IN THE NEWS: Former “American Idol” winners Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard are opening nightclubs in a planned downtown Birmingham entertainment district, the Birmingham News reports. Hicks, a Hoover native and 2006 winner of the Fox television singing competition, is among nine new tenants announced by John Elkington of Performa Entertainment Real Estate during a recent Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex board meeting. His unnamed 6,000-square-foot club will feature Hicks’ Southern-style rock as well as live entertainment by local and regional acts, according to Performa. In addition, Hicks plans to perform at the club on a regular basis and other Idol performers are expected to appear from time to time. Hicks will join fellow “Idol” winner and Birmingham native Ruben Studdard, who last month signed a deal with Performa to open a nightclub he calls Ruben’s Club 205. Studdard has said he too will perform occasionally at his club and will bring in regional and national acts. … Fletcher Harvey reviews barbecue spot Bonedaddy’s (201 Doug Baker Blvd., The Village at Lee Branch, 980-3300). … Jo Ellen O’Hara notes that several restaurants are mentioned in the October issue of Food & Wine magazine. Ratha Tep gave high marks to the places visited, which included Cafe Dupont and Icon downtown; Highlands Bar & Grill on Southside; Tria Market and Jinsei in Homewood; and Hot and Hot Fish Club, which the writer lauded for its excellence with fish. One small error; Hot and Hot Fish Club is at 2180 11th Court South, just off Highland Avenue, not in Homewood. al.com

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