CITY SCENE

Latest news and reviews of movies, music, dining, arts and other events in Birmingham, Alabama

View a list of taco meats found in the metro area

If authentic Mexican street food rings your bell, make a run for the taqueria. One benefit of the growing number of Mexican immigrants in the Birmingham-Hoover metro area is the explosion of restaurants like taquerias that serve authentic Mexican fare. Where the people settle, the real food follows. Continue reading "Where to find a good taco in the Birmingham area" »

Take a deep breath, "American Idol" fans. If spoiler reports on the Internet are true, a model from Huntsville has made it to the top 50 for the TV show's eighth season.

She's a leggy beauty named Stephanie Britt, and her Web site is provocative, with a chat room, lingerie photos, bikini shots and other skin-baring pix.

According to her resume, Britt, an aspiring actress, has appeared in magazines such as Maxim, Esquire and Plush Illustrated. There's no mention of her singing ability, but perhaps Britt's role on the series -- if she has one -- will be as eye candy, a la Antonella Barba, a sexy contestant on season six.

"Idol" will kick off with two episodes, Jan. 13 and 14, at 7 p.m. on Fox 6. Meantime, well-connected spoilers and hardcore fans have been working to discover the identities of future contestants.

Continue reading "Will Huntsville's Stephanie Britt earn a spot on 'American Idol'?" »

Modesty be darned. It's time to puff out those chests, let heads swell and acknowledge the achievements of musicians with Alabama ties.

The year 2008 was a successful one for several acts with links to our state -- from newcomers to veterans, metalheads to folkies, country stars to Christian rockers. Here are some of the names that stick in my memory:

As I Lay Dying. The Christian metalcore act from San Diego was smart enough to recruit a bassist from Birmingham, Josh Gilbert, when Clint Norris left in late 2006. Perfect timing for Gilbert, who played on two Warped tours, traveled the globe and rode the success of the band's latest disc, "An Ocean Between Us." It reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart, and scored a 2008 Grammy nomination for the song "Nothing Left."

Blind Boys of Alabama. Poor health sidelined founder Clarence Fountain, but the gospel troupe with Talladega roots remained unstoppable in 2008. Birmingham native Jimmy Carter assumed Fountain's role, vigorously guiding the Blind Boys through concerts and recording sessions for a new CD, "Down in New Orleans." It featured Louisiana players such as Allen Toussaint and the Hot 8 Brass Band, and led to a dual tour with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Continue reading "Great '08? The year held bonuses for several acts from our state" »

Wesley True, Chef/Owner
True, 9 Du Rhu Drive, Mobile, 251-344-3334

Restaurant's Specialty:
We use French techniques to present a constantly evolving menu with global influences and local flavors.

What Sets This Restaurant Apart From Others?
Our award-winning wine list has been recognized by both Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. Also, working with a local coffee roaster, we designed our own house coffee.

How Long Has The Restaurant Been Open?
One year.

Honors:
Lagniappe Mobile named True the Best New Fine Dining Restaurant, and I received Best Chef in Mobile honor. We also received the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator and the Award of Unique Distinction from Wine Enthusiast.

Continue reading "Dishing with Mobile's Wesley True, owner of True restaurant" »

[Kairos Kafe, 515 University Blvd.; 251-3101; www.kairoskatering.com]

If you've resolved to avoid sweets this year, you may not want to read further.

Or, perhaps you should, in case you want a recipe for a crowd-pleaser that's quick to prepare.

Continue reading "Kairos Kafe's recipe for Chocolate Krackle dessert" »

[La Dama Italian Bistro, 5084 Pinnacle Square, Suite 112, Trussville; 661-0717.]

Take a quick look back at recent reviews in Second Helpings
A recent holiday shopping trip to some of Trussville's electronics stores (three different ones!) did not produce the present we were looking to buy for our youngest child's Christmas, but the enticing aroma of roasting garlic yielded a great gift of another sort that we all later enjoyed -- a family-friendly, authentically delicious Italian eatery. We left Best Buy that day empty handed, but then we followed our noses to La Dama Italian Bistro just a few doors down. Impressed and intrigued, we grabbed a menu, promising ourselves we'd come back soon. Continue reading "Four-star food at Trussville's La Dama Italian Bistro" »

Goodbye, 2008. Hello, 2009.

That's what folks all over Birmingham will be saying on Wednesday at New Year's Eve festivities all over the area.

Our clubs guide lists the many places where you can hear live music on Wednesday night, and most will be celebrating at midnight in some form or fashion. But there are also some bigger shindigs, one-night-only events to herald the new year.

Here's where you can ring in 2009:

NEW YEAR'S EVE AT OLD CAR HEAVEN

Where: First Avenue South under the 35th Street viaduct

When: 8 p.m.

What to expect: Hundreds of vintage autos on display, plus champagne, hors d'oeuvres and music (Carlos Pino and friends and Oteil Burbridge of Allman Brothers fame)

Tickets: $25; www.oldcarheaven.com

Continue reading "Dance away the old year: Parties around metro Birmingham welcome 2009" »