Destination Unknown: places to eat in birmingham/hoover alabama

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Food Porn

"I lurched away from the table after a few hours feeling like Elvis in Vegas - fat, drugged, and completely out of it." ~ Anthony Bourdain

After watching numerous episodes of "No Reservations," I became hungry. Not craving anything in particular - just everything in particular!

With out a doubt - I LOVE FOOD. Sure, who doesn't? Well.. maybe the anorexic. (No, I am not poking fun... just saying..)

I thought I would post some of my ab-fab recipes. Not the actual recipe - more so, a pictorial journey... food porn, if you will!

Soo.. if we are ever out to eat, and you want to know what I crave - then look no further than my absolute favorite dishes!!! You will see.. it is by no means "fancy." But oh sooo.. good.

Let's start with a lunch time staple in my home - Orzo Salad. Soo good, and actually - good for you.

I think I drench almost everything in Balsamic Vinegar. I always love when my Italian exchange students send me a new shipment!

Did I tell you I make the best banana pudding in the world? No? Well... I do.

BABY BACK BBQ RIBS. The best? At a little hole in the wall on Beale Street in Memphis.

We always have a basket full of cucumbers in our frig. We will add a little seas salt and pepper. Or soak them in vinegar. YUMMM

Biscuits and sausage gravy. I don't get to eat it often - only when I go home (Georgia.) My dad makes the best!

A nice piece of french bread with balsamic vinegar and a little olive oil. One of mine and the egyptain's favorite thing to snack on.

Did you read my buffalo chicken blue cheese dip recipe on Monday? This is what it looks like.

Give me a good cheese calzone. I love the one's at Lazio's here in Hoover.

A really good cup of chai. Best? Indian restaurants.

Extra Cheese pizza

Potato & cheese soup and Irish soda bread - my mom's only!

Chicken tandoori. Best in town? Silver Coin Indian Grill in Hoover.

Give me chips and dip. If you see me go for this combo - I am stressed!

Hot apple cider

Coffee flavored ice cream

Pink cotton candy!

A double shot of espresso with creme and a hot, buttered croissant. A perfect breakfast in my eyes.

Shepard's Pie. I have to admit - I make the best!

Veggie Egg Rolls.

Egg nog

Fried pickles dipped them in ranch! (I love the ones at Baumhower's Wings or Pub 260.)

Fried Chicken, english peas and mashed potatoes.

Just a big ass plate of fruit!

Goat cheese!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Green Tea Frappucino

Grilled Cheese Sandwich - best? Urban Standard. They have this wonderful balsamic/jam dip for it!

Guacomole - here? Iguana Grill in Hoover

A Gyro!!

Prime Rib with horseradish sauce (I love the P. R. at J. Alexander's.)

Hummus!

Coconut popsicles

Pad Thai Chicken

A Krystal double cheeseburgar

A Layered Salad - again - my recipe is the best!

Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt

Dark Chocolate with hot chiles

The egyptian recipe for macaroni bechamel!

Mac & Cheese! (A staple around here)

Lamb Kebabs (Here? Ali Baba)

Mc Donald's French Fries are the BOMB

A Nuway Chili Dog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Only found in Macon, Georgia)

Cheese Omelet and hashbrowns at Waffle House

I love fruit trifles.. my favorite one is my mom's Georgia Peach trifle

This what I snack on around the house - sweet peppers stuffed with creme cheese.

Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich

Pig in a Potato Patch. (okay.. my northern friends.. let me explain..) It is an oversized baked potato loaded with sour cream, butter, chives, and bbq pulled smoked pork and bbq sauce.) Go to Jim N Nicks to get the best one!