OvenBird

Ovenbird is a planned 120-seat restaurant located at 2805 2nd Avenue South, across from to Charlie Thigpen's Garden Gallery in Pepper Place. The Iberian and South American-inspired grill, expected to open in June 2015, is owned and operated by Chris and Idie Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club. Barclay Stratton is the chef de cuisine for the new restaurant.

Ovenbird takes its name from a small migratory species honored as the national bird of both Uruguay and the Argentina. The kitchen will feature a wood-fired oven and grill to make use of "live fire" cooking techniques. Diners will have a choice of small-plate specialties based around seasonal, regional produce. Hastings also plans serving a buffet-style lunch on Saturdays during the Pepper Place Market season.

The restaurant space was designed by Alex Krumdieck of Krumdieck A + I Design, with Charlie Thigpen taking charge of the garden design and interior furnishings selected by Garlan Gudger of Southern Accents Architectural Antiques in Cullman and Cindy and Bobby Barr of Chelsea Antique Mall.

References

• Carlton, Bob (May 21, 2014) "Chef Chris Hastings opening new restaurant and Food & Wine has already noticed." The Birmingham News
• Davis, Bryan (April 16, 2015) "Chris Hastings aims for June opening of Lakeview restaurant." Birmingham Business Journal
• Carlton, Bob (April 21, 2015) "Chris Hastings' new Pepper Place restaurant Ovenbird nears opening." The Birmingham News