DINE+WINE | nibbles + bites
A Wood-Fired Grill and Hotspot for Diners Firebirds Restaurant heats up crowd at Birkdale Village by Tony Ricciardelli | photography courtesy of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill The Seared Ahi Tuna shareable.
The recently opened Firebirds Wood Fired Grill at Birkdale Landing in Huntersville enjoys a robust clientele. Firebirds’ manager Crystal Keatts manages a staff of about one hundred employees who strive to ensure a positive customer experience seven days per week. The company’s executive chef, who oversees the company’s test kitchen located in Charlotte, creates the menu for all fifty-four restaurants. According to Keatts, Firebirds’ favorites include the Slow-Roasted Prime Rib, Wood-Grilled Salmon, Cajun Ribeye, Baby Back Ribs, and the Striped Sea Bass topped with large shrimp in a Key Lime butter sauce. Desserts include Crème Bruleé Cheesecake, Carrot Cake, and Chocolate Brownie with warm salted caramel sauce.
A unique flavor Firebirds cooks its entrees on a wood-fired grill, which is what makes them so delectable. As read on Firebirds’ website, “The fuel for the fire includes a combination of hardwoods, but mostly oak. The wood is similar in density and, thus, produces a temperature of about seven hundred degrees.” Firebirds CEO Steve 66
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Kislow explains, “Grilling over the open flame gives our cooking a unique character, and our proprietary blend of seasonings, spices and sauces makes each dish flavorful from beginning to end.” Keatts agrees that Firebird’s cuisine is unique and commendable among its customers. “Even with the holidays bringing an influx of diners, which challenged our staff and our operation, subsequent customer reviews have been overly positive.”
Gather by the fire The restaurant also boasts the FIREBAR®, its vibrant and atmospheric setting, where patrons can have a drink, unwind, socialize. The restaurant’s website describes the bar as a “waterfall display of bottles, backlit and tiered to create a cascade of color that transports you from the everyday.” The bar’s signature drink, the “Double Black Diamond,” consists of Amsterdam Pineapple Vodka and pineapples. The bar offers non-alcoholic drinks as well, and for those feeling the need to nibble, made-to-order bar fare, known as “Bar Bites,” are available, including Grilled Tenderloin Medallions, Fired Up Shrimp, Tuna Tacos, Crispy Cauliflower.
