I'm Alabamy Bound

[Simon Majumdar]

for reasons too boring to go into, I have just found out I have to make a trip to Birmingham, Alabama in the next few weeks.....

Despite a good session of googling ( illegal, I am led to believe in Alabama ) I can't seem to light upon a decent hotel for my night's stay or a place to eat away the evening

Any help much appreciated

S

[southern girl]

Hi Simon...I grew up in Birmingham and still go back frequently for sporting events...so I will be happy to guide you...

I would suggest you go to the Highlands Bar and Grill 205-939-1400...Frank Stitt, the owner/chef was the James Beard Chef of the Southeast last year...he also has two other restaurants...Bottega (Italian) and Chez Fon Fon (French Bistro)

The Hot and Hot Fish Club

Hotels...There really aren't any "highend boutique" hotels in Birmingham...the only things along those lines are the private clubs, which have beautiful guest rooms...but, you must have a member sponsor you.

Birmingham is very "compact"...I would suggest staying in one of the newer hotels in the "Perimeter" or Summit areas...the Wynfrey is nice...but, it is connecting to the Galleria shopping mall...and about a 20 min. drive to downtown. If you want to stay downtown, there are two "acceptable" hotels...The Tutwiler and The Redmont...there is also a Radisson in the area...

[Simon Majumdar]

That's fab

Thanks for the advice

S

[Rail Paul]

Tutwiler is nice, I stayed there a few years ago on a quick trip.

Old, very classic hotel, I'd date it to the same vintage as the du Pont in Wilmington, Seelbach's in Louisville, and the Peabody in Memphis.

[Jaymes]

Hi Simon...I grew up in Birmingham and still go back frequently for sporting events......

Huummmm... Are those anything like "sportin' events"?

[kpurvis]

On a quick road trip through Birmy, a friend took me to a Greek seafood place that was fun. Not upscale like Highland's or Hot Hot, of course, but homey has its place, too.

I recall the place was crowded, popular, and the fish dishes were tasty. Any Birmingham hands remember the name? It was on a small side street downtown, Greek-owned, had the owner's own line of olive oil on display.

[Explorer]

The only tough thing about Birmingham, AL is getting there. The flight connections are dreadful.

I have been there a few times for business reasons and it was much nicer than I thought.

Hot and Hot was the place we kept going back to, although I heard good things about Highlands as well.