Table for Two
Intimate Lunch at The Gardens Café
By Jan Walsh
The Gardens Café, By Kathy G. is located inside Birmingham Botanical Gardens. It is a popular venue for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridesmaid luncheons, and other private events. The Gardens Cafe is one of the prettiest restaurants in town. The café boasts a covered patio, oversized balcony, and a two-story staircase, perfect for brides and grooms to make a grand entrance to their wedding reception. And the panoramic view of the gardens is unsurpassed.
But you do not need to be a bride or host a private event to enjoy The Gardens Café. It is also an ideal spot to slip away for a romantic lunch. The Garden Cafe menu changes seasonally. Today Kev and I get a late taste of Chef Jason Mezrano's summer menu. Delighted to see the Tomato Salad still in season, we share it as our first course. Vine- ripened tomatoes are stacked with thick slices of mozzarella and basil pesto, alongside mixed greens. Topping the tomatoes is a scrumptious summer corn and field pea salad. And Apple Cider Vinaigrette finishes the stunning salad.
For the main course, Kev selects the Daily Entrée Special of the day, Pasta with Shrimp. A generous bowl of creamy, cheesy al dente dish brimming with succulent shrimp, sauteed spinach, and earthy mushrooms. I have the Chicken Salad Plate. A scoop of Kathy G's refreshing signature chicken salad tops a salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and a robust roasted shallot vinaigrette. Crisp flatbread crackers and fresh cantaloupe round out the plate.
Also standing out on the menu are the very reasonable prices. Where else can you get house made dessert for $6? To finish we linger over a homemade Crème Brûlée with fresh strawberry. The brûlée’s brittle top of caramelized sugar cracks with a gentle tap of the spoon. The top’s nutty burnt sugar textures and flavors give way to delicate flavors of vanilla the classic creamy custard inside.
Steal away for a romantic lunch at The Gardens Cafe!
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