Morgan Creek Winery

"Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free" 

Bob Dylan said it best, and those words sum up a fabulous night of music and fireworks at Morgan Creek Winery. What more could one ask for...wine, picnic-ing, dancing and fireworks? Pretty spectacular. Although a little outside of Birmingham's city limits, this summer event is more than worth the drive and the $10.00 entry fee.  Have you ever tasted a muscadine off the vine? Didn't think so. Not only did we experience new things (i.e. muscadine eating), but we got to listen to some awesome music (thanks to Bonus Round this particular evening) and enjoy a fireworks show while being in a little Napa Valley! 

We started out the evening by breaking open our picnic basket & bottle of wine purchased from Morgan Creek several months ago. After taking a breather, we  tasted eleven different wines, from the aptly named Vulcan Red to a sweet, southern peach wine--delicious! After the sun went down, we decided that was our cue to start the party and break it down! Of course this made others feel comfortable in joining us on the dance floor (a.k.a. the big grassy expanse in front of the stage) and we had a regular dance-off to covers such as "Party in the U.S.A.", "Gold Digger" and "My Girl"! What better way to burn those calories you spent on wine and brownies?!

 Anti-lame tip # 236:  Start dancing if no one else is dancing. You may feel awkward for a second, but it's almost 100% guaranteed to get others involved, which can quickly turn a regular event into a partay!!

Art on the Rocks

 

And HERE it is: The long anticipated review of Art on the Rocks.

Shout out to Chris for recommending it for review. (See, we DO listen when you guys tell us about things! Keep it up!)

This past month The Anti-Lame Campaign made an appearance at Art on the Rocks at the Birmingham Museum of the Arts! There was quite a turn out. There were a lot of people in Birmingham being Anti-Lame that night. For those who couldn’t make it out on July 22, make it out next time! (Which happens to just be around the corner on August 19.)

In addition to lots of people, there were un-ending trays of food from chips and dip, to pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, and fries. For those individuals who enjoy browsing a museum, you could! And there was even a scavenger hunt utilizing the museum and the pieces in it! There was a concert going on outside, an artist doing demonstrations, and even a station where YOU could try your hand at being an artist AND take your art home. There were drinks for sale and plenty of mingling with Birmingham’s social scene. Chances are high you will run into SOMEONE you know and it is almost guaranteed that you will meet someone new.

The Anti-Lamers that made it out had a wonderful time. Next time experience it for yourselves!

-Melissa

For more information on the Birmingham Museum of the Arts, visit: http://www.artsbma.org/. 

For more information on Art on the Rocks, visit:  http://www.artsbma.org/events/artontherocks

Top 5

You’re in for a treat.  Your Anti-Lame Advocates have blogged their “Top 5” lists to help increase your Birmingham enjoyment.  Let us know what other “Top 5”s you’d like to see in the future!

Top 5 Musical Venues
By: Laura and Bradley

1. Alabama Symphony Orchestra - ASO does a spectacular job of providing a variety of musical shows in a variety of price ranges. From top-dollar performances of world-renowned musicians to the free concerts at railroad park, there is always a performance that any music lover will enjoy. http://www.alabamasymphony.org/

2. Workplay - Brings out the edgier and more popular side of music life in Birmingham, with attractions such as Galactic, Little Big Town, and MuteMath. There is also a Latin Dance Night, where guests can learn how to dance Salsa, Merengue, or the Tango and then practice their new skills until late in the evening. http://www.workplay.com/

3. SuperJazz - An ensemble affiliated with the UAB music department and has been playing in the Birmingham area for over 25 years. They now play at Samford University 4 times a year and attract locals, students, and big-name jazz lovers and performers from around the globe. Prices are $5 for adults and seniors, $3 for students with IDs, and free for Samford students, faculty and staff. http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=14386

4. Alys Robinson Stephens Center - A venue that truly celebrates multiple art forms. From film screenings, to acrobats, to various musical performances, ARSC provides opportunities for those interested in all types of art. With events ranging from triple digits to free, this venue provides a wide variety of mind-stretching activities for those on a budget or willing to pay the big bucks. http://alysstephens.uab.edu/

5. Your Shower at Home - When is the last time you really let loose and sang in your shower? Not only is this completely free, but it could also provide some amusement for your neighbors. All great musicians have to start somewhere...

Top 5 Mexican Restaurants

by Melissa

1. Habaneros Mexican Grill - Located in Hoover, this Mexican joint has a fun and festive atmosphere. It can get a little loud during the lunch or dinner hours from being so busy so it may not be the place to go for a quiet business meeting. But, the wonderful food more than makes up for the volume. 
2. Hacienda Mexican Grill - This Mexican restaurant has 3 locations in the Greater Birmingham Area: Eastwood, off Valleydale, and Chelsea. The queso is amazing and the steak quesadilla is the best I have had to date. The atmosphere is somewhat quieter than Habaneros thus making it an ideal location for a variety of dinner needs. 
3. Sabor Latino - Located of Green Springs highway in Homewood, this restaurant is something special. Not only do they have drink special's Monday through Thursday, and an all you can eat buffet Monday and Tuesday nights, but their service is hard to beat. This is a restaurant that you can come to only a couple of times and feel right at home. 
4. Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Located in Vestavia Hills, this place has a very authentic feel. It is small enough that if you blink you will drive right past it, but, the service is amazing and the food fantastic. Here you will find a link to a much better review. http://blog.al.com/scenesource/2009/06/marias_restaurant_in_vestavia.html
5. Iguana Grill - Located in Vestavia Hills, this restaurant features an impressive interior and a classy vibe. The prices are reasonable given the setting and the food is amazing. The Iguana Grill is definitely something to experience. 

Top 5 Birmingham Bakeries

by Melanie

1. Klingler’s Bakery - If you have not heard of this bakery, you must go and see. This is a family owned restaurant which serves traditional German and European desserts and pastries. Klingler’s has been named one of the "Best of Birmingham" by Birmingham Magazine, and their Black Forest Cake was chosen as one of the "100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die" by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel. After tasting their desserts, one forgets the hustle-bustle environment of Birmingham and is suddenly transported to a quaint European atmosphere.
2. Savage’s Bakery - Craving a white cake with buttercream frosting? Savage’s is your bakery for finding the perfect wedding cake. Savage’s cakes are distinctively delicious. Don’t feel like a piece a cake? You must try their iced cookies- a cookie unlike any other.
3. Edgar’s Bakery - You want a full-service bakery- you got it! Everything is delicious here- but trying the strawberry and caramel cakes are a must. Additionally, Edgar’s has been rated by the Birmingham Reader’s Poll as the Best Bakery in Birmingham from 2007 to 2010.
4. Dreamcakes Bakery - You think Gigi’s has good cupcakes? Well, you obviously have not had a Dreamcakes cupcake. Rated among the best cupcakes in the South by Southern Living, Dreamcakes has quite the selection- ranging from the simple flavored chocolate cupcake to the more exotic mango tango and caramel sea salt mocha.
5. Pastry Art Bake Shoppe - On a diet? You don’t have to feel guilty when eating one of Pastry Art’s “Baby Bites.” Gone are the days of the unidimensional and often dry petits fours, welcome to the new world of flavor and variety when tasting the Baby Bite.

Top 5 Places to have a Picnic

by Erin

1. Railroad Park - downtown Birmingham. Duh, it's a happenin' place with lots of well-manicured, flat grassy areas that are perfect for a springtime picnic. There is also a covered area with tables, so your picnic can't get rained out & there is some shade in the summertime.

2. Orr Park - Montevallo, Alabama. This unique park has plenty of areas for a picnic, but has a charming, been-there-awhile charm, a beautiful stream, and tree carvings everywhere! Enjoy the quaint town while you are there, and be sure to check out the University of Montevallo campus for even more beauty.

3. Aldridge Gardens - Hoover, Alabama With lots of shade and coverings, this is a great place to take a date & talk about your hopes and dreams... or you could just walk the trails. Don't worry, these trails aren't too strenuous, so you our your gal can still visit even if she's chosen to wear a dress and flip flops.

4. Moss Rock Preserve - Hoover, Alabama  A little more intense hiking to get to where you're going, I haven't been to this place in the summer, but in the winter it was a great place to explore. Gigantic rocks, no, boulders, are all up in this natural area. The stream was dried up when I went, so try not to visit in a drought. Bottom line: if you like rocks, go here.

5. Oak Mountain State Park - This is a great place for a crowd. With pavilions and a "beach" there are plenty of different areas to picnic. Or take a special someone to the top of Peavine Falls for a more private place to picnic.

Top 5 Ways to Stay Lame

by Bethany

1. Don’t read our blog.
2. Don’t try new things.
3. Don’t venture downtown.
4. Don’t initiate plans (expect others to do all the work).
5. Don’t love life.

Summer Days (and Nights) - Part 1

Well friends, summer is in full swing in Birmingham.  We know that because….we have been to numerous weddings, been bitten by multiple mosquitoes, and have experienced mild heat strokes while walking to and from our vehicles.

While adults don’t get the luxury of summers off, we have found some ways to enjoy the summertime.

Last year, we created a fun tradition involving two of our favorite things: food and movies.  The Alabama Theatre offers several movie options each week during the summer.  Some are geared towards the kiddos, while others are perfect for dates and friends.

At only $7 a ticket, why would you watch a movie at a typical cinema?  These movies are classics (some cult classics, some award-winning), and always bring out a diverse crowd.  For the Ghostbusters movie, featured last year, there were many movie-goers who came decked out in costume, we discovered the Alabama Ghostbusters Community, and even saw an Ecto-1.

Refreshments are also very affordable.  Candy bars are $1, and popcorn is not much more.

Before each movie begins, you have the opportunity to listen to the Mighty Wurlitzer and participate in a sing-along.  Don’t be shy friends.  Really let it loose.  Why?  Because you’re at the dang Alabama Theatre.  A historical institution.  And because not singing is totally lame.

Before catching a flick, which normally begin at 7pm, we’ve found that enjoying a good Newk’s Q sandwich (see previous post) really helps set the mood.  Pick any other fun restaurant, and you’ve got a dinner and a movie experience perfect for a summer evening in Birmingham.

The Anti-Lame Campaign will be enjoying this Alabama landmark on July 16^th for a Hitchcock double feature, July 23^rd for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and July 31^st for Roman Holiday.  We hope to see you there!

Your Summer Fun Police

Picks by Webbie

So, I am sure that all of you were blown away by Bethany’s articulate, informative post about her favorite foods found around the city. She did a great job describing some of the life-changing eats around town, but there are just a ton more to talk about. Plus, let’s not forget that it isn’t ALL about the food…well, for some people, maybe, but it’s also about the atmosphere and experience! Indulge me for a bit as I give you MY favorites list!

Best Italian: Duh, Joe’s Italian! This casual, affordable Italian  restaurant is totally authentic and absolutely delicious when you’re in the mood for some artery-clogging, real-deal Italian! Catch them on a busy night and add to the authenticity by listening to their in-house accordion player! Tip: the stuffed shells are to die for, and watch out if you order a piece of cake--it’s about 1/4 of a dang cake!

Best Outdoor dining: Tie for Chuy’s and Flip Burger Boutique. Both are right next door to each other at the top of The Summit, and offer outdoor seating with an incredible view of the city!

Best Service: Margarita Grill in Pelham. The service is top-notch, with the owner stopping by often to mingle with guests. Caution: Their service is borderline annoying if you’re an independent gal like me…but chivalry is definitely not dead at Margarita Grill!


Best Appetizer: Sweet Potato Fries at Village Tavern. Uhmm, YES!! Crunchy, not too thin, sprinkled with cinnamon/sugary goodness and dipped in their amazing honey mustard sauce. Perfection!

Best Adult Beverage: Sol Y Luna: This tapas place has some wonderful margaritas and house drinks! Don’t expect “typical Mexican”, but get ready for some interesting dishes and quality cocktails!

Best Sandwich: Hands-down the Newk’s Q from Newk’s (downtown location, preferably). Pair this grilled-chicken with bacon, swiss, and white-BBQ sauce sandwich with their sweet pickles and Tippah County Caviar (a black-eyed pea salsa-type side) and get ready for your world to be rocked.

With a close runner-up, the Club sandwich from Ragtime Cafe. PINEAPPLE on a club? Don't knock it 'til you've tried it!

Hungry Yet? Lay off me, I'm starving!!

Peace,

Erin

Bethany's Bests

I am in no way a “foodie,” but I do love to eat! And, when I eat I like to do it without going bankrupt, thus you will not see Ocean or Satterfield’s on this list. I’m sure they are great, but until Birmingham boys start asking me out and taking me to those fancy places, this gal on a nonprofit salary will enjoy the more budget-friendly restaurants in the area.

1. Burger – Bottletree

Bottletree Café is a quirky restaurant/music venue in Avondale off of 3^rd Avenue South. In addition to a great lunch menu featuring many vegan-friendly options, they also make a great burger. The burger is not standard fare, so you have to catch it as a daily special, but it is by far my favorite in town.

2. Milkshake – FLIP burger boutique and Chick-fil-A

Flip is a little too trendy for my taste, but it certainly offers a unique dining experience with both traditional and gourmet burgers, tasty dipping sauces, and amazing milkshakes. My friends and I differ in opinions on which shake is supreme, but I am sticking to my guns with my ruling that the Nutella and Burnt Marshmallow Milkshake is the best gourmet milkshake, not only at Flip Burger, but in Birmingham.

We can’t always be gourmet, though, and for those days when you’re craving a milkshake but can’t make it to FLIP, I offer to you the Chick-fil-A Cookies & Cream Milkshake. My health-nut sister has even been converted. It’s that good.

3. Cupcake – dreamcakes bakery and Urban Standard

Dreamcakes is my favorite “all-around” cupcake winner. Every flavor they offer is amazing. From the Mint Chocolate Chip (my personal favorite) to the Curious George (a banana cupcake with peanut butter frosting), every cupcake offering is exquisitely beautiful and really, really good. But, the Red Velvet Cupcake at Urban is probably my absolute favorite cupcake in the city. I’ve not always been a Red Velvet girl, mostly because of the cream cheese frosting, but Urban Standard has an almond cream cheese frosting. It is divine. And, most people are aware of the awesomeness that is the Urban Standard Red Velvet Cupcake, which means there have been days when I have gone to pick up a tasty treat only to find they are sold out. Those are not good days. So go early if you want your life to be changed. And it will be. For the better.

So, the official ruling is: best all around cupcake venue – dreamcakes; best cupcake – Red Velvet Cupcake from Urban Standard.

4. Croissant – The Red Cat

Some may wonder why “croissant” is even a category. To that I say, “you obviously have not been to the Red Cat.” Their Almond Croissant is possibly the best pastry I’ve ever eaten. It is fabulous. Words don’t do it justice, so to adequately understand, you should get in your car right now, drive to the Red Cat, and order one. I just might.

5. Coffee Beverage – The Red Cat and Urban Standard (and Starbucks)

I confess, it’s only fitting for Starbucks to be on my coffee list because I get my caffeine-fix from them far too often. I blame the convenience of the drive-thru window off of Hwy 31 on my way into work. And they make my favorite drink really well – a tall sugar-free vanilla soy latte. But, buying locally is better for the Birmingham economy, and honestly the coffee tastes much fresher at the Red Cat and Urban Standard. The Red Cat roasts their coffee beans in house and Urban Standard purchases their beans from local roaster Primavera Coffee. Urban also makes their own syrups, which are delicious.

The Red Cat is my favorite out of the two local places because they have a punch card that earns you a free coffee beverage with the purchase of five drinks. And their iced coffee changed my life last summer during one of many heat waves.

6. Taco – Camp Taco

Located in 5 Points in what used to be a Subway, Camp Taco puts a unique spin on their taco creations. My suggestion – order a side of queso and a taco with white barbeque sauce.

7. Vegan Fare – Bottletree Café

I mentioned earlier that Bottletree has the best burger, when offered, but their vegan offerings are equally delicious. My favorite is the Garden Grill – steamed vegetables with rice or quinoa (choose the quinoa if you have the option) with sweet chili garlic and soy sauces. When I first ordered it I thought it would be boring, but I was told by the fellow taking my order that it was his favorite dish on the entire menu. I soon found out that he was not hyping it up…it really is awesome!

8. Sauce – Chick-fil-A

Okay, I know this is a weird category, but I feel compelled and obligated to share with you the amazingness that is Chick-fil-A sauce. Maybe you’ve tried the honey mustard and Polynesian and thought…”this is awesome!” But seriously, you have not lived until you try the Chick-fil-A sauce.

Other Favorites at Restaurants Listed Above:

Bottletree – Sweet Potato Fries (a little soggy, but amazing seasoning) and Hummus (not only is the hummus delicious, but the accompanying pita bread is really good, too)

The Red Cat – Pimento Cheese Sandwich on toasted 3 Seed Bread from Big Sky

Urban Standard – Grilled Asparagus Salad

Most of these restaurants are located very near my workplace, so I’m sure I have missed out on several awesome eateries in the city. As this is a forum to make Birmingham better, let me know what great places I’ve left off and your favorite dishes at those establishments!

Your food-loving friend,

Bethany

P.S. Also, I have noticed that my favorite go-to adjectives are amazing and awesome. Sorry about that. Maybe someone can buy me a thesaurus for my birthday:)

Hiatus

Your friends at the Anti-Lame Campaign have not turned their back on the mission at hand, rather we've been taking a brief hiatus to take care of some very important things...i.e. weddings of friends and sisters.

We do have a couple of posts in the works that we think you (our ten loyal followers) will find very interesting: Summer Fun in the Ham and Bethany's Best - a list of Bethany's "favorites" in the city, from cupcakes and milkshakes to coffee beverages and burgers.

Please stay tuned and we promise - it will be worth the wait.  We hope.  Maybe.

Sincerely,

Your Anti-Lame Coalition for Fun