Photographed by Martha Williams
little hippopotamus
The saying “good issues are available in small packages” rings true on the subject of The Little Hippo at Avondale Property. Tucked slightly below the namesake pink hippo, the restaurant resembles a sea-green shotgun home. (The restaurant opened in December as The Velvet Hippo, however modified the title due to authorized points.) It is a nice sight on a sunny day—one of the best sort of day to go to the brand new sandwich spot, because it presents solely outside seating. A handful of those seats are below the coated patio, however the remaining sit within the “yard,” on synthetic turf with bistro lights above. Owned by Aaron and Jamie Russell of Poor Hendrix, The Little Hippo’s specialty is exquisitely executed simplicity. The menu contains six sandwiches (together with a vegan possibility), a soup, a salad and some snacks, reminiscent of hen nuggets and candy potato hummus. On a current go to with my five-year-old in tow, the fried-catfish sandwich was completely crispy, unfold over a bun with pickled greens piled excessive on high. Umami aioli moderates the warmth of the chili, and a facet salad of lettuce, spicy pepitas, golden raisins, and a honey-aleppo chili French dressing provides a contact of freshness to the meal. I did not strive any of the cocktails this time, however the checklist fits the alfresco ambiance, with choices just like the “Smuggler’s Don,” a mixture of rum, grapefruit, lime, and cinnamon syrup. Thank goodness patio season is upon us; I will probably be again quickly. Avondale Property
chicken cage
Driving down Memorial Drive, you’ll be able to’t miss the Birdcage, splashy purple LED signage on the outside and orange feathered chandeliers hanging within the eating room. The Birdcage is owned by Leslie Cohen, who owns Firepit Pizza Tavern in the identical plaza, and chef Sean Whitmer. The title references each its plentiful hen choices and the basic Robin Williams movie of the identical title set in Miami. Though it is not a nightclub, the vigorous ambiance, blue banquettes and yellow chairs create a festive backdrop for standout dishes like candy potato bravas, hen tinga tacos and black bean croquettes. Cocktails stay as much as their cheeky names, reminiscent of Have a look at Your Pinky, made with vodka, prickly pear liqueur, Aperol, lime and tonic. The Birdcage is open for lunch and dinner. Grant Park
Buttermilk Biscuits
You’ll be able to by no means have room for too many biscuits, proper? LeAnna Lynn brings her personal buttery biscuits to Faculty Park with Buttermilk Biscuits, which opened final November. The restaurant serves breakfast, brunch and lunch seven days per week. Adjoining to the trendy farmhouse-style eating room, friends can bask in quite a lot of biscuit choices just like the Biscuit Trio—a candy blueberry-lemon, savory garlic-cheddar and basic buttermilk biscuit, served with jam—or fries. Biscuit bites coated in powdered sugar. Different Southern fare additionally tempts, like shrimp and grits, pancakes and a veggie-loaded omelet. When you favor a brunch cocktail, they have you coated with drinks just like the Proud Mary, which swaps vodka for tequila, and a Hennessy espresso martini. Faculty Park
This text appeared in our Might 2024 difficulty.
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