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DINING

Nothing beats their chicken.

KRISTYL C. on Green Acres Café

pitcher after the sun goes down, Formaggio s is the place for you. This charming eatery is a popular spot for hungry late- nighters, and there s often live music to enjoy out on the porch. I used to think that late night food was always poor quality. But then I discovered Formaggio s, and now I consider myself to be a better man. Ben A.

Fox Valley 6745 Hwy 17 205-664-8341 HELENA

A nine-time winner of Wine Spectator s Award of Excellence, Fox Valley is a local dining legend. The crab cakes are a big favorite, but you can t go wrong with any selection from the daily- changing menu. Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Fox Valley in Helena has the most incredible cuisine, and it is completely undiscovered. It is THE best restaurant in the Birmingham Metro, and it is a place that only locals know about. Rachel O.

Full Moon Bar-B-Que 525 25th St N 205-324-1007 BIRMINGHAM

Full Moon is known for its slow- cooked pork, ribs and chicken. Go for the barbeque, but don t leave without trying the signature chow chow and half moon cookies. Visit fullmoonbbq.com for a full list of additional locations including Hoover and Homewood. The best in town! Bill C.

GianMarco s 721 Broadway St 205-871-9622 HOMEWOOD

Tucked away in a charming Homewood neighborhood is some of the finest Italian food in Birmingham. Step into GianMar- co s and you almost feel as if you re being welcomed into someone s home. The menu features traditional Italian fare (the biggest and best meatballs

you ve ever had!) along with perfectly prepared meat, game, pastas, fish, local vegetables and seasonal specials. It s a popular place, so reservations are strongly recommended. Also open for lunch Wednesday through Friday. We made a reservation four years in advance for Valentine s Day, and it was definitely worth the wait! You can t go wrong with whatever s the special. Kristie P.