By Emily Williams Pressing olives to create olive oil is an art form, akin to turning grapes into wine. It is a practice deeply rooted in Mediterranean culture and cuisine. The culinary act originated as early as 6000 B.C. in Asia Minor, later recognized as ancient Greece, and olive trees that are approximately 2,000 years old have been found in groves, continuing to … [Read more...]
A Night to Remember: Southern Soiree Supports Women Finding Their Places in the Food Business
By Donna Cornelius Southern Soiree, an annual sunset dinner hosted by the Les Dames d’Escoffier International’s Birmingham chapter, packs a lot of food and fun into one night. But the effects of the event last long after it’s over. LDEI uses proceeds from the Southern Soiree – set this year for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 13 – to extend a helping hand to culinary students and … [Read more...]
Perfect Blend: Royal Cup Family Member Applying Coffee-Blending Techniques to Rum
By Sam Prickett The idea for Campesino Rum started when Hatton Smith Jr. was living deep in the remote Panamanian jungle. “I lived down there on a farm out in the woods, kind of in the middle of nowhere,” he said. Smith had some familiarity with the country; his family, which has owned Royal Cup Coffee since 1950, had traveled to Panama throughout Smith’s childhood, and when … [Read more...]
Wood-Fired Experience: Ash Neighborhood Bar and Grill Gets Ready for Restaurant Week With a Focus on Family
By Sam Prickett When Birmingham Restaurant Week first started in 2009, Mark Driskill was working at Highlands Bar and Grill under the direction of award-winning chef Frank Stitt. But as the annual dining event prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Driskill finds himself in a very different position: as owner and executive chef of his own restaurant, Ash Neighborhood Bar … [Read more...]
Friendly Food Fight: Four Will Face off at Iron City Chef Competition
By Donna Cornelius The Iron City Chef competition is always one of Birmingham’s most popular food events – so much so that admission is a really hot ticket. “It’s always a sell-out,” said Kent Howard, chairman of the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club’s annual fundraiser. This year, the 11th edition of the competition has a new venue at the Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox … [Read more...]
