Dodiyo's, Homewood Alabama

By Leigh Bratina

Dodiyo's, Homewood Alabama

Dodiyós is a distinctive destination for fresh, seasonal flavors from every country that touches the Mediterranean Sea. You'll find authentic Greek dishes as well as foods from Spain, Italy, France, Turkey, the Balkans, North Africa and the Middle East. Exotic colors, rich woods, handmade textiles, and intriguing antiques and collectables grace a unique restaurant with all manner of seating, a lively tapas bar and even a small souk. Dodiyos is Birmingham's choice for a traditional Greek restaurant that offers all the flavors of the Mediterranean.

The restaurant features a 45-seat tapas/meze/cicchetti bar with rich red concrete and colorful textiles from Turkey. Spanish, Middle Eastern and Italian versions of small-plate foods are cooked while you watch.

It's casual, comfortable and perfect for conversation. In niches along the walls and on shelves here and there, you'll see a lifetime of collecting from countries throughout the Mediterranean basin. Centuries-old cabinets, a keystone that dates to Roman times, form-meets-function bowls and urns; a terra cotta chimney pot, and a marble plaque from an ancient fountain mix with contemporary pieces amid swatches of hand-woven, Anatolian rugs.

Foods are seasonal, fresh, varied and decidedly different with traditional and innovative dishes of lamb, beef, pork and poultry; lots of seafood; locally sourced produce; and even goat and wild game. Many of the dishes are unique to this restaurant, and all are imaginatively served on handmade ceramics and unique copper pieces. Special drinks and some wines are available nowhere else in our area.

There are "layers" of comfortable seating at dodiyós, accommodating every guest's mood for dining. The interactive tapas bar - a different kind of chef's table - is at the heart of this restaurant. People who prefer quieter dining (but still want to be part of the experience) will enjoy the tables surrounding the bar. You'll find plenty of cozy banquettes and even family-style seating at large, hand-hewn, wooden tables. Perimeter, interior cabanas will allow more seclusion for intimate groups. There are two totally separate private rooms for large-group dining and parties. And for those who love dining outdoors, there is plenty of patio seating, reminiscent of Plaka in Greece.

Restaurant owner, George Sarris: " I chose the name dodiyós for this restaurant because I want it to be a true family place (the name means mother, father, grandfather). But also, I saw this as an opportunity to honor the people who made me who I am today and my children who enrich my life every day. Dodiyós is much more than simply a name. It represents generations of taste."

My mother was my dining companion today. We dined for lunch , though they are serve an extensive dinner. When seated diners are given a small bowl of a feta/mayo spread that is drizzled in olive oil and comes with bread slices. I am not a mayo fan, so I did not care for the spread. My mother, however found it to be very good. Mother and I found the lunch menu a bit pricey and chose to split two dishes. We chose to split two "salads". The Greek Village Salad “Yorgos Salata” which is a cucumber-and tomato salad with onions, feta, extra-virgin olive oil and dried mountain oregano ($9.50). This salad was very pretty. The tomatoes, very fresh and deep red. The cucumbers, I would have preferred to be cut smaller. They were mostly the thick hard to chew outer skin. I would have preferred it to be cut completely off or at least in thinner stripes. I also think because the cucumber was so large that it had big seeds, which were cut leaving little of the fleshly. light green inner cucumber. The feta was a substantial cut and delicious.

The other salad we chose to share was the Konstadinos’ Greek Potato Salad. More like a side dish than a salad, it was big enough for two people easily. It really could be a meal. The baked potatoes were cut into chunks and baked sprinkled with salt and pepper, drizzled with olive oil and topped with green, red or white onions $5.95. Delicious! And my favorite thing we ate, mother agreed.

There is a dessert menu, but mother and I split something that was recommended by our waiter and not on the menu, Hazelnut Bread Pudding. It was served with chocolate syrup and fresh fruit and a dollop of cream. It was very rich and tasty.


Recently I posted about the fun of Tappas, and at Dodiyo's they have a traditional tappas menu.


Dodiyo's
1831 28th Avenue South, #110
(In Homewood's Soho Square)
Birmingham, Alabama 35209
Phone: 205.453.9300
Fax: 205.453.9303


Hours:

Monday thru Thursday: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Dinner service begins at 3:00pm each day.
The Market opens daily at 10:00am

directions

On Facebook

*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories

Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant in Glencoe

By Leigh Bratina

I love Mexican food. And it's a good thing, because all across Alabama and the south, you can find Mexican restaurants a dime and dozen per mile. So what in the world could posses me to drive about seventy miles one way to eat at one particular Mexican restaurant? Well, I am happy to share with you in just a bit. But first, I want to tell you a little bit about Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant.

Mi Casita began as a family owned restaurant and then branched off into several family owned locations, before many were sold to individual who kept the name, but were no longer family run. But their are still a few that are the exception, for example Mi Casita in Glencoe. It is still owned and operated by the Herrera family by husband and wife team, Gregorio and Adrinna Herrera ( who are grandparents, but look like teenaged fashion models). And I think they have kept some of those family secrets (besides the fountain of youth) in dishing up some authentic Mexican cuisine that makes memorable dining. Gregorio and Adrinna are both originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, but have made Gadsden, Alabama their permanent home for the past 18 years. They have owned the Mi Casita in Glencoe for three years, which quickly became a favorite for locals.

True, you will find all of the traditional Mexican dishes that make us all so happy on their menu. But you will also find dishes like their Botana Chivitos ($8.95) that can be shared as an appetizer, or strictly guarded and consumed alone. It comes on a platter with quesadillas, beef nachos, chicken taquitos, Chorizo (Mexican sausage) chicken fingers, guacamole de la casa, cheese stuffed Jalapeno pepper and house dressing.

And let's just talk about the Nachos Cameron ($9.25)-which is essentially Shrimp Nachos that features grilled shrimp (compete with grill marks)sauteed onions, bell peppers and mushrooms, served on a bed of crispy chips and white cheese sauce.

You can also find a Chicken and steak version too for just $8.95.


But for me, the reason I drive about 70 miles to THIS Mexican Restaurant and THIS Mi Casita is the Vegetarian Burrito ($6.25). It's unlike any other...and believe me when I say I have looked and I have tried. Nothing compares to their vegetarian burrito that fortunate for me is enough for two meals (the leftovers are highly sought after in my house).

The Vegetable Burrito is prepared by grilling onions, bellpeppers, mushrooms and what I think is the secret, potatoes. The potatoes are cut small and in my opinion taste as if they have been stewed in something heavily before added to the burrito. The vegetables are wrapped in a light flour tortilla and topped with melted cheese sauce. It is then served and kicked up with it's accompaniments of guacamole salad, sour cream and fresh pico de gallo. I request their homemade green salsa and what I call their "hot salsa" in addition, because I like trade off dipping each bite in their delicious sauces. It makes for a truly incredible meal.....one worth a seventy mile (per way) trip for this loyal customer.



Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant
512 W Main Street (Highway 431)
Glencoe, Alabama 35905
(256) 494-9007

Open daily

*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories

City Cafe is an International Standout, but you will only find it in Helena

By Leigh Bratina

Phyllis Pickle has been in the restaurant business for well over twenty years. You have probably seen here before and if not, you most likely have tasted the food that has set her apart. Her restaurants included ones that were well known and well liked across the Birmingham area, including Sun's Chinese on Greensprings Highway, Sun's Buffett at Loman Village in Hoover and Jade Palace on Highway 280. Her newest restaurant venture, located at the corner of Highways 58 and 95 in Helena, Alabama is certain to attract the same crowds and attention.


Serving an international menu with varying selections from Chinese and Japanese to Thai and Indian, don't think that Phyllis menu is limited to just the international fare. She if fully aware she lives in the south and cooks in the southern style to appease those of us that prefer it "like momma fixed it" too. Their menu section dedicated to Southern Home Cooking comes with such offerings as garden fresh vegetables prepared daily with traditional entrees like meat loaf, hamburger steak, fish, shrimp, oysters, chicken fingers and wings (that a friend of mine insist are some of the best he's ever eaten).


It's Phyllis work ethic, visualization and creativity that produces City Cafe's stand out dishes like their Japanese Teriyaki section with shrimp, chicken or beef is served over rice and a medley of vegetables in a teriyaki sauce simmered for hours.


The Spicy Shrimp Pasta ($10.99) Shrimp sautéed with creamy Cajun sauce and healthy whole wheat and vegetable pasta. It is the most remarkable dish.

The Crispy Chicken Costoletta ($9.99) Lightly breaded chicken breast sautéed with white wine & cream Lemon sauce, served with mashed potato and fresh vegetables

But it was the Ta-Ta Chicken ($9.99) that struck the fancy of most at the table. Prepared with flavors of Indian curry, sautéed with carrots and potatoes and served with steamed rice it was a delicacy! The flavors married like Fred and Ginger, creating a most magnificent dance for the palate. Somewhat spicy, and oh-so-good! It will be what I get when I visit City Cafe in the future. And their will be future visits!

On this our first , however, and to set my self apart from the group, I decided to try out the Vegetable Plate (4 veggies- $5.25) Phylis offers fresh seasonal vegetables and travels to Birmingham's Farmers market weekly to handpick her selections. On the vegetable menu you will find such southern staples as

Turnip Greens, Steamed Carrots Black-eyed Peas, Corn, Green Beans, Pinto Beans, Cabbage, Mashed Potatos, Butter Beans, Peach Cobbler (almost as good as momma's), Fried Green Tomatos, and Deluxe Mac & Cheese..and this is not all the choices! I selected the carrots that seemed to be in a honey sweet broth, pinto beans (that my most finicky child licked clean), corn and the delux mac and cheese (that is so rich and gooey it counts as 2 sides). The mac and cheese is prepared with spiral noodles that hold onto its four cheese sauce so well.

Mention that it is your first time to City Cafe to restaurant owner, Phyllis and she will probably personally bring to you a serving of her peach cobbler. She's not worried, She knows you will be back for more.

City Cafe offer's a kid's menu too. My two children both gave a thumbs up to the Kids Fried Chicken Fingers / Fries/drink $4.99. The chicken fingers are not frozen, but are hand cut and breaded. My husband managed to pry one from one of our children and commented on how delicious that it was. Phyllis personally makes the honey mustard sauce that is served alongside as a condiment for the chicken fingers. It's this attention to details and the starring dishes that truly make City Cafe a local favorite. And for those who are not local (like a couple who had driven all the way from Huntsville just to dine at City Cafe) you will find, the quality and taste are with the drive. Bring the whole family for lunch or dinner but, please, leave room for dessert! Phylis has that covered too.

City Cafe

HOURS



Monday through Saturday from 10:45am to 9:00pm
Sunday from 10:30am to 4:00pm

City Cafe
2693 Highway 58
Helena, AL 35080
(205) 621-1141

Menu link


*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories

Pastry Art Bake Shoppe

By Leigh Bratina

Today I invite you o come along with me to a new bakery that I have discovered in town (Homewood) called Pastry Art bake Shoppe. In case you are wondering, it is indeed edible art. But don't let the name mislead you, the art is also the taste.



















Pastry art specializes in cakes of all kinds, but what has the place filled with customers on any given day at any given moment.....it's the baby bites. Petite baby bites (about 2 bites) of their specialty cakes.



















It's easy to be taken by the flavors such as Italian Cream, Marbled, Caramel Cake, Vanilla, Red Velvet, Turtle, Double Chocolate to mention a few.

...Please excuse me and allow me to wipe the drool off of my keyboard....

















Their cakes have not only won the attention of this here blogger, they have also been crowned by the Moss Rock Festival for at least a couple occasions as BEST in Taste.





































My mother will agree.

















Sure you will want to walk out with one of these.....

















But you will leave satisfied with a box of these goodies.



















A tip...hide them if you don't want to share.


Share if you want to make friends.

Pastry Art Bake Shoppe

www.pastryartcakes.com

1927 29th Avenue South

Birmingham, AL 35209

(205) 877-3852

*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories

Beef “O” Brady’s Comes to Hoover

By Leigh Bratina

















Beef O'Bradys Family Sports Pub Restaurant is a "new" restaurant, soon to be a neighborhood staple. It's new to the Birmingham area, though it is a nationwide chain restaurant. The new "Beef's" is located at the new Target shopping center in Hoover, just off of highway 150 and Interstate 459, in what is called "The Grove" shopping center. Beef's is a bit hidden in the far east of the parking lot, across from Superior Bank.

Beef's has several tables and booths to accommodate a small crowd as well as a private party room and game room. The restaurant caters to the sports crowd by offering a nice size bar area with seating as well as several large screen TV's sprinkled throughout the place. Local sports memorabilia graces the walls, as well as photos from the area. Owner George McCluney welcomed us to the new establishment and shared his excitement for Beef O Grady's coming to the city of Hoover. It was an excitement that I also noted in his staff. The hostess and wait staff were very accommodating and friendly, as they seated us immediately to a booth.

Tonight for dinner, it was just my husband, Tom and I and our youngest son, Jack. We ordered drinks while we pondered over the extensive menu Jack and I both ordered the strawberry limeade, I cannot say that I have ever had a limeade as delicious. It certainly beat out any soda. I immediately imagined dropping into Beefs at the Groove for the Strawberry Limeade alone. It was THAT good.

We started with an appetizer, the Combo Appetizer to be specific. It arrived hot and was made up of delicious finger foods to much on while we waited for our main courses. In the basket were Crispy chicken fingers, mozzarella planks, onion rings and cheesy quesadillas that my son really liked. The basket came with a trio of condiments to dip in: a honey mustard sauce, a marinara and my favorite, a horseradish-y sauce that was orange in color. I liked the flavor so much, I dipped everything in that one alone.Beef O Brady's has many great "Beef" dishes, but what might surprise you is that they are well known for their wings. Wings are a true specialty at Beef’s®. The award-winning, jumbo-sized wings are always made fresh to order, then hand-tossed in one of 12 famous sauces. My husband is a wing connoisseur. He ordered his hot wings in the "Nuclear" temperature. The waitress asked if he was certain he wanted them that hot. What she didn't know was my husband enjoys some heat. Actually allot of heat. When the hot wings were delivered to our table we could smell the spicy scent coming off of them. Tom ate a couple wings and declared, "They aren't too hot", but on the next wing I noticed sweat beading up on his cheeks. I knew he was a happy man. "The spice catches up to you the more you eat. These are pretty hot!"


















There were a number of delicious looking sandwiches and soups on the menu, but I placed it safe and ordered the Asian Mandarin Chicken Salad. I had the choice of having it with grilled or fried teriyaki chicken, I chose the fried. The salad was a feast for the eyes with almond slivers, crispy wontons, sweet mandarin oranges served with a zesty Pan-Asian dressing. The flavor combination and crunch of the salad was like a fiesta for my palate. I will certainly order the salad again on a future visit!


















Our son Jack was very pleased with the number of choices on the kids menu. Though Jack is not a picky eater, if he were I don't think he would've had a hard time finding something to please him. The kids menu has allot of kid friendly selections: Mini Corn Dogs,Grilled Cheese, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Macaroni & Cheese, Grilled Chicken Wrap, Grilled Chicken Salad and the kid favorite-Chicken Fingers. All kids meals come with a choice of side (mashed potato's, fries, broccoli, fruit, etc. as well as a child's cup of milk or soda). Jack decided upon the mac and cheese and french fries. The mac and cheese tasted much like the "blue box", which I am certain carries a "Kid Approved" seal.








Beef"O"Brady's has that pub feel..."a place where everyone might know your name" but it is a great place for families, couples, friends and business people alike. It's a place that my family will enjoy dining at again.

Beef O Brady's Grand Opening is on May 10, 2010.

Cuisine: American, Casual Dining

Features: Family friendly , Children's menu , Beer and wine , Major credit cards accepted , Takeout and Outdoor Dining

Menu price range: Most entrees less than $10

Handicapped Access: Yes

Parking: Lot

Location:

5519 Grove Boulevard

Hoover, AL, 35244

Directions

Phone:205-987-9464


Mon - Sat:11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Sun: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Beef's on the Web

Beef's on Facebook

*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories

VJ's on the Run Way, Birmingham

By Leigh Bratina


The only thing we overlook is the runway", this is the slogan of V.J.'s on the Runway Cafe. It's true! For it can be said that the food is certainly not overlooked...it is the spotlight, as it should be in this quaint little diner. In business since 1950, it was once a honky tonk that happened to serve up food in the daylight hours. Today it is all about the food. VJ used to be located in another location close by, but the former location actually IS on a runway now.

V.J. is a local favorite of the military in the Air Force as well as business owners located in close proximity to the restaurant. But it isn't the convenience that brings them back....it's the food. Down home southern cooking, to be truthful. The menu is extensive and offers up some great dishes such as burgers, Reuben's, hand rolled tamales, and chicken or tuna sandwiches or salads. Be sure not to overlook the menu of vegetables (meat and three) that changes daily. On this day, my mother and I had just gotten through chaperoning my youngest son's class to the museum of flight. We were ready for a good meal and we got what we bargained for. My mother ordered a 4 vegetable plate ($6.50) of mashed potatoes with gravy, pinto beans, turnip greens, and fried green tomatoes. I choice something greasier, a grilled Swiss cheese with fries ($4.50). Our kind waitress brought over a plate of rolls and corn breads for us to try while we waited. All were divine, the rolls were good, homemade and "yeasty", the cornbread was not even the least bit sweet (yes!) but had a great kick of peppers in it as I chose to try the Mexican cornbread. I ended up ordering a dozen to go so I could serve them up with my chili on the menu for my families supper. As I ate my sandwich I looked around to see that all of the food looked delicious. My mother and I agreed that a future trip was in order. We were already planning our next trip back and what we would order before we had even left!

On the way out I picked up at the cash register, 2 slices of pound cake and one cinnamon roll as big as my hand. One for each child as a sweet surprise after supper (we don't do desserts in our house, so a real treat for them). I will be certain next time to try out a dessert for myself. All desserts are homemade as is most (if not all) of the food. The tea and coffee is freshly brewed. On Friday's the dessert special is strawberry shortcake ($3.50). You can bet that I will come back on a Friday to try it out. Our order total for all was $25 and change (2 drinks, 2 lunches, dozen rolls and desserts to go). Keep in mind that V.J.'s does cater. It is the perfect and easy way to take care of those holiday meals.

Phone orders 808-0582 Fax 808-0581 Hours M-F 7AM-8PM


*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories

Shono's Japanese Grill, Hoover

By Leigh Bratina

I recently had the opportunity to try out the new Shonos Japanese Grill located in the Old Walmart Shopping Center on Highway 31 (formerly Cici's Pizza was there). My parents had been telling me about the place and about Eddie, the owner. First, let me go on record as saying I LOVE Japanese food. I could eat it everyday, but in doing so I would break the bank. Why is Japanese food so expensive? I don't get it. However, at Shonos's, you and your wallet are in luck. Shonos is not the typical Japanese restaurant where you are seated at a large table with a bunch of strangers and the food prepared in front of you. AT Shonos Japanese Grill it is just that, a grill. Almost a Japanese Restaurant meets American Diner. When you walk in the door, you will first notice the grill in front of you, with owner Eddie carefully preparing orders. I went at lunchtime and the place was packed. We were seated in the back at one of the last 3 tables that remained. A quick look over the menu and I was relieved. Diners can order a la carte or as the entree. I stuck with my usual Japanese fair, the vegetable entree' for $5.50. Soon my garden salad with the ginger dressing was delivered. I found it to be very good, though somewhat heavy on the ginger, but very tasty. While I ate, I noticed the table next to me receiving their meals. I turned to my lunch companion and asked, "Do you get ALL that food?" "Yes!", she insisted. As I finished up my salad, our meals were brought out. It looked delicious. My meal of vegetables contained grilled teriyaki vegetables, containing zucchini, squash, mushrooms, onions and bamboo shoots. Also on my plate was a large helping of perfectly steamed rice. You have the option to order the steamed or fried, but I get the steamed because I am not fond of the egg in the fried. Though, I noticed my companions plate. Her rice appeared to not have any egg in it. She agreed that there was not any. I sampled hers....lets just say next time I will get the fried. It had a great flavor. She ordered the chicken entree at $5.95, and received all that I got on my plate with the addition of a hefty portion of chicken, for only 45 cents more. WOW!

If you are not looking for a large meal, as mentioned, al la carte is the way to go or there are some smaller dishes on the menu, such as the Teriyaki Bowls. The bowls are served with rice and the meat. The bowls are available in shrimp or chicken for 4.50 and 4.95 (shrimp) respectfully. The menu offers a great selection of choices. The only drawback to me was the absence of the ginger and mustard dipping sauces that you will find at the larger more upscale Japanese Restaurants. My friend did ask for a "white sauce". I tried it and found to be OK, but was certainly not the dipping sauces I craved. I do plan to go back.

When you do go into Shonos, be sure to chat it up with Chef Eddie. He is a funny man and has 27 years of experience in the business. He has lived all over, cooking up these delicious and affordable meals.

(If you are watching your weight, this is a wonderful place to eat, for the food is grilled and low in fat but not in taste. I highly recommend the vegetable entree')

*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories

Bates House of Turkey, Greenville

By Leigh Bratina

Since I was a small child, it has been tradition to stop at the Bates House of Turkey on the way to the beach. It makes a nice midway point to stop and stretch your feet. And if you are of a carnivorous type, as my family members are, it is the place to get a meal to tie you over. The meats are always fresh and tender and there are always a good variety to vegetables that even my children will eat. My kids are especially fond of their butter beans.

Last Friday's trip to the gulf was no different, the kids and I made the stop at Bates (at their insistance). Twinkle Toes got the HOME-STYLE ROAST TURKEY SANDWICH Roast Turkey on Sesame Seed Bun, Pickles and 2 sides (he chose double butter beans) for $7.95. Both JSmooth and Sister Sledge got the kids finger plate for $3.95 that comes with a large portion of shaved turkey meat, chips, a stick of cheese and pickles. Usually there isn't anything at Bates for me to eat. I am usually content to an side order of pickles (yes, you heard me right). Sometimes I will get lucky and they will have augratin potatoes, which are good but they were not on the menu today. However, today I was delighted to see on the menu vegetable soup. Imagine my disappointment though, when I looked in my bowl and saw turkey in it. I went back to the counter and told the girl that I had ordered vegetable soup to which she replied, "It is vegetable-- turkey vegetable". I explained my dilemma with meat and then pointed to the board by the counter that read the soups...turkey gumbo, turkey vegetable and some other turkey soup, then below those said "*vegetable*". I even stressed to her I had ordered the bowl with asterisk, just as the board had it. "We just put those there to draw attention to it", she said and then she turned her back. I was quite displeased. I would've hoped for her to have said she would give my money back on the soup, or at the very least an apology, but nothing. I have to admit, my family LOVES this place and the food is good (or we wouldn't have come here for the past 30 years, literally) , but it seems EVERY TIME I go there I get lousy service. The girls at the front taking orders seem more interested in having a conversation than taking an order. The seem bothered and are honestly never friendly. This has happened for years. It is not an isolated incident. Tell me it isn't "Greenville, Alabama folks". I am sure it isn't. I think next trip down I will pull through the Krystal's drive through and keep trucking on my way.

*To avoid the lousy service and just get good tender turkey, visit their web site. They do have online ordering and I do think you will find you like it (time tested good). http://www.batesturkey.com/restaurant.aspx

*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories

Bernies on Main in Columbiana

By Leigh Bratina

I am so lucky to live close by to my mom, who undoubtedly is my best friend. Today we had some free time and went to the thrift store together where I found a few great treasures. After working up an appetite, went to Bernies on Main (in Columbiana, Al.) for lunch. Owned by Chef Bernard ("Bernie") Tamburello, Bernies is one of my favorite places to eat.

At lunch Bernie has a wonderful vegetable bar. Today though, I was craving the Mandarin Salad (small $5.95 or large $7.95). My mother was having the same craving. We both ordered the small salads. The salad consist of iceburg lettuce, mandarin oranges (naturally), feta cheese, croutons and sliced almonds. It comes with a orange vinarette dressing that is wonderfully delicious. The salads hit the spot for us. But should you be "hankering" (a term my mom likes to use) for something different there is much to choose from, including crab cakes, steaks, and saefood to hamburgers, chicken fingers, spaghetti bologne, pasta alfredo, pasta carbonara and a varity of soups.

If you are looking for some place with ambiance, Bernie's is a quiet spot. Located inside a historical brick building it reeks with charm and culture. With exposed bricks, painted plaster & hardwood floors it is a very "earthy" vibe, perfect to impress your Valentine date or otherwise.

Bernie's on Main St. Restaurant and Grill
115 South Main Street
Columbiana, AL 35051
205-669-9993


*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories

Cafe Lazio - Hoover

By Leigh Bratina

Yesterday was to beautiful a day to not take advantage of. With temperatures in the mid 70's. I met my mother and my cousin Gina at Cafe Lazio at Patton Creek in Hoover for lunch. None of us had ever eaten there and we wanted to give it a try. We grabbed one of the umbrella topped tables on the patio outside. Out waitress, Stacey, brought over some menus and made some lunch suggestions. Namely the brushetta appetizer (5.95) and the hero sandwich (6.95) , "I don't even like hero's. But that sandwich is great!" insisted Stacey. I had thumbed through the clipper coupon mailer before we arrived and had a free slice of pizza with any purchase coupon burning a hole in my pocket, so I ordered the pasta salad and slice of cheese pizza. Stacey suggested I get a specialty salad rather than a small side. I listened to her suggestion and got a small greek salad and cheese slice. My mother chose the grilled vegetable flatbread sandwich (6.95) Gina ordered the vegetable calzone (6.50)

It wasn't long before Stacey returned with my greek salad. It was a perfect size. My only complaint was that the bowl it was in wasn't large enough for me to toss the salad and dressing without it spilling over the sides. The greek salad was a spring mix of greens, some Greek olives, greek peppers, roma tomatoes and feta cheese. The salad was served with the balsamic greek dressing. The dressing made the salad. It was delicious. I asked Stacey about the dressing, if they sold it by the bottle. She said they would. She said that both the ranch and balsamic greek are homemade. She also told me that Cafe Lazio is owned and operated by the same people that own Petrachelli's Italian Restaurant, on Highway 280 in Inverness. No wonder the dressing tasted familiar!

After finishing my salad, Stacey returned with the lunch orders. My mother's grilled vegetable flatbread sandwich looked delicious, with perfect grill marks. Inside were mushrooms, peppers, red onions, roma tomatoes and provolone cheese. She said it was very good.

Gina's calzone was big and golden. Inside of it there were bell peppers, mushrooms, green olives, mozzarella and tomatoes. Gina also commented on the great flavors of the calzone.

My slice of pizza was actually two. I couldn't eat it all and halved it and took the other half home. I ordered the cheese. It was the perfect amount of cheese. NOt so much where it is sliding around. The crust was light and pizza oven baked to perfection. I really liked the pizza.
Stacey was kind enough to bring me the pasta salad (small size portion) so that I could try it. I loved it. The pasta was tossed in olive oil and lightly seasoned with Italian spices. I had a reserved about of the dressing from my greek salad and drizzled it over the pasta-even better!
Next to us was another table of ladies lunching. We noticed the cannoli that was brought over to their table. We all looked at one another and agreed, we needed one too. We ordered one for dessert and split it. The cannoli was not to rich, with the slightest taste of cinnamon. It was served with chocolate drizzled over the top, whip cream dollops on the sides of the plate with strawberries on the whipped cream. Thank goodness I had dance class that night. The waitress told us that the cream inside the cannoli was made from ricotta cheese, confectioners sugar and mini chocolate morsels, beat together until smooth. It was very good! Worth the 2 bite indulgence! Our entire meal cost $19.00 and change for the three of us. (This after we used the free slice of pizza coupon and my mom had a coupon for a free flatbread sandwich with purchase of another entree) . What a deal! It was the prefect end to a lunch in the sunshine.


PS- Stacey is the best waitress I have EVER had! Kudos! Ask for her!
Cafe Lazio-A Slice of Italy

http://www.cafelazio.net/

Hours
Monday – Thursday 11:00am to 10:00pm
Friday and Saturday – 11:00am to 11:00pm
Sunday - 11:00am to 9:00pm

Located on Main Street at the Patton Creek Shopping Center in Hoover.

181 Main Street, Suite 241 Hoover, AL 35244205. 403.7480

*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories

Chef Bob's At the Trussville Antique Mall

By Leigh Bratina

Southern cooking is just one more reason to pay a visit to the antique shopping meca, The Trussville Antique Mall. Sure, you could spend hours shopping the rooms upon rooms of antiques, but it is the food there that takes center stage. It was what my parents, cousin Sandie and I came for on this particular day. The Trussville Cafe is located in the center of the antique mall and is headed by local favorite, "Chef Bob". Southern cooking is an art form, and Chef Bob certainly knows his medium.

His dished are piled high in flavor and served buffet style. The Buffet, $7.95, includes your choice of entrees, salad bar, vegetables and desserts. The food was very good, the only thing I would change would be to add a bit more "kick" to the mexican cornbread (in the form of jalepeno peppers). That , though, is a personal opinion and I know not everyone would agree to it.

Chef Bob, who is actually Robert "Bob" Vaningan, has owned his own catering company since 1996, and has been the creator of such recognizable eating establishments as The Ole Springville Bakery and The Chocolate Cottage, among others. But is at the Trussville Cafe where you can find his flair for southern cuisine style cooking evident. Chef Bob is also a regular guest Chef on Fox 6 Good Day Alabama show every Tuesday Morning at 8:45 am for the past 12 years. His segments on the Birmingham Fox 6 morning show, "Good Day, Alabama!", are viewed regularly by his many fans (including my mother) throughout the state of Alabama.

Chef Bob has his own web site that is just brimming with information on his cafe, cookbooks (he is currently working on his follow up), catering information and his new venture, "CBU", which is Chef Bob University.

(More information on this venture-CBU- will be updated onto the blog as I receive more info on this myself)

If you see Chef Bob, introduce yourself. He is a very kind, humorous man that seemed to enjoy receiving feedback on his food and seeing that his customers are happy and satisfied. He was very nice and accommodating to me. His place was packed and he continually was bringing out fresh, hot dishes to the buffet, yet he still stopped to chat for a moment and allow me to take a picture before going back into the kitchen. I can tell you this, with Chef Bob in the kitchen, satisfaction is guaranteed.

Chefbob.com
Deep-South Cooking. "Best Southern food in town"
Catering for over 25 years
cakes, pies and desserts from scratch
147 N Chalkville Mt Road
Trussville, Alabama 35173

*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories

Tate's Bar-B-Que, Scottsboro

By Leigh Bratina

Driving down the road, in a search for Tate's Bar-b-que in Scottsboro, you could almost pass by the place if you weren't looking closely for it. Tate's is actually a "dive" of a place in every sense of the word. The building is questionable. I'm not even sure that it would pass inspection and never noticed a food rating but the food is delectable. Any true BBQ place-one that has delicious tender BBQ, as most can agree, is usually a "dive". Tate's cannot ever be called anything better than a "dive" but it is a "dive" that serves up some delicious bar-b-que with a thin vinegar BBQ sauce. It is a place where one can only be served by walking up or by driving up to the window. There is no indoor seating, or ordering...in fact the only thing they do in the the building is prepare the food. Tate's offers up pork bbq, hamburgers, chicken, grilled cheese sandwiches, BLT's as well as some delicious accompaniments to go along with the main dishes: balked beans, vinegar slaw, french fries, onion rings, fried peanuts, salads. BBQ is available by the pound ($7.95). The BBQ was very tender and had a great smoky flavor (as a testament by my husband, Tom).

Tate's Bar-B-Que
South Broad Street
Scottsboro, AL
(256) 574-6173

Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6/ Fri. & Sat. 10-7/ Closed Sun.

*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories

Top 'O The River, Gadsden Location

By Leigh Bratina

My little brochure of the 100 best places to eat is becoming quite dog eared, but it continues to direct me to some really good restaurant's and eateries across the state. On Sunday it was Top O'the River location in Gadsden, Alabama. Situated along the banks of the Coosa River the restaurant specializes in catfish and seafood. Top O the River is a seafood restaurant serving food on a metal plate, corn bread in a skillet, and coleslaw in a metal mug with a spoon. This establishment is highly recommended by the many of the locals. If your looking for fine china, linen napkins and polished silverware this is not the place. However if you want good food at reasonable prices, this restaurant is worth the stop. The Catfish plate is a bargain for 9.95. My mother, who was my dining partner, instead opted for the shrimp plate for $12.00. The meal came with coleslaw, cornbread, potato and 8 good sized shrimp. I chose to get a baked potato and eat the "free sides" that come with every order. The sides included were cornbread, coleslaw and pickled onions-as much as one can eat.

The menu offers a variety of seafood and steak items, but also included the unique deep fried pickles, onion rings and spicy greens (turnip greens). Fortunately when I went in for a late lunch I avoided peak times and would suggest to go either a bit later or early, as the restaurant tends to get somewhat loud towards those 'peak' times, (11:00 - 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.), with all the large groups and families coming in. The restaurant offers a children's menu and stocked bar. Visitors of all ages will like to see the three-to-four foot catfish in the lobby tank. Over all the experience was very enjoyable and the food was very satisfying, my only complaint was slow service after our food was served, but I am certain that is not the norm. Top O the River-a nice family establishment.

1606 Rainbow Dr. Gadsden, AL 35901
(256) 547-9817
Open Hours Mon-Thur 5pm-9pm, Fri 5pm-10pm, Sat 4pm-10pm, Sun 12 Noon-8pm

**There are additional locations in Anniston and Guntersville.

*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories