Go ahead and set your calendar. I know I am. On Thursday, April 26, your dining dollars will make a big difference to a lot of people … if you’re eating at the right places.
Dining Out For Life is an international event that has been taking place for more than 20 years. Here in Birmingham, it will benefit AIDS Alabama. At the same time, it will promote lots of local restaurants that are committed to making our community better.
My friend Caroline Bundy, director of development for AIDS Alabama, told me: “Since bringing this event to Birmingham in 2010, more than 50 local restaurants have helped to raise over $180,000 for AIDS Alabama’s programs and services! These funds enable us to provide critical programs and services that include housing, supportive services, HIV testing and prevention education efforts to thousands of Alabamians.”
Caroline said each participating restaurant commits to contributing at least 25 percent of food and beverage sales (including alcohol!) from breakfast, lunch and/or dinner to AIDS Alabama on April 26. This year there are 30 local restaurants participating, and many are contributing more than 25 percent of sales that day.
For a complete list of restaurants and when they are serving, go here.
Silvertron Cafe in Forest Park is donating at a 50 percent level during lunch and dinner! Those donating at the 35 percent level include 5 Point Public House Oyster Bar, Slice Pizza and Brew, Bistro V, Bamboo on 2nd, Avondale Common House & Distillery, Sky Castle and Ocean.
These eateries join others in 60 cities across the country and in Canada.
Many of these restaurants are personal favorites of mine like Chez Lulu in English Village and Cantina Tortilla Grill at Pepper Place. Melt, Fancy’s on 5th and Saigon Noodle House in Avondale are participating. Chez Fonfon, Galley and Garden and Bottega Cafe in Five Points South are, too. So are Roots & Revelry and Yo’ Mama’s Restaurant downtown. And in Hoover, you can eat at Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercado as well as at Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila. All are amazing choices!
Since there are breakfast, lunch and dinner options, I’m thinking I’ll be out of my own kitchen all day long. Maybe a progressive dinner is in order, too.
savor 