Cafe Dupont

In 1994, Café Dupont opened in Springville, Alabama, in a refurbished storefront in the city's charming downtown. Chef/owner Chris Dupont was able to work closely with local farmers and producers because of the location, and he could practically walk over and select his own blackberries and watercress. His appreciation for locally grown food grew as a result of his proximity, and he began a long-term commitment to emphasizing local producers and products on his menu.

Café Dupont is a prominent supporter of the "slow food" movement, which aims to promote the pleasure of local produce and traditional meals, many of which are farmed organically. Many items from local purveyors, such as Michael Dean Farms in Leeds, which specializes in microgreens and various types of lettuce, and Wright Dairy in Anniston, which is run by Alabama's only dairy family that milks the cows, bottles the milk, and sells it right on the farm, are on the menu at Café Dupont.

• Website: www.cafedupont.net
• Location: downtown Birmingham on 20th Street Between 1st & 2nd Ave. N.
• Phone number: 205-322-1282