Thebama

Lori September 7th, 2008

Bernie’s on Main
By: Lori – TheBama.com Staff Writer

You’ll find Bernie’s on Main at the end of Columbiana’s, Main Street, as the name implies. Columbiana is the Shelby County seat and located about 25 miles southeast of Birmingham.

Housed in a charming rustic building on the corner, Bernie’s brick motif continues on the interior walls, where the atmosphere is upscale and elegant, but you’ll feel right at home in jeans and a t-shirt if you so choose.

The menu is extremely varied with steaks, seafood, pasta, salads and lots of desserts. After watching others order the Shrimp Alfredo, having a bite and being left wanting more, I finally broke down and ordered it myself, except with grilled chicken. I usually don’t order such rich dishes like this, and after having the opportunity to eat a whole plate myself, I was reminded of why that is. The dish is creamy and tangy with lots of sauce, Asiago cheese, tender grilled chicken and sliced scallions. It is really good but impossible to eat much of at one time. For me at least – others had no problem finishing off the entire plate in one sitting and helping themselves to my leftovers the next day.

From now on, I’ll probably go for the Spaghetti Bologne, which is loaded with red sauce, vegetables and sausage. The owners of Bernie’s are Italian, so the pasta dishes are the real deal and a good bet when ordering. The fried catfish is also outstanding.

Although I’ve never been to Bernie’s for lunch, they are famous for the “Meat & 3” buffet that’s stocked with all the favorites. I know people who work half an hour or more away from Bernie’s, who find excuses to go to Columbiana so they can have lunch there.

For menus and more information, visit www.birminghammenus.com/bernies

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Lori August 15th, 2008

The Depot Deli and Grill – Burgers by Buck Creek
By Lori – TheBama.com Staff Writer

Hamburgers are usually fine at most restaurants, sometimes even good, but after having them at The Depot Deli and Grill in Helena, I hardly ever get one anywhere else.

The Depot is located in the Old Town portion of Helena next to the bridge going over Buck Creek and in between the two railroad tracks. The restaurant is small and slightly cramped inside but outside, the tin roof-covered deck, overlooking the creek below is quite pleasant. Even on the hottest summer nights, the shade and breeze keep it cool enough to be enjoyable.

The menu is actually quite large, with several types of burgers in a four-ounce or seven ounce size – hamburgers, cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers and more – all of which are excellent. Burgers come with a special sauce similar to the Milo’s sauce, in addition to the other usual toppings, but they will gladly customize any order. Hotdogs with a variety of toppings, including chili, chili cheese and slaw are also on the menu. The chicken tenders are tasty, as well as the crinkle cut French fries, tater tots and onion rings. (I have indeed tried them all, but I usually opt for the fries.) There are a variety of salads and other sandwiches, such as BLTs, clubs, chicken salad and grilled chicken.

The only downside is that they have no milkshakes or malts, which would go so perfectly with everything else on the menu.

After finishing your meal, you can start working it off by walking across the street to the Old Town Amphitheater park area where there are trails and the creek to explore. A variety of events are held here throughout the year also.

I live very close to The Depot and am lucky enough to have easy access anytime, which usually ends up being about once every couple of weeks, but even if I didn’t live so close, I would make the trip.

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Mike July 30th, 2008

I love food. I’ve dined on Gordon’s Ramsay’s famous Beef Wellington and enjoyed the finest mushroom risotto money can buy…. But sometimes, I just want a good slice of meatloaf and some mashed potatoes. That’s where the Cedar Post comes in.

Inside this simple rustic building is a clan of wonderful ladies who cook up southern favorites five days a week. From a full hot breakfast complete with grits and homemade biscuits; to a southern meat and veggie plate that changes every day. Some of the top meat items: Country fried steak, Beef tips with rice, chicken and dumplings. For the healthy ones we have true southern sides like squash casserole, greens, beans and just about anything else you could desire.

A daily regular menu offers kid-friendly choices such as burgers, corn nuggets and chop steaks. One of my personal favorite guilty pleasures is their grilled cheese sandwiches, a real treat with either tomatoes or bacon added.

The Cedar Post is located on Center Point Parkway in Birmingham; and is open for Breakfast and Lunch Tuesday through Saturday.

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