Magic City Brewfest 2009

designated drivers receive free admission including drinks and food. good idea!
historic landmark sloss furnaces 
watering hole 
live music 
i have 2¢ for the ABC board 
more please 
serving up the hops 
whatever works 
the j. clyde arriving in style 
showing up late = no more food. those who arrived on time tasted offerings from bottletree, moe's original bbq, area 41 pizza company, the j clyde, big sky bread company, cafe firenze, and blackwell's. 
i only had a chance to sample 2 beers...sad i know but, check out the complete list of beers here.
tasting cup. can i get a pint please? oops, no. from the brewfest site: Respect the two ounce pour rule.
food for sale from fatstuffs
mafiaoza's slingin slices 
see ya next year brewfest!

although it was my first year and i was only there for 30 minutes i would definitely return next year to check sample different beers, taste the local offerings, work on my tan, and catch up with friends. check out the brewfest website for more pictures and event info. 

Magic City Brewfest @ Sloss Furnaces 

Twenty 32nd Street North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: (205) 324-1911

http://www.magiccitybrewfest.com

Moe's Original Bar B Que

former home of the Lakeview Oyster house 
order at the counter and have a seat
simple menu. basically you get a sandwich or a plate. both come with 2 sides and a drink. 
awesome sides
super friendly staff 
the smoker 
the fried pickles are not pictured but I tried one later, oh yah! 
their bbq sauce is soo good!
pulled pork with collard greens, skillet corn, and corn bread. 
smoked turkey sandwich and chips 
on top of old smokey 
dudes hangin on the patio probably having the $1 blues brew 

Now I'm not from the south and I haven't had much BBQ but this place is amazing! Loved the food, loved the staff, loved the vibe. Gotta throw out the live music warning, if you are not a fan go early and if you are go later. Definitely check this place out. 

Moe's Original Bar B Que

731 29th Street South

Birmingham, AL

35233

moesoriginalbbq.com

205 252 5888

post dinner cerveza across the street at Innisfree 

Innisfree Irish Pub

710 29th Street south

Birmingham, AL

35233

http://www.myspace.com/innisfreepub

Gordo's Market

Hola! 
Traditional latin beverages: jamaica (my favorite), horchata, and melon.
Authentic  meat choices including Pollo, carne asada, al pastor, carnitas, barbacoa, lengua, tripas, chicharrones, and cabeza. 
They hand you a house made corn tortilla filled with your meat of choice and then you help yourself to the toppings. Onion, cilatro, radish, cucumber, limes, and jalapenos. Iye!
Smoking hot salsa! all very delicious but make sure you have a cold drink on hand. The creamy avocado salsa was probably what they would call the mild. 
carnitas y al pastor
clockwise from top: barbacoa, pollo, y asada.
The winners: al pastor and the pollo (b's pick)
Gordo's also has a market downstairs with a modest produce section perfect for salsa making.
got beans?
mess around with these spices in the kitchen if you haven't. smokey, sweet, spicy, yum!
I feel silly for ever being intimidated to check this place out. The staff was awesome, the food was good, and the tacos are $1.70 a piece. Don't worry about missing your favorite telemundo program.....they'll have it on there.

Gordo's Market

433 Valley Ave.

Birmingham, AL

35209

205 916 0707

Whole Foods demo: Veggie Sliders

Testing the Veggie Sliders for the Sliders and Cervezas event this Thursday 6/4/09

Thursday, June 4th 5:30pm-7:30pm
It's official - Alabama has freed the hops! While new beers are slowly rolling into the market, we thought we'd take the chance to bring together our favorite beer distributors and taste some cerveza and pair them with mini-slider burgers. Alabama Gas Light and Grille is providing the grills for the sliders and Black and White City Paper will be there with giveaways. A $5 suggested donation benefits the Alabama Environmental Council.

Black Bean Veggie Sliders
The rings of Saturn: ketchup, mayo, and mustard. 
explaining that veggie sliders are in fact vegetarian 
Demo Specialist and Whole Foods employee extraordinaire Stephanie Minderhout!

Whole Foods Market 

3100 Cahaba Village Plaza

Birmingham, AL

35243

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/birmingham/

Rojo!

Great patio to sit back and have a few or three. ok, four...whatever!
Spinach and Mushroom Quesadilla. Pleasantly surprised by the fresh spinach and melty cheese. mmmm
Another big surprise from B.......the Chicken Quesadilla! Tried a bite. Simple but tasty, nice smokey flavor. 
Rojo BBQ Sandwich with Pork. American Carnitas :) 

Spinach Burrito with pico de gallo, rice and beans topped with queso and salsa. Rave reviews.
Dogs are allowed on the patio. Don't forget they're thirsty too!

I've had more drinks than meals here but the food is consistent, honest, and amazingly well priced.  Rojo is a great place to meet friends for a drink and grab a bite. The menu is half Latin (tacos, cheese dip) and half American (burgers, salads). The staff is always friendly. 

http://www.rojobirmingham.com/

2921 Highland Ave S

Birmingham, AL 35205-1901