Noah Oliphant :: Blog :: Highlands Bar and Grill

In the first of what I hope to be many restaurant reviews, I'll start with the best.

Highlands Bar and Grill in Birmingham, Alabama is an institution.  Frank Stitt serves a dual role of owner and chef.  His food is unbelievable.

In the first of what I hope to be many restaurant reviews, I'll start with the best.

Highlands Bar and Grill in Birmingham, Alabama is an institution.  Frank Stitt serves a dual role of owner and chef.  His food is unbelievable.  Wonderful French food using local southern ingredients.

To find more information about the restaurant:  Highlands 

My wife and I visited last night and started with two appetizers:

Grilled quail with scrambled quail eggs, bacon, spinach, vinaigrette.
This might have been the star of the night.  The quail was tender with a great sear but not overcooked as is usually the case with small fowl.  The eggs were barely curdled, and the salad dressing was excellent.

Beef Carpaccio.
I get this every time I go to Highlands and I have yet to be disappointed.  Big wide shavings of Parmesan, fresh arugula, and a rich horseradish sauce.  I like the presentation of the thick sauce on the plate with the other ingredients piled on top.

We then moved on to the main course:

Venison Loin and Shoulder
An interesting dish that included both braised and grilled meat.  The loin was cooked medium rare and was delicious.  The shoulder was also excellent.  Roasted shallots (I have to try that out!) and braised greens rounded out the plate.

Grilled Black Grouper with Lardons, Red Wine Beef Jus
One of the most amazing preparations I’ve ever had.  Imagine a grilled meaty white fish over creamy mashed potatoes.  When served, the waiter poured the sauce around the plate and barely over the fish.  Carrots, bacon, cepellini onions.  Beefy fish.  Unbelievable.

We finished with classic crème brulee.  The desert was very good but I was a little disappointed that the sugar crust was thick.  I did like that the custard was barely warmed through and the flavor was great.

Service at Highlands is always impeccable.  Our server was very knowledgeable about the extensive wine list and provided regular service without being noticed.