between area bloggers, and specifically to offer opportunities for bloggers to meet in person. Although the social media world is a fabulous place to make friends, those friendships grow exponentially when you actually speak face-to-face. It is for this reason that I am so excited about The Alabama Social Media Association (ALsocme). They offer excellent opportunities to meet other social media professionals and hobbyists within the state, as well as increasing knowledge and awareness of social media. If you haven't been to an ALsocme meeting yet, I highly encourage taking advantage of this next one!

It is scheduled for September 21 from 5 - 8 pm. This event will be a wonderful opportunity to network with people you've already met via social media and meet new people, as well as learn more about social media as it relates to Birmingham.

Mayor William Bell will be presenting a short address on the state of technology in the city from 6 - 6:30, and there will be networking time before and after.

This event is sponsored by Wesban Financial Consultants, and dinner will be provided (and free!) from the amazing Birmingham Landmark, Ted's Restaurant.

Tickets are free, but attendees must register at alsocme.com. I hope to see you there!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 114


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Birmingham Restaurant Week: Rojo


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Rojo is a delightfully eccentric Mexican restaurant on Highland Avenue.  We have taken our kids there several times, so in my quest to show how Birmingham Restaurant Week is kid-friendly, we eagerly signed up for Rojo.

We enjoyed our food quite a bit, but in kid-friendly terms, I would recommend Rojo at lunch instead of dinner.  We arrived at our normal dining time of 6pm, which at other restaurants is usually just us and older couples.  But Rojo, being hip and urban, has quite the bustling after-work crowd, so it felt more like happy hour than our usual quiet early-dinner experience. 

Which is perfectly fine, but it was too loud for my four year old, and we felt a little more out of place than usual with our young brood in tow.  However, we’ve had many wonderfully pleasant lunches there, so we’ll stick to that from now on.

Rojo's Birmingham Restaurant Week Menu (which, by the way, is available for lunch or dinner) has the option of a Salsa Trio or Queso.  I am a sucker for variety, especially in dips, so I opted for the trio.

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The regular salsa was spicy, flavorful and thin – the consistency that salsa should be, in my opinion.  The black bean salsa contained fresh (non-mushy) beans, corn, onions and cilantro, giving it the Tex-Mex sweet and hearty taste that was very pleasing.  The Pineapple Salsa was something I’d never had before, but loved from the first bite.  Almost completely sweet with just a hint of red onion, it was a delightful surprise.

Their entree choices include a Chipotle Pork and Mushroom Burrito, Chicken Tomatillo Tacos, or Shrimp Tomatillo Tacos.

Already being a fan of fish tacos, I opted to try the shrimp tomatillo tacos for my entree.


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The tacos came ready to customize with only shrimp and onions already in the tortillas.  I added the black beans and tomatillo salsa, giving it a wonderfully varied flavor.

The shrimp were fairly spicy, but the tomatillo salsa was cool and mild, helping bring the temperature back down.  I enjoyed my tacos, and there was plenty provided – I chose to forego my tortilla on the second one and just eat the shrimp/tomatillo/black bean mixture.

Dessert options included Chango (cheesecake in a fried tortilla) or Peanut Butter Pie.  I chose the Peanut Butter Pie…


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…which had an added benefit: unlike my last two Birmingham Restaurant Week desserts where the kids ate WAY too much of it, I only had to share my pie with Ali, as Noah is too young for Peanuts.  Score!

The pie was a perfect completion to the meal, bringing it back full-circle to sweet.  It had chunks of peanuts in the rich and creamy pie filling, and a delightfully subtle layer of chocolate fudge between the peanut butter and the crust that left me licking my spoon clean. 

Rojo 
2921 Highland Avenue, 35205
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11 AM – 10 PM



Rachel is a Birmingham-Based Blogger who writes at Grasping for Objectivity and runs this networking site for all Alabama Bloggers. She and her family love eating out, especially at local establishments where the food is divine and kids are welcomed with open arms.Rojo on Urbanspoon

Monday, August 22, 2011

Birmingham Restaurant Week: The Silvertron Cafe.

by Rachel
The Silvertron Cafe sits inconspicuously in the Forest Park neighborhood of Birmingham, along Clairmont Road.


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My family and I have come to adore Silvertron over the past couple of years, and when we rave about it to others, we get one of two responses: either excited agreement, or “I’ve never heard of Silvertron, where is it?”

…which would have been our own reaction five years ago.

However, it’s been a favorite of those in the know for the past twenty-five years, and with good reason.

Their expansive and widely-varied menu offers up something (or, in my case, a dozen somethings) for everyone, and the fabulously generous portion sizes are sure to feed you tonight AND tomorrow night.

But they don’t skimp on quality for quantity – they offer both. The owner, Marco Morosini, adds his seasoned and highly-acclaimed touch to each menu item.

Another great perk that Silvertron offers is their constantly varying menu. They display their specials on the wall as you come in,

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As well as offering fun event nights like Monday Night Pasta and Tex-Mex Tuesdays.

We always bring our kids along, and I’ve never felt uncomfortable doing so, despite the high-end tastes that Silvertron offers. Their dining room is open and airy, leaving plenty of room between tables. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, with a wide array of diner demographics.

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The wait staff is always friendly and overly helpful to our burdened-with-kids state. Last time we visited, our waiter chased for a block to bring us our leftovers that we’d accidentally left on the table. This visit, the staff only had good humor in Ali’s efforts at making herself at home, depositing her shoes underneath my chair.

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The kid’s meals are more than enough to feed two (or more) children off of one plate – they use the same platter-sized plates that they use for entrees, and fill them to the brim with kid goodness.

And then, because every kid needs help filling in the cracks after dinner, you can let them finish the meal off with a Kid’s Ice Cream Sunday, made to order:

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This week’s Birmingham Restaurant Week Menu offers some fabulous choices to let diners sample what Silvertron is all about.

For the appetizer course, you have the choice between Tomato and Mozzarella Salad or Roasted Eggplant and Goat Cheese Bruschetta.

I had the opportunity to taste the bruschetta at the Preview Party Thursday night, and it was fabulous. The Eggplant and Goat Cheese were warm and rich, and the toast was perfectly done, not hard and dry like many bruschettas tend to be.

Since I had already tried the bruschetta, I chose the Tomato and Mozzarella Salad when we visited Silvertron the next night.

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It is amazing. The balsamic reduction is the perfect flavor to highlight the softness of the Mozzarella and bring the whole salad together.

For the entree course, there are three choices: Chicken Tacos with Caribbean Sauce, Tagliata with lemon-mustard mayo, or Mango-chipotle Tilapia.

When given the choice, I always opt for fish. However, since the Tilapia is fried and served over Mashed Potatoes (which sounded fabulous, but was probably a few more calories than I wanted to consume that night), I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try something completely new for me: the Tagliata.

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Besides being gorgeous, it was wonderful. The roasted vegetables had a great spiced flavor without losing their natural tastes, and the beef medallions (which I ordered rare) were tender and juicy. The mustard sauce was a surprising combination, but fit perfectly with the meal. I found myself sopping up every last bit of it.

The dessert options include a Bailey’s Parfait, Homemade Roasted Sweet Potato Pie, or Chocolate Chip and Espresso Bread Pudding.

Always a sucker for the chocolate, my choice was easy. I was a little hesitant because sometimes bread pudding isn’t sweet enough for my needy taste buds, but this one is perfect.

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The bread pudding is moist and flavorful, and the powdered sugar and chocolate syrup only helped guarantee that it would be sweet enough, causing me to, once again, scrape my plate clean.


The Silvertron Cafe
3813 Clairmont Avenue, 35222
Open Monday – Friday 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 9:45 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 8:45 PM.




Rachel is a Birmingham-Based Blogger who writes at Grasping for Objectivity and runs this networking site for all Alabama Bloggers. She and her family love eating out, especially at local establishments where the food is divine and kids are welcomed with open arms.Silvertron Cafe on Urbanspoon

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Birmingham Restaurant Week: Nabeel’s Cafe.

by Rachel
Growing up in an intensely Greek family (think “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” collides with “Sweet Home Alabama”), Nabeel’s Market was a regular stop for us.

The tiny storefront in Homewood with gigantic glass cases full of authentic Mediterranean olives and cheeses was an integral part of the preparation for every family get-together. They would slice and scoop giant portions of feta cheese and Kalamata Olives, then package them simply in doubled-plastic bags sealed with a twist tie.

They had three tables in the deli where they served one type of sandwich, but I suspect that the tables and chairs were more of an excuse for the socially-centric Mediterranean population of Birmingham to congregate and solve the world’s problems than to sell a lot of sandwiches.

In 1994, the original owner of the market sold it to John and Ottavia Krontiras, John from Greece and Ottavia from Italy. Their desire was to keep the market, but also expand it into a family-oriented restaurant.

Coming from an international executive job, John told me that he didn’t even know how to fry an egg when he bought Nabeel’s, but he had vision and determination.

As the adjoining salon became available, they expanded their restaurant into it. Then the florist on the other side of the salon closed, and they expanded again, enabling them to bring their dream to fruition.

John and Ottavia’s goal to create an atmosphere for families to slow down, enjoy each other, and eat home-cooked, authentic Mediterranean food was most definitely achieved in my life. My childhood trips to Nabeel’s Market quickly morphed into teenage trips to Nabeel’s Cafe. I remember eating there on a special night, just my Mom and I, for my fourteenth birthday. Then five years later, she and I had another special Nabeel’s meal together, only this time the occasion was that it was the week before I got married. On that trip, my Mom gave me my wedding present – a laboriously documented collection of our family recipes, many of which were Greek, and some requiring ingredients from Nabeel’s Market. There couldn’t have been a more fitting and sentimental place to receive that priceless gift that I still use constantly.

Ten years later, Chris and I regularly take our two kids to Nabeel’s Cafe, enjoying the family atmosphere from the other side of the equation. Although we love everything we’ve ever eaten there, we both agree that they have the absolute best hamburger in town (and we’ve tasted them all!!) – the Bifteki. The Bifteki is an juicy, gigantic Greek Hamburger that is mixed with a blend of Greek spices, stuffed with a generous portion of Kefalograviera Cheese, and topped with Tzatziki Sauce.
They also serve it with their fabulous dressing on the side, which we pour over our burgers to add even more Greek flavor.

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(Nabeel’s also helps make our homemade burgers Greek masterpieces – we mix their dressing into the beef, giving it wonderfully tart, sumptuous Greek flavor.)

We jumped at the opportunity to visit Nabeel’s during Birmingham Restaurant Week. Of all of the BRW menus I’ve looked at, Nabeel’s is one of the most thorough, offering four courses and including a beverage of your choice.

For only $20, you will receive pita bread with your choice of Tzatziki, Hummous, or Taramosalata Dip (I went with the Tzatziki, a wonderful blend of Greek Yogurt, Cucumbers, and a generous amount of Dill), along with an unbeatable Greek Salad, Spinach Lasagne, Tiramisu, and soda, Mint Tea, or wine.

The Spinach Lasagne was divine, with layers of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, spinach, pasta, and fresh tomato sauce.

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It was both creamy and hearty, full of a richness of flavors that totally masked the fact that it is quite low calorie and healthy!

Chris ordered the Gyro Salad with extra meat, which was just how he likes it: so much meat that you could hardly even see the salad:

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Ali opted for the PB & J.

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My favorite part of the kid’s menu is that it is so affordable - $1.95 for a Grilled Cheese or Peanut Butter & Jelly - with Nabeel’s gourmet fries, no less - is the best kid’s deal in town. I couldn’t be happier, and neither could she.

Then the Tiramisu came.

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This was the only part of the meal that I wished we hadn’t brought the kids along, because I really, REALLY wanted the Tiramisu all for myself.

…but instead, it made for several happy customers.

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So happy, in fact, that once I let Noah have one bite, every bite I attempted to get for myself thereafter got this reaction:

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(Mental Note: Go back and get more Tiramisu on date night when the kids are at the Grandparent’s.)
Besides the family atmosphere and the inexpensive yet quality kid’s menu, the fact that Nabeel’s is located directly across from Homewood Park makes it an even better family destination – after all, you need somewhere to let the kids run off their energy after allowing them to indulge in coffee-soaked, chocolate-covered Tiramisu.

Nabeel’s Cafe and Market
1700 Oxmoor Road, Homewood Alabama 35209
Open Monday – Saturday, 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM



Rachel is a Birmingham-Based Blogger who writes at Grasping for Objectivity and runs this networking site for all Alabama Bloggers. She and her family love eating out, especially at local establishments where the food is divine and kids are welcomed with open arms. Nabeel's Cafe & Market on Urbanspoon

Friday, August 19, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 113


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Birmingham Restaurant Week Kicks Off This Weekend!!


Last year, a new and wonderful development hit the streets of the Birmingham food scene: Birmingham Restaurant Week. Being in love with our city's amazing local dining, my husband and I were in heaven. We attended the preview party and delighted over the samplings from all of our favorite restaurants. Then we proceeded to plan our entire week's dining around eating at the participating restaurants.

And this year - well, it promises to be even better.

Offering amazing prices on three course dinners, almost thirty local restaurants are participating in this epic ten day eating extravaganza.

Beginning this Friday night, BRW lasts through August 28. Designed to fit into any budget and eating experience, there are three price options offered by the various restaurants: $10, $20, and $30. I recommend that you start to scour the menus now to plan your week around visiting your favorites!

But don't miss out on the event before the event: the preview party is, in my opinion, one of the best features of the entire week. At the amazing price of only $20 per person (or $30 per couple), you will be served a full meal's worth of samplings from a dozen of the participating restaurants.

The preview party is this Thursday night at the Hill Event Center from 5:30 - 8:30. You can order your tickets through Eventbrite by clicking here.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Pratt City: Still in Need of Your Help!

Jamie, Wade, Javacia, Cindy, and I volunteered on Saturday at the Pratt City Tornado Relief Center.  PrattCity0811B

We checked customers in and took them around to the various rooms, gathering the supplies that they needed.

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(Thank you so much to Jamie for taking some awesome photos for us.)


It was a blessing to be able to do something – small as it may have been – to help those so decimated by April 27th.

We got to talk in depth with the directors and see the inside view of what is going on, almost four months later.

They still have hundreds of needy, displaced people coming through their doors every week.

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Yet, so many in the world have forgotten the pain that still permeates our state – volunteers are significantly down, as are donations.

Pratt City was decimated in the storms, entire blocks completely wiped away.

Yet there is hope.

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They are trying to make their comeback, but they need our help – just as we would need their help if it had been our neighborhood instead of theirs.

If you can give, the relief center would gladly take your donations.  Especially for items like canned goods, paper products, batteries, diapers, brooms and mops.

If you can volunteer, they are always in need of more help!  The staff there have been volunteering tirelessly for months, so support for them to take a respite would be much appreciated. 

They are located at 1517 Hibernian Street, off of Highway 78 directly after the walking bridge over the road.

They are open Wednesdays through Saturdays every week.  Call 791-7562 to let them know what day you can help – any amount of time would be appreciated!

Also, they are having an exciting opportunity on August 23rd for which they need many volunteers:  Women’s clothier Alfred Dunner is sending a delivery of new clothes to Temple Emmanuel in 5 Points South to be distributed to Tornado Survivors.

They need 40 volunteers anytime between the hours of 9 AM and 7 PM on the 23rd to help distribute these supplies, as well as some volunteers on 8/22 to help set up.  If you can help at any time on either of these days, please contact regclark (at) bellsouth (dot) net.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 112


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Pratt City Tornado Relief Needs

We will be going this Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM to help Tornado Relief at the Scott School Relief Center in Pratt City. If you would like to join us, all of the information can be found here. However, if you're unable to join us but would still like to help, the Relief Center is in desperate need of canned goods. They also need paper goods and cleaning supplies, but their supply of canned goods especially low.

If you can drop these items off in Pratt City at any time (off of the Arkadelphia Road exit of 59/20), it would be greatly appreciated!!

The address for Scott School is 1517 Hibernian Street - it is right off of Highway 78.

Also, please help us help them by getting the word out about their needs on Twitter and Facebook!

Thank you, and let me know if you would like to join us on Saturday!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Tornado Relief Blogger Work Day THIS SATURDAY!!

This Saturday, August 13th, from 10 AM to 1 PM, we will be having a Blogger Work Day to help with the ongoing Tornado Relief Efforts. We would LOVE for you to join us!!

We will be meeting at and working at the Pratt City Scott School Relief Center. I have talked to the director there a few times and she is very grateful for our offering to help and excited to have us!

We will be doing various tasks including unloading delivery trucks, sorting donations and placing them in the right rooms, helping tornado survivors go through the rooms and get what they need, and manning the donation rooms. There should be tasks available for every level of ability.


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If you would like to join us, simply register by Clicking Here. If you can't come for the whole time, no problem - come when you can!

The address for Scott School is 1517 Hibernian Street - it is right off of Highway 78.

Thank you for your continued efforts of tornado relief!

The hashtag for this is #AlaBlogVol. Thank you!!

Friday, August 5, 2011

Best Post of the Week: Week 111


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!
If you haven't linked up and introduced yourself yet, be sure to go here to do so!