Downtown
Birmingham:

T

o say its a small town might give the impression its streets fold up at dusk.
To refer to it as just a suburb would be a slight to its big-city trappings that
provide its singular character – a sense of some place rather than anyplace
– replicated nowhere else.

Indeed, in this geographically sprawling region of ours, downtown Birmingham
maintains its allure, putting on a fresh face every now and again, pulling in even
the most far-flung among us.

TnE EVI L WEARS RADA

fE NIGHT LIS TENEFt

Snacking, supping or sipping is never a
problem in these parts. In fact, so extensive
and varied are the choices that if you leave
hungry, you only have yourself to blame.
For dependable, uncomplicated eats,
make like the locals and head to Leo's
Coney Island (154 S. Old Woodward,
248-540-8780), Olga's (138 S. Old
Woodward, 248-647-2760) or Greek
Islands (221 Hamilton Row, 248-646-
1222). And no mention of come-as-you-
are "dining" is complete without acknowl-
edging the original Hunter House (35075
Woodward, 248-646-7121).
When the occasion calls for something
a little more up market, Forte (201 S. Old
Woodward, 248-594-7300) impresses with
its eclectic interior, complete with high-
backed, curving banquette and equally
diverse menu. Across the street, the peren-
nial favorite 220 (220 Merrill, 248-645-
2150) offers the best of all worlds, from its
sometimes raucous bar and spirited Art
Deco-inspired dining room to — weather
permitting — glorious outdoor dining, the
perfect perch to enjoy the sublime Tuscan
chicken salad while watching the passing
parade of swells.
At the cozy, yet animated, Streetside
Seafood (273 Pierce, 248-645-2150)

and equally uproarious Mitchell's Fish
Market (117 Willits, 248-646-3663), the
fare, obviously, is befitting of Poseidon's
table, while carnivores in the group can
feast on perfectly marbled and aged
steaks and thick chops at Cameron's
Steakhouse (115 Willits, 248-723-1700),
hands down one of the most attractive
dining rooms in town.

Ethnically speaking, Birmingham gives
foodies of all stripes a wealth of choices.
There's the flavors of the Emerald Isle at
Dick O'Dow's (160 W. Maple, 248-642-
1135), while Salvatore Scallopini (505
N. Old Woodward, 248-644-8977) and
Brooklyn (111 Henrietta, 248-258-6690)
draw raves with traditionally prepared
pasta and veal dishes, and wood-oven
cooked pizzas, respectively.
And naturally, flavors of the Middle
East abound, from the convivial Pita
Café (239 N. Old Woodward, 248-645-
6999) and thoughtfully appointed Elie's
(263 Pierce, 248-647-2420), to the white
tablecloth, sophisticated Phoenicia (588
S. Old Woodward, 248-644-3122), where
the housemade, pepper-infused vodka
sets a new standard for Bloody Mary
preparation.
For a truly delightful meal, both in terms
of ambience and food, the clubby Rugby
Grill, inside the richly appointed, chichi
Townsend Hotel (100 Townsend, 248-642-
5999) is where power brokers begin and
end their days, while mid-day it's the prov-
enance of the ladies who lunch.
There's no denying the appeal of a frothy
latte or fresh-brewed cup of coffee to start
the day, or simply recharge the batteries.
But break things up a bit with a healthful,
flavorful fresh-squeezed
juice or nutrition-packed
smoothie at Beyond
Juice (270 W. Maple, 248-
594-7078) and Tropical
Squeeze (215 N. Old
Woodward, 248-594-6316), or the smoothie
station inside Aunt Olive's Good Food to
Go (525 N. Old Woodward, 248-593-0364).
And when a much deserved respite is
in order, nothing compares to tuning out
the world and mulling over the day while
savoring a pot of tea at either The Loose

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