Birmingham's Highlands Bar and Grill was one of five finalists for the James Beard Foundation's top restaurant, but New York's Jean Georges took home the prestigious award Monday night.

I'm excited to say we've actually been to Jean Georges, and it was without a doubt one of the top restaurant experiences of our lives. That Frank Stitt's Birmingham restaurant was in such company is quite an accomplishment itself.

The other finalists were Boulevard of San Francisco, Fore Street of Portland, Maine, and Babbo of New York.

I hope Frank and Pardis had a fun time in New York doing research at more wonderful restaurants.

Check out the nice Highlands/Stitt slide show here.