Purveyor Huntsville Provides More than Just Great Food

by sswagler, posted in food, restaurants

Purveyor Huntsville is a spirit-driven place, and the wine- and bourbon-inspired menu is just part of it. There's a spirit of camaraderie here between owners Stephanie Kennedy-Mell and Matt Mell and chef Rene Boyz and their knowledgable, friendly staff. There's a shared spirit of gracious hospitality. That's clearly the way to do it. Open for only a few months, … Continue reading Purveyor Huntsville Provides More than Just Great Food

Mississippi Tamales and More, Thanks to a Los Angeles Mariachi Band

by sswagler, posted in food, restaurants, travel

LIfe's little surprises often remain hidden unless you're paying attention. At the Southern Foodways Alliance Winter Symposium held in Birmingham recently, I heard the celebrated female mariachi band La Victoria perform a concert of corridos (storytelling folk songs). They sang about many things including a woman who traveled with her food--and food memories--packed in a suitcase. … Continue reading Mississippi Tamales and More, Thanks to a Los Angeles Mariachi Band

Shopping for Food and Fun at Mi Pueblo Supermarket

by sswagler, posted in food

Mi Pueblo, which translates to "My Town," makes grocery shopping an adventure. I love going to this Hispanic supermarket on Green Springs in Homewood! Not just Hispanic, though, it's really a multicultural place with foods from all over the world. You'll recognize products from the United States, and you can get to know other things from … Continue reading Shopping for Food and Fun at Mi Pueblo Supermarket

A Few of my Favorite Things

by sswagler, posted in everything else

My friend Christiana Roussel and I are members of the Birmingham chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier International. This is a philanthropic organization of women leaders in food, wine and hospitality. We are a varied group of food writers and bloggers, chefs, restauranteurs, sommeliers, farmers, cookbook authors, cheese makers, educators, food photographers and stylists, nutritionists and … Continue reading A Few of my Favorite Things

Cake for Breakfast and More at Southern Foodways Alliance Winter Symposium

by sswagler, posted in everything else

I spent the past weekend at the Southern Foodways Alliance 2018 Winter Symposium here in Birmingham. I joined more than 150 people from all over the country to talk about what it means to produce, grow, cook, eat and love food in the South. Attendees included James Beard Foundation Award-winning restaurateurs and chefs as well as … Continue reading Cake for Breakfast and More at Southern Foodways Alliance Winter Symposium

Everyday Cheese Straws (that are not straws)

by sswagler, posted in food, recipes

My neighbor makes cheese straws for Christmas each year, and they always take me right back to my childhood. Cameron's classic Southern recipe--crisp-crunchy, mouthwateringly savory and just spicy enough--calls for a cookie press and a star tip and some real skill. The result is perfect, wavy strips pretty enough for gift-giving and so good I … Continue reading Everyday Cheese Straws (that are not straws)