On June 6th, Ironwood Kitchen & Cocktails hosted a media night to unveil a variety of new menu items and cocktails created by Executive Chef, Kirstyn Bielawa. Anytime I'm asked to recommend a restaurant for date night or an elevated experience, this spot is always in my top 3. From their brunch to the patio, they always offer an elevated experience.
Upon arrival we were escorted to the patio for a nice reception. Servers offered up the gulf oysters and shrimp cocktail appetizers. We opted for the Vodka Vulcan cocktail, the Emblem white wine & the Copain Les Voisins red for starters.
At our seated dinner, we were presented with a special curated menu. From their salad menu: The Warm Smoked Ricotta & Mushroom Salad.
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| Warm Smoked Ricotta & Mushroom Salad |
The creamy ricotta was delightful and left me wanting more. It includes, snap beans, fava beans and a hint of lemon. *The smoked ricotta actually paired very well with the focaccia bread.
Next, we tried the Little Gem Salad: A crisp, garden salad containing fresh greens with spring onions, thinly sliced radishes, herbs, mint and a Lemon Crème Fraiche Herb Vinaigrette dressing.
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| Little Gem |
The insanely delicious Focaccia Breadboard of the Day was a generous mound of warm, fresh bread seasoned with authentic Italian parmigiana, fresh thyme and oregano.
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| Focaccia Breadboard |
Our second course consisted of the sliced, perfectly cooked Bison Strip w/ a side of delicious, melt in your mouth potatoes.
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| Bison Strip |
Option #2 was the delicious Roast Farmed Scottish Salmon. This was served on a bed of pea puree', roasted tomatoes, fava beans, radish & tarragon butter. This fish was fresh, flaky and definitely one of the better seafood dishes that I've had in Birmingham.
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| Salmon |
The side of sauteed greens served with mushroom conserva was a great addition to the 2nd course sampler. Served in a small skillet, it is definitely a dish that I will request on my next visit. 10 out of 10.
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| Sauteed Greens |
I'm sure you're wondering if we saved room for dessert. Well not really, but with the choices we were presented, we made room!
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| Layers Of Chocolate |
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| Rhubarb Tart |
Ironwood is inspired by Birmingham’s industrial heritage, this transformation features a curated menu rooted in elevated Southern comfort cuisine, open-fire cooking, seasonal craft cocktails and a renewed commitment to exceptional hospitality.
Ironwood pays homage to Homewood’s legacy of craftsmanship, where fire and iron once drew makers to the area. The restaurant celebrates this stoic heritage and spirit of independence with a culinary journey that is flame-forged, blending bold flavors with timeless regional classics. The provisions include fresh seafood, expertly grilled meats and seasonal vegetables, reflecting a balance of tradition and modernity, crafted for a new generation of Homewood originals. Menu highlights include cast iron appetizers featuring meats such as Lamb Lollipops and Pork Belly, house made pasta, and entrees such as Bison Strip Steak, Beer Brined Chicken and Pork Ribeye.
“This new chapter of Ironwood is set to reinvent what contemporary dining in Homewood can be,” said Danny Hiatt, general manager of The Valley Hotel. “This innovative concept celebrates our Southern hospitality roots and cultivates a sophisticated place of craft that fuels a fresh and community centered atmosphere.”
The restaurant’s new direction includes an elevated beverage program and craft bar experience, showcasing an array of local brews, craft cocktails like the Red Mountain Ryetai and a new non-alcoholic cocktail menu. Guests can enjoy dining on Ironwood’s airy and inviting outdoor patio, complete with firepits, which provides the perfect setting for al fresco dining just in time for summer.
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| Red Mountain RyeTai |
Kirstyn Bielawa is a renowned chef who brings over two decades of culinary expertise to Ironwood. She previously served as executive sous chef at 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room at The Harpeth Hotel in Franklin, Tennessee. With roots in California and a deep appreciation for Southern flavors, her cooking style appreciates seasonal ingredients, elevated comfort food and a spirit of mentorship in the kitchen.
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| Lamb Chops |
“It’s an incredible honor to join and lead the Ironwood team as Valor Hospitality and SAVOR’s first female executive chef,” Bielawa said. “This relaunch is about more than just introducing a new menu — it’s about rekindling a sense of comfort, connection and community. Rooted in the rich traditions of Southern cuisine and brought to life through open-fired cooking, every dish is crafted with purpose and heart. We’re pairing bold flavors with a deeply personal commitment to hospitality, and we can’t wait for the community to experience what we’ve created.” For more information about Ironwood Kitchen & Cocktails or to make a reservation, visit https://www.ironwoodrestaurant.com/
About The Valley Hotel
The Valley Hotel, a Curio Collection hotel by Hilton™, is a 129-room luxury hotel, located in Homewood, a bucolic neighborhood known for its picturesque tree-filled landscape and charming shops, restaurants, bars and galleries. Blending Southern charm and modern lifestyle touches, The Valley Hotel offers an extension of home and a welcoming place to gather with friends and family. Hotel guests and locals can dine at Ironwood Kitchen & Cocktails, an upscale, chef-driven restaurant and bar, and the property’s signature café, The Valley Coffee Co. The Valley Hotel offers more than 7,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. For more information, visit valleyhotelbirmingham.com.
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