Is Birmingham really THAT BAD? (appointed, living in, moving to)

[Ivory Lee Spurlock]

Originally Posted by BishopRidge

I really have rather netural feelings about Birmingham. I don't go into the city very often. I doubt it is really worse than most simularlly situated city's. It appears from what I have read on here that there is some desire to revitalize the downtown area. That's typical of most city's. The metro area has a lot to offer. I am aware of one side of the metro and there seems to be those who think other areas that I am not familure with are outstanding.

There are some who put it down for what went on during the 1950's and 60's and try and convince people it is a raciest city. But Birmingham has had an Africian-American mayor for decades and most if not all city council members are also Africian-American. The Police chief as well. I would dare say it has any governemtal anti-black elements any longer so don't let people fool you with that propaganda. I think Selma suffers from the same stigma and it has been controled by Africian-Americians politically for decades as well. The South has changed a lot.

Was Birmingham ever a majority white city when a black person became mayor?

[jdawson1237]

It's not that it's that bad, it all depends on what you're looking for. If you want an Outback Steakhouse and Target you're good as long as you live in a suburb. If you want the latest concerts, sporting events, dining/shopping tends, you're going to be out of luck.

I know people are going to knock me for saying that about the food but Bham's new restaurants have been in other cities for years.

Papadeaux for example. Arguably one of the most valuable land sites in Alabama sat empty for about 10 years. This is not a new restaurant. It's old news and already in airports in major US cities.

Does that make bham bad? No but it's not a hot spot for your younger up-n-comers who want the latest. Now, people from AL or MS disagree and consider it a big progressive city.

But the saying is pretty true that Bham is behind the times in alot of ways currently. Steps are being taken and I hope they're done properly and not just wasted money.

[Tourian]

You have a silly hang up with a new recent chain restaurant as if that's all we have to eat. Birmingham's original food scene is on the national radar. And by original i mean Birmingham exclusive restaurants that aren't chains. Moderator cut: snip

[jdawson1237]

Look, truth. There is no food in bham that not very easily found in other cities. That's straightforward so maybe you'll not misunderstand. Stop reading al.com or Birmingham magazine. Sure there are some restaurants that got good reviews, but again, nothing special or bespoke.

[Tourian]

Originally Posted by jdawson1237

Look, truth. There is no food in bham that not very easily found in other cities. That's straightforward so maybe you'll not misunderstand. Stop reading al.com or Birmingham magazine. Sure there are some restaurants that got good reviews, but again, nothing special or bespoke.

We have beard award finalists and restaurants like Highlands, Bettolla and Hot and Hot Fish Club to name a few that are nationally recognized.

There's no food anywhere that can't be found in other cities. Its all about who does it better. Moderator cut: snippy

[andyjk]

Originally Posted by jdawson1237

Look, truth. There is no food in bham that not very easily found in other cities. That's straightforward so maybe you'll not misunderstand. Stop reading al.com or Birmingham magazine. Sure there are some restaurants that got good reviews, but again, nothing special or bespoke.

I am not from the Alabama, the south or the USA. And I have found the originality of Birmingham's restaurant scene to be among the best in this nation.

[jero23]

Originally Posted by jdawson1237

Look, truth. There is no food in bham that not very easily found in other cities. That's straightforward so maybe you'll not misunderstand. Stop reading al.com or Birmingham magazine. Sure there are some restaurants that got good reviews, but again, nothing special or bespoke.

Outside of NOLA aka New Orleans and Memphis, neither of which are large major cities or metros, exactly what major Southern city has a distinct food scene? I mean that and prior statements can be applied to every Southern major city except those 2.

[steveklein]

Originally Posted by jero23

Outside of NOLA aka New Orleans and Memphis, neither of which are large major cities or metros, exactly what major Southern city has a distinct food scene? I mean that and prior statements can be applied to every Southern major city except those 2.

none really. but that isn't really the point. some people try to argue that birmingham is a culinary destination... and it just isn't. it does have lots of good restaurants... probably more than adequate for a city its size. but other southern cities have their own good restaurants as well without being culinary destinations. i don't think of nashville or charlotte or raleigh or orlando as culinary destinations, but they certainly aren't behind birmingham on that front either. orlando of course benefits from disney world and the tens of millions of meals served to tourists annually.

[Tourian]

Originally Posted by steveklein

some people try to argue that birmingham is a culinary destination...

I see, so if someone like me responds to a guy who claims all we have are chain restaurants that every other city finds mundane, then that means they are arguing that Birmingham is a culinary destination. a mecca, or top tier - any of those C-D catchphrases that get tossed around in D-measuring contests between cities. But then you proceed to say the same thing I did, that Birmingham does have some unique restaurants, a viable foodie scene that gives it some character. Huh. I guess its all in the way you spin it. Our food scene HAS gotten national attention, and IS one of the draws as a destination. YOU may disagree, and that's fine, but your opinon is not fact.

Bizarre Foods America, for instance, did not come here to talk about Red Lobster and O'Charleys:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngqppukpFDY

[jero23]

Originally Posted by Tourian

I see, so if someone like me responds to a guy who claims all we have are chain restaurants that every other city finds mundane, then that means they are arguing that Birmingham is a culinary destination. a mecca, or top tier - any of those C-D catchphrases that get tossed around in D-measuring contests between cities. But then you proceed to say the same thing I did, that Birmingham does have some unique restaurants, a viable foodie scene that gives it some character. Huh. I guess its all in the way you spin it. Our food scene HAS gotten national attention, and IS one of the draws as a destination. YOU may disagree, and that's fine, but your opinon is not fact.

Bizarre Foods America, for instance, did not come here to talk about Red Lobster and O'Charleys:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngqppukpFDY

Yeah, if a cable network is doing a profile on a city's restaurant and dining scene then there is apparently a draw...thus Birmingham has some appeal and draw as a culinary and dining destination.