Opera Cake Opera Cake

Opera Cake: A rich layered dessert with almond sponge, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache.

Highlands Bar and Grill

Highlands Bar and Grill

2011 11th Ave S Birmingham, AL 35205-2801, United States

Bars • Grill • Vegan • American


"If there is a restaurant that is a Birmingham institution among the wealthier crowd, there is literally only one name that locals would bring up, and it is undoubtedly Highlands. Not that there aren't other nice restaurants, but this spot has proven itself over time and is ran by a chef that most Alabamians are quite proud of. Opened in 1982, Highland's is a place that put Birmingham on the map in a positive way at a time when the post industrial iron period was about to wind down and transform the city. Frank formalized his cooking techniques by working in kitchens of San Francisco and France, creating a medley of American Southern and French cuisine that is difficult to find elsewhere. It was not a time when it was common to see a chef from Alabama going to study cooking in Europe, thus the story was already an anomaly. Frank Stitt was trying to pioneer sustainable agriculture and farming well before anybody in Alabama knew what in the world that actually meant or for that matter, cared. One of the signature items is the baked grits that has been around since the restaurant opened. It's a tasty grits preparation and without a doubt, something to try. The pheasant was spectacular, fairly lean and with a crispy delicious skin, served with grits and green beans. Pastries here are created by Dolester Miles, who has been in the job for well over 30 years. The opera cake is absolutely spectacular, gentle and complexly layered. The basque cake is peachy and moist, with a crispy delicious exterior and Chantilly cream. Not only are these likely the best desserts to discover in Alabama, but may be some of the best to be found in America. The attentiveness got derail was clearly evident. As far as service, generally fine, but not particularly attentive. The waitress did not seem in much of a mood to welcome people to the establishment. Many items on the menu were running out by 8:30pm on a Saturday night. Nobody was particularly impressed with the flounder that got substituted for the grouper. And then there are other questions, why would you run out of grits? They know they are always filled to capacity and ingredients to make grits are not immediately perishable. Highland's has by this point in Birmingham's history become a classic. It's evident that most people here have been around for decades working at their jobs and serving the rich crowds of Mountain Brook. It's a place of great food and shows many combinations of ingredients that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere, let alone be executed this well."

Metropole

Metropole

609 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, 45202, United States Of America, 45202-1191

Full • Hotels • American • Breakfast


"Fountain Square in Cincinnati is an absolute gem. This iconic public space is the heart and soul of downtown Cincinnati, and it never fails to impress. The beautiful fountain, surrounded by vibrant greenery and stunning architecture, creates a picturesque setting that is perfect for relaxation or people-watching. The square is always buzzing with activity, offering a wide range of events and entertainment throughout the year. From live music concerts to food festivals to ice skating in the winter, there is always something fun happening at Fountain Square. It truly brings the community together and fosters a sense of belonging. One of the things I love most about Fountain Square is its central location. It is conveniently situated near numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions, making it the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping before or after enjoying the square. The surrounding area is filled with energy and vitality, adding to the overall experience. The atmosphere at Fountain Square is simply electric. Whether it's a sunny day with families enjoying a picnic on the grass or a lively evening with friends gathered around the fountain, there is a palpable sense of joy and camaraderie. It's a place where people from all walks of life can come together and create lasting memories. In addition to its vibrant ambiance, Fountain Square also boasts excellent amenities. The seating areas are comfortable and plentiful, providing ample space for relaxation and socializing. The free Wi-Fi is a nice touch, allowing visitors to stay connected while enjoying the outdoors. The accessibility of the square is also noteworthy, with ramps and elevators making it easy for everyone to enjoy. Fountain Square in Cincinnati is a must-visit destination. It is a true urban oasis that offers a delightful mix of beauty, entertainment, and community spirit. Whether you're a local or a visitor, spending time at Fountain Square is an experience that will leave you with a lasting impression."

The Grand Tier

The Grand Tier

150 W 65th StNY 10023, New York, United States

Tea • Full • Wine • American


"My wife and I went to the Grand Tier restaurant for a pre-opera dinner two days ago. I must say that my negative review is not based on the food, which was delicious, but on the service, which was disappointingly poor for a high-end establishment. We were barely seated for two minutes before the waiter was already pushing us to order wine. He returned shortly after to pressure us into selecting the 3-course meal and drinks. It felt as though he was rushing us through our dining experience, and we had to ask him to give us some space. Despite not even having our wine or first course yet, we were already feeling disheartened by what was supposed to be a special evening. Though the restaurant was busy, there was no personal touch from any of the staff; the overall atmosphere was cold, robotic, and hurried. Our meal, including three courses, wine, coffee, and settling the bill, was completed in just 1.5 hours, even though we had ample time before the opera. The lack of breaks between courses only added to our disappointment. Overall, our first and only experience at the Grand Tier was a letdown for a high-end establishment. Throughout our five-day stay in New York, we dined at various restaurants, all less expensive than this one, and found the staff at Grand Tier to be the least friendly by far. My recommendation to the manager would be to open the restaurant at 6:00 instead of 6:30 to allow guests up to 2.5 hours to enjoy a leisurely three-course meal before the performance. This is a reasonable request given the restaurant's prices and the cost of opera tickets. Additionally, the staff should strive to be more personable and show genuine care for their guests beyond just their money."