Michelin Celebrates 15 Alabama Restaurants in New American South Guide
Fifteen restaurants across Alabama have made their mark in the new Michelin Guide to the American South, a significant acknowledgment for these dining establishments. This guide, backed by the prestigious French tire manufacturer Michelin, highlights eateries that showcase culinary excellence within the region.
Highlights from the Michelin Guide
Among the 50 selected restaurants, five Alabama eateries received the “Bib Gourmand” recognition, signifying high-quality food at reasonable prices. The Bib Gourmand winners are:
- Bayonet> (Birmingham)
- OvenBird (Birmingham)
- La Fête (Birmingham)
- Pizza Grace (Birmingham)
- The Noble South (Mobile)
In addition, ten more restaurants from Alabama made it to the “Recommended” list, which includes over 150 dining establishments inspected by Michelin’s team. These selections exemplify a diverse array of culinary offerings across the state.
Notable Achievements in Alabama’s Culinary Scene
Pardis Stitt from Birmingham’s Bottega was honored with a Michelin Outstanding Service Award. Although Alabama did not have any restaurants receive the prestigious Michelin star, being included in the guide is a remarkable achievement.
Featured Restaurants
Birmingham’s Culinary Gems
The Michelin selections highlight a variety of dining experiences in Birmingham:
- Bayonet: A seafood-focused eatery known for dishes like Cobia schnitzel.
- OvenBird: A live-fire restaurant offering a casual dining experience.
- La Fête: A Parisian wine bar that features a charming bistro ambiance.
- Pizza Grace: Specializes in high-end pizzas with naturally leavened dough.
- Bottega: Known for Southern-Italian inspired cuisine served in a stylish setting.
Other Notable Mentions
Other strong contenders in the recommended list include:
- Automatic Seafood and Oysters: A seafood restaurant celebrated for its elegant atmosphere.
- Hot and Hot Fish Club: A blend of Southern, French, and California-inspired dishes.
- Purveyor: A casual fine dining restaurant in Huntsville known for its innovative menu.
- Salt Smokehouse: Recognized for elevated barbecue dishes.
- Helen: A contemporary Southern restaurant famous for its angel biscuits.
The American South Guide
Covering six states, including Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, this Michelin Guide reflects the diverse culinary landscape of the American South. A total of 228 restaurants were recognized during a ceremony held at the Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina.
Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of Michelin Guides, commented on the rich culinary heritage of the South. The guide showcases an impressive array of dishes influenced by numerous cultures, a testament to the skills of the region’s chefs.
In conclusion, the inclusion of Alabama’s restaurants in the Michelin Guide to the American South emphasizes the state’s growing reputation in the culinary world. With unique dining experiences available, Alabama continues to be a vibrant destination for food lovers.
