Thursday, August 17, 2017

REVIEW: The Craft Burger

As their facebook page reads "Simple, fresh ingredients, cooked with craft. No precious over-priced fanciness. Just plain good. AN HONEST BURGER FOR AN HONEST BUCK."

I ventured out with a friend to have lunch at Brava Grill off of Caldwell Mill Road and wouldn't ya know it.... SWITCH-A-RONI! They were not there anymore.
Their meaty replacement had taken over the location with a new spot that specializes in hand crafted burgers & much more.

The Craft Burger is a new, fast-casual, burger joint that keeps it simple. Their menu is not 10 pages long or too complicated. They offer a variety of burgers, "craft dogs", sandwiches, salads, beer, wine & shakes.

The decor didn't really change, except for a few minor differences. However, the concept is a lot different that the previous restaurant.

On my first visit I tried the Turkey Burger: seasoned ground turkey on a bun accompanied by their house made basil mayo, arugula (no tomato for me) and a side of their seasoned fries. This was a pretty good turkey burger. I typically don't order turkey burgers at restaurants because they just never compare to my personal "secret"  recipe. However, I finished every bite of this one. Kudos!

*Click photos to view larger images*
TURKEY BURGER
My friend opted for the buffalo chicken salad: A very generous portion of Romain lettuce, red onion, tomato, fresh sliced cucumber, shredded cheese and a good sized helping of moist , grilled chicken chopped and tossed in buffalo sauce, with a side of ranch dressing.
BUFFALO CHICKEN SALAD



On a separate visit, I decided to try the Craft Burger: ground top sirloin, grilled to moist perfection, on a bun with onion, a slice of American cheese, onion, lettuce and their "secret" craft sauce. Wonder what's in it? 😕

THE CRAFT BURGER

I also had a hand made cookies & cream milkshake. It was a little camera shy so no pix.
However, if you're a shake lover I will let you know that you WILL be impressed with the straws for the milkshakes. FINALLY... a large enough straw.

The staff was great! Friendly and very proud of the menu and all of it's offerings.
I was disappointed that Brava was gone, but I think The Craft Burger is here to stay. They should see a great deal of success here in this busy shopping center.

For more information about The Craft Burger,
visit & "LIKE" their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/thecraftburger/
Follow them on twitter at @TheCraftBurger

Thanks for reading & sharing.
Most of all, thank you for supporting these business owners.
Their staff depends on your patronage. I do this for them.

Regards,
The Birmingham Restaurant Raider
"Anonymously Raiding a Restaurant Near You"
#RaidBham 

Don't Drive. Get a LYFT https://www.lyft.com/invite/RAIDBHAM2017 


Phone: (205) 995-0003
Hours: 11-8 Daily
5184 Caldwell Mill Rd

If you received this review via email, please go to http://birminghamrestaurantraider.blogspot.com/ to view the colorful full version of the site.



Saturday, August 12, 2017

SNEAK PEEK: The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar


Prior to opening, I was invited to test out the menu at the new Birmingham location of The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar located in the Summit Shopping Center (7/24/17). Now I know you're asking yourself "Why on earth would anyone want to merge a sushi menu with a burger menu?"
A genius. That's who!

I know the mascot is funny looking and some people just might not get it. However, once you get a taste of this outstanding fusion menu, you will definitely taste the greatness.





For this adventure, I enlisted one of my comrades to accompany me. It's always a great experience to share a meal with someone with a culinary background & an appreciation for "different" food & beverage concepts.
As a part of the soft opening, we were required to make reservations via the reservation system.

After arrival and a short wait, we received a text message as soon as the table was ready.

As we took our places amongst all of the other preview party attendees, we noticed the trendy, indoor scenery. The interior of the restaurant was colorful and inviting. The helpful staff members, including corporate trainers, were all dressed in black and scurrying around to take orders and deliver delicious meals.



We ordered an appetizer of Blackened Tuna Nachos: 5 wonton chips with Crab Rangoon Dip, avocado salsa, tomatoes, seared rare blackened yellowfin tuna and micro greens.
I would highly recommend this to even a person who has no desire to try something out of the norm. It was in my opinion, an amazing appetizer.

 *Click photos to view larger images*
Blackened Tuna Nachos


  

 Our entree's consisted of the Texas Longhorn Burger: Half-pound beef burger, cheddar cheese, onion strings, jalapeño bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, brioche bun & a side of sweet potato fries. 

The 2nd entree was  from the Burgushi menu. The Fusion Specialty Bento Box: A combo meal featuring both a small burger and sushi, including the featured mini-burger of the week; which was the Jalapeno Popper Show Stopper Burger, sweet potato fries, Thai cucumbers, edamame and choice of a 4 piece Fusion Specialty roll. In this case, the  Blackened Tuna roll.

Both were spectacular entree's.



To top things off, who could resist the options listed on their Hand Spun Milkshake menu. We both tried the vanilla Cake Shake: Vanilla bean ice cream hand-spun with the guest's choice of Vanilla or Chocolate birthday cake mix. And YES, this milkshake contains bits of cake. Thank me later. 

Birmingham is proud to welcome the Cowfish family to the community. With their attention to detail, their amazing hospitality, they are sure to be a huge success and become one of Birmingham's "go-to" spots. Not only do they cater to sushi & burger lovers, but they offer a wide variety of filling sandwiches and entree sized salads. Need a gluten sensitive or vegan option? Cowfish has got you covered! Just look for the indicators next to the menu items.
Thanks for reading & sharing, 

~The Birmingham Restaurant Raider
"Anonymously Raiding a Restaurant Near You"
 #RaidBham 

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar 
105 Summit BLVD
Birmingham, AL 35243
(205) 967-3600

Twitter @The_Cowfish
Instagram @thecowfishsbb/ 





  

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

1st Annual Magic City Mac & Cheese Fest


When I read about this event I could not believe my eyes! A festival dedicated to one of my all time FAVORITE foods! 😋😋

Community Grief Support of Birmingham in conjunction with Avondale Brewing Company will be hosting the first annual Magic City Mac & Cheese Festival on Sun, August 6, 2017 from 1-4 PM. 

This festival is less of a competition and more of a celebration of one of America's most popular dishes. 
Attendees will have the opportunity to try several versions of mac & cheese prepared by some of Birmingham's most popular restaurants and chefs. 

Early Bird tickets are still available at $15.00 per adult. Children ages 6-12 will be admitted for $5.00 and kids 5 & under will be admitted FREE! 
Buffalo Rock will be on site with non-alcoholic beverages for sale. Stop by the bar at Avondale Brewing Company to pick up your favorite local brew. 

Early ticket purchases are HIGHLY suggested as this event is sure to draw a huge crowd. Tickets will be $20.00 at the gate. 
Although this is technically not a competition, all of the mac & cheese recipes will be judged by a group of pre-selected tasters. (What a hard job)



"Community Grief Support is a safe place where people grieving the death of a loved one can find hope and healing and meet with others who have had this experience and understand. Together they learn how to regain control of their lives in an environment of care, comfort and healing." They offer counseling for individuals, couples & families.

Be sure to stop by the donation table. 
Can't make it to the festival? Donate to CGS at http://www.communitygriefsupport.org/donate.php


Avondale Brewing Co is located at 
201 41st Street South
Birmingham, AL 35222 


*Streets will be blocked off so arrive early for the best parking selection*


Thank you for your support & thank you for sharing this info! 

The Birmingham Restaurant Raider
Anonymously Raiding A Restaurant Near You! 

#RaidBham