By Donna Cornelius A new book about an enigmatic, food-centric region in Spain already is stirring up a stateside buzz. “Basque Country: A Culinary Journey Through a Food Lover’s Paradise” made Food and Wine magazine’s recent list of the best cookbooks debuting this fall. Highly regarded chefs Frank Stitt and José Andrés are praising the book, with Andrés writing: “This is … [Read more...]
Smart Cookie: Amy Jason’s Bakery Has Been a Sweet Success
By Donna Cornelius Amy Jason still remembers the first thing she ever baked. “I was about 9 or 10,” she said. “It was an apple-cinnamon turnover that I made with Pillsbury crescent rolls. My first attempt was perfect, and I remember the feeling of instant gratification. I had created something warm and delicious and gooey and fantastic, and I could share it with my parents … [Read more...]
‘My heart just melted’: Savage’s Bakery celebrates 13-year-old girl with autism’s first birthday party
By Ingrid SchnaderAlthough the team at Savage’s Bakery is known for creating birthday cakes for people all over the area, they aren’t usually the people who throw the birthday parties. However, when Elizabeth Scott — who owns the bakery with her father — received a call from Kim Kirkpatrick, she said her heart melted.“I was helping her on the phone, and she … [Read more...]
Celebrating the City: Restaurant Week Builds on Birmingham’s Culinary Success
By Donna Cornelius Since the 2017 edition of Birmingham Restaurant Week, the city has been on a pretty cool ride, food-wise. Frank Stitt’s Highlands Bar and Grill and the restaurant’s pastry chef, Dolester Miles, won James Beard Foundation Awards. Birmingham made Zagat’s list of the 30 Most Exciting Food Cities in America and was touted by Wine Enthusiast as a place for “top … [Read more...]
’Lette the Fun Begin: Macarons Shop Opens in Cahaba Heights
By Donna Cornelius Beverly Hills has lots of attractions, from the posh shops of Rodeo Drive to random celebrity sightings. But Crystal Lovelady and her husband, Shane, got a really sweet taste of the California city at a shop that specializes in a distinctly French treat: macarons. “My husband’s office was in Beverly Hills, right around the corner from ’Lette Macarons,” said … [Read more...]