3/22/14

FOOD REVIEW: The Bird & The Bread Birmingham - Restaurant Review by Karen Farnell

 
 
The Bird & The Bread - Restaurant Review by Karen Farnell
 
It's a Family Affair!
 
Birmingham's latest eatery The Bird and The Bread offers a creative menu, craft beers, great wine (Vinotecca, Vinology are the other stars in the crown) paired with a warm, family friendly vibe.  The decor is a casual refined atmosphere.  Another hit by Ron Rea; think Anthropologie whimsy with fragrant smells from an open hearth pizza oven and the freshest rotisserie chicken, plus libations! 
 
 
The name is a sweet family story, The Bird and The Bread are the nickname of owner Kristin Jonna's twin girl and boy toddlers.  When they were held as infants one was wild and arms waving - The Bird, and the other, a  boy was calm and placid - The Bread.  There is an actual healthy kids menu; ranging between $5 - $7 offering Baked rotisserie kabobs, pasta, a beef brisket "not" sloppy joe.  Things your kids will eat and you will actually feel good about them having.
 
EVERYTHING MADE FROM SCRATCH.  WE BUY FROM LOCAL FARMS WHENEVER WE CAN. Is printed on the menu.
We thank them for that.  And this why Birmingham's Bistro license is brilliant and necessary. 
 
Pay attention Royal Oak.
 
 
There is a refined simplicity to the menu, items so good, so simple Chicken & Noodles Soup. There are healthy and hearty salads like Greens and Grain; greens with toasted amaranth, farro, and raspberry lambic vinaigrette. And the Housemade bread. All apps ordered ala carte range $5  up to $11 for Grilled Octopus and Calamari.
 
The entree items such as the most delicious Rotisserie Chicken from Chestnut Farms in Ohio with the most comforting of sides, mac & cheese, potato gratin or green bean casserole is a must. Either half $13 or whole chicken $24. The Mitten Burger - Brioche, spicy greens, bacon jam, brie, cherry aioli $17
 
There is a place for everyone as far as seating goes; a sturdy butcher block bar to high tops and private dining areas and a lovely open porch seating area, which will be fantastic with the warming weather. 
 
The Bird & The Bread gets a nod from this MCB foodie!