 Order wild caught, pasture raised, and from organic purveyors.
By Jan Walsh I don’t do fast food or eat out at places that are laden with GMOs. But even in locally owned, chef-driven restaurants, I have found GMOs in the most unexpected places. And much like food packages that do not label GMOs, restaurants are not going to brag about them on their menus either.
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 Lloyd’s Restaurant celebrates 80 years of comfort food.
By Jan Walsh Photography by Beau Gustafson Lloyd Chesser opened Lloyd’s Restaurant in Chelsea, Alabama in 1937. Its current owner, Eli Stevens previously worked with his father in their family business, Home Baking Company. He delivered bread to the restaurant three times weekly.
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 Bamboo On 2nd pours sparkling, rosé, and sake cocktails.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson I want to learn more about sake. And I believe in learning by doing. So tonight Bamboo On 2nd’s Bernie Smith meets me, to taste through a rosé sake, a sparkling sake, and a sake cocktail. He also introduces me to a Japanese whiskey. And we start the Bamboo beverage tasting with a wine that I need no introduction to, Champagne.
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 Avondale Common House and Distillery reimagines comfort food.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
Chef William Rogers, and wife, Ellen Rogers opened Avondale Common House and Distillery in May at 4100 3rd Avenue South in Avondale. William is operator and executive chef. And Ellen is operator, general manager, and business and events manager.
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 America’s most popular beverage is unexpectedly complex.
By Jan Walsh Photography by Beau Gustafson I grew up drinking water from the tap. I also drank from the water hose on a hot, summer day. But I no longer drink tap water because I do not know what is in it.
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 Coming soon to Birmingham Marriott!
By Ross McCay Jan Walsh tours Birmingham Marriott's rejuvenation.
The restaurant is under construction with expected completion in early Summer 2017.
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 The Clubhouse Restaurant boasts chef driven fare.
By Jan Walsh Photography by Beau Gustafson The Clubhouse Restaurant at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa has an exciting, new menu. Executive chef, Robert Kamm pleases both foodies and families with his creations. And unlike other clubhouses, you don’t need to join anything to dine here, for lunch or dinner.
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 JT’s boasts palatable pours, including a daily punch.
By Jan Walsh
Photography by Beau Gustafson
JT’s Lounge is located on the main level of Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort and Spa. It is named for its settler, James Taylor Ross.
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 Pair Cantina Tortilla Grills’ enchiladas with local brews.
By Jan Walsh Photography by Beau Gustafson Cantina Tortilla Grill has been serving fresh Mexican fare for more than 10 years. The recipes were created by its founder Guillermo Castro. And his brother, Jorge Castro carries on his tradition today whipping up chicken and cheese enchiladas for us.
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 Zagat rated Birmingham #1 in America’s Next Hot Food Cities list!
By Ross McCay Birmingham has received positive marks this year nationally from CNBC to the New York Times. Zagat continues that trend by naming Birmingham #1 in America’s Next Hot Food Cities list. It was ranked ahead of cities such as Oakland/Berkeley, Detroit, Asheville, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nashville, Louisville, Durham, Phoenix/Scottsdale, and San Antonio.
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