A Quesadilla at Izzo’s!

Sunday I met some friends, from out of town, at Izzo’s Illegal Burrito in The Summit (near Pottery Barn). Once I stood in line and looked over the menu, I decided to order a quesadilla made with a cayenne tortilla; in it I had grilled steak, grilled onions, and salsa verde. And on the side I had a small cup of the Illegal Sauce (spicy southwestern sauce, similar to ranch), to dip the quesadilla in. Overall, I thought the price was kinda expensive and the food was okay. The price of my meal was $ 12.75 and it came with complimentary nachos; I had to pay for each additional topping. I  would compare this authentic high-end fast food restaurant to Moe’s Southwest Grill, Chipotle Mexican Grill, & Qdoba. Furthermore, the only thing that made my quesadilla taste different was the cayenne tortilla because it added a little kick to it. On the other hand, I must admit that the quesadilla was a nice size and wasn’t skimpy at all; I was only able to eat two halves. Now it’s your turn to visit Izzo’s and let me know what you think!

New Restaurants

I have some exciting news about new restaurants that will be opening up in the Birmingham area, very soon. Check them out:

• Momma Goldberg’s Deli and McKee’s Irish Pub will be opening in the new Cityville Condos on 20th Street South, near UAB. Each of these restaurants will offer indoor and outdoor patio seating. I’ve never had anything from McKee’s Irish Pub, but I do know that Momma G’s reminds me of my exciting college days at Auburn, and did I also mention that I love their salads, nachos, and sandwiches.

• Traditions Restaurant at Park Place Towers, across from Linn Park and next to Sneaky Pete’s , just opened and they offer southern cooking with very reasonably priced daily meat-and-three lunch specials. Their breakfast features made-to-order omelets and fresh baked biscuits. Call 327-7999 for more info.

Diners will have a new restaurant option in the mid-town area of Downtown. Sweet Tea Restaurant is expected to open in April and will be located at the corner of 3rd Ave South and 22nd Street. Operator Mike Skaran says the restaurant will offer a southern inspired menu serving breakfast and a cafeteria style lunch, with table seating and an extended menu for dinner, which will include wine and cocktails. I can’t wait to see how a cafeteria style lunch restaurant is going to switch gears and serve wine and cocktails!

• Izzo’s Illegal Burrito will open its first Alabama location at The Summit in Birmingham (former Coach storefront). The restaurant is a Mexican fast-casual concept that specializes in hand-rolled burritos, tacos, quesadillas and nachos from a made-from-scratch  kitchen. I’m eager to see how this is going to work out since there is already another Mexican restaurant (Chuy’s) located at The Summit.