| Perhaps people don't think of Birmingham, Alabama | | | | years, which is quite long in an industry with very high |
| when they think of cities with great culinary traditions, | | | | turnover. The seafood served at The Bright Star is |
| but they should. Birmingham isn't just a one-dish town. | | | | flown in from the Gulf coast every day, and Jim and |
| You can find any type of cuisine in this city of a | | | | Nick are committed to using only the best ingredients in |
| quarter of a million people, and you can find it in most | | | | every dish they serve. |
| any price range. People who live in Birmingham love | | | | Chez Lulu is located at 1909 Cahaba Rd., about a mile |
| wowing their out-of-town guests by taking them out | | | | from the Birmingham Zoo. The menu features fresh |
| for some of the best food to be found anywhere. The | | | | soups and tartes made with fresh vegetables, and |
| Bright Star Restaurant, Chez Lulu, and Mudtown Eat | | | | custom dips and spreads. Entrees lean Mediterranean, |
| & Drink are three great examples. | | | | and gourmet sandwiches are served on hearth baked |
| The Bright Star Restaurant is at 304 19th Street North | | | | breads from the Continental Bakery next door. Both |
| in Bessemer. It has been there since 1907 and | | | | bakery and restaurant are owned by Carole Griffin, |
| specializes in Greek style cuisine, seafood gumbo and | | | | who designed both spaces with a very European feel. |
| pies. Owners Jim and Nick Koikos are regularly at the | | | | The peasant garlic soup is reported to be excellent, |
| restaurant overseeing the meal preparation. Of the 90 | | | | and the restaurant sometimes features live music. |
| member staff, the average length of service is 7 | | | | |