By Madoline Markham KoonceAbhi Sainju’s life journey has taken him across the globe and to its varied beaches – from India, where he went to boarding school; to Thailand and the Philippines, near his home in Nepal; to Destin, Florida, and Malibu, California, closer to his now-home in Birmingham. “People are different everywhere, but everybody can feel that same … [Read more...]

By Donna CorneliusThe Baker is coming to Birmingham, and he’s bringing some Mississippi flavor with him.The Magnolia State’s Nick Wallace is one of the culinary stars who will be in town this month to participate in the second ever FOOD+Culture Festival. But despite his nickname, his specialties aren’t cookies, cakes and pies.A Mississippi native who still calls the … [Read more...]

By Donna CorneliusOne of Birmingham’s most influential culinary communities will take center stage at this year’s edition of FOOD+Culture, set for Sept. 19-22.The festival, a flavor-filled platform for Birmingham’s culinary scene and culture, is in its second year, and the FOOD+Heritage dinner is one of the most anticipated events. This year’s Heritage dinner honors the … [Read more...]

By Donna CorneliusFrom gathering for Sunday dinners to preserving grandmother’s treasured recipes, Southerners take their food customs seriously. So, it makes sense that this year’s Birmingham FOOD+Culture Festival is presenting a prestigious award to a man in the forefront of celebrating, preserving and enhancing Southern culinary traditions.Glenn Roberts, … [Read more...]

By Donna CorneliusKay Bruno Reed, (pictured) owner and head chef of Birmingham’s Café Iz, has fond memories of growing up in a closely knit Italian family – especially of making bread with her grandmother on Saturdays and eating together on Sundays. Today, she’s extending the fun to a new generation by teaching her granddaughters how to make pasta.“I don’t want … [Read more...]