Monday, April 22, 2013

APRIL: SEASONS 52

THE CHOW DOWN PICK OF THE MONTH IS....

SEASONS 52


WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24TH
5:30-UNTIL

248 SUMMIT BLVD
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35243
205.968.5152
{AT THE SUMMIT}
{FORMERLY "SMOKEY BONES"}


"The Seasons 52 menu is seasonally-inspired with the fresh appeal of the farmer’s market. It represents a unique blend of art and science, with creative offerings designed to excite and surprise the palate. We feature dining choices that are thoughtfully prepared and in appropriate portion sizes. So our guests feel the freedom to indulge in a complete dining experience, including our custom flatbreads and signature mini-indulgence desserts, while still feeling good about themselves and their dining choices.
We use natural cooking techniques such as wood-fire grilling, brick-oven cooking and caramelizing vegetables to let the natural flavors shine through. And we execute precision with seasoning, and oil with control and care to ensure just the right amount is used to bring out the great flavor profiles. An added benefit to this style is that our menu items are naturally lower in calories. In fact, we make a promise that nothing on our menu is over 475 calories. The result is great tasting, highly satisfying food that just so happens to be good for you!" - www.seasons52.com


Give me a "SPRING IS MY FAVORITE SEASON" if you can make it!!

Review: Black Market Bar & Grill - 5 POINTS


Black Market Bar & Grill
5 POINTS
Thursday, February 21st

Settled in a former piano bar, Black Market Bar & Grill features food selections to suit most tastes. Good ol' bar food, including hamburgers, fried chicken fingers, and various sandwiches are served.  Along with other food varieties, such as filet, fish tacos, pasta, and pizza, a "wealth healthy" menu is available to select from as well.  Dimly lit, and an extremely casual bar atmosphere, it's the perfect place to meet for happy hour after work, especially for the $2 beers.  Black Market also offers brunch specials on the weekends, and I've heard lunch is tasty as well.  Although, I think dining at night is best to mask the "bar" scenery.  Since there was a torrential downpour during our night out, we were glad to be inside and out of the rain, at least while we ate.  Not that we would have chosen to sit outside on this night, there is no outdoor patio available.  Another location at the Colonnade does, however, have one, which will be the setting for brunch this Spring. 
Getting back to the food... A trio of a Hummus appetizer, including cilantro, roasted red pepper, and traditional, is easy to scarf down.  But, wait, I left out the best part... a side of fried pita chips that "makes emperors nervous" completes the starter dish. 
The jalapeno ranch, a dressing option served with the "New Rose" salad, was good til' the last drop, drop of ranch that is....   I added grilled chicken atop the spring mix, avocado and bacon.  Even though I tucked away half of the large serving of salad in a to-go box, I ended up sneaking pieces of chicken back out to dip in this tasty ranch during trivia.  Yes, we stayed for trivia, which is on Thursday nights.  That was only the beginning of our adventurous night.  We created our "Chow Down" team, and did our best to score points.  If you had any doubts, we didn't do so well.  Since we are optimistic gals, we decided to change our current view and venture out into the rain for another inviting location, or two.  Dancing to personal song requests at a local establishment down the road, we burned a few of the calories consumed at dinner to say the least.