A girls' night gathering led me to my new favorite wine bar. But, really, Freddy's is much more than a wine bar; it’s also a laid-back, counter-service restaurant with seriously delicious food. And right now it feels like the perfect place to spend some cozy, quality time with friends and family during the busy holiday … Continue reading Freddy’s (More Than) Wine Bar
Category: restaurants
Becoming Essential
Kristen Hall and Victor King know what’s essential when it comes to a successful restaurant—it’s more than gracious, friendly service; interesting, delicious foods; a thoughtful wine list; and creative craft cocktails. With their new eatery, The Essential, the two chefs have created a place that’s quickly becoming an everyday part of the lives around them. … Continue reading Becoming Essential
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 … Continue reading Ricatoni’s Italian Grill is About More Than Just the Food
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, … Continue reading Delicious Cross-Cultural Exploration at El ZunZún
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 … Continue reading Odette is Destination Dining in Florence
Local Flavor at brick & tin
I sat down with brick & tin chef-owner Mauricio Papapietro to talk about his food philosophy, his background in the kitchens of Chris Hastings and Frank Stitt, his relationships with local and regional farmers and the power of the heirloom tomato. You can read the entire store here on Alabama NewsCenter. One thing you should know … Continue reading Local Flavor at brick & tin
Food with Soul
It seems especially appropriate that Rodney and Stephanie Wilson serve soul food at their downtown Anniston restaurant. Just getting to the point of owning their own place took a lot of faith. Several years ago, Rodney began experiencing kidney failure. He ended up having a transplant and then needed to find another job. He had … Continue reading Food with Soul
A Pork Rib Tour of Alabama
From the Black Belt to the Wiregrass to The Shoals, we crisscrossed our great state stopping only for pork ribs. It was heaven on earth for a Southern food lover. I was on a tasty mission to discover Alabama’s best pork ribs with two other judges – Daniel Tubbs, an Alabama pig farmer, and Bob … Continue reading A Pork Rib Tour of Alabama
Dine Out and Make a Difference
Go ahead and set your calendar. I know I am. On Thursday, April 26, your dining dollars will make a big difference to a lot of people ... if you're eating at the right places. Dining Out For Life is an international event that has been taking place for more than 20 years. Here in … Continue reading Dine Out and Make a Difference
Bello Moments at Bettola
Chef James Lewis has made a name and a niche for himself in a city that is increasingly famous for its food. The chef-owner of Bettola, in the Martin Biscuit Building at Birmingham’s Pepper Place, makes great, authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, but his inventive entrees are just as popular and he enjoys quite a loyal following. … Continue reading Bello Moments at Bettola
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