I will never forget the time Bunny and I traveled to Paris together. I know I spent some time on arrival in that ville `eternelle with my amie personnelle, but things were still in a bit of a fog right then for a spell. That is because we took the trip not long after 9-11.

Living in the thriving metropolis that is Birmingham, one has a vast array of dining options. What some Birminghamians may not deign to is traveling the wearisome twenty or so minutes it takes most locals to drive out to the infamous country girl’s stomping grounds, Trussville, or Truss-Vegas as some of the natives call it.

Last time I counted, there are about a 469,000 BBQ places in this town. When I worked at Maynard Cooper the lunch bunch took me to a different one for lunch every day for two years, and sometimes for breakfast, too.

It certainly changed my game. I now collect Savennieres, which is so random. I also judge restaurants and wine stores based on their Chenin Blanc selection, or lack thereof (OK, now I’m exaggerating…somewhat).

This Friday and Saturday, November 12 and 13, Birmingham will play host to the fifth annual Food Summit, organized by Greater Birmingham Community Food Partners (GBCFP).

BEST RESTAURANT Top Three: Veranda on HighlandJoe's ItalianLittle Savannah Other "Bests" OceanHot and Hot Fish ClubChez LuluCafe de ParisGianMarco'sBottega26Highland Bar

“We learned everything from our father and couldn’t do it without our mother.” Which of the brothers Bajalieh is responsible for this quote becomes unimportant when you hear all three unanimously echo the sentiment. Family and familiarity are the name of the game at Sol’s Sandwich Shop and Deli in downtown Birmingham.

Ten years ago Birmingham Weekly released the very first Menu of Menus, the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of Birmingham restaurant menus in print. Since then, many things have changed. Exciting new restaurants have opened, a few old favorites have closed, and the pool of cuisine-savvy consumers has been ever expanding. These days Birmingham plays host to a wide spectrum of excellent dining establishments, many of whom have been with us through every edition.

It’s that time of year again, the kids are back in school, the traffic is getting thicker, the spider lilies are blooming, and thankfully the temperatures are finally beginning to relent. As a coffee roaster, I find this season of the year brings with it a sense of clarity and purpose.