My Big Fat Greek Anniversary Dinner

In celebration of our 12th wedding anniversary, the hubby and I decided to have dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in the area: The Bright Star in Bessemer, AL.

The restaurant is an Alabama Landmark and even better it is owned by some Greek folks. And if you don’t know this, there is nothing better than a restaurant owned by Greek people, trust me on this one! Greek folks know cooking and restaurant business. And this restaurant certainly kicks it up a notch. And the place wouldn’t be complete without a top notch wait staff:

Yes, they were as sweet as those ladies with plenty of “hon” and “shugs” to go around! That’s how we do it in the South.

We started the meal off with an appetizer of fried green tomatoes topped with a boiled shrimp and remoulade sauce . Y’ all, I think Paula Deen would have shouted “hallelujah” with her first bite. I chose the special “Country Tomato Greek Salad” with tomatoes, purple onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Of course, the dressing was a homemade Greek vinaigrette. Ummm, let me just confess that I sopped up the leftover dressing with a roll. What?! We do that in the South. We do.

After an appetizer and salad, we decided to be practical and share an entree. Practical meaning, leaving room for dessert. We ordered the “Texas Special” which included Greek style snapper and beef tenderloin, and lobster/crabmeat au gratin. We also enjoyed a side dish of Greek style green beans. Wooooh wheeee, folks. I tell you what, that was a fabulous meal. Everything was perfectly cooked and the flavors were just delicious.

Of course, no Big Fat Greek dinner is complete without dessert. The hubby and I had no difficulty in choosing ours. He had the bread pudding (as always) and naturally I went with the Baklava Cheesecake. Yep, you read that right and let me just tell you it was slap yo’ momma good!!! It was so good I had to take a picture of it for you after a few bites.

That is cheesecake in the middle surrounded by the traditional Greek dessert baklava with the plate drizzled in honey. OH.MY.WORD. We will be making a repeat visit, more sooner than later just for that little bit of nectar from the Greek gods.

To top off the visit we got to speak with one of the owners, Jimmy Koikos (tell me that’s not a Greek name).

I felt it my duty to let my brother in Greekness know that the food was terrific and the pairing of Baklava and cheesecake was brilliant! He was pleased to me us and in usual Greek fashion, I let him know I was Greek and which group of Greeks I am related to. My husband would refer to that as the Greek Mafia network. Whatever.

I know a lot of you folks don’t reside in the Birmingham area; however, if you are ever down this way take the time to visit Mr. Jimmy at the Bright Star and enjoy a Big Fat Greek dinner. You’ll be glad you did!

**I am receiving no monetary reward or free meal in return for this endorsement, which is a shame.**