The Yarbrough's Best of Birmingham

Thanks to my dear friend Ashley (follow her blog here), I have been forced encouraged to post on our blog more often. I told her, gosh, I just don't have that much to talk about! So, she has given me a great topic: our favorite restaurants around Birmingham. That sure is easy, because I sure do love food and I love having date night with Hunter... so we're always trying out new places to eat and hang out. So here goes our "Best of Birmingham":

1) Cafe Lazio: located in Patton Creek; yummy and inexpensive Italian food, great outdoor dining spot, have daily specials

2) Taziki's: This is mine and Hunter's FAVORITE place to eat. It is definitely our "go-to" when we're trying to figure out where to eat. This is a casual Greek place with delicious... well, everything. I honestly cannot name one dish that I didn't like there.

3) Moe's Southwest Grill: "Welcome to Moe's!" This became a staple for me as I was going through school. Although I have ventured out to many more Mexican/texmex places, I always have to have my Moe's fix!

4) Bruster's: delicious ice cream... very close to our apartment!

5) Diplomat Deli: really unique and delicious sandwiches

6) Little Savannah: over by the Highlands area, this is a cute, yet expensive, place with very good gourmet southern cuisine. All of their food is made with fresh ingredients, mostly purchased from the local farmers, and you can tell because the food is very rich and tasty!

7) Bottega: (WARNING: THIS IS THE BEST ITALIAN FOOD I'VE EVER HAD IN AMERICA) Ok, so this is a great place! I would recommend saving this for a super fancy occasion because it's on the pricey side. However, it is worth every penny! Very good, fresh, and authentic Italian food!

8) Brio: Ok, since I'm onto the Italian theme, Brio is another very good Italian option located at Brookwood Village Mall. I love their mini desserts that give you just enough sweetness to complete the meal.

9) Baha Burger: This is one of Hunter's favorites. They have some awesome burgers, and we've even tried to make their signature "Baha Burger" (complete with grilled pineapple, pepperjack cheese, and tabasco sauce) at home. We also love their sweet potato fries!

10) Iguana Grill: this is a really funky, cool Mexican place in Hoover that has great food, elaborate decorations, and a lively atmosphere. This is a great place to celebrate birthdays or other fun occasions.

11) OPH (Original Pancake House): Located in Five Points South; I believe I first went here with my roommate freshman year, and I fell in love! They have a large pancake selection...and might I add that they are so delicious?! This is a great place to go on Saturday mornings!

12) Olexa's: Located in Mountain Brook, this is a super cute restaurant for lunch. They have great salads, soups, and paninis, but what I love most is their vanilla buttercream cake with peanut butter frosting on the side. Can I say to die for! Their cakes are the best I have ever tasted!

I could have probably listed several more restaurants, but this will do for now. Man, now I'm ready for a date night! Double date anyone?

Have a great week, and enjoy that weather!