It takes a village to put on Birmingham’s beloved Greek Festival. For months before the event, now in its 47th year at Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral in downtown Birmingham, hundreds of people from this city’s thriving Greek community work together to prepare. They cook, they bake and they practice centuries-old dances. They are … Continue reading Opa, y’all! It’s time for Birmingham’s Greek Festival
The Rattlesnake Saloon, in a cavern under an enormous rock bluff in north Alabama, has been called one of the most unusual restaurants in the United States. The Duke Burger at this cave café is on the list of “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die.” If you haven’t yet been there and … Continue reading One Cavernous Dining Room
Let's explore what I brought to WBRC Fox 6 on September 3. School has started so a trip might not be possible, but you still can explore close to home and far away. In Back to Nature: A History of Birmingham’s Ruffner Mountain, by Mark Kelly, photographs by Bob Farley, design by Melanie Colvin, Birmingham’s … Continue reading Fox 6 Books: September
Johnny’s restaurant in Homewood is more than a meat-and-three. It’s more than a Greek-and-three, too. It is, in fact, one of the best places in the entire country to get this type of homegrown cuisine, and chef-owner Timothy Hontzas has three consecutive James Beard Foundation nominations to back that up. The restaurant specializes in local … Continue reading Johnny’s Greek-and-Three and Much More
Carey Thommason of Dinner. in Crestline Village did the chef demo today at The Market at Pepper Place. Carey made Lady Pea Hummus, which I missed tasting because I was sweating next door at Ignite Cycle. However, I know Carey's food is great, and I couldn't resist making a batch for my family's Sunday dinner. I … Continue reading Lady Pea Hummus by Dinner.
Here's what I brought to WBRC Fox 6 on August 6, and there's truly something for everyone--a memoir (with recipes and a link to much more), a surprisingly awesome book about grammar, mesmerizing short stories and a romp of a novel. Enjoy! From Scratch is a memoir from actress Tembi Locke. It's also a love story with … Continue reading Fox 6 Books: August
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 went to Soul Food Saturday at Arlington House this past Saturday and loved every delicious minute of it. Pork wings and braised collards and perfect mac and cheese. Sweet tea and some chocolate cake made the visit complete. Here's some info from the home's website: Arlington is a fine example of Greek Revival architecture … Continue reading Soul Food Saturdays and Tasty Thursdays
AIDS Alabama brings together local artists to create art and opportunities through an art auction with a real-time twist. AIDS Alabama does serious work, but the fundraisers this organization puts on tend to be lots of fun. On the heels of April’s successful Dining Out for Life, when AIDS Alabama teamed up with local restaurants … Continue reading Art Alive!
I was at the farmers' market at Pepper Place on Saturday, wanting tomatoes and peaches and hesitating about buying anything with all the leftovers still in my fridge from our 4th of July family dinner. Then Ana Kelly, owner of Dayspring Dairy suggested quesadillas made with our leftover Full Moon Bar-B-Que pulled chicken and sliced … Continue reading (Leftover) Barbecue and Sheep Milk Fresca Quesadillas
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