Go ahead and roll your eyes. You’re thinking “best of” and “2020” do not belong in the same headline. Despite a global pandemic, record hurricanes, economic collapse, fires, floods, civil unrest and even murder hornets, good things still happened in spite of – or even in response to – the calamities. So, as 2020 draws to an end, let’s look back on the “Good News from Home” stories readers clicked on the most on Alabama NewsCenter. The editor’s choices are stories that didn’t get the most clicks but we feel are worth noticing.

Restaurants have had to do so much to battle through the pandemic and stay in business. Not all survived and others are barely holding on. Here are the stories of restaurants and chefs you responded to the most in 2020, reminding us of how vital restaurants are to the fabric of our communities.

2020 James Beard Award semifinalists include Alabama restaurants and bars

Nominated for James Beard 2020 Restaurant and Chef Awards are, clockwise from upper left, Duane Nutter of Southern National in Mobile, Timothy Hontzas of Johnny’s in Homewood, Chez Fonfon in Birmingham, Atomic Lounge in Birmingham, Automatic Seafood in Birmingham and Bill Briand of Fisher’s in Orange Beach. (file)

T-Bone’s brings a bit of Philly to Birmingham’s Southside

T Bone’s serves up authentic Philly cheesesteaks to a T from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Tre Luna is an Italian-inspired Alabama restaurant

Tre Luna is serving up ‘Italian-inspired’ food in Hoover from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Hot and Hot Fish Club changes Birmingham location to Pepper Place

Chef Chris Hastings talks why he moved Hot and Hot Fish Club to new location from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

New Birmingham restaurant Helen pays homage to family

Helen welcomes guests as family in this Birmingham restaurant from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Editor’s choice: The Hummingbird Way apt name for Mobile restaurant of former chef to Alabama governors

The Hummingbird Way restaurant generating buzz in Mobile from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.