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
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
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
In early June, after vaccinations and a year of no traveling, my husband, Rick, and I hit the road and headed out West to visit the five big national parks in Utah—Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion. We also found some state park gems like Dead Horse Point near Moab and Snow Canyon … Continue reading An Epic Road Trip in the American West
You might have an ahnvee and not even know it. Ahnvee is Cajun slang for “hunger,” as in: “I’ve got an ahnvee for some good gumbo.” Uncle Mick’s Cajun Market & Café in Prattville can satisfy that hunger. In fact, the restaurant’s chicken and sausage gumbo is one of the 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama. And it really is … Continue reading Cajun Flavors in the Fountain City
I just got a text from my friend George Sarris who owns The Fish Market Restaurant on Birmingham's Southside. George's restaurant has a special place in my heart. When our kids were young, Rick and I had a weekly date night there. That was at the old place--the one that looked like a big styrofoam … Continue reading Save the Restaurants We Love
The u-pick opportunities in Alabama abound—strawberries, blueberries, sunflowers, muscadines, tomatoes, pumpkins and even Christmas trees. Now add fragrant lavender to that fun list. Lavender Wynde Farm in Harvest, located in the rolling foothills north of Huntsville, is inviting the public to the farm to pick their own lavender Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13, … Continue reading U-Pick Lavender
I know we're all pretty much staying home, and that's what we're supposed to be doing. But exercise is allowed and encourage and vital to both our physical and mental health. Besides, "the mountain is calling." I'm talking about Ruffner Mountain, which has more than enough trails that you can practice social distancing while enjoying … Continue reading Fresh Air
Over the years, Wildflower Café has become a dining destination in Mentone, which is, of course, its own awesome destination atop Lookout Mountain. I traveled to Mentone recently for Alabama NewsCenter to spotlight this unique restaurant. You can read the entire story here. Café owner Laura Catherine Moon (just “Moon” to everyone she knows and … Continue reading Fresh, Bright Flavors at the Wildflower Cafe
I took a quick trip to Charleston, South Carolina a few weeks ago—so quick, in fact, that I was very limited in what I could do. So it was two days of food and drinks and then some solitude in my very favorite place. I usually spend some time shopping on King Street. I also … Continue reading Charleston Charm
savor 