Exciting New Tavern to Open in Vestavia
Get ready, Vestavia! A fresh and vibrant restaurant and bar is set to make its debut in the charming neighborhood of Cahaba Heights. Miss Astrid’s Tavern is stirring up excitement as it gears up to bring together community, culinary excellence, and a cozy ambiance. We had the pleasure of chatting with the creative minds behind this venture, Chefs Jessica Armstrong and James Bennett, who are equally enthusiastic about what’s to come.
A Dream Years in the Making
Chef Jessica Armstrong, no stranger to the local culinary scene, has a storied career that includes stints at prestigious venues like Greystone, Vestavia, and Anniston Country Clubs. In fact, this dedicated chef has been dreaming about taking over the former Fig Tree Café space for almost a decade! After the Fig Tree closed its doors earlier this year, she seized the opportunity to make her long-held dream a reality.
“I knew I had to do something special here,” shared Chef Jessica. “So I reached out to some fantastic partners to bring this vision to life!“ And one of her key partners is none other than Chef James Bennett, who has wowed diners at The Fennec and the Birmingham Country Club.
Elevating the Dining Experience
Together, these two chefs are enthusiastic about transforming the dining experience and making it feel like you’re at a country club—except without the hefty membership fees! Picture this: charcuterie classes, wine dinners, and beer and bourbon pairings being a regular occurrence. The goal is to give guests that upscale experience while being budget-friendly.
Honoring a Beloved Figure
The name, Miss Astrid’s Tavern, pays tribute to Astrid Smyer, the mother of Chef Bennett’s business partner, Richard Edge. “Miss Astrid was such a special person. She was nurturing and offered that no-nonsense wisdom with her beautiful British accent. When she passed away in 2021, we knew we wanted to honor her legacy in some way,” shared Richard.
Denise Boley, the owner of the adjacent Resultz Day Spa, played a pivotal role in suggesting the tavern be named after her, making the entire venture feel even more heartfelt and personal.
Dining Options Galore
Miss Astrid’s Tavern boasts both indoor and outdoor dining options, providing the perfect setting to unwind. Guests can look forward to a menu filled with delightful dishes, showcasing the culinary expertise of Chef Jessica during lunch and brunch on Tuesday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The dinner service, available from Wednesday through Saturday, will showcase Chef Bennett’s talents.
One of the standout dishes to expect for dinner is the crispy skin-on halibut with Algerian harissa sauce, crispy black lentils, cardamom carrots, crème fraîche, and pickled bits. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?
Drinks to Match
But that’s not all! Miss Astrid’s Tavern plans to offer a full bar with exciting drink creations curated by a talented local mixologist. Expect specialty cocktails that perfectly harmonize with each dish, as well as a selection of beers and wines that cater to every preference. As if that wasn’t enticing enough, an onsite garden will provide fresh herbs to garnish the drinks!
The Fun Continues
And for those who enjoy a leisurely setting, a beer garden is also on the horizon. Chef Jessica has mentioned that they are fine-tuning the restaurant’s details, aiming to open within the next three to four weeks. “It feels amazing to be stepping into the Vestavia culinary scene with something so special. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Miss Astrid’s Tavern!” she exclaimed.
Join the Celebration!
So, are you as eager to check out Miss Astrid’s Tavern as we are? Don’t forget to tag your culinary adventures on social media! We are sure this lovely spot will become a favorite hangout for friends, family, and foodies alike. Remember to support local talent and enjoy the fantastic dining experience they have prepared just for you!
