By June MathewsOn an ordinary day, setting the table is simple. Put a plate and utensils at everyone’s place, then have a seat and pass the mashed potatoes.But on an extraordinary day, setting the table becomes a creative experience – on a day such as Oct. 12, for instance, when members of The Guild of the Birmingham Music Club set 17 tables for a cause at the … [Read more...]

 By Susan Swagler Thanksgiving dinner is a beloved tradition, but – let’s face it – it can be quite stressful. If you’re the one hosting this meal, that means days and days of work.But what if you begin to gather before actually gathering with your family and friends? What if you gathered every aspect of your dinner – from appetizers to sides to … [Read more...]

The family behind the critically acclaimed Saw’s barbecue restaurants have been named Alabama’s Bronze Retailer of the Year in the Annual Sales $5 Million to $20 Million category.“The family’s commitment to our community and chamber is fantastic,” Meredith Drennen, executive director of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce, who nominated the Wilson family for the award, said in … [Read more...]

By Donna Cornelius Tickets are now on sale for the first-ever Birmingham FOOD+Culture Festival, set for Oct.12-15.The festival will feature five signature events over four days, including more than 10 dinners, an amplified farmers market experience and more than 50 featured chefs, mixologists, brewers, pit masters and such. The fun will be spread out over venues around the … [Read more...]

By Anne RuisiA three-course kosher dinner and live music will be among the highlights of the Levite Jewish Community Center’s second annual J’la Gala fundraiser on Aug. 6.“Only at the J” is the theme for the event, which will begin at 5 p.m. at the LJCC. “I hear only-at-the-J stories all the time,” Executive Director Brooke Bowles said in a story about the gala … [Read more...]