The Astronomer, June, and I spent a few days in Birmingham, Alabama over the holidays. Taking full advantage of free, willing, and enthusiastic childcare (a.k.a. doting grandparents), The Astronomer and I snuck away for a quiet lunch at Chef Frank Stitt’s Chez Fonfon one afternoon.
We regretfully refrained from imbibing, but ordered all the Frenchy fare our hearts desired: chicken liver mousse, steak tartare, and most swoon-worthy of all, escargots.
The half-dozen snails arrived on a cast-iron dish, emanating the most irresistible scent. The escargots, sizzling and seething in a buttery bath with shallots, parsley, and a touch of garlic, were tender little morsels. Atop each one was a buttered and toasted round of bread, which was completely gratuitous and wholly delicious. We made sure to sop up all the remaining butter in each well, because it was the right thing to do.
Here’s to hoping that 2018 is as rich and satisfying as Frank Stitt’s escargots. Happy New Year!
—
Chez Fonfon
2007 11th Ave South
Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone: 205-939-3221
One year ago: YakiYan – Los Angeles (Hacienda Heights)
Two years ago: Ivan Ramen – New York City
Three years ago: The Year in Delicious: Top 10 Sweets of 2014
Four years ago: Portland Odds & Sods: Pine State Biscuits, Olympic Provisions, Le Pigeon, Nuvrei, Tasty n Alder
Five years ago: Vietnamese Chicken Curry Pot Pie
Six years ago: Bún Riêu Cua – Vietnamese Crab and Tomato Soup
Seven years ago: Oyster Bar – Las Vegas (Palace Station)
Eight years ago: Frank Stitt’s Creamy Grits
Nine years ago: Bánh Mì & Chè Cali – San Gabriel
Ten years ago: Zenbu – La Jolla
Eleven years ago: Cunetto House of Pasta – St. Louis