Author: sswagler
Fox 6 Books: October
Here's what I brought to WBRC Fox 6 on October 2 when I invited viewers to fall for a great book. Cozy up with these great reads—one book of historical fiction by a local writer, two books about civil rights at home and far away and something just for fun. Becoming Mrs. Lewis, local writer Patti Callahan Henry's [...]
One Mississippi … Roast
I read the New York Times Cooking story last week about America's love affair with ranch dressing and immediately started craving Mississippi Roast. This Pinterest favorite dish is traditionally made in a slow cooker with chuck roast, pepperoncini peppers and a package of ranch dressing. The Times recipe by Sam Sifton calls for making your own ranch dressing, [...]
Ricatoni’s Italian Grill is About More Than Just the Food
Every college town has a go-to pizza place. Some might have two or even three. But only one town has Ricatoni’s Italian Grill. This Italian restaurant in historic downtown Florence has been around for decades serving tasty, homemade food; supporting its community; and employing lots of local students, but the passion of owner Rick Elliott [...]
Fox 6 Books: September
Here's what I brought to WBRC Fox 6 on September 4. I think it's time to hit the books! Let’s go back to school with a book about sorority rush, another that is taught in colleges right now and two thrillers just for downtime fun. Rush proves once again that Lisa Patton is good at semi-autobiographical books (her debut [...]
Delicious Cross-Cultural Exploration at El ZunZún
The greatest inspiration for El ZunZún came from the tiniest of things: the hummingbird. The cultures and foods along the hummingbird’s migratory route are evident everywhere you look—and in everything you taste—at El ZunZún in Cahaba Heights (which will open Monday, August 27). Restaurant owner and pastry chef Becky Satterfield and executive chef Angela Schmidt, [...]
Summer Edit Part 3: Beauty and the Beach
I have a couple of friends with whom I routinely share beauty tips and news about clever, effective products. It's funny, really. These women are highly successful professionals, truly amazing at what they do and I know them mainly in a business sort of way. But when one of us finds something good to slather, dab [...]
Summer Edit Part 2: More Food and Drink and Life
St. George Island never disappoints. Even on a cloudy day, and those have been few, it's my favorite place to be. Life is here simple: hours and hours of reading books on the beach under a huge umbrella. We listen to Oyster Radio (100.5 WOYS) and don't turn on the television. I've had oyster dates with [...]
Fox 6 Books: August
Here are the books I brought to WBRC Fox 6 on August 7. Enjoy a peek inside my beach book bag of escapism, mostly, and some education as well: Three page-turning novels and one nonfiction book about rats. Trust me on that one; it’s quite an interesting read. The Last Thing I Told You (William Morrow), by Emily Arsenault, [...]
Odette is Destination Dining in Florence
For nearly five years, Odette owner Celeste Pillow and executive chef Josh Quick and their team have helped downtown Florence, Alabama flourish--one delicious dish at a time. The casual, upscale restaurant is one of a growing number of locally owned, small businesses drawing people back to this exciting town’s downtown. Read more about Odette here [...]
44 Hours (approximately) in Asheville, NC
I love sharing Birmingham with friends. I love just as much when friends share their own special places with me--opening my eyes to something I don't see every day. My husband, Rick, and I recently spent about 44 hours in Asheville, North Carolina, with our friends April and Sid and Bob and Tondee. April was [...]