A quick but meaningful and memorable trip to The Big Easy

My trips to New Orleans always follow a few familiar patterns—habits we’ve formed over decades of visiting this beloved city. On the way there, we stop in East New Orleans for banh mi sandwiches at Dong Phuong Bakery, a James Beard Award-winning Vietnamese restaurant and bakery. This NOLA East institution has been around since 1982 and … Continue reading A quick but meaningful and memorable trip to The Big Easy

British Pub Food Finds a Permanent Home in Birmingham

The Duchess, Birmingham’s most whimsical and charmingly over-the-top food truck, was a vehicle (literally) for bigger things. The perfect ambassador for lots of tasty British dishes, the popularity of The Duchess and Little London Kitchen led directly to the creation of a neighborhood pub—unlike any other in town—that aims to be a catalyst for meaningful … Continue reading British Pub Food Finds a Permanent Home in Birmingham

Destination Dining in Downtown Gadsden

The tamarind-glazed duck tacos, alone, might be enough to make S•À Cantina a destination restaurant. But there’s more to love at this new eatery in the middle of Gadsden’s beautifully revitalized downtown. Enough to already draw diners from Huntsville, Birmingham and Atlanta, from North and South Carolina, too.  Owner Aaron Disouryavong opened S•À Cantina on September 24, and … Continue reading Destination Dining in Downtown Gadsden

Good Food That’s Good for Your Soul

Joy Smith made a name for herself with her creamy cheesecakes, but her new café offers plenty of savory treats, too.  Smith is the chef-owner of Sorelle Café, tucked into Homewood’s close-knit Edgewood neighborhood. She opened her café in August of 2021, and the cozy and comfortable storefront on Broadway (where Lag’s Eatery used to … Continue reading Good Food That’s Good for Your Soul

La Nueva Michoacana: One More Reason to Love Green Springs Highway

There’s a cool, sweet spot on the global culinary crossroads that is Green Springs Highway. But there’s much more than homemade ice cream and other frozen sweet treats at La Nueva Michoacana. I recently visited La Nueva Michoacana for Alabama NewsCenter. You can read the entire story here and see a cool video. There’s ice … Continue reading La Nueva Michoacana: One More Reason to Love Green Springs Highway

Bow & Arrow 2.0

David Bancroft is a quick study.  The celebrated chef-owner of Acre in the university town of Auburn opened a second restaurant concept called Bow & Arrow in 2018. The vibe at his newer place is Texas-smokehouse-meets-Alabama-potluck, which is a lot; but it’s really a lot more than that.  The restaurant is a life lesson about … Continue reading Bow & Arrow 2.0

Alabama Chef Competes on National Stage

Chef Scott Simpson, who brings a global approach to dishes at The Depot in Auburn, will be representing our state at the 17th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off. The winner of this event will hold the title of King or Queen of American Seafood. The competition is set for Saturday, August 7 in New Orleans, and … Continue reading Alabama Chef Competes on National Stage

Green Acres is the Place to Be for Wings and a Side of History

For more than 60 years—through some of Birmingham’s most significant social and economic history—Green Acres Café has been a constant in the city’s downtown. This iconic eatery is a popular draw in the middle of Birmingham’s Fourth Avenue Historic District, which grew out of the city’s segregationist past and remains a promising—and proud—part of its … Continue reading Green Acres is the Place to Be for Wings and a Side of History

Hubbard’s Off Main is a Main Attraction in Oxford

Food brings people together. No question about that. And creating a gathering place for conversation and fellowship, as well as good food, was one of the reasons behind Hubbard’s Off Main in Historic Main Street Oxford. That’s because the restaurant’s owner, Charlotte Hubbard, is one of her city’s most steadfast champions. Hubbard has served on … Continue reading Hubbard’s Off Main is a Main Attraction in Oxford