By Cara D. Clark Homewood’s Valley Hotel and its signature restaurant, Ironwood Kitchen & Cocktails, have become a cultural touchpoint in Homewood since it opened in January 2021. As the hotel’s premier dining experience, Ironwood helps shape the identity of the entire property. It plays a key role in making the Valley Hotel a true destination—where residents and … [Read more...]
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ is Giving Back to Schools All Summer
Eat good and give back for brighter futures the whole summer of June, July and August with Rodney Scott’s BBQ. For every pork, chicken, brisket or turkey sandwich sold at Rodney Scott’s BBQ in Homewood, $1 goes straight to the Homewood City Schools Foundation and Rodney Scott’s BBQ in Trussville, $1 goest straight back to the Trussville City Schools Foundation.“We are … [Read more...]
Mudbugs & Madmen: Chef Wylie’s Cajun Cuisine and Billy Bob’s Étouffée
By Chad McCowanMy favorite time of the year is here…and of course I should mean spring weather, Easter or even the Masters. But the return of crawfish season gets us mudbug lovers dragging our kettle boilers out from the garage and stocking up on the Cajun essentials. Crawfish boils are the epitome of Louisianna and all things Cajun; with fun music, full-of-life people and … [Read more...]
Miss Astrid’s Of Course: A new tavern is creating a happy buzz In Cahaba Heights
By Loyd McIntoshPhotos by Jordan WaldIn just a few short months since opening in December 2024, Miss Astrid’s Tavern has established itself as a part of Cahaba Heights’ heartbeat, a community spot for a great meal and conversation in a setting that is at once relaxed, funky, upscale and homey. Owned and operated by Denise Boley, a longtime Cahaba Heights … [Read more...]
The Cook Store Turns 50: An Interview with proprietor Wesley Lassen
By Lee HurleyIt’s official, The Cook Store is now qualified to join AARP. Opened by Sam Franks in 1975, he later sold it to Betty Knight who changed the name to The Cook Store and, in 1999, sold it to Wesley Lassen, where our story begins. Wesley was born and raised in Mountain Brook, the daughter of well-liked and respected Fred Powell a lawyer with Burr & Forman. Her … [Read more...]