(I am declaring a one-month sabbatical from blogging for July. The two reasons? 1) We’re FINALLY moving into our new house, and I desperately need to “make it into a home,” with all of the organizing, picture-hanging, accessorizing that entails. 2) The 11th Annual Pearson Cousins Camp will be held July 22-28. That week requires complete focus, attention and meticulous planning. So, for this month, we will revisit some of my favorite posts from the past three years that I have been blogging here at ThereGoesConnie.com).
Highlands Bar and Grill and their wonderful Pastry Chef Dolester Miles won the James Beard awards 2018 for Outstanding Restaurant and Outstanding Pastry Chef!!!!! Amazing accomplishment for Frank Stitt and his team, and it’s right here in Alabama. Reason to be proud.
Highlands Bar and Grill: A Sublime Birthday Dinner in Birmingham
Do not, I repeat, do NOT wait as long as I did to have dinner at Highlands Bar and Grill in Birmingham. It. Is. Wonderful.
Frank Stitt opened his restaurant in what was then a very unlikely location in 1982 using funds from his mother who mortgaged her house because she believed that her son had the skills and the opportunity to be successful. Banks weren’t as confident, but Stitt proved them wrong. Boy, did he prove them wrong!
Stitt is an award-winning chef who has generously mentored other chefs who are making their culinary marks on the world. But, in addition to outstanding food, his restaurants have an unparalleled level of attention to detail and impeccable service.
Steve and I were in Birmingham for a few days recently to celebrate my birthday and made reservations for dinner at Highlands. Conveniently, it was located directly behind the Hassinger Daniels Mansion B & B where we were staying, so we could walk. But, there is an adjacent parking lot if you are staying somewhere else or just driving in for dinner.
We had an amazing time from the moment we walked in the door. Goren Avery, a 33-year wait staff veteran at Highlands, is a total delight. He knows the menu thoroughly, and furthermore, he understands PEOPLE.
Highlands is bustling and full of energy, but we never felt rushed in any way. We savored each course slowly and deliberately. Such delicious food!!!
Highlands even has an award-winning pastry chef, Dolester Miles. I can understand completely why some diners make reservations to come just for her over-the-top desserts.
Plan a true treat for yourself soon. The decor, the atmosphere, the staff, the drink menu (we chose a couple off of their list of Temperance Drinks, of course), the appetizers, the entrees, and the desserts ALL rate an A+ in my gradebook. Peruse the website and read all of the stories that have been published about it. Include my recent review for MilesGeek.com when you make your reservation. Enjoy!
So, this original review was posted in 2016, but we returned for an anniversary dinner in March of 2018. Here are some photos from our outstanding dinner that night — quail, venison and Aurora Tart. Oh my!
Manchester Farms Quail for an appetizer.
Grilled venison with sweet potato hash and collards for an entree.
Beautiful caramel custard tart, with chantilly cream and candied hazelnuts created by award-winning pastry chef, Dolester Miles.
Interior of Highlands with gleaming white tablecloths and uniformed servers.
P.S. If you are visiting Birmingham for a few days, Frank Stitt has added 3 more restaurants in the same area of Historic Five Points — Bottega, Bottega Cafe, and Chez Fon Fon. Each has its own distinctive menu and emphasis.