“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.”
Psalms 119:89
Thursday greetings sweet friends…today’s post is a very exciting one for me! If you have been a long-time reader, you know I am a self-proclaimed foodie. Butch and I love great food and restaurants, even planning our vacations around food. You probably are aware that I am crazy about Chef Frank Stitt’s food and all four of his Birmingham restaurants. We do not hesitate to make the 60 mile drive! The food photographs that find their way into our Simple + Southern Sunday series are most often from one of his restaurants.
I have a fabulous giveaway, so be sure to scroll to the bottom to find out how to enter.
Monday evening as I watched The James Beard Foundation Awards, I was thinking…
could this possibly be the year that Highlands Bar and Grill would win?
This was their tenth straight nomination for the prestigious award of Outstanding Restaurant in America. Their competition has always been from restaurants in much larger markets such as New York City and Chicago. When their name was announced you can imagine my excitement…in total honesty, I might have squealed and done a happy dance! Not only did the restaurant win, but the very talented Dolester Miles won Outstanding Pastry Chef! Both awards were long overdue and well deserved. We have been fortunate to eat at some of the best restaurants in NYC, San Francisco, New Orleans and many places in Europe. After one of these great meals, Butch and I always say to each other, “It doesn’t come close to Frank’s food!” Congratulations Chef Stitt, Pardis, Dol, and all the wonderful staff at Highlands Bar And Grill. You are the best of the best!
You may enjoy my other posts about Chef Stitt and his restaurants here:
Frank Stitt, A Culinary Genius
Eat, Drink, And Be French!
Eat, Drink, And Be Italian!
The iconic Highlands Bar and Grill opened in 1982 in Birmingham Alabama. With its opening, Chef Stitt changed the food scene in Alabama forever and put Birmingham on the culinary map. Birmingham is now well known as a food destination!
Photo by Bob Carlton/AL.com; used with permission
Frank Stitt, Dolester Miles, and Pardis Stitt, outside the Lyric Opera in Chicago on Monday evening prior to the James Beard Foundation Awards.
The baked grits are legendary for all who have tasted this unbelievable appetizer. It is a mainstay on the Highlands menu. Chef Stitt takes humble Southern grits and raises them to rock star status with a buttery parmesan sauce garnished with wild mushrooms and country ham. Butch always begins dinner at Highlands with the grits!
Highlands baked oysters are absolutely divine and they are one of my favorite appetizers. With a perfect blend of herbs, wilted greens, and bread crumbs, they are baked on a bed of rock salt.
Quite possibly the best dish I have ever eaten (with the exception of my late Mama’s food, of course), red snapper with morels, crawfish butter, bulb onion, and sweet pea puree!
Frank Stitt’s Southern Table – Photo: Christopher Hirsheimer
Growing up in the South, Sunday lunch almost always consisted of fried chicken or roasted chicken with vegetables. Chef Stitt’s recipe of Chicken with Autumn Vegetables and Madeira is perfect for a family gathering. The addition of Granny Smith apples to the vegetables is genius!
I always choose Highlands for my birthday and other occasions. Unfortunately, I didn’t record what this fabulous dessert was, but I can guarantee Dolester Miles will never disappoint you…she is the best in the business! Stay tuned for an upcoming post on Dol and her famous cake, including the recipe!
Satsuma cake with citrus curd and orange anglaise was the perfect finish for my birthday last year!
Stitt’s culinary journey took him from Cullman, Alabama to San Francisco to Provence and back to Sweet Home Alabama! Even with his classical French training, he has never left his deep southern roots.
Photo: highlandsbarandgrill.com
We almost always see Pardis when we dine at one of the four restaurants. As co-owner and operator, she focuses on front-of-house operations and is visible as she visits tables and greets guests with elegance, grace and beauty!
Frank Stitt’s Southern Table – Photo: Christopher Hirsheimer
Only the freshest ingredients are used…from Chilton County peaches to the freshest of seafood direct from the Alabama gulf waters. The menus change daily according to what is available and fresh from local farmers. Alabama is known for growing tomatoes, take it from Chef Stitt and me, no tomato should ever see the inside of a refrigerator.
Frank Stitt’s Southern Table Photo: Christopher Hirsheimer
Highlands is famous for its seafood! This beautiful flounder with lady pea succotash combines the delicate flavors of flounder and lady peas with tomatoes, corn, and lots of basil, dill and chives. I always choose seafood for my entree. It is always perfectly prepared.
Now for the all important giveaway. Southern Table is a must have collection of recipes and traditions from Highlands Bar and Grill. The foreword written by the late Pat Conroy is a delightful read as are all the personal stories told by Frank. The famous baked grits and its highly sought recipe is included with many other favorite recipes and gorgeous photography. I am giving away one of these fabulous cookbooks to one lucky reader. There are three chances to win. So how do you enter, you are wondering?
1. Leave me a comment on what is your all-time favorite food.
2. For a second chance to win, subscribe to Everyday Living. If you are already a subscriber, leave a comment that you are.
3. For a third chance, follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! Leave me a comment if you are already following!
4. The winner will be announced next Thursday, May 17th. Be sure to check in to see if you are the lucky winner!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Life on Lakeshore Drive,Coastal Charm, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Katherines Corner,Petit Haus, Follow The Yellow Brick Home, Vintage Mama’s Cottage, Marilyn’s Treats Eclectic Red Barn, Share Your Cup,21 Rosemary Lane,The Vintage Nest, The Essence Of Home, Feathering My Empty Nest, Kingsbury Brook Farm, The Red Painted Cottage, Love Of Home,My Soulful Home, Celebrating Everyday Life, Little Farmstead, Starfish Cottage, Rustic & Refined,The Freckled Rose, Life and Linda, DIY 180, Celebrate & Decorate, Sweet Sensations, The Dedicated House, Jodie Fitz, The Design Twins, Happy Nester, Modern Glam Home, Shabby Fufu, Designthusiasm, Imparting Grace, Calypso in the Country
I’m commenting, but it will cost you too much to send the book. I think I would enjoy the chicken in Madeira you have pictured there.
However, as far as fish goes, you can’t beat barramundi from Northern Australia. It can be wild or farmed. When you come to Aus you will not believe the sophisticated food scene here, especially in Sydney and Melbourne. We are such a cultural melting pot, in this country, with top World award winning chefs, even the pubs in our little town do nice meals and large enough for US tastes as that’s how the farmers prefer their plates -filled.
Indigenous foods like edible wild native plants have also enriched the culinary scene and you can get those in top restaurants but also in tourist places like Uluru up North.
Cath, we sure hope to visit Australia in the future. You have made it sound so much more attractive. I have read about the sophisticated food scene. I had to laugh when you said large enough for US tastes. We don’t really eat that much?
What a fabulous restaurant!!!The presentation of the food is beyond fabulous. I subscribe and followed you on all. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Pam.
Thank you Katie and you as well!
I just discovered your blog completely by accident last week through a Pinterest pin. What a find! I love that you always begin with scripture (which is how I found you), but I was fascinated by your story. I follow you on Pinterest and am a subscriber of your blog. I couldn’t possibly name my favorite food because I love everything! My husband and I also plan our trips around food and can’t wait to visit Highlands on our next trio to AL.
Good morning, June and welcome! Thank you for your sweet comments. Be sure to make reservations at Highlands way in advance. You will love the food. Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning, Pam! What a great post. Especially since I love to cook. Lovely restaurants, such as the Highlands Bar and Grill, are something we miss from where we lived in Virginia. Therefore, when we returned to West Virginia, my cooking went up several notches.My favorite food, is anything with crab. I love a warm crab salad or a Tidewater Virginia dish – Crab Imperial.
I happily follow you on Facebook and am a subscriber to your blog. Your blog is always a treat to receive, especially on Sunday morning.
Happy day to you – hope this finds you enjoying your lovely garden.
Good morning, Sandra. I have been in the garden this morning enjoying the fragrance of gardenias! Ooh, I also love crab! Thank you dear friend!
As soon as I heard this great news I immediately thought of you & Butch as I know it is your favorite restaurant! This is such an achievement for Frank & Pardis, as well as an achievement for Birmingham! It is so refreshing to hear great news about our beautiful city, and something we can all be proud of! I am lucky enough to already have the beautiful Frank Stitt cookbook so I won’t enter the giveaway, I know who ever receives it will love it!
Jenna
It is so refreshing to hear great news about Birmingham, the foodie scene is quite vibrant!
Pam, you are making me hungry this morning! The grits look and sound amazing! My most favorite food would have to be chicken and dumplings. Enjoy your day, sweet friend!!!
Thank you Shannon, we love chicken and dumplings as well!
Oh Pam, following you has been a joy.
Favorite food? How do I Love thee, let me count the ways…there is not enough room to list every food I love. 🙂 However, I will say southern fried chicken has always been a favorite.
Congratulations on your “find”…being a top choice “find” too. What an honor.
Philippians 4:4
Blessings Always
Kari@meandmycaptain
Thank you dearest Kari! My hubby loves southern fried chicken as well! Blessings~
What a huge honor! Finally, the South is being recognized as a foodie’s paradise. I would definitely order the grits appetizer and the flounder, saving room for a fabulous dessert! My favorite summertime meal…a ‘mater sandwich made with fresh picked tomatoes, Duke’s mayonnaise, and white bread! Washed down with Sweet Tea…I am Southern to the bone!
Roxanne, it is hard to beat a fresh ‘mater sandwich!?
I will resist ordering Frank’s book “Southern Table” on the chance I could win his book, but will order it as the dishes you show us cause me to swoon as soon as the give away is announced. I’ve never been to Birmingham and since I’ve been a Southern Living girl frm the very beginning, I’ve often dreamed of taking a vacation there to soak in all its goodness. I have only recently learned to love grits as I didn’t grow up with them in my diet. Fish dishes are my favorites and can’t wait to start making them from Mr. Stitt’s book. Thanks for the chance to enjoy his book with none other than Pat Conroy writing the forward. Brilliant.
Thank you Alice. If you ever make it to Birmingham, you must try one of his restaurants!
I wish I lived near that restaurant! The meals look wonderful. My all time favorite food is Alaskan King Crab Legs.
It is hard to beat Alaskan King Crab Legs!
I follow your blog via bloglovin.
Ok, got it?
and I follow you on facebook! Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful book!
Thank you Penny!
Isn’t it fun when a favorite wins? Hard to pick a fave but I think mine is shrimp and grits! Is getting your posts in my mailbox a subscription? If it is, I do — and of course, on FB!
Hi Jeanie, yes that is a subscription! Yum, shrimp and grits!
I am a subscriber to your blog I save all your blogs and I read them and reread them and I specially look for Ella Mae she is growing before our eyes. The food at Highland looks so yummy. Makes me want to book a ticket to Alabama Really! Have never eaten grits and I am from Texas. Look forward to winning the recepie book or buying it
Ooks
Thank you Aurora for your sweet comments. Ella Mae will turn 2 on Saturday! ?
I am a long time subscriber to your blog and love how you always honor God and use scripture in every post. We are all so blessed and should give credit for all that we have and all that we are to Him who loves us so much and gives us much more grace than we deserve. Thank you Pam and Butch.
Thank you Ruth for your sweet comments! Blessings~
What a great review – from loyal customers like you & Butch! Congrats to Highland Bar & Grill’s stars!
Thanks Rita!
Enjoying your blog with scripture. Since I am from Alabama I will have to go to Highlands Bar & Grill next time I visit family there. My favorite food would be BQ. There isn’t a trip to Bham. that I don’t eat BQ some where. I will even get one for my road trip home. My brother just gave me the cook book Alabama Back Road Restaurant, but it doesn’t have a recipe from The Highlands Bar and Grill in it. If I don’t win, I will purchase one. Kay?
Kay, we all love BarBQ. Be sure to make reservations early for Highlands!
Sometime in Birmingham go to Saw’s Soul Kitchen for BQ in Avondale. Also Saw’s Juke Joint in Crestline and also in Homewood. I always but bottles of BQ Sauce to bring home.
There are lots of good BarBQ places. Are you originally from Birmingham?
I am such a fan of yours and adore that you are a Foodie!! Both my hubby and I have it on our bucket list to try all of Frank Stitt’s restaurants. I was whooping and hollering when both he and his divine dessert Chef Dolester won for both the restaurant, Highlands and her Pastry Art. It was super fitting as it was their 10th year of competition. I have no need of this fabulous cookbook as I have bought a great many and given away each one them to my friends across the country. So please grace someone with this fabulous gift. My 66th birthday is near the end of May so I have put a bug in my sweet hubby, Jim’s ear to take me to one of the restaurants, hopefully Bottega or Chez Fon Fon!! I do follow your everywhere in social media and never get tired of your wondrous travels and exploits with Butch!! It is great for the ‘ham to be recognized nationally by the superb Frank Stitt and Dolester and his fabulous staff!! Have a great Mother’s Day weekend!! We will because we are working the Buck Creek Festival in our lovely town of Helena, Al. Keep up the good work!!.
Penny, thanks so much! What encouraging words from you! I was so happy for Highlands and Dol’s win and for Birmingham. Wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend and blessings always~
Congratulations to Highlands and to Dol on their wins. I am one of many who kept thinking that surely this would be the year! I agree with Butch! Highlands grits are the greatest, as I consider myself a connoisseur of Southern grits and bread puddings! With retirement, I’m beginning to start cooking again, myself, and would love a copy of the Highlands’ Southern Table for my Southern table!
And congratulations to you for continuing to pick up new readers. I enjoy your blog just as much for the sweet comments your readers make as for your lovely postings. Every time I pass your driveway, I wonder what kind of magic you are conjuring in your lovely woods!
Have a blessed Mother’s Day with your precious family!
Thank you so much Luann. We enjoyed dinner at Chez Fonfon on Friday evening. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Pam,
You have made me hungry now lol! I have found it difficult to eat out since being diagnosed with celiac disease & lactose intolerance 9 years ago, restaurants just don’t seem to get it. I end up getting contaminated & ill. Never mind, I cook at home instead 🙂
But my favorite dinner is our Australian roast dinner! Yum! Roasted leg of lamb with roasted garlic & onion gravy, roast potatoes & pumpkin, honey carrots & peas with mint sauce. Mmmmm!
Then our Australian Pavlova for desert with a cup of Lady Grey tea! ♥
Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. The Australian roast dinner sounds delicious! I would gladly join you for dessert❤️
It is & you are most welcome!
My favorite main dish is kind of a toss-up between fried shrimp and fried fish. I grew up in Jacksonville, which has a seaport (Mayport) plus my daddy’s hobby was fishing so fresh fish or shrimp was on the menu a lot. My parents threw the best cookouts and mom wanted everybody to eat the fish right out of the fryer while it was hot. She made the best hush puppies and the best cheese grits and cole slaw. They were great entertainers – my mom was such a good hostess.s Our choice when eating out (which was often since they both worked full time) was to go down to one of the local seafood restaurants near the docks and eat fish or shrimp that was as fresh as it could possibly be. I miss that! I live in near Nashville now and it is hard to get good seafood here. We do have a couple of catfish restaurants that we go to sometimes. The Highland’s seafood looks so good – I was drawn to the flounder dish.
I joined your FB page and will also follow you on Pintrest when I finish this comment. I already follow your blog. Sorry this is so long but thanks for sharing those yummy pictures.
Carol, thank you for sharing your beautiful memories. I enjoyed reading. I enjoyed fresh red snapper on Friday evening. Blessings~
Fabulous giveaway Pam. I had to go visit Eat, Drink and be French. The desserts are so beautiful. Great food is hard to beat. I love so many different foods. Flounder, red snapper, crab and shrimp are favorites as far as seafood goes. That baked grits dish look wonderful. I follow you on pinterest, Instagram and Facebook. have a fabulous Mother’s Day.
Pam, Love the way you share your Everyday Living, it is truly every day! I have really enjoyed your travel pictures and foods that you experience even when in an new area.
My favorite food is shrimp of any kind, I could eat it every day and never get tired of it.
Thanks so much for a wonderful blog.
Thanks so much Chris, I agree shrimp is always great!
I do believe I’d love the baked grits. As for my favorite food, it’s hard to say, but I do like a couple of old standby desserts: Apple Dapple Cake and Strawberry Tart.
Linda, I love Apple Dapple Cake!
I no longer live in the Carolinas but my all time favorite meal is Shrimp and Grits; especially grits fixed any way….this coming from a gal who was born and bred in Hawaii. Thank you so much for your wonderful and uplifting blog! Aloha
Talk about drool-worthy photos! Recently, I read an article on Dolester Miles and it was fascinating. It’s definitely a place I’d like to visit. Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story and we hope you will join us again next week.
Thanks Sandra! I love sharing!
Hi Pam, this sounds absolutely fabulous! East to see by the photos that the restuarant has delicious food. Those gitts look amazing! I’m late for the give away. : ( Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Thanks Jann! Love to share with SYC!
I love it when you post about your meals at this amazing restaurants!!! Everything looks so delicious! I would go there for all occasions too….and in-between!
Thank you, Shirley!