Birmingham’s New Dining Gem: Current Charcoal Grill
Birmingham’s food landscape just got a fresh and exciting addition with the opening of Current Charcoal Grill in the Parkside neighborhood. This new restaurant brings together three notable figures in the local culinary scene: Chef Adam Evans, Chef Luke Joseph, and owner Raymond J. Harbert, all committed to offering a menu that emphasizes local seafood and a unique take on Asian cuisine.
A Focus on Fresh and Sustainable Ingredients
At Current Charcoal Grill, diners can expect spear-caught fish and sustainably harvested seafood directly from the Gulf. This restaurant distinguishes itself with a menu that showcases a variety of flavors and ingredients, utilizing traditional cooking techniques that date back centuries. The restaurant specializes in cooking with Binchotan charcoals, which adds a distinctive flavor to dishes.
The menu features an array of mouthwatering options including whole roasted duck, Cantonese-style crispy pork belly, assorted raw fish and rice dishes, scallion pancakes, and seasonal tempura vegetables. For dessert, guests can enjoy Japanese shaved ice, providing a refreshing finish to their meals.
Building on Culinary Success
Chef Adam Evans, who previously garnered acclaim with his first restaurant, Automatic Seafood & Oysters, has teamed up with Chef Luke Joseph, a New Zealand native with vast experiences in Australian kitchens. Joseph moved to Birmingham to contribute to the local food scene, earning a reputation for quality and creativity.
During a recent conversation with Chef Joseph, he highlighted the evolving nature of Birmingham’s dining landscape. “It’s a great time to introduce a concept that celebrates Asian cuisines,” he noted. “As people become more adventurous with their dining choices, Current Charcoal Grill provides a unique experience that reflects this diversity.”
Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
Like many in the restaurant industry, Current Charcoal Grill faces challenges due to the current economic climate. However, Joseph views these challenges as opportunities for innovation. “We have to think about how to provide value, not just in terms of cost, but in the overall dining experience,” he shared.
The team is also focused on maintaining a strong culture within the restaurant. Joseph elaborated, “Taking care of our employees is crucial since they, in turn, take care of our guests.” This emphasis on employee well-being aims to ensure that diners have exceptional experiences each time they visit.
Expanding Service Offerings
As the restaurant settles into its role within the Birmingham community, they are excited to announce the addition of lunch service available Monday through Friday. This new offering is designed to cater to the downtown crowd, providing a pleasant environment for business meetings or quick lunches. Additionally, they have launched a happy hour each day starting at 4 p.m., further enticing guests looking for after-work relaxation.
When discussing the design of the menu, Joseph stresses the importance of guest perspective. “We want to provide adventurous options alongside familiar choices,” he explained. The aim is to ensure that every dish offers diners a clear understanding of the restaurant’s concept.
Looking Forward
Current Charcoal Grill has high aspirations to develop a lunch menu that efficiently caters to guests who need to return to their busy days quickly. As they focus on delivering noteworthy dishes, the team remains committed to refining their offerings based on patron feedback and expectations.
Birmingham residents can look forward to this vibrant new addition to their culinary scene. With its focus on local seafood and innovative Asian dishes, Current Charcoal Grill aims to be a standout choice for both lunch and dinner. As the restaurant continues to grow, it promises to bring both flavor and culture to the heart of Birmingham.
