By Donna CorneliusWhen Adam Evans opened Automatic Seafood and Oysters in Birmingham about five years ago, it made a high-water mark on the city’s culinary landscape. Now, he’s set to make another splash with his new restaurant, Current Charcoal Grill.The James Beard Award winner for best chef South in 2022, Evans has partnered for this venture with fellow … [Read more...]
Keeping Kosher: Expert Makes Sure Food at the JCC’s Jewish Food and Culture Fest Follows the Laws
By Anne RuisiFestivalgoers can rely on the Persian chicken, brisket, falafels, mandelbrot and other foods served at the Levite Jewish Community Center’s Jewish Food and Culture Fest on April 14 being kosher. The center has an expert who ensures that it is.“I am a rabbi. So, I know about kosher. And so, when the JCC needs help with kosher, I help,” said Rabbi Yossi … [Read more...]
Leading Chef: When the Marks of Good Leadership Are Made on a Grill
By June MathewsEarlier this year, Rob McDaniel was named a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef South award. But to his mind, the honor – and what it could become – is not his alone. It rightfully belongs, he said, to the entire team at Helen, a contemporary Southern grill in downtown Birmingham. “At the end of the day, … [Read more...]
Culinary Showdown: Farrelly’s Chef to Be Featured in Hoover Iron Chef Competition
By Anne RuisiWhen other kids were glued to Saturday morning cartoons, Chris Kennedy was watching Graham Kerr and Julia Child’s now-legendary cooking shows.And when his grandfather, who grew up on a farm, took him fishing, they’d trade the catch for fresh fruits and vegetables from area farmers, foods he’d help prep for the dishes his grandmother created. “I … [Read more...]
Sweets for your Sweeties: Local Sweets Shops Offer Special Preparations for Valentine’s Day
By Susan SwaglerShow some love to those you care about and to local women-owned businesses this Valentine’s Day with artisanal chocolate of all kinds. We spoke to three women, Kathy D’Agostino, above, Geri-Martha O’Hara, above right, and Susan Notter, right, all known for their bespoke sweets about what they’re offering right now.Elizabeth Moore ChocolatesPastry … [Read more...]




