10 Things Thursday: Birmingham Restaurant Week

Birmingham Restaurant Week started this past Friday and there are still a few days left. If you're in the area, you have until Sunday to squeeze in a chance to try out some of the best dishes from restaurants, cafes, bistros, bakeries, grills and gastropubs in the greater Birmingham area. The best part of all, the participating restaurants are all locally owned businesses that are unique to the Magic City. While we are just over half way through the week, we pulled together five highlights from the week so far and five things to check out before its over.

1. The week included several events, such as yesterday's Wine-ol-ogy, a wine flight tasting hosted by Rush Wines, and last Saturday's Beer Saturday, a tasting class presented by Good People Brewing Company.

2. This marks the fifth year for Birmingham Restaurant Week, and it's bigger than ever.

3. This year boasts 17 new participants: Bettola, Chez Lulu, Continental Bakery Downtown, Dixie Fish Co., FoodBar, Homewood Gourmet, Iron City Grill, Jinsie, Little Donkey, Maki Fresh, Melt, On Tap Lakeview, Parish Seafood & Oyster House, Primeaux Cheese & Vino, Sol's Deli and World of Beer. Additionally, newcomer The Summit Club is a private club that is opening its door to guests during BRW.

4. The culinary experience isn't just specific to Birmingham. The entire state is joining in making the total participation 233 restaurants in 55 cities. Learn more on the Alabama Restaurant Week site. 

5. This week brought to you in part by REV Birmingham. An "economic development organization that stimulates business growth and improves quality of life in Birmingham’s City Center and its Neighborhood Commercial Centers."

6. Each participating restaurant is offering a fixed entree at a fixed price. There are lunch platters ranging from $5-$15 and dinners from $10-$30. The participating restaurants and their price points/entrees can be found online at the BRW website. 

7. Join the fun on social media. Follow along on Twitter, @Bhamrestweek or Instagram, bhamrestweek, and use the hashtag #BRW2014 for your posts to be included in the festivities. 

8. Dinner to try: The Summit Club. Grilled Rack of Lamb with a Cabernet Demi-Glace, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Asparagus with Kahlua Creme Brulee for dessert and a signature cocktail to wash it down.

9. Lunch to try: Oscar's Cafe at the Museum. Choice of Grilled Grouper Banh Mi or Southern Fried Catfish and a dessert option of House-made Green Tea Ice Cream or Plantation cake with fresh summer berries & chantilly cream. 

10. When does it end? Sunday! So taste it all before it's gone!