Dining Out Southeast: Chez Fonfon, Birmingham, AL

Last weekend we went to one of my favorite restaurants, Chez Fonfon, in Birmingham, Alabama. Chez Fonfon is a casual French-style bistro located in the Five Points area.  They do not take reservations, so if you don't want to wait, be there when they open the doors!

We did precisely that last Saturday and were seated promptly. Within 20 minutes, the dining room was packed, the bar seating was full, and everyone was having a great time.

Our Server Bob was, in a word, awesome.  He was extremely knowledgeable of the menu and drink options, answered every question we had with no hesitation, was there when we needed him, and ranks in the Top Level of servers I've ever had.  

We chose the appetizer special of the evening:  Tempura battered scallops with a horseradish mustard sauce.  There were four scallops in the appetizer portion.  I could have quickly eaten a double share as an entree!

As you can see, they are perfectly cooked. The sauce added the ideal balance of flavor.

I'll label this picture as "Bread Basket #1" because, of course, there as a "Bread Basket #2" a little later in the meal! Note the elegant container for the butter.

Sweet Harold studied the menu.  Seriously, STUDIED the menu.  There were so many delicious items listed.  How could either of us choose?

After much debate, he chose the Steak Frites, which is a hanger steak (with peppercorn butter), served with skinny fried potatoes (Frites) with aioli, and a gorgeous fresh salad.

The steak was perfectly cooked to his order of medium-rare, the frites were served piping hot, and the salad was lightly dressed with a flavorful vinaigrette. The aioli was one of the best I've ever eaten.

The "Saturday Special" is Beef Bourguignon.  Slow-braised beef cheeks, with carrots, onions, lardons, served over creamed potatoes.  This, my friend, is heaven in a bowl.  The beef was fork-tender, everything was perfectly seasoned, and the gravy was rich and flavorful.  A perfect dish to enjoy in a French Bistro!

And...... here's Bread Basket #2  lol I know none of my loyal readers are at all surprised that there was a bread basket #2.

Now at this point, you'd assume we might consider dessert, but decline.  But more on that later because FIRST, we choose to channel our inner French souls and enjoyed a CHEESE COURSE.

Bob asked if we wanted to choose from the cheese list or let him select the three kinds of cheese for us.  I told him to choose, but one must be blue!

We had Beemster, a gouda, and Colston Bassett Stilton.  Served with walnuts, this was a delightful addition to our meal.  Stilton was my favorite.

NOW, it was finally time for dessert.

Harold, the coffee drinker in the family, ordered a cup, and look at this beautiful presentation.

Harold chose the award-winning Lemon Meringue Tart. I was able to get a small taste, and with my everlasting love of lemon, I could see this becoming a favorite of mine. The coulis added another layer of flavor to compliment the tartness of the lemon.

I selected the seasonal Satsuma cake with orange curd and cream cheese frosting. There were flecks of orange zest in the cake AND the frosting.  The orange curd is made from locally sourced tangerine like Satsumas from Petals From The Past.

Hurry, because this dessert won't be around for long.

These desserts are works of art on their own. Absolutely stunning!

Chez Fonfon is the ideal spot for a special dinner on the down.  We thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, service, and FOOD!

DISCLAIMER:

1.  Terms of Use:  This website provides recipes, food photos, and engaging written content.  I am not a nutritionist and have no expert knowledge on the topic.  Any information provided on or taken from this website is for your enjoyment. 

2.  Copyright policy:  Please feel free to share photos and recipes so long as full credit is given to this blog.  Give me a shout out when you share on your own social media sites, please.

3.  Advertisers, Sponsors, and Affiliate Links:  Occasionally, there may be ads on this site along with sponsorship, affiliate links, and other items that may compensate the owner of this site.  If you click on those ads and links, you will be taken to a separate site.  This website is not responsible for anything found on those websites.  Any dispute arising out of a third-party advertiser or affiliate link must be handled through them.  About those affiliate links:  If you click it and make a purchase, the owner of this website will get some cash money.  How much?  It varies.  You may see a few sponsored posts on this website.  This website will inform you if a post is sponsored and will give honest reviews.

4.  Comments:  I love hearing from readers and provide a space for comments.  All comments are subject to review before publishing.

5.  Nutritional information:  As mentioned above, I am NOT a nutritionist.  Under no circumstances will fleurdelolly.blogspot.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting from your reliance on the nutritional information or lack thereof.