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the gardens cafe les dames eventA Feminine Affair

The Gardens Café host private event for Les Dames d’Escoffier.

By Jan Walsh

Les Dames d’Escoffier, Birmingham Chapter welcomed new members this week at The Gardens Café by Kathy G. Located at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the cafe was the perfect place to have this annual event.

Kathy G. and Co. is a favorite caterer for many brides to be. And this elegant café boasts a patio, bar, and staircase, which leads upstairs to its private space where our event was held.

Here Kathy Mezrano and her son, Chef Jason wowed us Dames with a gorgeous and generous display of appetizers and a wine bar—both served on golden, raw silk tablecloths. The buffet included a scrumptious spread of chicken kabobs, roasted vegetables, flatbread, stuffed mushrooms, tapenade, hummus, dips, spreads, and strawberry cheesecake bites. Chef’s selection of flavors blended together beautifully making a delicious meal.

LDEI is an invitational organization of women leaders in food, beverage and hospitality whose mission is education, advocacy, mentoring and philanthropy. Our annual fund raiser, Southern Soirée will be held at Jones Valley Teaching Farm on October 7 at 4:30. This sunset dinner features Birmingham’s best chefs and restaurant owners, and the silent auction includes lots donated by local restaurants and Dames. One of the silent auction lots includes a behind the scenes visit with me at Highlands Bar and Grill as Dolester Miles, Outstanding Pastry Chef 2018, James Beard Foundation Awards, demos a famous recipe. The recipe will be published on BirminghamRestaurants.com. Proceeds will provide grants and scholarships to support women in the culinary arts.

In addition to private events, such as ours, The Gardens Café is open for lunch Tuesday through Fridays.


taco mama veggie quesadillaVegetarian Mexican

Veggie Mix Quesadilla is hearty and healthy.

By Jan Walsh

I am always on the search for vegetarian options. And I found a new favorite at Taco Mama. The Veggie Mix Quesadilla includes a unique cilantro lime rice, plump black beans, and grilled onions inside and is accompanied by toppings of lettuce, tomato, and fresh guacamole. I pile the toppings on, dig into the four wedges, and veg out!

 


 

taco mama skinny margaritaI recommend pairing the Veggie Quesadilla with a Skinny Margarita, which is low in carbs but high in flavor. This refreshing, delicious drink is lacking nothing other than carbs. I discovered it awhile back, and it has been my go to margarita ever since.

Taco Mama boasts five Birmingham metro locations at 119, Crestline, Homewood, and The Waites, and The Summit.

View Taco Mama Profile

 

 

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