Issuu

O C TO B E R 2 02 1

“I love my smile! Thank you, Dr. Maniscalco!” tay lo r j o n e s the tiny closet boutique

r e q u e s t y o u r c o n s u lt a t i o n t o d ay 205–967–9100 | greatsmilesbirmingham.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

OCTOBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Happy October, Birmingham! I’M THRILLED TO BE THE NEW FACE OF BIRMINGHAM LIFESTYLE. My “why” for publishing this magazine is to provide connection. Through these pages, I hope to connect you to new opportunities, big ideas, inspiring stories, worthy causes and neat people.

Denise K. James | denise.james@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Sara Minor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nicole Du Bois, Kali McNutt CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nicole Du Bois

I believe in Birmingham—and tend to proselytize for the Magic City wherever in the world I find myself—from Jodhpur, India to Washington, D.C. There is so much to love about this place we call home. We can all agree that Birmingham's food scene is second to none. In this issue we spotlight newcomers BLUEROOT and The Son of a Butcher, as well as Aviné, the new-ish wine and small plates concept from Gray Maddox and Ashley Tanner. And don't blame me if you book a flight to Italy, Spain or Mexico after reading about three globe-trotting bon vivants with Birmingham ties in “Inspired Locally, Working Globally.” Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a special shout-out to The Atomic. While this

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

mid-century gem (where I happened to meet my husband) is closing, the flavors

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

and vibes will live on via the just released “The Atomic Lounge: A Compendium of

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Cocktails, Characters and Costumes.” In “One More Drink,” we share two recipes

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

for your imbibing pleasure.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

I look forward to meeting you and telling your story. Thank you so much for joining me on this ride. Happy reading and santé! 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Kali McNutt , Publisher

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL ON THE COVER Patatas Bravas from Aviné PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE DU BOIS 4

Birmingham Lifestyle | October 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 Birmingham Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Birmingham areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Birmingham Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE OCTOBER 2021

FEATURES 18 One More Drink ...with Atomic Lounge Co-Owner Feizal Valli

20 A Genuine Love for Wine and People Welcome to Aviné

24 Inspired Locally, Working Globally Birmingham Foodies Living Abroad

28 New and Noteworthy Two Pepper Place Spots Likely to Become Classics

28 18 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Travel Destination

30 Local’s Choice 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Our Town

“I enjoy understanding the uniqueness of each individual that I serve. I listen to your story and goals and do everything I can to help you make a plan to get there.” Mary Meadows Livingston, CFA, CFP® Founder, Abeona Wealth Holistic Wealth Management | Retirement Planning Investment Management | Financial Education Tax Planning | Charitable Planning | Cash Flow Planning

(205) 259-6447

abeonawealth.com

2208 University Blvd., Ste. 102 Birmingham, Alabama 35233 Investment advisory services offered through Equita Financial Network, Inc.

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

GOOD TIMES

Honoring Birmingham Business Leaders On August 26 the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham inducted nine local leaders into the Birmingham Business Hall of Fame. Inductees were Grayson Hall, Jr., John A. Hand, Elmer B. Harris, Dr. Basil I. Hirschowitz, Thomas E. Jernigan, Billy Charles Martin, William R. Pettiford, Dr. Shelley Stewart and W. Edgar Welden, Sr. The Birmingham Business Hall of Fame was founded in 1997 by the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham--the world's largest Kiwanis Club.

Fruits of Knowledge at Classic Wine's Somm School Classic Wine Company hosted "Somm School," with Rasa Vineyards. Students enjoyed a tasting of select bottles from Washington State, along with a virtual appearance by industry veteran George Staikos of The Educated Grape. A menu by Mark Driskill from Ash Neighborhood Bar & Grill was provided. Follow Classic Wine Company for information on upcoming wine events: https://www.facebook.com/classicwineco

Birmingham Lifestyle | October 2021

Driving business for our clients for over 40 years. THANK YOU TO OUR FOUNDERS, MR. BILLY C. MARTIN AND MRS. MARY ANN MARTIN, FOR ESTABLISHING A CULTURE OF SUCCESS AND RESPECT.

Want to be part of the next 40 years of MRG? www.MartinRetail.com

AROUND TOWN Prior to joining Crittenden Partners, she served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Michael D. Sherman of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Alabama, Domestic Relations Division.

CRITTENDEN PARTNERS HIRES NEW ASSOCIATE Lindsay Van Noy graduated with bachelor’s degrees in political science and management & society from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and received her J.D. from the University

A BANNER YEAR

of Alabama School of Law in 2020. While in law

Rob and Emily McDaniel’s restaurant, Helen,

school, Van Noy served as senior editor on The

celebrates one year in business. Recently awarded

Law & Psychology Review and provided pro bono

Best Steakhouse in Alabama by Taste of Home,

mediation services through the Mediation Clinic.

CONTINUED >

FAMILY LAW IS OUR PASSION FA M I LY L AW • E S TAT E P L A N N I N G • A P P E A L S • M E D I AT I O N 2 0 5 - 8 74 - 8 6 8 0 | W W W. C RI T T E NDE NPA RT NE R S . C O M

2 L O C AT ION S 1 INDEPENDENCE DR, ST 305, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209 | 4000 EAGLE POINT CORPORATE DR, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242 no representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

Birmingham Lifestyle | October 2021

AROUND TOWN Helen has quickly become a Birmingham favorite. Award-winning chef Rob McDaniel, formerly of Springhouse in Alexander City, has created a welcoming and sophisticated addition to Birmingham’s dining scene. Our recommendation? Don’t miss the sweet corn “ribs”. Photograph by Cary Norton.

SANJAY AND DORA SINGH HOST DINNER FOR REP. JEREMY GRAY Prominent Birmingham cheerleaders Sanjay and Dora Singh recently hosted a “yoga dinner” at Silver Coin Indian Grill to acknowledge the work of Alabama State Representative Jeremy Gray. Guests enjoyed spicy North Indian delicacies while discussing Alabama’s technology and innovation ecosystem.

GREAT JOB(S), BHAM! The Wall Street Journal recently gave our fair city a shout-out for having a diversified economy and low unemployment rates, all leading to overall booming business. 12

Birmingham Lifestyle | October 2021

According to the article, Birmingham "had the second-lowest unemployment rate of metropolitan areas, with more than one million people in June, according to the Labor Department’s latest rankings. Its seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for that month was 3.1%, near its pre-pandemic level of 2.4% in February 2020, and slightly above Salt Lake City’s 2.8% rate for

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up.

June. Birmingham’s June unemployment rate was lower than other southern cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte and Houston—and compares with July’s national rate of 5.4%." Not too shabby!

WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

Would you like to get in touch with

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35294

us? We would love to hear from you!

205-638-9100 | ChildrensAL.org

Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ BirminghamAL using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

TRAVEL DESTINATION

Birmingham Lifestyle | October 2021

“F i nd t he t h i n g s t h at you love. Ta ke t he s t r e s s out of fo o d . Fe e d p e ople b e c au se a l l t he y r e a l l y c a r e a b out i s s p end i n g t i me w it h you . Br i n g joy b ack i nt o t he k i t chen .

Br i ng i ng Joy B ack i nt o t he K it chen

CHEF DENNIS PRESCOTT TALKS FALLING IN LOVE WITH FEEDING PEOPLE AND THE CONNECTION FOOD CREATES

WHETHER YOU KNOW HIM FROM THE NETFLIX

to some of the world’s most unique and delicious destinations off

HIT RESTAURANTS ON THE EDGE OR FROM HIS

the beaten path, Chef ‘Dennis The Prescott’ is a culinary change

ABSOLUTELY MOUTH-WATERING FOOD PHOTOS

maker whose feed you’ll want to feast on.

AS @DENNISTHEPRESCOTT ON THE ‘GRAM, THIS

Originally an aspiring musician, Canadian-born Dennis Prescott’s

FORMER-MUSICIAN TURNED INTERNATIONAL-

journey began while in university with a single invitation from another

LY-RENOWNED CHEF IS AN AMAZINGLY TAL-

solo musician who asked him to tour with him around the US. This

ENTED, THOUGHTFUL, AND GLOBE-TROTTING

eventually took him to Nashville where they began making records

FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH. When it comes to

and pursuing their musical dreams.

inspiration for creating experiences around food and

In the midst of all of this eating take out, dollar menus, etc, had

your community, as well as creating travel bucket lists

become a way of life for Dennis. A friend stressed that he needed to start taking care of himself, and the advice was simple: “You need to start eating better.” He knew his bad eating habits weren’t good for mind, body or spirit, but he didn’t know where to begin to make changes. However, Prescott thought to himself, “I KNOW good food because I have literally traveled all over America, all over Canada, and into Europe with my music, eating great food and learning what I like.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

Flash forward and Dennis’ first dinner-hosting experiment was made up of twenty people from the music studio, all sitting in camping chairs with beer koozies and makeshift tables in his apartment. “I remember at the time this moment of, okay, the food is on the table, it’s a stressful thing, and then everybody tucks in and they take their first bite, and there’s a moment of hush that kind of came over everyone; it got really quiet just for a second, and then everyone started talking and getting into it and I fell in love with food right there at that moment. I didn’t realize that you can create these beautiful experiential moments at the table in the same way that I did playing someone’s favorite love song. Knowing that that was a thing to me was the most fascinating thing in the world.” Dennis even got to the point where he was cooking so much that he started to forget what recipes he had successfully made, so he began a photo journal and started taking photos of all his completed dishes. And so it began like it does for most; Dennis began posting food photos to Instagram for the next few years. “All of that was initially with no agenda, no intentionality; I just loved it and I wanted to share. I fell in love with feeding people.” Regarding social media, Dennis’s professional advice is to check

The St a r t

your DMs. A person who worked at Food & Wine Magazine at the time sent him a DM, asking if he would do recipes for the magazine, which turned into writing a monthly column. That experience helped

Dennis went to a nearby library and borrowed

him land a cookbook deal, which led to a wealth of TV and media

three books only to have his friend ask why he

publicity and Dennis feels he owes a lot of his success to that first

chose those in particular. Dennis remembers say-

opportunity with Food & Wine Magazine. Oh, and did we mention

ing verbatim, “I don’t know? The guy on the cover

he is a self-taught photographer who now does all of his own food

looks kinda good looking, and I feel like I could

shots? This guy has drive.

probably pull these recipes off, and he seems really

His drive and innate talents ultimately led him to the opportunity

happy too!” As it turned out they were three books

of a lifetime via another DM. This time, it was a Netflix executive

by Jamie Oliver; it’s just that he had no idea who

producer who offered him the chance to work for two seasons on

Jamie Oliver was at the time.

Restaurants on the Edge, a show where “three food and design experts travel the world to revive failing restaurants by connecting them to the local culture beyond their gorgeous views.“ What followed were 13 episodes over nine months where they

I f I c a n i n s pi r e mor e t i me a s

traveled to and filmed restaurant revivals that included three in

a c om mu n it y at t he t a ble, t hen

Canada, one in the continental US, one in Hawaii, and others outside

t h at ’s a w i n .” 16

Birmingham Lifestyle | October 2021

of North America, including Hong Kong, Slovenia, Austria, Malta, St. Lucia and Finland.

T r avel R ecom mend at ion s for Food ies

S c a n fo r t h e f u l l article online.

“Slovenia borders Italy and Croatia, which is to say there are a lot of shared values in and around food; they have really great cheese, dairy, beef, pasta, but very few tourists, hardly any. So if you love Italy, that kind of specific travel and food experience, particularly Northern Italy, because you can see the Alps from where they are. It’s picture perfect, a beautiful place, and also where orange wine is from.” Dennis also highly recommends Costa Rica, Hawaii and Finland. “Most people love the idea of travel, but we tend to pick the same places when we travel, and there is nothing wrong with that, they are amazing for a reason, but when you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.” One of the most common fears Dennis hears from people cooking and/or grilling at home is, ‘where do I start? I don’t know how to get going, so I just don’t.’ Rather than overcomplicating it, Dennis recommends cooking the things that bring you joy — things that are on a restaurant menu you can’t NOT order because you’re so pumped that those dishes are on there. “Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

ON E MOR E DR I N K

...WITH ATOMIC LOUNGE COOWNER FEIZAL VALLI

Birmingham Lifestyle | October 2021

Valli at the festive front entrance to The Atomic

ARTICLE DENISE K. JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLE DU BOIS & PROVIDED

Chase Lewis

BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS, THE ATOMIC LOUNGE

WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO REMEMBER

HAS ALREADY SHUTTERED ITS DOORS. A beloved

ABOUT THE ATOMIC LOUNGE?

institution in the ‘Ham for its whimsical decor, creative cos-

“Friends” ended. “Cheers” ended. “Seinfeld” ended. So

play and affordable yet unique cocktail menu, The Atomic

sometimes, great things end. People offered to buy the bar

easily made a name for itself on the local bar scene, as did

from me — but I feel like if you offered to buy the bar,

the co-owners and former couple Feizal Valli and Rachael

you never understood The Atomic Lounge. If the point was

Roberts. Yes, we’re all going to miss it, but as Valli said,

to make money, I would have charged you to wear that

sometimes great things come to an end — and it’s up to all

unicorn costume, Denise. It was about creating one-of-a-

of us to look for the next opportunity.

kind experiences — which we did.

WHY DID Y’ALL DECIDE TO CLOSE THE

TWO ICONIC COCKTAILS TO CREATE AT HOME

ATOMIC LOUNGE? A number of factors — difficulty finding staff, the sup-

CHASE LEWIS

ply chain, city council attempting to scale back the patio

+ 1 1/4 oz dry gin

space. The decision to close was not financial; it was

+ 1/2 oz Pama pomegranate liqueur

about other things.

+ 3/4 oz ginger syrup + 3/4 oz lime

ARE YOU SAD TO SEE THE ATOMIC GO?

+ 1/4 oz wildflower honey (diluted 1:1)

No, I’m not sad it closed. Instead, I’m amazed that this bar in Birmingham, Alabama where you can dress up as

Shake with ice, pour over fresh ice.

Cookie Monster was a James Beard Award finalist!

Garnish with thyme.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS NOW?

RANDALL PORTER: A TEQUILA COCKTAIL

I’m probably opening something else — the fixtures

+ 1 1/4 oz Reposado Tequila

from The Atomic came with me, and that’s the plan. But

+ 1/2 oz Banana Liqueur

I have to wait and figure out what’s happening out there.

+ 1/2 oz Fernet Branca

The reason I moved here [to Birmingham] is because I was

+ 1/4 oz Demerara syrup (1:1)

bartending in New Orleans, and one day I went to work,

+ 2 dashes Angostura bitters

and they said the bar was closing for the storm. That next

+ Garnish: orange peel, rosemary sprig

day, Hurricane Katrina hit, and I never moved back. You could say my trajectory was broken, but it was simply

Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice

changed. I think the trajectory has been changed for a lot

and stir. Strain into a double rocks glass over a large ice

of people right now, but it can be a good thing.

cube, then garnish. CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

I N Owners Ashley Tanner and Gray Maddox enjoy Au Bon Climat "La Bauge au Dessus" Pinot Noir

Birmingham Lifestyle | October 2021

A GENUINE LOVE FOR WINE AND PEOPLE

AVINÉ ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLE DU BOIS

IF YOU LOVE FOOD, YOU KNOW SECOND

looking to expand your palate or a connoisseur,

AVENUE NORTH IS PEPPERED WITH FAN-

Aviné is for you. The friendly staff is knowl-

TASTIC RESTAURANTS — AND NOW,

edgeable and helps you choose wine you’re

THERE’S NEWCOMER AVINÉ, AN INVITING

sure to love. They also offer craft cocktails.

WINE BAR BOTH CASUAL AND CLASSY.

Aviné is also quickly becoming a favorite spot

Owners Gray Maddox and Ashley Tanner

for small plates. Their French-inspired menu

are faces you’ll recognize from Bottega and

is great for a light bite or pairing items for a satis-

Chez FonFon. When asked why they opened

fying meal — with recommended wine pairings

Aviné, Tanner said, “There are so many great

of course. With fresh, local ingredients, you’ll

cocktail bars throughout downtown but

enjoy the simple sophistication of these dishes.

no wine bars. We saw a hole in the market,

For something sweet, try the chocolate tasting,

and... we knew we could be the ones to fill it.

featuring bonbons from Chocolatá.

Gray is a sommelier, and I’ve been encour-

If you’re looking for an inviting, relaxing

aging him to open his own place. We just

experience with good food, a variety of wine

decided to go for it, and the rest is history!”

and spirits, and a welcoming staff, Aviné is

When you plan your visit, there’s no need to worry about being underdressed or overdressed. Whether you’re a novice

your place. Follow Aviné on Instagram @avinebham CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

AVINÉ (CONTINUED)

Braised beef cheek sliders pair well with an Old Fashioned

Birmingham Lifestyle | October 2021

A Shrimp Rolls

V Ashley and Gray had help designing their space from Kyle D’Agostini with Poole & Company Architects

Bubbles, anyone?

I An assortment of tartines

É CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

ARTICLE DENISE K. JAMES BIRMINGHAM IS KNOWN FOR ITS SUPERIOR CULINARY SCENE, AND THOSE WHO GET INVOLVED APPRECIATE FOOD ON A GLOBAL LEVEL. After all, great food is a melting pot, and the entire world influences what we eat on a daily basis. For our annual food Issue, I chatted with three former locals who relocated to other parts of the world to study cuisine and culture. I must confess, after speaking with them, I’m feeling inspired — not to mention hungry.

BIRMINGHAM FOODIES LIVING ABROAD

MARTI BUCKLEY @MARTIBUCKLEY FROM BOTTEGA TO BASQUE COUNTRY

Inspired Locally, Working Globally

Marti Buckley graduated from Homewood High School, then attended Louisiana State University and spent time abroad during her junior year — an experience that she said “changed her life in so many ways.” As a student, she happened to be placed about an hour from where she lives now: Basque Country, an autonomous community in Northern Spain with its own people, language and culture. Soon enough, Buckley found herself mesmerized by Basque culture and cooking — she lived with French girls who cooked from scratch, and it was all quite different from her experience growing up, she said. Back home in Birmingham, Buckley felt restless at age 23 after she stopped working at Southern Living magazine to have her first child. Eager to find a new avenue, she bravely took a chance one evening, cooking at Bottega, one of the Magic City’s most acclaimed restaurants. She feared the experience was an utter trainwreck, but the chef called her back. “I remember leaving after that first night and checking [cooking] off the bucket list mentally,” she said, laughing. “Then the chef called me and invited me to come back. I was so nervous and flustered, but I said OK.” Buckley flourished at Bottega and affirmed that she might still be working there today if the opportunity to relocate to San Sebastian in 2010 with her then-husband and child hadn’t surfaced. Once across the ocean, she busied herself with looking for marketing work and learning about the culture. Eventually, her blog featuring recipes took center stage. “When I moved here, I had a blog that I put recipes on,” she said. “The food is so special, and I wanted a cookbook. But I knew there was a lot to discover. So I parked the idea for a few years.” In 2015, Buckley realized her dreams when she signed a deal for her first cookbook, “Basque Country.” Featuring 94 recipes and cultural tidbits to inspire readers, “Basque Country” would be the product of three years’ worth of traveling and research. “Basque Country is made up of three different places, and you can’t understand these dishes without understanding the culture,” Buckley noted. “I feel like the best people have a long, crazy history, and I wanted to do that justice.” “Basque Country” was printed in 2018, followed by the Spanish edition in 2021. As you read this, Buckley is hard at work on her second cookbook. 24

Birmingham Lifestyle | October 2021

JENNIFER COLE @JENNIFERVCOLE FROM THE DEEP SOUTH TO THE ISLAND OF SICILY During junior year at Auburn University, Jennifer Cole saw Sicily for the first time. A Southerner longing to escape the chill of Strasbourg, France, Cole decided to hop aboard a train and head for balmier climates during her break. The ride to Sicily would take two days — including putting the entire train on a ferry, car by car — but the journey was worth it. The train stopped at a historic station in Taormina, where the air “was warm and felt like paradise.” After departing Taormina, Cole ventured north to the Aeolian Islands, then back down to Catania. Later, Cole realized she’d missed the cutoff for housing at Auburn. Fortunately, her then-boss solved the problem by arranging a coffee meeting with a contact who was interested in sharing a home. When the coffee buddy turned out to be from Sicily, she and Cole became fast friends who lived together for about eight months. “She became like a sister to me and taught me how to cook. We are still friends — I just watered her plants,” Cole said. After graduation, Cole held numerous editorial roles — including Travel + Leisure and Southern Living — which, she said, “focused heavily on food and beverage: lists of Top 10 restaurants, chef profiles, features with recipes.” Having found her passion in culinary arts, Cole began a collaboration with New Orleans Chef Isaac Toups on a cookbook called “Chasing the Gator,” which earned awards and notoriety. By this point, Cole had a full-time freelance career and was frequently traveling. “I decided to sell my house in Birmingham and move to New Orleans, since I’d been working on the cookbook,” she explained. “I was staying with Caroline [Rosen], looking for a rental, and I ended up getting sick — too sick to ride back with my friends, so I took the train.” That train ride jogged Cole’s fond memories of Europe — she realized she could live anywhere she wanted, so why not leave the country? After a full year of traveling the globe, from Mexico to Europe to Asia, she decided Mexico City and Sicily “spoke to her the most.” These days, Cole enjoys the luxuries of island life in Catania. “I drink great wine, eat well, and I’m always on the water. But here, it’s more of a human right. So as a result, all the things I always loved are economical here. I can load up on amazing produce and get all my groceries for very little,” she said. Cole continues to write and enjoys hosting dinner parties. Cuisine-wise, her recent focus is more on Italy and the rest of Europe, but she’s still known to make fried chicken and pimento cheese for her guests. “I cook all kinds of food here: Mexican, Thai, and other types of Italian food, since all the regions are different,” she said. “I introduce friends to a revolution of flavor.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

INSPIRED LOCALLY (CONTINUED)

CAROLINE ROSEN @CAROLINENROSEN FOLLOWING FAMILY FOOTSTEPS TO MEXICO CITY Caroline Rosen grew up in what you might call a “foodie” environment. With her parents both prominent figures in the community — her father in politics and her mother an anesthesiologist – dinner parties at home were common, with “all different types” gathering around the table. Later on, Rosen continued to value dining experiences above anything else. “Dates would offer to buy me flowers, and I’d suggest going out for an amazing meal instead,” she said, laughing. Rosen’s passion for breaking bread continued during her college years at Tulane, though she majored in neuroscience and psychology. After graduation, she accepted a position with Mountain Valley Spring Water and realized the upscale product helped her develop relationships with chefs and mixologists – relationships that would last for years to come. “I catapulted into the food world as the ‘water girl,’” she explained, smiling. The “food world” was welcoming for Rosen; she joined the Southern Foodways Alliance, arranged festivals and served on multiple nonprofits. “My biggest inspirations are my fellow food and beverage counterparts who do amazing things in Birmingham and beyond,” she said. “John Hall, Rob McDaniel, Adam Evans — people I’ve known forever.” Rosen made the decision to move to Mexico City eight months ago, based not only on her interest in the food and culture but also her family’s story. Her great uncle, William Spratling, was a well-known silver designer, responsible for much of Mexico’s jewelry design. Spratling also lived in New Orleans and worked as a professor at Rosen’s alma mater, Tulane, sharing a home with Southern writer William Faulkner. Spratling, too, was known for gathering people together. “My great uncle passed away in the late 1960s, but he had such an impact on this country that I felt the draw to Mexico City,” Rosen explained. “I felt like I was following in his footsteps —first New Orleans, now Mexico City.” Rosen’s passion for Mexico City is palpable – she describes the location as though “New Orleans and San Francisco and New York had a Latin baby.” As you read this, she continues to cultivate her love for bringing people together and making connections across the culinary world: chefs and nonprofits in both new and former cities. “I see wonderful similarities between here and the South,” she said. “I’m excited to consult with friends across the globe; I’m also excited to create my own brand. I am looking forward to blending hospitality and my relationships. And I want all of you to visit me in Mexico City.”

Birmingham Lifestyle | October 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

TWO PEPPER PLACE SPOTS LIKELY TO BECOME CLASSICS

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY WITH BELOVED BIRMINGHAM STAPLES OVENBIRD, BETTOLA AND HOT AND HOT FISH CLUB, PEPPER PLACE IS A KNOWN FOODIE DESTINATION. Saturday mornings, you’ll see the entire city descend on the old bottling plant for the award-winning farmers market, where shoppers fill woven baskets with local honey, Hinkel’s fresh sourdough, wildflowers and seasonal veggies. Late summer brought two exceptional additions to the Pepper Place food scene.

BLUEROOT Sante Fe Bowl

California native Jennifer Ryan brings bright, clean and nutrient-dense SoCal goodness to her airy flagship location. Salads and bowls overflowing with local produce are made to your specifications—with plenty of options for those with food sensitivities. Beautiful grab-and-go displays feature a beet hummus almost too pretty to eat, probiotic sodas and a variety of superfood snacks. Our recent visit started with the Santa Fe Bowl: a hearty mix of salad, quinoa, black beans and chili-lime sweet potatoes topped with roasted cherry tomatoes, radish,

ARTICLE KALI MCNUTT | PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLE DU BOIS

goat cheese, cumin pumpkin seeds and chipotle vinaigrette.

We couldn’t resist the dark chocolate tahini brownie, which, despite being vegan, gluten and dairy-free, is one of the most decadent desserts we’ve ever tasted.

Birmingham Lifestyle | October 2021

Cheesemonger John Litzinger

THE SON OF A BUTCHER The handsome, dark exterior of Evans Meats’ Birmingham retail outpost, The Son of a Butcher, sets the stage for the welcoming and perfectly curated specialty shop. Don’t be fooled by the name—The Son of a Butcher stocks more than just savory meats. Hard-to-find cheeses as well as seafood and accoutrements for your charcuterie board can be found here too—along with an incredibly knowledgeable staff. On a recent visit, cheesemonger John Litzinger noted that the shop sources from many affineurs around the United States and internationally. Looking to impress? Opt for the Lincolnshire Poacher from famed London cheese retailer Neal’s Yard Dairy. “It’s like Cheddar and Swiss got married,” said Litzinger. Want to expand your knowledge of all things fromage? “Stay tuned for upcoming events on the cheese side of things,” hinted Litzinger.

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

LOCAL’S CHOICE

MEET SUZANNE GRAVES OF BIRMINGHAM'S DAHLIA PATCH

ARTICLE DENISE K. JAMES

OCTOBER IS A GREAT TIME FOR THE BEAUTIFUL DAHLIA FLOWER, AND WE RECENTLY CAUGHT UP WITH SUZANNE GRAVES, A LOCAL GROWER WHOSE GORGEOUS BLOOMS ARE ALL THE RAGE ON HER INSTAGRAM FEED (@THEDAHLIAPATCH). Read on, and be inspired to grow a few of your own. HOW DID YOU END UP WITH SUCH A GREEN THUMB? I have always loved flowers! My parents and grandparents always had a garden, so I guess it’s in my blood. I’ve always planted something, even if I lived in an apartment and planted in pots. Gardening has been such a joy to me, especially this past year. It’s something everyone can do, and there are so many rewards. I would encourage everyone to start small and try something. You never know.

Birmingham Lifestyle | October 2021

A " S T E M " E D U C AT I O N

PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLE DU BOIS

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE ON DAHLIAS IN PARTICULAR?

I’m also part of another flower business called

I guess I fell in love with dahlias about 20 years ago while work-

@gardenparty_designs on Instagram. We use

ing at a flower shop. We would get locally grown dahlias to use in

dahlias when possible in our arrangements to

arrangements. We used lots of dahlias in my wedding, too. Dahlias

bring joy to others through flowers.

are amazing because they come in all different colors, sizes and forms. Some of the giant flowers grow larger than your head,

SHARE SOME TIPS FOR GROWING AND

and some are tiny flowers, an inch in diameter. There’s a wide range

CARING FOR DAHLIAS.

of colors, too. There’s every color except blue, and most all of them have petals that shimmer in the sun.

Dahlias can be difficult to grow in the South. They really like cooler weather. I plant

I also met some folks from the Alabama Dahlia Society years ago,

my tubers in the spring, usually sometime

and they have helped me so much along the way. Kathy and Ed

in April. It takes them about 90 days to start

Whitfield have become my friends and have been wonderful mentors. producing flowers. August can be the hardest month to get through with the heat, humidity HOW DID YOUR GARDEN BECOME KNOWN AS THE

and bugs. But come September, when the

DAHLIA PATCH?

nights get cooler, they really put on a show!

I grow a little more than 200 plants in raised beds in my backyard.

They will bloom through frost. After a frost,

I just started referring to it as the dahlia patch, and then I decided to

over the winter, I dig all the tubers and divide

put my flowers on Instagram, and the name wasn’t taken. So it just

them to increase my stock for the next year

seemed right.

and maybe share a few.

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

OCTOBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

ONGOING

event will maintain its high-spirited

event allows patrons 20% off or exclu-

vibe while honoring premier women in

sive offers at over 250 businesses with

FRIDAY NIGHT WINE TASTINGS

our city and state. Unleashed speaks

the purchase of a Shop Save & Share

to the organization’s overall purpose:

card. All proceeds from cards benefit

Classic Wine Company

to unleash the power of women and

the League’s community projects,

Free Friday night tastings are back! Stop

philanthropy

much-

improving lives of local women and

by Classic Wine Company in Homewood

needed resources and to celebrate

children. For more information, visit

between 5:30 and 7 p.m. any Friday to

those women who have raised the bar

shopsaveandshare.net.

sample wines selected by a rotating cast

for all of us.

providing

of local wine importers. Follow Classic Wine on Facebook to stay current on upcoming Somm School dinners and impromptu tastings, as well as cigar and wine pairing events.

THE FALL EDIT

BREAKIN' BREAD

Rele Street, Mountain Brook

Pepper Place

The Fall Edit at Lane Parke will have

Breakin’ Bread will feature tastings of

live music from the band Southern

signature dishes from over 25 restau-

Choice, local vendors, drinks and

SLICEFEST

rants, with proceeds benefiting the

much more. A portion of Rele Street

Birmingham Originals Grant Program,

will be closed off so people can safely

29th Street South, Lakeview

which awards scholarships to individ-

enjoy the event.

SliceFest, a beloved food and music block

uals pursuing an education in culinary

party, will celebrate its 9th anniversary on

arts and provides assistance for entre-

October 2. You know the drill – pizza, music,

preneurs in the hospitality industry.

beer and more – all in Slice Birmingham's

This year's festival also includes a

front yard in Lakeview. Music lineup

makers' market.

includes JJ Grey, Mofro and more. SliceFest

STEP UP FOR DOWN SYNDROME Veteran's Park (Hoover)

Join us on Sunday, October 24 for a

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE'S SHOP, SAVE AND SHARE FUNDRAISER

STEP UP Walk to raise awareness

Various Businesses

UNLEASHED: A PHILANTHROPARTY

with Down Syndrome. Register at

The Junior League of Birmingham

https://downsyndromealabama.org/

Red Mountain Theatre & Online

presents the 16th annual Shop Save

step-up-for-down-syndrome/.

Formerly known as Smart Party, this

& Share, October 20-31. The 12-day

has donated over $80,000 to Birminghambased nonprofits since inception.

fun day of family activities, fellow-

MASTERS OF THE OUTDOORS (205) 917-580 0

Birmingham Lifestyle | October 2021

ca liberx l.com

ship with members and the annual and acceptance for those individuals

WORLD CLASS FIRE ARMS 2822 Centra l Avenue in Homewood

Indoor outdoor table tennis tables

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

OUR TOWN

PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLE DU BOIS

FA L L F O R T H E S E PAT I O S OUR PICKS FOR OUTDOOR DINING

El ZunZun

Back Forty Beer Company

Freddy's Wine Bar

Chez Lulu

Bettola

OCTOBER IS OFTEN THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR IN BIRMINGHAM FOR ENJOYING A MEAL AL FRESCO. Between the grueling heat of late summer and the chill of winter is the mild and cozy month we call October. Birmingham has no shortage of places to dine en plein air.

Birmingham Lifestyle | October 2021

Visit Trails End – An AR Homes® Community MOSS CREEK CIRCLE, MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL 35223 Contact our team to schedule your visit. Mary Kathryn Bonamy • MKBonamy@ARHomes.com • 205-876-3677