The Bright Star Restaurant, founded in 1907, is one of Alabama's oldest restaurants and a landmark in the historic mining town of Bessemer. The James Beard Award-winning institution is known for its Greek-influenced steakhouse menu, especially its famous broiled snapper and tender steaks, all served in a grand, old-world dining room.
"I was a sous chef for 17 years. My last job was in a popular area in the Alps where we had a lunch buffet every afternoon. Once a week, it was themed, and I usually stood at the buffet and made either fresh waffles or pancakes. I had a huge setup with toppings and ice cream at one end. I was in the middle, and at the other end were the items I needed to make the food, like batter."