a taste of downtown

one week and counting left at t.g.b.g and i couldn't be more excited--unless of course, i just had like one day left. though i have really enjoyed the atmosphere and the people, i have not enjoyed the lack of busyness...and i'm really looking forward to having some time off to catch up with some people, and to start packing for our next big journey in life--across the u.s.! it has been really neat to be downtown everyday. other than the rush hour traffic issues when you are coming or going, downtown is a delightful little place. i used to be one of those people that was terrified to go downtown-hello, people get shot there! but actually, there are some very safe, nice places to visit. we have found some wonderful dining places which i thought i'd share with anyone who might be interested in broadening their horizons...in setting aside their qualms, and heading out to experience Birmingham!

1. betolla: located at 2901 2nd avenue south, this delightful little restaurant makes you feel as if you've stepped out of alabama and into a small town in italy. if you are in the mood for a salad, sandwich or the best pizza you've ever tasted...then betolla is the place for you. everything seems to consist of basic ingredients like fresh lettuce (and none of that romaine!), homemade bread and yummy-in-your-tummy mozzerella cheese (that big fat buffalo kind). whatever it is you chose to eat here, you will no doubt walk away feeling healthy and satisfied, because it's just that kind of place. did i mention that they have this great big stone oven in which they bake their bread (the SAME bread is used for the pizzas, sandwiches and desserts; and it's AMAZING!)??! also, fresh basil is sprinkled on just about everything right before it's delivered to your table. and speaking of tables, the chairs/boothes are the coziest i've ever experienced in a restaurant setting!

2. urban standard: located at 2320 2nd avenue north, this is the most quaint coffee shop ever! though i've mentioned it before, it's worth mentioning again. it's a great spot to head over to for breakfast, lunch or an afternoon of studying. they have scones that honestly melt in your mouth (and i usually don't even care for crusty old scones, but these are far from the ones you've had before-i assure you!). they are so good that i haven't even tried any of their other breakfast-y things because i just can't NOT get one of these! for lunch, they have a very simple menu-two different sandwiches, a soup, and a salad are offered each day of the week. they also offer delicious sides of broccoli (with a touch of garlicy-ness), orzo, and kettle-cooked potato chips. and their coffee, oh my goodness!! if you have it there, it comes out in a cup looking like this: and it tastes BETTER than it looks! need i say more?! (if you want to read more about this place, read this!!)

those are, by far, my two favorites... other places come to mind, but they just fail in comparrison, so i won't even write about them for now! if you get a chance, i really encourage you to come on down and try them out...you will NOT leave disappointed, i assure you!