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...]

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...]

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...]

By Emily Williams At their new Edgewood restaurant, Greenhouse, seasoned chefs Mary Claire and Bray Britton are striking a balance with a creative menu of items that fulfill cravings while nourishing the body.   The tagline for Greenhouse is “Feelin’ Good All the Time,” which highlights the couple’s philosophy that, while food is transformative and healthy eating is … [Read more...]

By Donna Cornelius Food often is a major part of Father’s Day, usually in the form of treating Dad to dinner at his favorite restaurant or gathering the family for a backyard cookout. But if your father is really into food, go a little outside the usual recipe box this year with the gift of a food experience. There are plenty of options: You can stay local for a cooking … [Read more...]