April 2015 | Hour Magazine

AARON F. BELEN, proprietor of Royal Oak’s hot Bistro 82 and Sabrage, proclaims that he “absolutely loves
Phoenicia in Birmingham. I’m very consistent in my ordering, always getting a tomato and feta salad or house salad, hummus, and then shish tawook and their legendary BBQ sauce on the side.” If there’s room for dessert, “it’s baklava for sure.” Another favorite is Ronin, “which is across the street from my restaurant. When
I go there, I always get the chicken teriyaki and ginger salad. And I’ve got to mention Franklin Hills Country Club, where I enjoy the deli salad with light dressing, and the chocolate and vanilla swirl with champagne for dessert. And their bread basket? It’s the best in town!”