BBQ and a Whole Lot More

There’s nothing like some delicious, fall of the bone BBQ from Johnny Ray’s in the Colonnade. Johnny Ray’s was the very first restaurant I ever ate at when I came to Birmingham. I thought it was very good, but the one thing that stuck out in mind was the banana cream pie. Fast forward almost 20 years, the pies taste the same today as they still use the original owners recipe.

Now besides, the amazing ribs, pulled pork and chicken, the Johnny Rays Colonnade location has more than smoked meat. The BBQ joint have offerings for the customer that is not in the mood for BBQ. I’m talking about catfish, nachos, chili cheese dogs, burgers, salads and their incredible hand dipped home made onion rings.

Now of course, you can still get those pies by the slice or whole. Now you can always get my favorite banana cream or coconut, lemon ice box or chocolate. After filming this segment I know why they taste so good. Each pie is hand made from the crust to the cooked filling on the stove and baked in the over. It typically takes nearly 10 hours to make 9 dozen of the variety of pies. Remember, next to home, it’s Johnny Ray’s.

Now if you are in the mood for some mama-nem #SoulFood, then you must make your way to Homewood to the Apple Dumpling Restaurant in the Palasades Shopping Center. The menu rotates and includes everything from neckbones on Thursday to chittlins on Saturday to oxtails during the week. But you can always count on some seasoned to perfection collard greens and candied yams that has the right amount of sugar and butter. After one bite you will say, “Lawd have mercy!” It’s just that good.

Of course the signature dish, the Apple Dumpling is also once soft apple with butter and cinnamon baked in it with a hand made crust on top. After I had one, I knew I needed a nap and to rub my stomach.

Finally, if you are a beer lover, then you will absolutely want to make your way to The J. Clyde. They’ve gained notoriety for their hard to find beers, but they also have a bar menu that can go against any Birmingham restaurant. The Gus Burger, steak and eggs, mac and cheese that taste like your grandma made it and the desserts…man ole man. Another tidbit I learned, is the kitchen is opened until 2am, so now you don’t need to eat from a greasy spoon! If you are not a beer fan, the J. Clyde also has some specialty sodas that will soothe your palate.

Please let me know what was your favorite segment or if you have a spot in mind you would like to see on the show. Please feel free to share this post with your family & friends and remember to #EatLocal.