Springalingadingdong is based on a long human tradition of communally putting winter and its challenges to rest, and in turn celebrating Spring’s promise of new birth and hope. Continental Bakery and Chez Lulu have tried to create a non-commercial community festival as a thank you to the people of Birmingham and Mountain Brook for supporting them over these many years. As in years past, they’ve attempted to keep things human scale…no motorized vehicles, free activities for kids and grown ups, giant hand carried puppets and a walking parade.

This year, Continental Bakery and Chez Lulu recognize a special need for hope and community as we face the harrowing aftermath of the tornadoes. In response, they will also be collecting contributions for the Sawyerville Tornado Relief Effort during the festival.

Festival events include:

* Come witness the mock beheading of Marie Antoinette, and her miraculous transformation from a cold-hearted ruler of winter to a warm-hearted May Queen.

* March with us in the old time Spring Parade, joined by Chad Fisher’s marching band and giant 12 foot puppets.

* Marvel at the beauty of the May Queen’s sultry Spring maidens and join their wild dance around the Maypole.

* Enjoy the dizzying gyrations of the Hula Hoop contest.

* Test your skill in the bread toss.

* Sample life at its fullest in our bustling European bakery and street cafe.

* Dazzle your friends in the kids’ costume contest.

* Thrill your children with the oodles upon oodles of children’s activities.

* Strut your tutu in the night time Madame Lulu Pageant.

* Sip on a cool Dingtini or Dongtini at the Chez Lulu bar.

* Thrill to the trumpet tickling tones of local jazz combo, Flyable.

* Still not convinced? Call 870-5584 or 870-7011 and bring your wildest dreams to life.

* Come as you are, or as you please!

For festivity times, click here.

For the appetizer, owner Marco Morosini is preparing Vol -au-Vent ai funghi (Vol-au-vent with mushrooms) to be followed by Risotto con Radicchio e Vino Rosso (risotto with radicchio and red wine). The main course will be a savory winter favorite, Cassoeula (braised italian sausage and baby back ribs with cabbage in white wine) . The evening will wrap up with Panettone con Zabaione (Italian christmas fruit cake topped with zabaione). Each course will be paired with a wine tasting chosen by Marco from some of his Italian favorites.

Reservations are required; call 591.3707. 10% of the proceeds of this event will be donated to Birmingham Aids Outreach (BAO). Silvertron Café is located at 3813 Clairmont Avenue. Silvertron’s hours are Monday to Friday 11am to 10pm, Saturday 8am to 10pm (serving Breakfast from 8am to 11am) and Sun. from 11am to 9pm (serving brunch from 11am to 2pm). More information is available at www.silvertroncafe.us.

1st
cestini di melanzane grigliate (stuffed grilled eggplants with mozzarella and tomatoes)

2nd
risotto con radicchio e vino rosso (risotto with radisshio and red wine)

3rd
cassoeula

4th
panettone con zabaione

Birmingham Originals is a group of over 30 passionately independent restaurant owners and associates who are committed to increasing awareness of our unique regional flavors.

With food from dozens of your favorite local restaurants, wine and beer selections, live musical entertainment including Cleve Eaton w/ The Alabama All Stars, and The Erin Mitchell Project, local market vendors, and a children’s area with pumpkin decorating and other activities, there really is something for everyone. This is the premiere wine and food event of the year in Alabama.

Tickets are $35 for adults, $12 for those 12-20 years of age and children under 12 are free. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $75 and allow access to tented seating and a special selection of wines.

Click here to purchase tickets online and save $5

The special beneift is hosted in collaboration by Garden & Gun Club, Hot and Hot Fish Club, Notable Alabama Chefs, Natalie Chanin and the Southern Foodways Alliance.

There are ONLY 160 tickets available and they will sell out quickly. Do not get left out.

To purchase advance tickets to this great evening of fellowship, food, wine, music and fun in support of Alabama’s fishing community please go to: http://gardenandgun.com/harvestfeast this is a “members only” event so you will need to purchase a membership as well as your ticket. Basic membership is $35 and provides benefits through the Garden and Gun Club.

Excellent wines and foods for $45 per person. 5 fabulous (and affordable) wines to accompany all of this great food!

1^st Selections:

Cheese Empanadas

Grilled Chorizzo & Mollejas

Sandwiches de Migra

Shrimp & Bass Ceviche

2^nd Selections:

Milanesas (breaded and fried meats)

Grilled eggplant, zucchini, green garlic

Pastel de papas

Asado salad

After:

Churros

Dulce de leche

Budin (sweet bread)

daniel george restaurant: 205.871.3266 reservations

Then on December 8th, celebrate Cafe de Paris 1 Year Anniversary. To commemorate this occasion, a special menu will be featured.  Later that evening, at 8pm enjoy the smooth sounds of Magalie Minaud and Ray Reach, Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame Pianist. It is bound to be a great celebration.

No coupon is required, just bring your grandparent(s) and tell your server that you are at The Bright Star to honor your grandparent(s) on their special day. Large parties are no problem. Just phone The Bright Star to make a reservation.This offer is not valid with any other offers or promotions.