One of my recent favorite places to eat has been Saw’s Soul Kitchen in Avondale.  I am continuously amazed at 3 things, the cost, the line and the food.  It’s crazy expensive, folks line up from 11am till 2pm and everything I have eaten there is crafted with passion.  The unexpected treats at Saw’s Soul Kitchen are the  seafood options.  Grouper, oyster and shrimp are regulars on the menu and I have even see a softshell crab BLT when in season.

I found my self driving back downtown today just for a shrimp sandwich, I knew it was time to write her up.  I think if they had called it a po-boy, and not had Gambio’s bread, I would have turned away.  This little treat is on a bun that is there just so they can call it a sandwich.  Otherwise it’s a pile of perfectly seasoned shrimp (south of I-10 seasoned), lettuce, tomato, pickles and a mayo/tarter type dressing that brings it all together.  As far as sides go – have your pick they are all good.

Bring your patience, your wallet and someone with you that loves good food.  This is a place to enjoy food.

This menu is full of great options so it has taken me some time to develop one specific craving.  I can eat healthy, the salads and blackened fish are high on the healthy list.  There are also some tasty sandwiches -  Patty Melt, Mexicali, Cuban and I even had something called a Manhattan which was great.  They have top of the line staples like the Super Sol (cheeseburger) and a Philly that will make you smile.  It is just too much.  I wonder how they can do so many things well.

A few warnings – Sometimes the line is long, which is a good sign.  Additionally, If you are with a group your food comes out as soon as it is ready.  If some of you order a meat and three it will be there fast. If others order something more complex they will get to watch you eat.  This can be awkward for everyone.

Now for the food – hands down – its the daily meat and veggies.  If fresh homemade veggies are something you enjoy Sol’s is a home run.  If you visit enough you will soon get to know the little lady in the kitchen, Nadia.  She gets up at the crack of dawn every day and pours her love into the daily specials.  It is not often today when you find someone who cares so much about quality.  It’s good to know she is teaching her boys how to make food with pride.  Leading by example!

My recommendation – meatloaf – with the incredible tangy red sauce.  You have to order  potatoes because they were up early that morning cleaning, boiling and smashing them just for you.  The other two options are variable – lima beans or field peas are good options.  One day I ordered early peas, not knowing they were army peas, and now I get them every time they are on the menu.  They are fresh and light,  yumm.

All of the veggies are light and tasty – they are made by hand with fresh locally sourced produce picked out by Nadia.  She cares about her food and you can taste it.

If you can’t get there on a meatloaf day – try the hamburger steak its my second favorite.  Third, the Cuban.  Don’t be afraid to try a special, they have all been good.  There are really lots of great options.  Enjoy!

Check out their facebook page to get the daily fresh menu – www.facebook.com/solsdelibham

I have decided one of the best things about Urban Cookhouse is the portion size.  It’s perfect for lunch.  You leave there refreshed ready for the afternoon, not too full to work.

Slice was made for beer and pizza.  It’s so simple yet elegant,  The pizza oven is a work of art and it produces the best stone baked crust I have ever had.  They have 10 local beers on tap and a long list of bottled beer.  The current menu has 16 pizzas.  I would not call them gourmet pizzas although they have gourmet toppings.  These are just good pizzas made to look and taste like pizza.

I suggest bringing a friend and sharing two. Plan to take the left over home for lunch.  Yep, left over pizza.  I can not think of a better lunch.  If that is not your speed they are open for lunch and serve pizza by the slice.

My current favorite is the Very Veggie.  It’s not leading by much, the crust is a big factor in the goodness so all the pizzas have that going for them.  This veggie pizza has 3 types of peppers and one is jalapeno!  It’s a spicy veggie pizza and I love it!

The place is run by three brothers who have lots of pizza and food experience.  You can tell they care about their product.  Every visit we get quizzed for our thoughts on the food.  Last Thursday night they had a little outdoor entertainment, it was nice and relaxing.  I can not wait to go back again.

Sammy’s Sandwich Shop in Woodlawn (4921 Messer Airport Hwy Birmingham, AL  35212)  is hands down my favorite place for a cheeseburger.  In fact, I don’t ever try cheeseburgers anymore; I just go back to Sammy’s.  This hidden treasure of a diner is near the airport in Birmingham, AL.  You get off 59/20 at the airport exit and go away from the airport on Messer Airport Highway.  Go thru the second light and look for a little old shopping center on the left.  There is a small Dr Pepper sign that says Sammy’s Sandwich Shop.  They open early for breakfast but close around 3:30pm and they are closed Saturday and Sunday.  In other words – Weekday lunch spot.

The guy at the griddle is Johnny and the hostess is his wife Susan.  They also have a son there helping with the big lunch crowds.  You can sit at Johnny’s counter or enjoy a midcentury booth.  The power company guys will be devouring the daily special but don’t be tempted to order anything but what you came in for, the large cheeseburger, all the way.

If you watch Johnny you will see him fashion each patty from a tub of beef he keeps in the fridge next to the griddle.  He applies a special sauce and spices as it cooks and he also keeps some bacon, onion and peppers diced and ready to griddle up as a topping.  They use a large soft Merita bun and fresh, local and organic lettuce and tomato.   I usually count the napkins I use and seldom can I keep it under a dozen.  It’s the best tasting juiciest burger in the world.  I promise you will come back.  You will be tempted to try a beef rider but remember why you came to Sammy’s and order another cheeseburger.

Sammy’s Sandwich Shop – 4921 Messer Airport Hwy Birmingham, AL  35212 – 205-591-1462

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/45/490957/restaurant/Avondale/Sammys-Sandwich-Shop-Birmingham

http://www.the35212.com/2009/10/16/sammys-sandwich-shop/

http://www.menuism.com/restaurants/sammys-sandwich-shop-birmingham-166698#p86829

Fat Sam’s set up has become my favorite, small shop with a grill and enough space for a few tables.  Run by the owner, Fat Sam.  He has been loosing some weight and his cholseteral is under control.  Sam has that friendly welcoming attitude that makes lunch fun.

The place is old and dingy.  You may even find yourself looking for the health rating, I never found it.  This is just a heads up, if you expect it to be a greasy dive you wont be shocked.  If you come with Clorox wipes you will be well prepared.  If you can handle the atmosphere it is a great lunch spot.

We ordered three of many unique sandwich option on the menu, the Dragon’s Belly, Philly Cheesesteak and an Affair.  The Philly and Belly came with fresh homemade fries.  All three were good, fresh, hot and tasty.  I will say the Dragon’s Belly was right up my alley.  It’s a combination of buffalo chicken, pickle, tomato and other stuff in a pita.  The chicken is chopped so the ingredients are mixed up and easy to enjoy.  Spicy chicken is one of my favorite and this is a unique presentation that I will be back to enjoy again and again.

Another interesting item was the home style fries.  Freshly sliced potatos, fried and seasoned for your taste buds.  They remind me of college and all potatos that went through the fry daddy.  I have not made fires at home since then, these were a treat.

Put it on your list of places to visit with the guys.  This is not a spot for ladies tea.  20+ years  of UAB basketball posters adoren the walls of this south side dive.  Come prepared and enjoy some good food, made for you with the care of the proprietor.

a lot of good years!

1948 – 2011 Pete’s was operated by Gus Koutroulakis.  We will miss the big guy behind the counter.  I am sure his family will miss him a lot but there have to be thousands of hot dog fans who will think of Gus every time they see a hot dog for the rest of their lives!  You can not find a better example of dedication than a man who spent 63 years serving generations of Birmingham.  From Bull Connor to Michael Jordan they all ate at Pete’s Famous.  The world changed dramatically but those Zigler’s dogs, Golden Flake chips and bottles of Grapico wine stayed the same.

RIP Gus, I am sure they now have hot dogs in heaven.