Birmingham Magazine April 2018 Issue

Shipt: Changing the Grocery
DELIVERY GAME
p.11
Eat Fresh at
REAL & ROSEMARY
p.35
Best Home &
GARDEN SHOPS
p.64
THE HOME & GARDEN ISSUE
MODERN
MAKEOVERS
3 Magic City Home Renovations
p.77
Check out our
NEW LOOK
inside!
GORGEOUS
Spring
p.90
GARDENS
JONES VALLEY:
growing
a community
THROUGH SCHOOL FARMS
p.104
PLUS
APRIL 2018 $4.99
DISPLAY UNTIL 4/22/18
bhammag.com
p.115

Russell Lands On Lake Martin is a breathtaking lake community with 25,000 acres of forest set among
Lake Martin’s 40,000 plus acres of pristine water and nearly 900 miles of shoreline. The largest premier
neighborhood at Russell Lands On Lake Martin is The Ridge, where ownership comes with an array of
extras including The Ridge Club, a 10-acre recreation complex; miles of hiking and walking trails, as well
as nature and waterfront parks; and the state-of-the-art Ridge Marina—all designed to connect you with
family, friends, nature, and always, the lake.

• TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOME &
GARDEN
APRIL ISSUE
Beautiful Birmingham
Homes & Gardens
Three modern home renovations and
three picture-perfect gardens
BY LAURA MCALISTER & ANDREA FANNING
PHOTOS BY JEAN ALLSOP, TOMMY DASPIT,
AND ABRAHAM ODREZIN
77
Home is Where
the Art is
A guide to collecting and displaying
art for your home
BY CARLA JEAN WHITLEY
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL J. MOORE
97
Grow Where
You Sow
How Jones Valley Teaching Farm impacts
the city’s youth through farming
BY TARA MASSOULEH
PHOTOS BY CARY NORTON
A Birmingham City School student pulls carrots from a Jones
Valley Teaching Farm garden. For more, see page 104.
(PICTURED HERE)
104
2 | Birmingham | APRIL 18

• TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOME & GARDEN
APRIL ISSUE
11
35
28
60
A CHAMPION’S COURSE
08 From the Editor
CITY LIFE
11 Success Stories
SHIPT
16 Update
19 What’s Wrong?
What’s Right?
20 Landscape
ALDRIDGE GARDENS
22 Around the Block
CRESTLINE VILLAGE
24 Then & Now
THE EMPIRE BUILDING
CULTURE
25 Arts
THE JAYBIRD
28 The Buzz
30 The Hot List
32 Q&A
DANA WOLTER
34 Rant & Rave
TABLE
35 Spotlight
REAL & ROSEMARY
38 The Dish
42 Cooking 101
KITCHEN TOOLS
45 City Bite
FARM BOWL
46 What’s In Season
ENGLISH GREEN PEAS
48 This or That?
CHAMPAGNE OR ROSÉ?
LIVING
49 Take-off
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
56 24 Hours
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE
60 Dwelling
LAKE LIVING
64 Roundup
HOME & GARDEN SHOPS
67 Vignette
AN ECLECTIC COLLECTION
68 Wish List
EASTER TABLETOP ITEMS
70 Shop Local
HARPER JAMES PILLOW
71 Birmingham’s Top
Realtors
SPECIAL PROMOTION
115 Birmingham’s Top
Attorneys
SPECIAL PROMOTION
152 Dining Guide
160 Postscript
Jerry Pate’s star was born when he won the U.S. Amateur
while attending The University of Alabama. His experience as a
student-athlete launched a championship career on the golf
course and in business.
U A.EDU
4 | Birmingham | APRIL 18
JERRY PATE | CLASS OF 2001
PROFESSIONAL GOLFER
OWNER, JERRY PATE COMPANY

1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9
Volume 58, Issue 4
EDITORIAL
Julia Sayers (1)
EDITOR IN CHIEF
jsayers@al.com
Tara Massouleh (3)
ASSISTANT EDITOR
tmassouleh@al.com
John Archibald, Callie Blount,
Sarah Cook, Andrea Fanning,
Will Lochamy, Laura McAlister,
Susan Swagler, Eric Velasco
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
DESIGN
Ritu Parr (4)
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
rparr@al.com
Kelsey Justice (5)
GRAPHIC DESIGNER/
ILLUSTRATOR/
PHOTOGRAPHER
kjustice@al.com
Jean Alsop, Jacob Blount, Liane
Burns, Tommy Daspit, Wes Frazer,
Michael J. Moore, Cary Norton,
Abraham Odrezin, Shannon Robinson
CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHERS,
ILLUSTRATORS,
RETOUCHERS,
AND STYLISTS
“Shorts and Chacos.”
SALES
Deidra K. Diaz (2)
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
ddiaz@al.com,
205-325-3343
Jenna Witcher (5)
SENIOR ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVE
jwitcher@al.com,
205-320-3523
Jeremy Vines (6)
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
jvines@al.com,
205-732-0078
Vivian Givhan (7)
ACCOUNT ASSOCIATE
vgivhan@al.com,
205-325-3426
MARKETING
Christine Marsh (9)
EVENTS AND COMMUNITY
RELATIONS COORDINATOR
cmarsh@bhammag.com,
205-325-3189
Don Taylor (10)
PRODUCTION
205-325-3336
dtaylor@acsal.com
“I love to see spring flowers popping.
There’s no app for that.”
10
CIRCULATION
CUSTOMER SERVICE
205-325-2408
800-357-9553
Birmingham@omeda.com
ADMINISTRATION
Tom Bates
PRESIDENT
Alabama Media Group
Michelle Holmes
VICE PRESIDENT, CONTENT
Alabama Media Group
Natalie Pruitt
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER,
SALES
Alabama Media Group
“Grabbing a cold Miss Fancy, sitting on
the grass and catching a live concert
at Avondale Brewing Company!”
WE ASKED OUR STAFF:
“
What’s your
favorite thing
about spring?
”
“Seeing everything come into bloom so
quickly and being like, ‘Was that bush
there yesterday?’”
“Easter is my favorite holiday, and this year I
look forward to celebrating such a special
day with our baby girl!”
Furniture with tons
of wow factor. As in,
“Wow, I can’t believe
it ’s all La-Z-Boy.”
Talbot Room Group, Cosmopolitan Stationary Chair and Ottoman
If you thought you knew La-Z-Boy, think again. There are so many great-looking options, from sofas
to chairs to sectionals and more — all with the La-Z-Boy comfort you’ve come to know and trust.
If you still can’t believe it, just wait until you sit down.
COVER PHOTO BY TOMMY DASPIT
Mail letters and story ideas to Editor, Birmingham magazine, 1731 First Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203. bhammag.com. Copyright 2018 by Birmingham magazine. All rights reserved. Not responsible for
unsolicited editorial contributions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of Birmingham. Birmingham #56800 (ISSN 0006-369X) is published monthly by Alabama Media
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©2016 La-Z-Boy Incorporated
6 | Birmingham | APRIL 18

• FROM THE EDITOR
A Fresh Start
WHEN YOU PICK UP Birmingham
magazine this month, you might notice it
looks a little different. That’s because this
April issue introduces our complete redesign
of the magazine—and we couldn’t be more
excited about it. When we began planning
this redesign last year, we knew we wanted to
give the magazine an update that felt fresh,
modern, and fun. We wanted it to appeal to
those with busy lifestyles—those who might
not have time to sit down and read more
than 100 pages of text. We wanted it to be
visual and interactive. We wanted to be able
to provide the most amount of information
possible, packaged in a way that was easily
accessible, helpful, and informative. And as
always, we wanted to remain the authority on
all things Birmingham. I believe that we have
accomplished exactly that through this update.
As you flip through the pages, you’ll
notice that the content is quicker hitting in
some places. Take, for example, The Dish
(page 38). Since there is always so much
going on with Birmingham’s food scene, we
created this section specifically dedicated to
food news. Update (page 16) will keep you
in the know about the latest news in the
city, while The Buzz (page 28) is your eventfocused
agenda.
We’re incorporating more graphic
elements, including Landscape (page 20), a
detailed map of a Birmingham landmark or
area; What’s Wrong What’s Right (page 19),
a metering system of our city’s “satisfaction
level,” submitted by Will Lochamy of
Birmingham Mountain Radio; and This or
That? (page 48), the results of a poll voted on
by our social media followers.
Of course, we’ll still have plenty of strong
storytelling, including stories on local people,
businesses (check out this month’s piece on
Shipt on page 11), charities, culture (learn about
The Jaybird on page 25), food, politics, and
more. We’ve got travel content in two ways: a
long-form piece called Take-off (page 49) and
24 Hours (page 56), a guide to spending a day
in a nearby city. We’ll be highlighting local
products in our Shop Local feature (page 70)
and showing off beautiful homes with Dwelling
(page 60) and Vignette (page 67).
The Home & Garden Issue couldn’t have
been a more perfect issue to unveil this new
design—it did beckon for a “spring cleaning!”
In our features, we share three stunning homes
that all have been dramatically redesigned
and remodeled, as well as three well-planned
gardens that provide homeowners with a
welcome escape. Find inspiration on
pages 77-96.
In addition to beautiful residential gardens,
we also wanted to highlight a different kind
of outdoor space—one that serves our city’s
youth. Jones Valley Teaching Farm (JVTF)
invests in Birmingham City Schools by using
the growing and cooking of food to teach
students practical and life skills. JVTF has
grown tremendously in the last two years,
and the programs they provide have made an
impact across the city. Read more about the
nonprofit on page 104.
We’re so proud to present you with this
fresh new look for the magazine, and as always,
your opinion matters most! We hope you’ll
continue to provide your feedback and loyalty
as a reader and subscriber, and we promise to
keep you informed on all things Birmingham,
from the big news stories to the hidden gems.
Cheers,
JULIA SAYERS, EDITOR IN CHIEF
jsayers@al.com
Follow me on Twitter @juliasayers
FOLLOW US
Write To Us
We’d love to hear from you! We
always appreciate hearing from
our readers, and we’re asking you
to continue sending us feedback.
What do you like about this issue?
What do you want to read about
next? Have you attended any of
the events we’ve written about? Visited
any of our featured restaurants? Let
us know by emailing us at letters@
bhammag.com. We look forward to
seeing your name in our inbox. And keep
an eye out for your comments right here
under the editor’s letter in future issues!
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Est. 1926
How this ever-popular suburb grew from a rural area to
a booming town boasting generational businesses, great
education, and supreme quality of life for families.
PHOTOS FROM THE ALABAMA MEDIA GROUP ARCHIVES,
Homewood Chamber of Commerce, Hoover Historical
Society Co lection, and Waldrop Griffin Co lection
Martha Dabney (Toulman) drives a silver spike to mark completion of the streetcar line at Broadway
and Shades Road in Homew od, while Birmingham Mayor Culpe per Exum l oks on in 1912.
PRAISE FOR OUR “A HISTORY OF HOMEWOOD”
FEATURE IN THE FEBRUARY ISSUE
Dear Birmingham Magazine,
Please pass along my thanks to Verna
Gates for her interesting History of
Homewood. It brought back a lot
of memories.
My family moved to Hollywood
(Malaga Ave.) in 1957. I was 16.
I transferred from Ramsey High
School in Birmingham to the old
(then new) Shades Valley
High School.
On Friday and Saturday nights
we had a cruising pattern from
the Pig Trail Inn Barbecue drive-in, down
FEB 18 | Birmingham | 71
the block, and then through the Dale’s
Hideaway drive-in. Back and forth we’d go,
to see and be seen.
I remember terrific sandwiches and
thick, hand cut steaks, from Browdy’s Deli
in Mountain Brook Village.
A few years later, when I was of age,
I remember some of the bars and clubs
in Homewood like The Nook, The
Lowenbrau House, and the Domino
Lounge (where I had my first Martini).
Good times.
Again, my thanks to Ms. Gates.
- Massey Lambard, Foley, Alabama
8 | Birmingham | APRIL 18

EVENTSINSOUTHWALTON.COM
CITY LIFE
UPDATE 16 • WHAT'S WRONG? WHAT'S RIGHT? 19 • LANDSCAPE 20
AROUND THE BLOCK 22 • THEN & NOW 24
Shipt headquarters in downtown Birmingham
CATCHING SOME BLUE FISH
LEADS TO CATCHING SOME LIVE BLUES IN A SMALL BEACHSIDE JOINT
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHIPT
NW Florida’s World-Class
Sport-Fishing Tourney
June 20-24 – Sandestin
fishecbc.com
MIRAMAR BEACH • SEASCAPE • SANDESTIN • DUNE ALLEN • GULF PLACE • SANTA ROSA BEACH • BLUE MOUNTAIN
GRAYTON BEACH • WATERCOLOR • SEASIDE • SEAGROVE • WATERSOUND • SEACREST • ALYS BEACH • ROSEMARY BEACH • INLET BEACH
Ship It to Me
How one Birmingham man built (and
sold) a start-up for half a billion dollars
by JEREMY BURGESS
OUR CHILDREN INSPIRE US EVERY DAY—to work harder, to
love stronger, and of course, to dream bigger.
In Bill Smith’s case, his children inspired what would become a
$550 million company.
The Birmingham-based entrepreneur had just parted ways with
his latest idea—a financial technology company called Insight that he
sold to a public company in 2014—when his second child was born.
Smith had been playing around with ideas for same-day delivery
APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 11
A8362965-01

• CITY LIFE |
Success Stories
“We were
standing in
the parking
lot when the
lightbulb
went off, and
I told my wife
that I was
going to solve
the grocery
delivery
dilemma.”
BILL SMITH, SHIPT CEO
to meet the “need-it-now” evolution of market
demand, including consumer research that
called for grocery services, but the complexity
of transporting food items made him cautious.
It wasn’t until a fateful trip to the
supermarket that all the pieces came together.
(Thanks to a little help from his little ones.)
“My wife and I took our one-year-old and
our newborn to the grocery store and it was a
total nightmare,” Smith says. “We abandoned
the shopping trip with two screaming kids in
our arms. We were standing in the parking
lot when the lightbulb went off, and I told
my wife that I was going to solve the grocery
delivery dilemma.”
This wouldn’t be his first rodeo, though.
An entrepreneur from an early age, Smith
got his start as a student at Homewood High
School by selling cell phones to businesses.
He would go on to build—and sell—a few
companies before founding the one that would
put him on the map: Shipt, a membershipbased,
online marketplace designed to deliver
fresh foods and household essentials directly to
its members’ doorsteps.
Having learned a thing or two from his
previous successes, Smith didn’t just rush into
the next thing. He had to make sure this idea
was a safe bet and a worthwhile investment.
“We wanted to validate that this was a
service that people want—and would pay
for," Smith says. "I told the team that we weren’t
going to write a single line of code until we sold
1,000 memberships.”
One thousand memberships for a service
that doesn’t exist yet seems like a lofty goal,
especially when you’re equipped with a mere
Facebook video to make the sale. But that’s
exactly what Smith and his Shipt team did—in
just a few weeks.
“That was when I knew this was something
that could take off,” Smith says.
After launching in Birmingham, Shipt
became a virtually ubiquitous presence at local
grocery stores. “Shipt Shoppers,” decked out in
their green t-shirts emblazoned with the nowfamiliar
extra-terrestrial logo, had become an
army of convenience. Whether members were
busy with family, with work, with friends, or
with social events, Shipt became a reliable and
necessary service—one that made so much
sense that it felt like it’d always been around.
It’s no wonder, then, that Shipt grew rapidly
and began expanding across the country. Smith
and his team expanded the service to more
than 70 cities, establishing a second office in
San Francisco, California in the process.
To outsiders, this may have seemed
surprising—that a start-up based in
Birmingham, Alabama could catch on so
quickly and build such a strong, widespread
network. After all, the Magic City isn’t exactly
Shipt is located inside the John Hand Building, where old bank
vaults are utilized for conference rooms and meeting spaces.
known as a tech hub.
But Smith and his team didn’t see this as an
obstacle—they saw it as an advantage.
“It’s not uncommon for Silicon Valley tech
companies to overlook Middle America and
smaller or second-tier cities and suburbs,”
Smith says. “But that’s where we found some
of our most loyal customers. Not early adopters
who only sign up for a trial period, but people
who could actually benefit from the service
and incorporate it into their weekly routines.”
Shipt’s earliest customers weren’t just loyal
subscribers, though. They became brand
evangelists—the sort of publicity that start-up
CEOs dream of.
“When someone is happy with a service,
they’ll tell their friends and family,” Smith says.
“A lot of our initial growth was simply from
word-of-mouth.”
Eventually, that word reached some of the
most influential ears—like those of megaretailer
Target. By the end of 2017, it was
official: Target had acquired Shipt to the tune
of $550 million.
This wasn’t just another low-key move from
the retail giant, though—it was one of Target’s
PHOTOS BY WES FRAZER
12 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 13

• CITY LIFE |
Success Stories
DETAILS
largest acquisitions in the company’s history.
What’s more, Shipt’s influence has already
become an integral part of Target’s evolving
customer service model; as of February, Target
had launched same-day delivery in more than
30 markets, and by the end of 2018, they’ll be
offering that same service in more than 170
markets, including all major U.S. cities.
In other words, Shipt has changed the way
we shop.
“Same-day delivery is a service that
our guests are asking for more and more
often,” says Jon Mulligan, Target’s chief
operating officer. “Beyond its remarkable
same-day delivery network and operation,
Shipt brings a differentiated, customerfocused
approach. That’s when we knew
it was the right fit—they’re completely in
line with Target’s commitment to delivering
a convenient, exceptional experience for
our guests.”
Smith won’t just be handing over the keys
to the kingdom, though. While Shipt is now a
wholly owned Target subsidiary, the company
will still be operating independently, and they’ll
still call Birmingham their home.
As for the future of Birmingham’s start-up
community? According to Smith, it’s growing
rapidly and fostering an environment that
encourages innovation.
One company Smith is particularly
excited about is Planet Fundraiser, which
helps businesses organize and manage their
philanthropy and fundraising efforts.
“Giving back is extremely important to both
me personally and to Shipt,” Smith says. “As
we’ve scaled the company, Planet Fundraiser has
allowed Shipt to easily organize our charitable
giving efforts across all of our markets.”
Smith is already investing in another local
start-up as well: SimpleShowing, a company
based out of Innovation Depot’s Velocity
Accelerator that, as Smith says, “[is] going to
change the way people buy and sell homes.”
No matter what’s next for Smith, it’s clear
that he’s a rising (or already risen) star in
Birmingham’s business community, as well as
the national start-up scene at large.
And for Shipt customers—especially the
parents of feisty toddlers and newborns—
he’s already made their lives a little
bit easier.
IS AUBURN UNIVERSIT
DEVELOPING A MORE
SUSTAINABLE PLANET?
Thank you to our generous donors for contributing more than $1.2 billion through Because
This is Auburn — A Campaign for Auburn University. Because of you, we can advance the
vision of a more sustainable planet through programs like Alabama Water Watch. Facilitated
through the Auburn University Water Resources Center, the program educates, trains, and
empowers citizens to monitor water quality for waterbody restoration and protection.
Shipt shoppers can be spotted in local grocery stores wearing their signature green shirts,
picking up groceries to deliver to members. (Photos courtesy of Shipt)
For more information on Shipt, or to purchase
a membership, visit shipt.com.
BECAUSEAUBURN.ORG
14 | Birmingham | APRIL 18
6748-01

• CITY LIFE | Update
UPDATE
This month’s Magic City news
Up, Up, and Away
Birmingham is conquering a new frontier.
The budget airline Frontier announced in February that
it will begin flying from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth
International Airport in April. To start, the airline will offer
nonstop flights to Philadelphia, Denver, and Orlando, with
more cities to be added in the future. Flights start around
$40 each way. Frontier is currently Birmingham’s only lowcost
airline, which is good news for your wallet—and your
travel bucket list!
A LEAGUE OF
THEIR OWN
By now, you’ve heard the
news. Birmingham is
getting a professional
soccer team, and we
couldn’t be more excited
about it. Birmingham
Legion Football Club (FC)
will take the field—specifically the UAB BBVA Compass
Field—come March 2019. Season tickets are on sale, and
the venue seats 6,000 people, so it’s never too early to get your
tickets. The brand-new USL team will be led by Jay Heaps, the team’s
president and general manager. Heaps was a former player and head
coach for MLS team the New England Revolution. We’re counting this
as a pretty big score for the ‘Ham.
SHOP ‘TIL
YOU DROP
The Summit continues
to add to its
impressive roster,
with two new
stores opening
this spring. Frutta
Bowls, offering
acai and oatmeal
bowls, will occupy
1,800 square feet
in a space next to
Kendra Scott. This
will be the national
chain’s second location
in Alabama,
with the first being
in Tuscaloosa.
South Moon Under,
an upscale clothing
retailer known for
its ever-evolving,
eclectic mix of
women’s clothing,
swimwear, accessories,
and gifts,
is set to make its
Alabama debut in
3,200 square feet
next to Banana
Republic. Also,
to note: Popular
outdoor store
Mountain High
Outfitters is moving
from its current
location to a
larger one next to
Urban Outfitters.
§
§
MAKE IT A DOUBLE
A new space for makers is coming from
MAKEbhm, a co-working and makerspace
in Avondale. M2, MAKEbhm’s second
location, will have dedicated tenant
spaces and shared common areas similar
to MAKE, but on a larger scale. The new
makerspace will be dedicated to emerging
business and entrepreneurs in light
manufacturing and product design. The
new location will be in a familiar space,
as MAKE owner Bruce Lanier, along with
Tom Carruthers of Red Rock Realty Group
and Grant Brigham of ARC Realty, have
acquired Old Car Heaven for the project.
§ WORLD CLASS ART
It may be an Olympics year, but
Birmingham is looking ahead to
the World Games, which we will be
hosting in 2021. To get the community
excited for the momentous
occasion, a new mural featuring
the World Games logo, along with
a woman rock climbing (one of the
competition’s 25 sports), is set to be
revealed during the end of March. The
mural will grace the side of The Waites
apartment complex on Richard Arrington
Jr. Boulevard and is set to remain up for
at least four years. How’s that for adding
a little color to the city?
PHOTO BY CARY NORTON
PHOTO BY MAJOR COLBERT
§ BATTER UP
The Barons are back! Birmingham’s
favorite baseball team hits the diamond
on Wednesday, April 11 for another great
season. The 70-game home schedule will
include 13 Firework Friday shows and
plenty of opportunities to attend Thirsty
Thursday, when domestic beers are only
$2. This marks the team’s sixth season
downtown at Regions Field.
CHAIN REACTION
Formerly on 20th Street North, Alchemy,
an urban boutique specializing in sportswear
and designer sneakers, is making a
new home in Five Points South. Owner Ace
Graham says he plans to continue utilizing
the 20th Street space for charitable events
through his Alchemy Cares initiative, where
he pairs national brands like Nike and New
Balance with charities like the Susan G.
Komen for the Cure organization.
§
§ BUILDING A FOUNDATION
Founders Station, a mixed-use development on Morris Avenue slated to open this summer,
just announced three of its tenants. The complex will consist of four buildings divided into 18
condominiums, with additional retail space. Two restaurants and a bar are slated to open this
summer. The first restaurant will be The Essential, a full-service restaurant led by Victor King
and Kristen Farmer Hall, who currently run Feast & Forest and Bandit Baking Co. A second
restaurant, Cayo Coco, from the owner of the Collins Bar, will offer South American/Cuban
cuisine in the style of Spanish tapas. The bar concept will be similar to a speakeasy cocktail
bar. Four office spaces are still for lease in the building.
§ MOVING IN
Alabama is becoming a
popular destination for
people to move to, according
to United Van Lines.
Last month, the national
moving company released
data it compiled over 2017
to determine the top 10
states people were leaving
and the top 10 states people
were moving to. Along
with Vermont, Oregon, and
North and South Carolina,
Alabama landed on the list
of inbound states. United
Van Lines says most of the
moves were because of
a job transfer or a career
move. We’re so excited
that others are realizing
Alabama is a great place
to live!
§ NO VACANCY
The fourth and final piece of the famous Heaviest Corner
on Earth is finally falling into place. The Brown Marx
building, diagonal from the PNC Building, was bought for
$3.7 million and is expected to be developed into a hotel.
Speaking of new hotels, the former Commerce Center
building on First Avenue North also is set to become a
hotel. Birmingham-based hotelier Jim Lewis of Rhaglan
Hospitality says the 96-room luxury hotel will be similar
PHOTO COURTESY OF FOUNDERS STATION
16 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 17

SPECIAL PROMOTION
• CITY LIFE |
What’s Wrong? What’s Right?
A City of Opportunity
Jennifer Buettner, Executive Director of the Birmingham Bar Association, on
why Birmingham is full of opportunity, community, and generosity.
Birmingham conjures up all the usual
thoughts for me when I think of my
hometown: family, friends and charm. But,
it also makes me think of opportunity.
This city always teaches me something new.
WRONG
What’s Wrong?
What’s Right?
Where do we stand? Will Lochamy
of Birmingham Mountain Radio
weighs in on what’s happening
in our city.
RIGHT
I didn’t always feel that way.
As a young adult, I knew that I wanted to go
off to college, and that’s exactly what I did.
First, I went to Mississippi to attend
Millsaps, then I made my way to the
University of Arkansas to further my
studies. I eventually found my way back to
the University of Alabama for law school.
Since I’ve been back home, Birmingham
has never ceased to amaze me with
its progressiveness.
The Magic City fits the needs and desires
of many people looking for work, from big
employers such as UAB to its smaller and
most exciting opportunities--startups.
It’s a great time for new and innovative
ideas, especially for women.
I see it through my work Momentum, an
initiative that advances women leaders in
our community and empowers them to
develop leadership skills that will further
their professional and personal lives.
There is also an undeniably rich social and
food scene.
To me, Birmingham also means giving. It’s
a very generous city and I’ve always wanted
to be a part of that.
I left private practice to focus more on a
career path that would help give back to my
surroundings. Throughout my career, I have
done that by working with organizations
such as Hand in Paw and The Literacy
Council of Central Alabama. It’s important
for me to pour back into my community
because there is a lot of need surrounding
us. We should do whatever we can to help.
I also teach my students at the Birmingham
School of Law from a service-based
perspective. My primary goal is to teach
future attorneys to put the needs of their
clients at the center of their work.
That philosophy carries over into my role
as Executive Director for the Birmingham
Bar Association. There, I work to provide
valuable and meaningful programs that
support practicing lawyers. Not only do
we aim to be a resource to them, we also
provide pro bono work to the community.
There’s an ease about this city. It manages
to maintain its small-town appeal, despite
Jennifer Buettner
how much I’ve seen Birmingham progress
throughout the years.
It’s still easy to get to know people here and
to find your place. Whether in the lofts of
downtown or the lush lawns of the suburbs,
everyone can find a space that feels
like home.
When I was in college, I never intended to
come back to Birmingham, but I’m so glad
that I did.
Rep. Patricia Todd of
Birmingham proposed a bill
that would reduce
the penalty for possession of
marijuana and help bring our
state into the 21st century.
The House Judiciary Committee
quickly voted it down 7-5,
because of course they did. -2
The Alabama State
Department of Education
gave Birmingham City Schools
a “D” on their 2018 report
card. The worst part is a “D” is
better than most expected. We
HAVE to start putting
schools first. -8
No, I don’t have a quarter!
Our parking meter system
should go the way of town hall
fisticuffs. It’s time for our city
to join most of the other major
cities in this country and
get cashless meters. -3
Because we refuse to
learn from our mistakes,
Birmingham Rep. Arnold
Mooney recently spent time
writing a bill to allow the Ten
Commandments on public
property and at public schools.
Every year… the same bill, the
same attempt to merge church
and state, and the same waste
of our time. -4
TOTAL: -17
CHANNING TATUM PHOTO BY DENIS MAKARENKO / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
We have one of the best bike-sharing
programs in the country, but it
can be like playing Frogger to get
to the park on one, thanks to our
lack of bike lanes. But wait! The
Birmingham City Council recently
passed the Complete Streets
ordinance that could include wide
sidewalks, bike lanes, bus lanes, bus
shelters, crosswalks, street trees,
landscaping, and green spaces. +7
We are home to one of the premier
Indy tracks in the world and we get
to prove it April
20th-22nd with the Honda Indy
Grand Prix at Barber. If green
grass and fast cars aren’t your
things, Alabama native Channing
Tatum will be the Grand Marshall,
so there’s something for everyone
to look at. +3
Not only did muralist Marcus
Fetch raise enough money to
repaint the three vandalized
murals (thanks to Melt restaurant
and citizens like you), but
Birmingham businesses have
shown up in droves to hire
him to paint new ones. You
lose, vandals. +6
Birmingham-Southern
College is becoming home to a
first of its kind “Geodome.” It will
feature 4k video on a floating screen,
surround sound, and will focus on
Alabama-centric films. Leave it
to the smart kids to come up with
something this cool. +5
TOTAL: +21
-10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
THIS MONTH’S RATING: +4
18 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 19

• CITY LIFE |
Around the Block
Catching Up with Crestline
by TARA MASSOULEH
One of Mountain Brook’s three main villages, Crestline Village has something to offer everyone.
COINED AS MOUNTAIN BROOK’S most familyfriendly
neighborhood, Crestline Village offers a
diverse, walkable downtown every town longs to
have. More than 60 businesses are situated on a
couple main streets, all within walking distance of
one another. Another major bonus: the magnificent
Emmet O’Neal Library, which hosts events for kids
and adults alike, also is located in Crestline. And now
that Ollie Irene has moved from Mountain Brook
Village to Crestline Village, there’s even more to love.
CRESTLINE BAGEL CO.
If you want a bagel in New York, you can grab one on nearly every street corner. If
you want a bagel in Birmingham, there’s only one bagel shop to go to—Crestline
Bagel Co. in Crestline Village (or its new second location in Cahaba Heights!). Store
owners Jennifer and Ralph Yarbrough have been cranking out handmade bagels, as
well as artisan baked goods, since 2007. The store offers 17 varieties of bagels, including
Everything, Sweet Onion, and Cinnamon Raisin, plus 10 different hand-mixed
cream cheese options. If you’re feeling fancy, opt for the salmon spread (the perfect blend
of plain cream cheese and smoked salmon) or try an Eggel (sausage, egg, and cheddar
stuffed and baked into a bagel). For lunch, grab a sandwich, wrap, or pizza bagel, and
make sure to get a baked good for dessert; we’re talking homemade brownies, cookies,
donuts, scones, and more.
66-B Church Street | 205.871.4583 | crestlinebagel.com
CRESTLINE
vine alley
CHURCH STREET COFFEE
AND BOOKS
Ever had a Breakup Cookie? What about a
Treehugger? If the answer is “no” or even “huh?” then
it’s time to make a trip to Church Street Coffee and
Books. Outside of being famous for their sea salttopped,
chocolate chunk-filled Breakup Cookies and
the cookie/granola bar hybrid Treehugger, Church
Street also is one of the best places to unwind with a
steaming cup of coffee and a good book. True to its
name, the quaint coffee shop sells a variety of books,
from bestselling novels to gorgeous photography
books, and even offers a Reading Room that can be
booked for private book club meetings.
81 Church Street | 205.870.1117
churchstreetshop.com
Illustration by SHANNON ROBINSON
Photos by KELSEY JUSTICE
THE PANTS STORE
This popular women’s and men’s apparel store first
opened in downtown Leeds in 1950. Since then, it has
expanded to five other locations in Alabama, including
the Crestline location which opened in 2006. Today, the
store is still owned by the same family and continues to
supply clothes and shoes from the hottest brands including
Sanuk, Antelope, Southern Marsh, Carhartt, Keen,
Chacos, Rainbow, Levi, and more. They also sell Yeti,
Corkcicle, and Swig products, as well as other outdoor
gear. Catering to young adults and college students, they
have one of the best gameday clothing selections around.
233 Country Club Park | 205.868.1616 pantsstore.com
SNOOZY’S KIDS
There’s nothing more family-friendly than a toy
store, except for maybe Snoozy’s Kids, which
is a toy store, but also has a women’s boutique
area carrying accessories, jewelry, and bags. You’ll
recognize the store by its whimsical and utterly
enticing window displays. Children of all ages
can browse through shelves of the latest dolls,
action figures, stuffed animals, and more, while
moms are kept occupied with a sizeable selection
of affordable, on-trend jewelry. Be on the lookout
for special Ladies’ Nights, where appetizers, wine,
and jewelry are all on the docket.
228 Country Club Park
205.871.2662
facebook.com/snoozys
OTEY’S TAVERN
Otey’s is the epitome of what it means to be a neighborhood watering
hole. The bar and restaurant has been open since 1989, serving
up classic bar food and cold drinks in a convivial community atmosphere.
Regulars swear by their juicy burgers, namely Chef Rodney’s
Famous Cheeseburger, best paired with a side of ½ crinkle cut fries,
½ onion rings. Sidle up to the cozy five-stool bar, where your drink
will be served in Otey’s “famous cup”: one of the white Styrofoam
variety. Happy Hour starts at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday;
trivia is at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays; and live music is common
on weekends.
224 Country Club Park | 205.871.8435
oteystavern.com
More in Crestline...
BLACK SHEEP KITCHEN
81 Church Street, Suite 104 | 205.290.5007
facebook.com/blacksheepbham
IVORY & WHITE
55 Church Street | 205.871.2888 ivorywhiteboutique.com
CRESTLINE PHARMACY
60 Church Street | 205.871.0317
Facebook “Crestline Pharmacy”
22 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 23

• CITY LIFE |
Then & Now
THE
THEN&NOW
The past and present of one Birmingham landmark
EMPIRE BUILDING WAS
completed in 1909 and at the time was
the tallest building in Alabama. In 1916,
it was the only building in Birmingham
where hot water was furnished for all tenants.
The original Chamber of Commerce
magazine stated “For this reason perhaps
there are more physicians in this building
than in any other building in the city.”
Over the years it was home to Greene
Drug Company, Richter Co. Tailors,
the offices of the Birmingham Motor
Speedway Company, the Birmingham
Firemen’s Relief Association, City National
Bank, and Colonial Bank before it closed
in 2009. The Empire is now a 117-room
luxury hotel, called Elyton Hotel which
includes a farm-to-table restaurant, The
Yard, and a rooftop bar called Moon Shine.
CULTURE
THE BUZZ 28 • HOT LIST 30 • Q&A 32 • RANT & RAVE 34
THEN
20thAd.pdf 1 3/6/18 4:36 PM
NOW
Photos by CARY NORTON
and provided by THE ALABAMA MEDIA
GROUP ARCHIVES
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
celebrating
years
www.mcwane.org
Musicians gather at The Jaybird for an old-time music jam session on
the first Monday of each month. Co-founder Lloyd Bricken describes
it as a "folk Southern orchestra." (Photo by Gottfried Kibelka)
Living Out
a Dream
The Jaybird aims to bring creative
communities together in different ways.
by CARLA JEAN WHITLEY
BURGIN MATHEWS HOPED THE EVENING of Sept. 22 would
be something special. That was the point of the event, after all, and
the reason for founding its host venue. But even Mathews, a founder
of the collaborative creative space, was surprised by The Jaybird’s
opening night.
People filled not only The Jaybird itself, but also the open space
behind the building. As Mathews and his counterparts saw word of
the event spread on social media, from their friends to people they’d
never met, they realized something big was happening. They’d
APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 25

• CULTURE | Arts
THIS PAGE: Clockwise from top: People spill onto the sidewalk during
The Jaybird's September opening. (Photo by Hunter Nichols) The
Jaybird intentionally works to attract a variety of people to its events.
(Photo by Hunter Nichols) DJ3C plays at The Jaybird's opening. (Photo
by Hunter Nichols) Dikerius Blevins "blesses" The Jaybird mic at the
space's September opening. (Photo by Hunter Nichols) Clear Blue Sky
bluegrass band plays at The Jaybird. (Photo by Gottfried Kibelka)
OPPOSITE PAGE: Left to right: Blues singer Elnora Spencer performs
at The Jaybird in February. The founders of the Jaybird (left to right):
Burgin Mathews, Glory McLaughlin, Lillis Taylor and Lloyd Bricken
(Photo by William Davis)
expected about 80 people, but more than
300 showed up. They arranged last-minute
appearances by two food trucks, and the night
surpassed their hopes.
“We hoped to facilitate a space and facilitate
events where people who aren’t always or
typically in the same room are in the same room,
and bring together different social segments of
Birmingham to create a space for a more diverse
gathering than most of us find if we go out to
hear music,” Mathews says.
Night one achieved that goal.
The past six months have been filled with
such surprises. The collaborative community
space has maintained a steady schedule of
hosting musical performances at least once
a month and art shows every other month.
It also sells a variety of zines and books. The
space is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4
p.m., when people are invited to drink free
coffee, peruse the zine and book collection,
and otherwise gather to chat and dream. Time
and again, people have left their usual habits
and social circles for gatherings at The Jaybird.
Whether it’s an old-time music circle or a
performance by a young hip-hop artist, The
Jaybird’s founders aim to plan events that bring
people together.
They've done so by booking visual artists
who normally wouldn't show in the same space,
along with an array of musical performers.
They’ve partnered with Socially Awkwrd, a
collective of poets, hip-hop artists, designers,
and social entrepreneurs, who help develop
some of The Jaybird’s events. But it’s also taken a
bit of luck for their big dream to become reality.
The idea began with a Facebook post Mathews
wrote in September 2015. He imagined a place
where Birmingham could unite its various
creative endeavors. Within minutes, Matthews
longtime friend and future Jaybird cofounder
Lillis Taylor reached out. They spent time
daydreaming and brainstorming.
Two years later, a ground-floor space in
the Crestwood building where Taylor and
husband Lloyd Bricken live became available.
Bricken had collaborated with the people who
previously occupied the space, and he wanted
to keep momentum going. He and Taylor
partnered with Mathews and his wife, Glory
McLaughlin, to create The Jaybird.
“We live in a society that’s stratified in
certain ways,” Bricken says. “It’s not set up to
create conversation and other possibilities around
these conventional situations that we live in. And
yet, people are very hungry for it.”
Although The Jaybird is, by legal necessity,
a business, none of the founders look to
the project for income. Memberships and
cover charges cover rent, utilities, and artist
payments. Each founder brings a variety of
skills to the project. Mathews is an English
teacher and radio host. McLaughlin is an
assistant dean at the University of Alabama
Law School, and her business acumen has
been essential to the project. Likewise, Taylor
contributes business know-how and creative
experience from her Bib and Tucker Sew-
Op nonprofit. Bricken comes from a theatre
background. They continue to work in their
separate fields; the founders’ goal remains to
avoid losing money, not make a living.
The Jaybird was intended to be a year-long
experiment. Now that they’re past the halfway
mark, the two couples are contemplating
whether they’ll sign another year’s lease.
“Our goal was to create sort of a moment,”
Matthews says. “I think we’re in the middle of
that, whether that’s 12 months or longer.”
Regardless of the final decision, Mathews
says The Jaybird is not meant to be a longterm
business.
“If it could help people rethink what they
mean by business, or help people rethink
what’s possible, or help people rethink, ‘Oh, I
have this far-fetched dream that’s impossible,’”
Mathews says, then The Jaybird will have
achieved its aims.
The Jaybird typically is open on Saturdays
only, but the founders have booked other events
throughout the week. The space also has served
as a landing ground for other entities, such as
Real Life Poets’ mentoring work.
They’ve got more requests than they can
handle, and when making decisions, the
founders consider whether there is another
Birmingham space that can host an event. If the
answer is no, they’re more likely to say yes.
“I want the Jaybird to be a space where
people can explore toward the creation of new
music and new cultural possibilities,” Bricken
says. “Birmingham is a diverse place in certain
ways, and yet I think Birmingham is like a lot of
other places in the United States. People are very
friendly here, but they stay in their boxes. We
also founded The Jaybird to try and be a space
to try and cross those lines and try to bring
different people together.”
The space continues to be the site for special
moments, thanks both to careful planning
and the magic that follows when an audience
shows up. In February, blues singer Elnora
Spencer performed while surrounded by
Roger Stevenson’s photographs of blues and
jazz musicians and Spencer’s own paintings.
It was an unusual setting—Spencer is known
for her music, not her visual art—and it was
yet another example of The Jaybird chasing
its dreams.
DETAILS
The Jaybird | 4911 5th Ave. S. (Crestwood) |
Hours: Sat. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun. yoga 4:30
p.m. – 5:30 p.m. ($10, $8 members) | Events
announced via The Jaybird Facebook page and
website | Cover charges vary by events; free
for members | Individual membership $20 per
month; Family membership $35 per month |
jaybirdalabama.com
26 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 27

• CULTURE |
The Buzz
THE BUZZ
What’s happening around town this month
§
Apr. 13
BHAM BURGER BATTLE §
Four local chefs compete for the title of
cooking Birmingham’s best burger,
benefiting Crestwood Day School.
Cahaba Brewery | bhamburgerbattle.com
Apr. 26
Apr. 13-14
ST. ELIAS LEBANESE FOOD
AND CULTURE FESTIVAL
20th annual food festival featuring
kibbee, lemon chicken, grape leaves,
homus, spinach pies, and more.
St. Elias Church |
stelias.org/festival.htm
DINING OUT
FOR LIFE
Participating
restaurants donate
at least 25 percent
of sales to AIDS
Alabama.
aidsalabama.org/
events
Apr. 28
Apr. 27–29
§
FIND YOUR ART CONNECTION
Magic City Art Connection is back for its 35th year on April 27-29. Each year, the wellknown
(and well-loved) festival transforms Linn Park with its spring infusion of artistic
talent, sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas. Be one of the art newbies, art curious, or art
collecting festival goers exploring MCAC’s 200 juried artists from around the country.
Complementing the art buying experience is the food, wine, craft beer, spirits, and
cocktails of the 21st Corks & Chefs tasting, plus music and dance performances, kids’
art-making workshops, sculpture installations, and lingering with friends at one of the
festival lounges or Park Place Café. magiccityart.com
For the Love
of Food
Forget spring cleaning! Instead, celebrate spring
eating at 11 food festivals, competitions, and
fundraisers throughout the month.
Apr. 7
GIRLS INC
CAJUN
COOKOFF
8th annual cooking
competition
with gumbo,
etouffee, jambalaya,
beignets, and
more benefiting a
local nonprofit.
Railroad Park
| 501.auctions.
com/bhamcajuncookoff
Apr. 7
ALABAMA
ASIAN
CULTURES
& FOOD
FESTIVAL
Enjoy delicious
food from
different Asian
countries, shop at
an Asian bazaar,
and visit Asian
heritage booths.
Zamora Shriners |
alabamaasiancultures.org
Apr. 7
CAHABAQUE
6th annual
meat-smoking
competition
benefiting Breast
Cancer Research
Foundation of
Alabama.
Cahaba Brewery |
cahababrewing.
com/cahabaque
Apr. 21
ALABAMA COFFEE FEST §
Enjoy specialty roasters and coffee shops
with unique beans, delicious pastries,
and live entertainment, during this oneof-a-kind
coffee culture experience.
Cahaba Brewery
Apr. 21
EPISCOPAL PLACE GUMBO
GALA
13th annual gumbo-cooking competition
featuring backyard chefs, professional
chefs, and students, benefiting Episcopal
Place, which provides affordable housing
for seniors and adults with disabilities.
Sloss Furnaces | episcopalplace.org
Apr. 22
FRIEDMAN FAMILY
FOUNDATION JEWISH FOOD
& CULTURE FEST
The annual festival is joining with the
When Pigs Fly Kosher BBQ Cook-Off for
even more food and fun.
Levite Jewish Community Center | ljcc.org
FEAST OF
ST. MARK
ITALIAN
FOOD
FESTIVAL
Celebrates the
patron saint of St.
Mark the Evangelist
Catholic Church
with fun and food,
including locallymade
sausage
from Arnone’s and
Graffeo Brothers.
St. Mark Catholic
Church | feastofstmark.com
Apr. 28
BOB SYKES
BBQ & FOOD
FESTIVAL
Ninth annual festival
featuring legendary
Bob Sykes barbecue
and award-winning
and local blues
musicians.
Bob Sykes |
bobsykes.com/
blues-festival/
PHOTOS BY JAYSEN MICHAEL
Apr. 22
ONE MAN’S TRASH
Sheena’s not the only one who’s a punk
rocker around here. Birmingham’s punk
rock community is alive and thriving
with the next Punk Rock Flea Market
on April 22 at Trim Tab Brewing. The
Punk Rock FleaMarket group started two
years ago, and since then has hosted
more than 40 local vendors at multiple
markets selling records, zines, vintage
goods, art, and more. The April market
will feature music performances from
The Old Paints (Birmingham), Way No
Bueno (Huntsville), Static Screams
(Birmingham), In Snow (Birmingham),
and Faux Ferocious (Nashville), plus food
by Ono Ice, Paradise Chow, and Hero
Doughnuts. Get ready to
rock, Birmingham!
Meet the Festival’s Featured Artist
Each year, MCAC chooses a featured
artist. This year’s is Lisa Krannichfeld,
who was born and raised in Little Rock,
Arkansas in an interesting cultural mix of
a Chinese family living in the American
South. Her experiences growing up in
these two intermixing cultures and their
traditions have greatly influenced her
work, which primarily focuses on the
woman as its subject. Her expressive
portraits refute the traditional portrayal
of women being passive subjects to gaze
upon, evident in their disinterested, and
at times defiant expressions. Breaking
traditions further, Lisa often uses
traditional Chinese ink and watercolor
materials in a nontraditional uncontrolled,
freeflowing way often mixed with
unconventional materials. Her latest
collection “Girls and Guise” references
a play on words. In this context, guise
references both the facade created by
men of the female gender, and the heavy
emphasis of the patterned clothing in the
pieces. Their clothes, or guises, are infused
with feral and aggressive animals,
a symbolic rebellion against the historical
domesticated depiction of women. The
jarring, faceless compositions represent
any and all women who desire to define
their own perspective and create their
own narratives.
28 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 29

• CULTURE |
The Hot List
THE HOT LIST
Books,
LOUISE WRINKLE
HAS LIVED MOST
OF HER LIFE on the
property she has cultivated
for more than 30
years. She knows every
inch of her expansive,
natural garden, set in
an unspoiled Alabama
WRINKLE
woodland. It’s impressive
enough that professional horticulturists,
plant enthusiasts, and backyard gardeners all
over the country know it, too.
They’ll know it even more intimately
through Wrinkle’s book, “Listen to the Land.”
The book shows how Wrinkle took exactly
what nature gave her and created a woodland
garden that follows and honors the rough
terrain and idiosyncratic character of the land
with winding paths, a meandering brook,
ages-old stone walls, and rustic rail fences and
bridges. The book is full of stunning photographs,
and the prose is absolutely beautiful.
Wrinkle grew up riding horses along the
bridle trails of Robert Jemison’s 1920s development,
Mountain Brook. People here have been
listening to the land for generations. When
designing his planned community, Jemison
worked with landscape architect Warren
Manning, who started his career with
Frederick Law Olmstead (designer of Central
WHO TO FOLLOW:
30 | Birmingham | APRIL 18
WHAT TO READ:
Listen to the Land:
Creating a Southern
Woodland Garden
by Louise Agee Wrinkle
@thejungalow on Instagram
“Jungalow” is the latest trend in home décor—broken down, it’s
basically jungle/tropical décor for your bungalow. That means lots of
color (especially rich greens and deep blues), funky mismatched prints,
and plants everywhere. Justina Blakeney is the founder of Jungalow,
and her Instagram account will have you dreaming of a bohemian
escape of your own.
Park in New York). Manning described the
land as “wild and picturesque” and suggested
“indigenous” landscaping.
Wrinkle also heeded that advice. Her garden,
with her childhood home in the middle
of it, is a place of native azaleas and beech
trees, of snowdrops and water oaks. She writes:
“I only want those things that would naturally
appear in a woodland garden.” And because
she recognizes the similarities between native
plants in the Southeastern U.S. and some
found in woodlands in Asia, she also grows
Chinese quince and Japanese aucuba.
In the book, we see Wrinkle’s garden in all
seasons. It’s interesting to note that a Japanese
maple looks lovely in golden leaf as well as
with bare branches, which Wrinkle prunes
from the inside “to reveal their graceful skeletons,
which become striking in winter.” The
book also showcases a forest full of cloud-like
native dogwoods, yellow Lady Banks’s rose as
groundcover, and even flower-shaped fungus
sprouting from leaf litter.
On a practical note, there are more than
200 plant profiles at the back of the book with
tips on habitat and placement.
Wrinkle believes that good gardeners everywhere
have a responsibility to the world at
large. “…while protecting and preserving our
own few acres of land,” she writes, “we become
the careful stewards of our common bounty.”
- SUSAN SWAGLER
PHOTO VIA @THEJUNGALOW
movies, albums, TV shows, and
more—this month’s top culture picks
WHAT TO
LISTEN TO:
“County Seat” by Will Stewart
Alabama native Will Stewart spent several years
making music in Nashville, but couldn’t resist the
pull of home. Upon returning to Alabama, he’s
ready to release his first full-length solo album,
“County Seat,” on April 6. Rolling Stone listed
him as one of their “Artists You Need to Know”
in January, and he made his debut at SXSW in
March. Catch him at Sloss Fest in July, as well.
WHAT TO
BINGE:
“Fixer Upper”
If you’re not yet on the Gaines train, one episode
of “Fixer Upper,” HGTV’s home improvement
show, should do the trick. During the 60-minute
show, Chip and Joanna Gaines use their expertise
to turn old, run-down houses into the homes of
their clients’ dreams. Now that the show is in
its fifth and final season (cue the tears), take the
time to binge every episode of the show via the
HGTV website, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
WHAT TO
DOWNLOAD:
“The Home Depot: Arthur Blank” from
NPR’s How I Built This
What’s the first store you think of when you think
home improvement? Chances are it’s Home
Depot. Learn the riveting history behind how two
hardware store employees turned an unexpected
firing into a company that earns an annual
revenue of almost $100 billion and is one of the
U.S.’s biggest private employers. NPR’s popular
How I Built This podcast has the story.
WHAT TO
WATCH:
“Tomb Raider”
Get ready for a reboot of a favorite action movie
starring a kick-butt heroine that we all love to
root for. “Tomb Raider” is back, but this time it’s
got a new cast. Alicia Vikander plays Lara Croft in
the new movie, which is based off a classic video
game. Croft embarks on a perilous journey to her
father’s last-known destination, hoping to solve
the mystery of his mysterious disappearance.
Get your popcorn buckets ready, because this is
going to be a good one!
ART ON A
PLATE
APRIL EVENTS 2018
April 6 • 6–9pm
First Friday
Support local merchants and enjoy
spending time in historic downtown
Gadsden the First Friday of every month.
Classic cars, food, entertainment and
fun! Classic cars are invited to cruise-in.
256-547-8696
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN GADSDEN
April 13 & 14
Smoke Your Buns 5k /
Smoke on the Falls
Saturday begins early with the “Smoke
Your Buns” 5K run starting at 8 a.m. and
the barbecue festival opens to the
public at 10 a.m. Admission to the
festival is $5 for ages 4 and up and free
for children 3 and under.
256-549-4680
NOCCALULA FALLS PARK
90 Walnut St. • Gadsden, AL 35901 • greatergadsden.com
1-888-565-0411 1-256-549-0351
Corks & Chefs:
A Taste of Birmingham
Tickets: corksandchefs.com
or 205-595-6306
April 28 & 29, 2018
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Linn Park
Art by Lisa Krannichfeld
April 21 • 9am–4pm
Train Show
Coosa Valley Model Railroad Association
invites you to their 32nd Annual Train
Show! Admission is $5.00, children
under 12 are FREE. Admission fee covers
a visit to the Harden Center for Cultural
Arts to see their museum quality layout
of Gadsden in the 1950's-1970's.
205-594-7478
CONVENTION HALL
April 28 • 6–10pm
Downtown Music Festival
featuring Tasha Taylor
Line-up includes: Shane Givens and
Friends, Albert Simpson and the
Continent & Tasha Taylor
256-547-8696
COOSA LANDING
@GreaterGadsden #GreaterGadsden
www.magiccityart.com
COMING IN MAY
May 3-5
“Woodies on the
Water” Boat Show
Members of the Dixieland
Chapter of the Antique and
Classic Boat Society will
converge on Gadsden to
kick-off the 2018 boating
season. Events will include
boats on display at First Friday
and in the water at the
Riverwalk Park at Coosa
Landing on Saturday. Boats
will cruise the Coosa on
Friday and Saturday.
615-390-2561
COOSA LANDING
A8540362-01

• CULTURE | Q&A
Meet the Designer
Dana Wolter is an award-winning interior designer based here in
Birmingham. We chatted with her about design trends, what Southern
style means to her, and what she loves about Birmingham.
Birmingham magazine: Tell us a little bit about yourself and
how you got started with your business.
Dana Wolter: I am the mother of three daughters, Ann
(17), Ellie (19), and Lucy (21), and have been married
to my husband, Danny, for 22 years. My interior design
business officially began 13 years ago after friends
began asking me for help with their homes. Through
referrals and a few accolades, we have grown to a
design firm of four working on turnkey projects.
What brought you to Birmingham?
I am originally from Tuscaloosa and grew up
coming to Birmingham on a regular basis
to shop with my mother and sisters. After
living in Memphis for a few years after
college, I felt the pull to move closer
to home since I had family living in
Birmingham. I met my husband three
weeks after moving here, and the rest
is history. I am one of five children, and
three of my siblings and I now live within
five minutes of each other. Birmingham is
truly home to me.
How would you define “Southern style”?
Southern style is warm, inviting, and
personalized. It's refined without being too
serious or formal.
What are the décor/design trends you are
loving right now?
I love that people seem less worried
about keeping up with what their neighbors have and are now
more focused on making their own home special to them. I
believe in living well in your home, and my goal with every
client is to help them achieve their own definition, whatever
that may be.
What design trend do you wish would go away?
Ornate, shiny furnishings that look new.
If you had to choose three décor staples that any house
should have, what would those be?
A Louis Philippe antique mirror, the best
upholstery your budget can afford (European
fabrics are my favorite), and a well-thoughtout
furniture plan that makes the room
work hard for your family.
Do you have a favorite home décor shop
in Birmingham?
I tell people all the time that Birmingham
has some of the best stores in the
Southeast, hands down! I have several
favorites including Circa Antiques, 18th
Street Orientals, Leaf & Petal, and Shoppe.
Where can we find you hanging out in
Birmingham on a Saturday night?
I love a good meal on a Saturday night,
and Birmingham has so many great
options. Bottega Cafe, Chez Fonfon, and
Gianmarco’s are a few of my favorites.
32 | Birmingham | APRIL 18
Photo by CARY NORTON
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• CULTURE |
Rant & Rave
by
RANT&RAVE
JULIA SAYERS
Our editors sound off each month on one thing
they love and one thing they can’t stand
RANT:
Houseplants
TABLE
THE DISH 25 • COOKING 101 28 • HAPPY HOUR 30 • WHAT'S IN SEASON 32
HOT LIST 34 • CITY BITE 37 • THIS OR THAT? 38
LET’S TALK ABOUT houseplants for a
second. Sure, they seem like a good idea at
first—they add color to your home, they
freshen up the air—but soon after you realize
their benefits, you have to face their harsh
realities. And by realities, I mean responsibilities.
Caring for a houseplant is like caring for
a pet, except you get nothing in return. They
need to be watered, they need enough sun—
but not too much sun!—they can’t be too
cold or too hot, and the list goes on.
I have personally experienced the amount
of stress they can cause. My boyfriend and I
have two houseplants—a palm plant and a
dracaena tree—and I swear he thinks about
those plants more than he thinks about me.
Recently, one has taken up residence in the
middle of our guest bedroom (which gets the
best light) instead of its usual discreet
corner spot. The second one lives
next to the TV in the living room.
That is, until we go out of town, at
which point my boyfriend decides
the best spot for it is in the center of
our walk-through kitchen, in front
of the glass patio door. It’s especially
convenient when we get home with
all our suitcases and I trip over it,
sending me and all my stuff flying. I
asked him once (after stubbing my
toe) if it was necessary for the plant
to be there. His response was that it
needed to be taken care of. My toe,
on the other hand, was of no concern.
I recently thought I’d give houseplants
another chance. I purchased an arrangement
of succulents. Within a week, they
were all dead. The fake plant I purchased
for our bedroom, however, is still alive, and
it looks as real as anything.
RAVE:
Wallpaper
CONFESSION: I’M INTO
wallpaper. Stick with me here. This
isn’t your grandma’s wallpaper I’m
talking about. There are no country
geese. There’s no mismatched
accent border. And it’s not on all
four walls. Sans these outdated
trends, there’s no denying,
wallpaper is back.
In its renaissance, wallpaper has
grown up. It’s shiny, it’s sleek, it’s
fun and it’s funky. Maybe grandma
was on to something—if only
she’d known how to do it right.
Wallpaper can be the perfect accent
to a room. Paint three of the walls
a plain neutral color, and paper one
in a fun pattern. It’s a way to add
visual interest to a room
without overwhelming.
Some of my favorite wallpaper
trends include metallic geometric
patterns on dark backgrounds, and
jungle print or botanical-inspired
patterns that bring in pops of
color. Not ready to fully commit
just yet? Wallpaper creators have
the solution with easily-applicable
stick on sheets that adhere and
remove without leaving a trace.
(Find it at Target, Wayfair, and
Urban Outfitters.)
For some inspiration, I love
Madcap Cottage’s style (@madcapcottage
on Instagram). In their
book “Prints Charming” (how cute
is that name?), they show you how
to pick and mix patterns, including
wallpaper, in a way that’s both
classy and stylish.
Get Real
Real & Rosemary in
Homewood provides healthy,
affordable food that’s
reminiscent of home cooking.
by ERIC VELASCO
Real & Rosemary's cozy front patio is a favorite spot for diners. (Photo by Kelsey Justice)
34 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 35

• TABLE | Spotlight
“
A lot of the inspiration for the food at the
restaurant was from things I enjoyed
feeding my family, things I’d grown up
eating, and things that I’d seen traveling.
”
JENNIFER MIMS, OWNER OF REAL & ROSEMARY
Photos by WES FRAZER
OPPOSITE PAGE: The Spice Rubbed Chicken with sides of Seasonal
Succotash and okra; the Upbeet Salad; and Fried Eggplant.
THIS PAGE: Clockwise from top: The Orange Blossom Lemonade.
Classic aprons hang inside the quaint restaurant. The interior of Real
& Rosemary has casual and classy charm that features exposed brick
walls, comfortable seating, plenty of natural light, and a blossompatterned
floor.
TO APPRECIATE HOW Real & Rosemary
uplifts Southern downhome cooking, try the
side dish Humble Green Peas.
They might be called humble, but they’re
far from bland. The Homewood eatery starts
with green peas and butter, enhancing them
with orange zest, mint, and shallots. Sautéing
them in a sizzling cast-iron skillet gives the dish
a distinctive flavor that Chinese gourmets call
the “kiss of the wok.”
Real & Rosemary, which Jennifer Mims
opened two years ago with business partner
Nate Carlson, puts a chef-driven twist on the
everyday food folks eat at home.
“A lot of the inspiration for the food at the
restaurant was from things I enjoyed feeding my
family, things I’d grown up eating, and things
that I’d seen traveling,” says Mims, the mother
of two children, ages 6 and 4.
She is from Chilton County, where peaches
grew in her family’s backyard orchard, and their
food was raised nearby. “That was my mentality
growing up—you eat what’s fresh,” she says.
Prior to Real & Rosemary, Mims’ career
was opening and running restaurants for Zoë’s
Kitchen, Maki Fresh, and Jinsei. As such, she
knew that home cooking doesn’t automatically
translate to a commercial kitchen. Before launching
Real & Rosemary in March of 2016, Mims
brought in a chef to adapt her home recipes for
the masses.
The successful result is seen (and tasted) in
dishes like Braised Beef ($10.99), with deep
savory flavors that some home cooks spend a
lifetime trying to achieve, and Spice-Rubbed
Chicken ($11.99) that is marinated overnight
and served with chipotle-lime vinaigrette.
Flash-fried Sweet Potato Wedges ($4.99)
come with slightly tart crème fraiche spiked with
lemongrass, a thin dipping sauce that perfectly
coats the potato when it's dipped. Sorghum
butter adds a sweet, Southern twang to another
starter, Pretzel Bread ($4.99).
Meal-sized salads ($8.99-$9.99) include the
Upbeet with spring mix, red and yellow beets,
oranges, pears, goat cheese, almonds, tarragon
vinaigrette. Or consider the menu’s “garden sides,”
which accompany entrées and sandwiches. Four
sides also can be combined into a vegetable plate
(the Garden, $8.99).
Macaroni and Cheese is home-style comfort
craft. Charred Carrots with Thyme is an upscale
take on a supper-table standard. Zucchini with
Avocado Pesto is a thoroughly modern take,
with noodle-like vegetable strands, tomatoes,
sunflower seeds, and fresh thyme, all bound in
a decadently creamy sauce.
Vegetarians have plenty of options at Real &
Rosemary, including the Beet, Fig, Goat Cheese
sandwich ($7.99) served on cranberry walnut
bread. The menu identifies dishes that are vegan,
gluten-free, or contain nuts. If you’re doing
the popular Whole30 diet, the restaurant also
identifies which of their dishes are compliant.
Children’s options ($3.99-$4.99) include
grilled chicken, a healthier kid’s meal since it’s not
breaded and deep-fried. Hand-rolled meatballs top
spaghetti. PB&J gets a makeover as AB&J, with
almond butter and house-made blueberry jam.
Sides are made with fresh fruit and vegetables.
“Everything is made from scratch,” Mims
says. “We want to provide a nice dining experience
at a price point you feel good about, with
food you feel good about serving your family.”
Real & Rosemary’s house-made meatballs,
also available on an adult entrée and sandwich,
are based on an Italian family’s recipe created
more than a century ago. They add new meaning
to the word “family,” according to a recent
Real & Rosemary diner who was staying at the
nearby Aloft Hotel.
Mims recalls the conversation: “She said,
‘These are the best meatballs I ever had. I
learned to make meatballs from the Mob families
in Philadelphia. These are better than the
Mob meatballs.’”
The interior at Real & Rosemary has a casual
yet classy charm. In the afternoon, natural light
floods the space. At night, the comfortable seating
and small bar is warmly lit.
The building, which dates to 1922, once
housed a dry-cleaning business. The recovered
original floor is stenciled in a blossom pattern
that matches a design in the booths. A brick
interior wall and the exposed metal ceiling
beams also are original.
Out front, a cozy, walled patio is shielded
from both weather and traffic. “It’s probably
my favorite part, as far as dining,” Mims says.
Order inside at the rear counter, and the food
is delivered to the table. Entrées ($8.99-$11.99,
called “Plates” on the menu) are accompanied
by two sides. Sandwiches ($8.99-$10.99) and
most children’s entrées come with one side.
The restaurant pours beer, wine, and cocktails,
as well as orange blossom lemonade and infused
waters. Cocktails also play to the fresh, herby
theme, with options like the Rosemary Gimlet
and the Passing Thyme. For dessert, there’s Pastry
Art cake cups ($2.99).
For the time-starved, try the curbside service.
Order and pay online at realandrosemary.com.
Park in the reserved spot in front of the restaurant
and call the counter (205.820.7100)
upon arrival.
Real & Rosemary anchors Homewood’s
emerging restaurant district on a once-lonely
section of 29th Avenue South. Big Bad Breakfast,
Urban Cookhouse, and Farm Bowl + Juice Co.
became its neighbors early this year. Pastry Art
Bake Shoppe is across the street.
“There is a lot of life and energy down here,”
Mims says. “I don’t know if we started it or not,
but we certainly have some nice additions to
the neighborhood.”
DETAILS
Real & Rosemary | 1922 29th Ave. South
(Homewood) | 205.820.7100 | Open daily,
11 a.m.-9p.m. | realandrosemary.com
36 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 37

• TABLE |
The Dish
THE DISH
What’s happening in the world of food this month.
On a Roll
The trend of rolled ice cream has hit Birmingham in full
force. Within the last few months, we’ve gone from zero
to hero with five (and counting) locations serving up the
tubular treat. For those unfamiliar with the concept, rolled
ice cream originated in Thailand and is made by pouring a
liquid ice cream base on a frozen metal surface. Then, using
a spatula, the hardening thin layers of ice cream are rolled
into several cylinders. Each shop makes the trend their own
by offering signature flavors and toppings.
Where to find it:
Lucky Cat | 2908 18th Street South (Homewood)
luckycatrolledcreams.com
8 Fahrenheit | 2772 John Hawkins Pkwy., Suite 110
(Hoover) | eat8f.com
La Sabrosita | 3702 Lorna Road (Hoover)
lasabrositahoovericecream.com
Cream & Cones | 2152 Pelham Pkwy. (Pelham)
creamandcones.com
Chill | 3066 Healthy Way (Vestavia)
facebook.com/ChillDegrees
JUMP
INTO
JAPAN
When the craving
for Asian kicks
in, but you can’t
decide on noodles
or sushi, Five
Points’ newest
eatery, IKKO, has
your back. The
Japanese restaurant
specializes
in authentic
noodle bowls (also
known as ramen),
poke, and sushi.
Try the Shoyu or
Tonkotsu Ramen
for a true taste of
Japan, head to the
cold bar to make
your own poke,
or choose from a
large selection of
sushi rolls. If you
order something
spicy like the Hot
& Sour Ramen or
the Firecracker
Roll, we recommend
getting
some bubble tea to
cool it down a bit.
1909 11th Ave S.
205.203.4833
§
§
CAJUN CRAVIN’
Looking for some New Orleans-style food?
If you’re not heading to the Crescent
City’s famous Jazz Fest this month, get
your gumbo and po’ boy fix at Rougaroux
restaurant. Now open in the landmark
pink house off 39th Street South in Forest
Park, NOLA food fans also will find muffuletta
sandwiches and house-made boudin.
Rougaroux ships in its po’-boy bread
from the Big Easy’s famous Leidenheimer
Bakery. For the uninitiated, the “debris”
on Rougaroux’s roast beef po’ boy is meat
bits bathed in jus, a way-tasty byproduct
from roasting the beef. - ERIC VELASCO
817 39th Street South (Forest Park)
facebook.com/therougarouxbham
§
BRING ON
THE BERRIES
Winter can be long and sometimes bitter. But
strawberry season provides a sweet start
for outdoor farmers markets. The Pepper
Place Saturday Market begins its 18th season
outdoors on April 14. (The final winter
indoor market is April 7.) Find the regionally
famous pop-up market between Second and
Third avenues at 29th Street South, near
Birmingham’s Lakeview District. Other area
farmers markets open in May and June. -EV
PHOTO COURTESY OF FRESCO MEXICANA
§
CONSIDER IT PALEO
Alabama’s only Paleo-specific bakery has
a new name and an expanded mission. The
Joyful Food Co., formerly known as Consider
It Joy Baking, now offers complete Paleo
meals to go, along with the baked goods
that founder Elizabeth Wood has sold since
2015. The bakery has steadily expanded its
meal options since Rebecca Wanagat joined
the team, leading to the business’ name
change. The Paleo diet emphasizes meats,
vegetables, fruits, and nuts. It avoids grains
(and gluten), legumes, dairy, and
processed foods. -EV
759 Shades Mountain Plaza
thejoyfulfoodco.com
§
Pick Your Poison
1 TEQUILA, 2 TEQUILA…
…61 tequilas, floor. Jokes aside, Fresco Mexicana Moderna,
a new restaurant in Cahaba Heights has got us singing for
reasons more than their extensive selection of top-shelf
tequila. The bright, Spanish-style eatery offers a large
menu with small plates perfect for sharing, as well as fullsize
entrées. Start your meal with one of their nine salsa
options—or our personal favorite appetizer, the Mexican
Street Corn Dip. Small plates highlight fresh seafood in
dishes like Fire-Roasted Gulf Oysters and Aguachile de
Pulpo (grilled octopus). For an entrée, try the Grilled
Chicken Mole Poblano for deep, layered flavors. Wash it all
down with a tequila flight, signature cocktail, or margarita.
3144 Heights Village (Cahaba Heights)
Now’s the perfect time to sip sweet tea on your front porch. This season,
take it up a notch or two with botanical teas and an added kick of your
favorite spirit. Piper & Leaf, a Huntsville-based, family-owned tea shop
that’s popular at Birmingham’s own Pepper Place Market, knows the perfect
concoctions to get you in the mood for spring. Find their loose-leaf tea at
Pepper Place or local shops around town, and learn how to make these tea
cocktails at home with the recipes below.
LITTLE RED HEN
1.5 ounces gin
1.25 ounces Capri Cream Tea (brewed and cooled)
.25 ounce lemon juice
.25 ounce sugar syrup
1
⁄2 free range egg white
Twist of ruby grapefruit peel to garnish
1. Fill a martini glass with ice to chill.
2. Add all ingredients into a shaker; add ice, and shake well.
3. Empty the chilled martini glass and double strain the
mixture into it.
4. To serve, add a twist of fresh ruby grapefruit to the glass.
LADY OF LAVENDER
2 ounces whiskey
1 ounce P&L Old Fashioned Birthday Cake
2 ounces ginger beer
.5 ounce honey syrup (1:1)
1 teaspoon lime juice
1. Fill glass with ice.
2. Pour in all ingredients.
3. Mix and serve.
pepperplacemarket.com
38 | Birmingham | APRIL 18

The definitive guide to the people, places
and culture of greater Birmingham.
SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE: 12 issues for $15
Visit bhammag.com/subscribe
Cravings
Magic City
The Most Requested Recipes
from Birmingham Restaurants
Then & Now
GET YOUR COPY TODAY!
Available at:
Books A Million, Barnes & Nobles,
Bromberg’s, Lambs Ear LTD, Rocky Ridge
Drug Co., Little Professor, Ala Goods,
Gus Mayer & Amazon.com
by
Food Network Star
Martie Duncan
with Chanda Tomple
Foreword by Taylor Hicks

• TABLE |
Cooking 101
Tools of the Trade
With infomercials promoting every kitchen tool thinkable, you might be
tempted to buy more than you need. Here are the essentials.
I STARTED COOKING AT AGE 7, beginning
a lifelong passion. After five decades of
making subsistence meals, throwing elaborate
dinner parties, and cooking for my family, I
have amassed enough knives, tools, gadgets,
machines, cookware, and gizmos to stuff several
kitchens worth of drawers and cabinets.
But only a few are necessary. Here are my
kitchen workhorses:
KNIVES
Multi-knife block sets are popular, but most
home cooks can get by handily with just three
types of knives.
My go-to is an 8-inch chef’s knife. It’s in my
hands when I dice and mince vegetables, break
down whole chickens, prep meat, and even peel
and slice fruit. I have three of the same type,
which helps avoid cross-contamination when I
cook for both meat-eaters and vegetarians.
A long, serrated knife is a must for bread,
tomatoes, and soft fruit.
A 3- to 4-inch paring knife is best to peel and
make intricate cuts.
Quality knives can last a lifetime. Dull knives
are dangerous. Regularly use a steel honing rod,
and get knives sharpened when needed.
MACHINES
Machines, while tempting to buy for
convenience, hog space in your kitchen
cabinets and rarely end up getting used after
that initial purchase. However, there are several
recipes that require items to be puréed, finely
chopped, or ground—something that isn’t so
easy to do with just your hands. That’s where
machines like food processors and blenders
come in handy.
For singles, couples, and families, a powerful
stand blender may be the most-used kitchen
machine. Ours purées soup, sauces, and sofrito,
plus it blends smoothies and other beverages.
A large food processor with slicer and
by ERIC VELASCO
shredder attachments breaks down quantities of
vegetables; makes dough and batters; and grinds
meat for burgers, meatballs, and sausages.
My two-cup chopper/grinder makes pesto,
hummus, and spice pastes; whips cream; and
pulverizes nuts.
TOOLS
I use sturdy wooden spoons and scraping
spatulas for practically every meal. A peeler with
a thick handle is indispensable in households
where eaters don’t like bitter peels on vegetables
like eggplant and cucumber, or in the case of apples
and pears that aren’t always organic (pesticides
linger on peels).
Tongs are handy for both pan-cooked and
grilled meats and vegetables. Use them also
while preparing and serving spaghetti and other
noodle or pasta dishes.
Our steel microplane is always out to zest
citrus; shave wisps of hard cheese over hot pasta,
potatoes, or risotto; and to spice morning yogurt
with fresh nutmeg.
COOKWARE
My sturdy, enameled-steel, 5 ½-quart Dutch
oven is versatile, with the capacity to feed a crowd.
I also could not live without well-seasoned castiron
items, including 12-inch skillets, a 5-inch
skillet, and a 4-quart Dutch oven. Nothing beats
cast iron for browning, frying and baking.
The rest? Yes, much of it is clutter. But I can’t
bear to cull. Toss it today, and I’ll surely need
it tomorrow. Seriously.
On the following page, we highlight a couple
of recipes where you can put these tools of the
trade to use.
ERIC’S KITCHEN
WORKHORSES
Knives
»»
Wustoff Classic 8-inch chef’s
»»
Henckel’s Classic 8-inch chef’s
»»
Henckel’s Pro 3-inch paring
Blender – Ninja
Processor – Cuisinart
Chopper/grinder – Cuisinart
Dutch oven – Le Creuset
Cast iron – Lodge
Romesco
Yield: 8 to 10 servings
This Catalan-style sauce has become
a staple in our house. Traditionally
used to accompany fish, it also is great
with chicken and grilled, stuffed, or
plancha-seared vegetables. Try it as a
base on flatbread or pizza, or spread it
on canapes topped with sliced olives,
Manchego cheese, or Spanish chorizo.
1
2-3
1
The top bowl shows the ingredients for Romesco in a
blender. The bottom bowl shows the finished product.
1
1
⁄4
8
2
1
⁄2
1
⁄8
1
⁄4
1
small white (not sweet) onion, unpeeled
cloves garlic, unpeeled
red bell pepper (or 1/3 of a 10-ounce jar
roasted red peppers)
slice bread
cup blanched almond slivers
ounces canned tomatoes
(or peeled fresh)
teaspoons smoked Spanish paprika
teaspoon salt
teaspoon ground black pepper
cup olive oil
tablespoon sherry or red wine vinegar
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Roast whole onion, garlic cloves, and,
if using, fresh red bell pepper for 25
minutes, until soft. Allow vegetables to
cool slightly. Peel onion and garlic with a
paring or chef’s knife. Remove skin and
seeds from bell pepper. Chop vegetables.
3. Slice and discard crust from bread using
a serrated knife; toast both sides in a dry
pan. Set aside and shred or cube when
cooled. Briefly toast almond slivers in the
same pan and then set aside to cool.
4. Combine all ingredients except olive
oil and vinegar in a bowl. In batches,
process in a small chopper/grinder
machine with portions of the olive oil and
vinegar, until sauce is smooth. Remove
with a small scraper spatula.
Sofrito
Yield: 3 to 4 cups
Sofrito is the foundation for Spanish,
Caribbean, and Central American
cuisine. Green or red in color
depending on whether it includes
tomatoes, sofrito is cooked as the
base in bean, meat, rice, and egg
dishes. It stores and freezes well,
so make a big batch and keep some
handy. Every household has its
own recipe. Here is an adaption for
Caribbean-style green sofrito.
1
5
1
1
2-3
1
medium sweet onion
cloves garlic
green bell pepper
red bell pepper
bunches cilantro (depending on
bunch size)
tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste
1. Peel and dice onion and place in
a food processor or multi-blade
blender. Using the side of a chef’s
knife, smash garlic cloves and
remove peel. Chop and add to the
processor. Core and seed bell
peppers. Coarsely chop and add to
processor. Chop cilantro and add to
food processor.
2. Add oil and process until smooth.
Season to taste with salt and
remove with a small scraper
spatula. Will keep in refrigerator
for up to three weeks.
Photo by WES FRAZER
42 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 43

INDART
April 27-29, 2018
Linn Park, downtown Birmingham, Alabama
www.magiccityart.com
Image: Lisa Krannichfeld, Ravageur
Platinum
City of Birmingham
Kinetic Communications
Starnes Media
Gold
Birmingham Magazine
Birmingham Mountain Radio
Hoover’s Magazine
Joe Piper, Inc.
This is Alabama
Silver
Bell Media
Royal Cup Coffee
Style Blueprint
Bronze
Alabama Power
BBVA Compass
BlueCross and Blue
Shield of Alabama
HealthSouth Corporation
Over the Mountain Journal
Publix Super Markets Charities
Shelby Living
Steel
Alabama State Council on
the Arts & the National
Endowment for the Arts,
a federal agency
Babypalooza Magazine
Bancography
Bham Now
BJCC & The Westin
Birmingham Business Journal
Birmingham Coca Cola
Bottling Company
B-Metro
Excursions by CityVision
Event Rentals Unlimited
Gallery Services
Homewood Life
Jefferson County
McDowell Security
Miller Communications
Mountain Brook Magazine
Shelby Living
Vestavia Hills Magazine
WBHM Public Radio 90.3fm
Yarbrough Festival
Foodservice
Taste the
Rainbow
PLANNING OUT YOUR NEXT meal
to ‘gram? Look no further than Farm
Bowl + Juice Co. in Homewood. The
beautiful (and healthy!) acai bowls,
oatmeal bowls, and smoothies are
Instagram gold, and are pretty tasty to
boot. Their signature, the Farm Bowl,
is made with Sambazon acai berry
sorbet, strawberries, blackberries, apples,
gluten-free granola, and local honey from
Eastaboga Bee Company right here in
Alabama. Eat local means something to
owners Andrea and David Snyder, who
also own Urban Cookhouse—that’s why
all the fruit in their creations is grown
by Alabama farmers. If that’s not reason
enough to pay the café a visit, the light,
bright, California-cool aesthetic, pastel
geometric mural wall, and wooden
swings out front should help.
farmbowlandjuiceco.com
• TABLE |
City Bite
Photo by KELSEY JUSTICE APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 45

• TABLE |
What’s in Season
Pretty Peas
by CALLIE BLOUNT
Use English green peas in beautiful dishes that celebrate the spring season.
THE STORY BEHIND WHY English peas
are called “English” is a bit muddy—it could be
because the tiny vegetables thrived in colonial
American soil and reminded the Brits of their
homeland. Technically a variety of garden pea,
green peas’ texture, color, and sweetness are a
favorite for many. While some fresh pea varieties
can be eaten raw, others are more starchy and need
heat for their flavors to come alive. The cooking
time required for peas is quite brief, though,
making them a perfect, healthy vegetable to cook
quickly in a soup or stir-fry. Their flavor pairs well
with mint, garlic, and pasta, which we highlight in
this month’s recipes.
Curried Pea Soup
with Creme Fraiche & Mint
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Curry adds a lively spice element to this
creamy English pea soup. Serve it for an early
spring brunch to highlight the seasonality of
sweet peas, or pair it with grilled chicken or
fish to complement an outdoor meal.
1
tablespoon coconut oil
2
1
1
1⁄2
2
3
1⁄2
1
teaspoons garlic, minced
scant cup diced sweet onion
(15-ounce) bag frozen peas (or
substitute fresh if available)
teaspoon salt
teaspoons curry powder, divided
cups vegetable stock
teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Crème fraîche, for topping
tablespoon chopped fresh mint
Spring Pasta Salad
Yield: 8 to 10 servings
This pasta salad simply tastes like spring! Lemon
zest brightens and lightens the entire dish,
while white wine vinaigrette plays the perfect
complement to the sweet peas and crunchy
asparagus. Top with lots of grated Parmesan
cheese while the pasta is warm, and stir to add
even more depth of flavor to the salad.
1. Cook bacon over medium heat in a
large skillet until crispy and cooked
through. Remove bacon from pan
onto a paper-towel lined plate.
2. Carefully drain grease from pan,
reserving 1 tablespoon. Wipe brown
bits from pan.
cooked pasta to Dutch oven.
8. Toss together hot cooked pasta,
bacon, and vegetables. Toss with
vinaigrette and lemon zest. Taste,
and season with salt as needed.
Top or toss with shaved (or grated)
Parmesan and serve.
1. Heat coconut oil in a small Dutch oven on
medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic and onion in coconut oil until
softened. Add peas, salt, and 1 teaspoon
curry powder. Sauté about 2 minutes more.
3. Add vegetable stock and bring to a boil;
reduce to simmer. Cook 10 minutes, or until
peas are softened.
4. Remove pan from heat; allow to cool for
about 10 minutes.
5. Using a soup ladle, transfer mixture to
a blender. Purée on low until ingredients
combine, then purée on high speed until
smooth.
6. Return liquid to soup pot. Stir in lemon juice
and final teaspoon curry powder.
7. To serve, top warmed bowls of soup with crème
fraîche and chopped mint.
4
3
1
1
1⁄2
1⁄4
2
12
3
1⁄2
slices bacon
teaspoons garlic, minced
(15-ounce bag) frozen peas (or
substitute fresh if available)
pound asparagus, tough ends
trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
teaspoon salt
teaspoon ground black pepper
tablespoons olive oil
ounces penne pasta
tablespoons White Wine Vinaigrette
(recipe follows)
teaspoon lemon zest
Additional 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
to taste
Shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
3. Return pan to medium heat and add
reserved bacon grease. Sauté garlic
until lightly toasted.
4. Add peas, asparagus, salt, and
pepper; cook until crisp tender, about
5 minutes. Remove vegetables
from pan.
5. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil
over medium heat, until shimmering.
Gently toast pasta for 2-3 minutes,
stirring frequently, until beginning
to brown.
6. Add 8 cups warm water and boil
until pasta is al dente, about 8 to
10 minutes. Stir pasta occasionally
to make sure it doesn’t stick to the
bottom of the pan.
7. Drain pasta and water, and return
White Wine Vinaigrette
2
1⁄4
1
5
tablespoons white wine vinegar
teaspoon light brown sugar
teaspoon dijon mustard
tablespoons olive oil
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1. Whisk together white wine vinegar,
brown sugar, and mustard until
combined.
2. In a slow and steady stream, add olive
oil, whisking until combined. Season
with salt and pepper to taste.
46 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 47

• TABLE |
This or That?
THIS THAT?
We asked, you answered. Find out which libation our social media
followers prefer for spring sippin’.
OR
LIVING
ROSÉ
VS
WINNER!
24 HOURS 56 • DWELLING 60 • ROUND-UP 64 • VIGNETTE 67
WISH LIST 68 • SHOP LOCAL 70
A Grown-up
College Town
Head to Ann Arbor, Michigan
for diverse food offerings and a
vibrant arts and culture scene.
by JULIA SAYERS
48%
ROSÉ
CHAMPAGNE
52%
CHAMPAGNE
ROSÉ RECOMMENDATIONS
2017 La Nevera Rosado - Crisp, clean, mineral driven, and just
the right amount of fruit. Pop it in the fridge (La Nevera is Spanish
for “The Fridge”), and you might be shocked at how quickly you go
through 3 liters of boxed wine. $19.99
2017 Triennes Rosé - Some purists claim that the first
characteristic of a proper rosé is that it’s from Provence in France.
Triennes is Western’s exmple of where that thought originated. The
sunset sipper upholds the reputation. $14.99
2017 Angels & Cowboys Rosé - A favorite American rosé of
2017. You can’t judge a book, or wine, by its cover, but this is a pretty
fantastic package. As with all of Western’s rosé options, this one is
great with or without food. $14.99
CHAMPAGNE RECOMMENDATIONS
Borgoluce Prosecco, Lampo - These days, prosecco is
everywhere, but one common problem is that proseccos are often
too sweet. The Lampo is delightfully balanced, refreshing, and
makes a fantastic Bellini. $15.99
Gruet Brut - Sometimes wines have no business being as good as
they are for the money, and this is one of those times. Simply put,
this sparkling wine (can’t call it Champagne because it isn’t from
Champagne, France) is a great value and is delicious. $12.99
Casteller Cava Brut - Spanish Cava is the true cheat when it
comes to sparkling wines. It isn’t true Champagne, but we’ve tasted
this blind against some real Champagnes...it fared quite well. $11.99
All recommendations are from Scott Atkinson, wine director at
the Western Mountain Brook, and are available at the store.
Want to get in on the fun? Follow us on Instagram (@bhammag) and check our story to vote on our
“This or That?” poll each month. The results will be featured in the following month’s issue.
Cocktails from The Last Word
48 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 49

• LIVING |
Take Off
Downtown Ann Arbor
“
All these factors add up to an
incredibly diverse culinary
scene. Pair the restaurant
diversity with all the local farms
in the area, and you’ve got a
locally-driven, internationally
inspired food movement.
”
MARGARET WYZLIC,
MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND
PUBLIC RELATIONS FOR DESTINATION ANN ARBOR
Clockwise from top left: Hand-rolled,
steamed bun from Miss Kim. A spread
of Moroccan food at Casablanca. Paella
de Marisco from Aventura.
JUST ABOUT AN HOUR’S DRIVE west of
Detroit, Ann Arbor, Michigan is a bustling
little town with much more to offer than just
the University of Michigan. A college town
for grown-ups, Ann Arbor takes the best of a
big city and scales it down into a condensed,
walkable area that’s chock-full of cultural
food experiences, craft cocktail bars, and
lively nightlife.
With a nonstop flight from Birmingham-
Shuttlesworth Airport to Detroit Metropolitan
airport, it’s a quick two-hour plane ride to
get to the capital. From there, you can either
drive 45 minutes to Ann Arbor or take the
train—tickets are cheap, ranging from $8-14
each way.
Once you’re in Ann Arbor, the adventure
is yours to choose. There are plenty of
outdoor activities to take advantage of in the
spring weather, including the University of
Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and
Nichols Arboretum—700 acres of gardens
with of natural trails, research-quality habitats,
and a conservatory. Kayaking and canoeing on
the Huron River also are popular options.
There is enough shopping downtown to
occupy anyone for a whole weekend, including
the Kerrytown Market & Shops. The indoor
mall is filled with local shops like Hollander’s
(a decorative paper and card shop) and Found
(goods handcrafted with recycled materials).
To get a taste of the state, visit Cherry
Republic downtown, (offering all kinds
of foods made with the famous Michigan
cherries). For souvenirs, don’t miss Heavy
Metal, a boutique with handcrafted jewelry,
gifts, purses, clothing, and shoes.
Bookworms rejoice—Ann Arbor seems
to have a local book shop on every corner.
Favorites include Literati (with a coffee shop
on the second floor); Dawn Treader (selling
used and rare books); Aunt Agatha’s (a hub
for mysteries, detective series, and true crime
books); and Crazy Wisdom Book Store &
Tea Room.
But if there are two main things Ann Arbor
is known for, it’s the city’s incredibly diverse
food scene and the depth of its art and cultural
offerings. If you’re interested in either, we’ve
got the perfect itineraries for your visit.
EAT & DRINK
When you visit Ann Arbor, you can taste the
world. The city boasts locally owned restaurants
that offer food from all corners of the globe,
including the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and
the Caribbean. Part of that is due to the city’s
status as an eclectic college town, where faculty
and students from all over the world combine.
“The global culture in the area influences
residents’ and visitors’ travel decisions, love
for languages, world arts and culture, and
international dining,” says Margaret Wyzlic,
manager of communications and public
relations for Destination Ann Arbor. “All
these factors add up to an incredibly diverse
culinary scene. Pair the restaurant diversity
with all the local farms in the area, and you’ve
got a locally driven, internationally inspired
food movement.”
The restaurants come in all forms—trendy,
high-end, hole-in-the-wall, order-at-thecounter—so
it’s easy to find one that fits the
experience (or budget) you desire.
For a true mom-and-pop place, there’s
Ayse’s Turkish Café. Ayse’s opened in 1993,
serving owner Ayse Uras’ homecooked Turkish
food. There’s no set menu, because Uras
cooks according to what she can get from the
butcher and the farmers market. But, if you
happen to go on a day she has the beet salad,
be sure to order it. The bright pink dish gets
its color from thinly sliced fresh beets that are
tossed with whipped yogurt and garlic—but
Uras won’t say much more about her secrets.
The definition of a hole-in-the-wall,
Casablanca can be found in an old Taco Bell
along a highway in Ypsilanti (a suburb of
Ann Arbor). The restaurant serves authentic
Moroccan dishes, including tagines featuring
lamb, chicken, or fish; and bistilla, a dish of
layered pastry stuffed with saffron chicken
and spiced egg that’s topped with almonds
in orange blossom water, cinnamon, and
powdered sugar. The entrée is representative
of the way Moroccan cuisine blends sweet
and savory into main dishes. The food is so
authentic that owner and chef Abdul Mani
says, “Customers come in and say this is even
better and more flavorful than what they had
in Morocco.” His secret? Chermoula—a
Moroccan herb sauce he uses prominently in
several dishes.
One of the most well-known names in food
in the city, Zingerman’s Delicatessen, has
been serving up traditional Jewish deli food
since 1982. The Zingerman Community of
Businesses now includes 10 businesses. Get
a massive Rueben from the Delicatessen,
or venture out to Miss Kim, a trendy yet
authentic Korean restaurant owned by the
same group. Order their bahn mi (including
several options for vegetarians including
mushroom or fried vegetable bahn mi), rice
bowls, and hand-rolled steamed buns. Owner
Ji Hye Kim tested the concept with a food cart
before traveling to New York and Korea to
research Korean food and restaurants.
For a fine dining experience, Aventura
offers modern Spanish tapas in a laidback
atmosphere. You’ll know you’ve found the
restaurant when you see a big arrow-shaped
sign with the word “Tapas” on it. The
restaurant’s upstairs is light and airy, while
its stone-walled basement room provides a
moody, romantic atmosphere. You’re there for
50 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 51

• LIVING |
Take Off
THIS
the tapas, so choose from a variety of the small
plates including Croquetas De Manchego
(cheese croquettes), Dàtiles Rellenos (baconwrapped
dates), and Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp
in garlic chili-oil). Be sure also to order one
of the restaurant’s six versions of paella for
the table.
To cap off your evenings, Ann Arbor has
plenty of bars to choose from. The Ravens
Club, with a seasonal cocktail menu, is
popular for its list of more than 150 American
whiskeys. The Last Word, a speakeasy-type
bar, gets its name from a famous cocktail
called “The Last Word,” popular in Detroit
in the 1920s but then forgotten until it was
reintroduced in Seattle in 2004. The cocktail
is comprised of equal parts gin, lime juice,
Chartreuse, and maraschino liqueur. It’s a
must-try at the downtown bar.
There are several breweries in and around
the city, but one of the most-well known
is Arbor Brewing Company, owned by
husband-and-wife team Matt and Rene
Greff, two pioneers of craft beer in the state.
The brewery opened in Ann Arbor in 1995
and eventually was the first brewery to go
solar. Using hybrid panels that generate solar
electricity and hot water, the Greffs brew yearround
staples (like the Strawberry Blonde),
seasonals, and sours. Fun fact: The Brewery
has an international location—in Bangalore,
India. Opened in 2012 by a former employee
of the brewery, it was India’s first American
craft brewery.
OTHER RESTAURANTS NOT TO MISS:
Frita Batidos: Cuban inspired street food.
Try a batido (a tropical milkshake) in flavors
of coconut cream, hibiscus, or fresh lime. The
“Fritas” are Cuban sandwiches served on soft
egg buns.
Mikette: Serves Southern French food with
an emphasis on fresh seafood. The French
Onion Soup with sherried onions is to die for.
Fred’s: A health-focused café serving all the
latest food trends including juices, acai bowls,
and all kinds of toast, including avocado,
ricotta, and nova toasts.
GET YOUR ART FIX
With the University of Michigan at city
center, Ann Arbor benefits as a hub for
cultural attractions, such as performing arts,
public art, museums, galleries, and more.
In fact, the University alone has nearly 60
cultural attractions in its network.
“The University of Michigan is a major
player in the arts and culture scene here in
Ann Arbor,” Wyzlic says. “It’s also influenced
the rest of the area’s offerings. Alumni, faculty,
staff, prospective students, and arts lovers in
general flock to the Ann Arbor area to open
galleries, perform in community theatre, and
participate in local film competitions.”
One of the most well-known attractions is
the University of Michigan Museum of Art
(UMMA), open to students and visitors alike.
The 53,000-square-foot museum at the center
of campus houses a permanent collection of
more than 18,000 works of art, as well as
rotating exhibits.
Since Ann Arbor is such a walkable city,
a walking art tour is one of the best ways to
explore the city—and its art. After you visit
the UMMA, there are several galleries to
check out downtown. Most can be found just
by wandering the streets, but two highlights
include the WSG Gallery and the Ann Arbor
Art Center.
WSG Gallery showcases and sells
affordable work by 16 artist members, in a
variety of mediums. You’ll likely find at least
one of the artists hanging out at the gallery,
who can tell you about the art. The gallery,
which has repeatedly been voted as the best
fine arts gallery in Ann Arbor, also shows
work from 8-10 visiting artists, chosen by the
16 members. Visiting artwork is rotated every
six months.
The Ann Arbor Art Center has been
promoting the arts in the city for 109 years.
With four main pillars, the center serves
the community through retail, exhibition,
education, and community engagement. The
center offers a number of classes, including
ceramics, metalsmithing, drawing, and
painting. A gallery space on the second floor
of the center hosts exhibitions and shows,
typically rotated each month. A retail shop
on the main floor of the center sells goods by
local artisans, including Motawi Tileworks'
famous tiles.
If you’re visiting Ann Arbor this month,
you can celebrate FoolMoon and FestiFools,
two of the city’s most fun weekend events. The
weekend kicks off with FoolMoon on Friday,
April 6, where everyone is invited to gather
in the streets and shake off the long winter
with luminaries, interactive installations,
laser shows, a beer tent, DJs, live dance
performances, and more. FestiFools is a paradestyle
event on the following Sunday afternoon
that features huge paper-maiche-style puppets
made by members of the community and
university students. It's an event that
showcases the lively city and the people who
have a passion for it.
PAGE: Top to bottom: The famous
Zingerman's Delicatessen. A batido (Cuban
milkshake) from Frita Batidos.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Clockwise from top: Taps at
Arbor Brewing Company. A public art piece
outside of the University of Michigan Museum of
Art. FoolMoon and FestiFools are celebrated in
the downtown streets.
Photos courtesy of DESTINATION ANN ARBOR
Michigan
DETROIT
ANN ARBOR
DON’T FORGET
DETROIT
Make it a double and spend some time
exploring Detroit on your way to or from
Ann Arbor.
Granted, Detroit’s image in recent decades
hasn’t gleamed like, say, a Cadillac fresh
off an assembly line. There’s no reason
to cite its many woes, especially as a
turnaround is happening. In fact, Lonely
Planet ranked Detroit second on its 2018
rundown of top cities in the world.
Downtown is hopping. Investors are
rehabbing classic buildings (a fire station
converted into a hotel) and erecting new
ones, people are moving in, sports and
cultural venues are magnets, and it doesn’t
sound crazy to book a weekend here.
Use the new QLine light rail as your
transporter. Toward one end are the elegant
Fox Theatre and the homes of the Lions,
Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings. Hockey and
basketball pull 20,000 people to a justopened
$863 million arena that anchors a
$2.1 billion sports/entertainment district.
Just blocks away are Shinola (maker of
everything from classy watches to classic
bicycles), the Detroit Institute of Art (with
its amazing Diego Rivera murals), and
the Wright Museum of African American
History. Ride a bit farther to the Motown
Museum, one of the funkiest, most
entertaining attractions anywhere.
Detroit’s food scene delights. The Grey
Ghost (named for a Prohibition-era rum
runner) is a great example. Visit if only
for a classic cocktail and the gem of the
appetizer menu—an octopus corndog.
– TOM ADKINSON
52 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 53

A82
Charming Deep South Downtown Transforms to
Culinary Epicenter with Taste of Alpharetta
OF Alpharetta
Sample area’s best savory, sweet, and soul-warming dishes at Taste of Alpharetta
Spring in the South is something magical to behold. Azaleas
are bursting in blush and fuchsia, the days stretch longer in a
wash of honey sunshine, and you can almost always smell a
hint of something savory cooking on the breeze. To usher in
spring with the Southern hospitality it deserves, Alpharetta,
Georgia, does it up big each year with Taste of Alpharetta.
The 28th Annual Taste of Alpharetta is a full evening of the
area’s best eats and entertainment the whole family will love.
On May 3, 2018, you’ll find everything from perfect pies to
soul-warming barbecue in Alpharetta’s charming downtown.
Beginning at 5pm, the area transforms from a sweet shopping
and dining district to the culinary connoisseur’s epicenter with
a host of mini-kitchens in tents representing over 60 of the best
restaurants around. With an eclectic mix of dishes ranging
from downhome favorites to colorful delicacies, Taste of
Alpharetta is a one-stop shop for all things delicious. Whether
you’re looking for a next-level caterer capable of wowing a
crowd or you’re simply looking to sample something brand
new, this event is the foodie’s go-to.
Live music from harmonic rock, folk, and R&B performers will
perform sweet sounds to accompany your favorite savory
dishes. And, if you’re the type who loves to witness feats of
pantry prowess, you can check out the Culinary Competition
Stage where area chefs will battle it out in a gourmet gridiron
to clinch titles like Best Appetizer/Salad, Best Fast Casual, Best
Fine Dining, Best Presentation, Best Dessert, and more!
Last year’s “Best Booth” winner, Southern Baked Pie Company
will be back again this year with the hopes of taking the prize
for “Best Dessert” in addition to toppling the competition in
“Best Booth” again. The deeply local, “Deep South” pastry
shop will offer up three-inch “tiny pie” versions of their
signature pies in three flavors: French Coconut Custard,
Chocolate Chess, and Flavor of Georgia award-winning
Caramel Pecan. Southern Baked Pie Chef Schrei
Michael notes that these special tiny pies are a cute, convenient
way to try some of the shop’s best flavors. Michael says that
the event holds a great deal of significance for the Georgiabased
pie shop. “This is a special event for us as it was one
of the first big events we were involved in when we opened…
It’s a lot of fun—the whole day is just so high energy and
exciting,” says Michael.
Not only are the restauranteurs able to bring their signature
dishes to locals and visitors alike, they’re also able to connect
with food lovers and other area chefs during the day-long
convergence of culinary talent and community. “Taste of
Alpharetta is an incredible event for foodies because you
get to speak with many of the behind-the-scenes people—the
chefs and recipe creators—who you don’t typically get to
speak with. It’s an opportunity to get the story behind the
dishes,” says Michael. “It is also an event that truly allows you
to sample all of these different restaurants in one location. It
would take you months to be able to try all of these different
places if you had to go out and visit the restaurants on your
own for breakfast/lunch/dinner.”
Admission to Taste of Alpharetta is free, and food tickets are
available at ticket booths throughout the event for just $.50
each (most dishes at the festival range from $1 to $3).
Take advantage of your time in Alpharetta by creating an
entire weekend’s worth of wonder to accompany your Taste
of Alpharetta adventure! Stick around after the event on
Thursday and up the entertainment ante with Avalon Nights
Live on Friday night. Then, wake up on Saturday to experience
Alpharetta’s Farmers Market, where you’ll find local artisanal
jams, handmade crafts, and some seriously gorgeous Georgia
produce. On Saturday evening, hit up Chukkar Farms for
their outdoor concert series featuring the area’s most soulful
singer-songwriters! Learn more about the Taste of Alpharetta,
figure out the best place to do Sunday brunch, book a hotel
stay, and explore what Alpharetta can bring to your table at
awesomealpharetta.com.
WHY EXPERIENCE THE
TASTE OF ALPHARETTA?
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018 • 5 – 10 PM
Voted a TOP 20 EVENT
by Southeast
Tourism Society
in 2015, 2017 and 2018,
the Taste of Alpharetta brings over 50,000
festival goers and food connoisseurs to the
downtown streets each year. More than
60 area restaurants set up mini kitchens
in charming downtown for one night to
showcase their tastiest dishes to the public.
Nowhere else can you try scrumptious
samples from so many locally-owned
eateries and chef-driven restaurants in
one place at one time. It’s an event that
the locals never miss!
Grab a local brew or a glass of vino
to enjoy as you stroll through the streets
from booth to booth. Local musical
artists sing tunes on the main stage
and have everyone dancing in the
streets. An intense culinary competition
during the evening has renowned chefs
contending for best appetizer/salad,
fast casual, fine dining, dessert and
presentation amongst a panel of judges,
all while festival attendees can vote for
People’s Choice. Keep the kids
entertained with bounce houses, rock
climbing, face painting, balloon art
and henna.
Plan your getaway to experience
Alpharetta’s premier dining event on
Thursday, May 3 and extend your stay
for the weekend! With over 200 dining
options throughout the city, there is
something to please everyone’s palate.
Cook up something fun for yourself at
one of four cooking schools. Alpharetta
is a shopper’s paradise with 250+ stores
in five distinct shopping districts. Several
Alpharetta music venues will play host to live
concerts on Friday, May 4 and Saturday,
May 5. Head to Topgolf Alpharetta to
shoot for a hole-in-one. Score a strike in
bowling or get competitive with friends in
laser tag at Main Event Entertainment.
Visit awesomealpharetta.com to learn more about
what to do in Alpharetta and book your hotel stay!
#AwesomeAl
pharetta

• LIVING |
24 Hours
Photo courtesy of Urban Stack
24 Hours in Chattanooga
This laidback town offers plenty of activities that cater to all interests, from food and art to outdoor adventure.
SITUATED IN THE MOUNTAINS OF
Southeast Tennessee and along the Tennessee
River, Chattanooga is the little city that seems
to have it all. There’s mountains and water, art
and outdoor sports, fine dining and quaint
mom-and-pops. Adventure-seekers can choose
to zipline, whitewater raft, or mountain bike
during the day, then explore downtown shops
and restaurants for a change of pace in the
evening. At just over a two-hour drive from
Birmingham, the Scenic City is the perfect
destination for a jam-packed day trip or an
easy weekend getaway. For more information,
visit chattanoogafun.com.
DAY 1
6:00 P.M.
DINNER AT URBAN STACK
Kick off the start of a great trip with a gourmet
burger from this popular downtown eatery.
The hip, indoor-outdoor establishment
specializes in creative burgers served any way
you can imagine. There’s a Chicago Burger with
peppercorn bologna; an Asian Q Burger with
Wagyu beef and wasabi savory slaw; and the
Hercules made with Greek-spiced ground lamb.
Exposed brick walls and tons of pine-wood
detailing give the restaurant a homey, relaxed
feel that’s very characteristic of Chattanooga. In
fact, much of the wood used inside Urban Stack
was reclaimed from an old mill located on the
same street where the restaurant resides today.
7:00 P.M.
CHECK INTO THE DWELL
HOTEL The Dwell Hotel, in the heart of
downtown Chattanooga, is easily the city’s
most Instagramable space. Say so long to
bland, cookie-cutter rooms at this trendy
16-room boutique hotel. Each Dwell room
features bold, lively, retro design, but all
have a character of their own. The Tropicana
King Balcony Suite features punchy palm
tree wallpaper and lemon-yellow chairs. In
contrast, the quaint Europa King Suite is
filled with rich, orange-brown neutrals and
whimsical patterned wallpaper depicting
European architecture. Be sure to stop into
hotel bar Matilda Midnight for a specialty
cocktail under hundreds of twinkling lights.
by TARA MASSOULEH
8:30 P.M.
DRINKS AT THE FLYING
SQUIRREL One of Chattanooga’s coolest
destination concepts is The Crash Pad, a
community hub and “uncommon hostel”
where adventurous travelers can grab a
bunk (or private room) for the night. Right
next door is The Flying Squirrel, a bar
and restaurant by the hostel’s owners that
fosters the same welcoming atmosphere.
The expansive bar is filled with multi-level
windows and multiple outdoor patios for
groups to unwind and mingle. A craft
cocktail menu rotates with the seasons, as
does the varied beer menu. Don’t miss the
specialty liquor infusions like ginger rum,
jalapeño tequila, and strawberry vodka.
Photo by Mandy Rhoden Photo courtesy of Dwell Hotel
Photo courtesy of Aretha Frankensteins
DAY 2
8:00 A.M.
BREAKFAST AT ARETHA
FRANKENSTEINS Start your day
bright and early at local institution Aretha
Frankensteins, a funky house nestled
into a residential neighborhood in North
Chattanooga. The all-day restaurant serves
up classic diner food—headlining a killer
breakfast—and eclectic décor including vintage
movie posters and other kitschy mementos
plastering the walls. At breakfast, there’s
traditional fare including fluffy biscuits, creamy
grits, and stuffed-full omelets, but you can’t
leave without trying a signature buttermilk
pancake; they’re so fluffy that one is the same
height as a stack of three normal-sized pancakes.
Bonus: they box and sell the pancake mix at the
restaurant and online.
Photo courtesy of Chattanooga CVB
9:30 A.M.
TAKE A HIKE AT ROCK CITY
One of Chattanooga’s most popular
attractions, any trip to the city should include
a visit to Rock City. At the destination,
located only 10 miles from downtown, you
can stroll through a 4,100-foot Enchanted
Trail where rock formations, caves, and
beautiful flora are on display. From the top of
Lover’s Leap, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the
valley below, as well as High Falls, a gorgeous
cascading waterfall. The lookout is famous
for its view where visitors can see seven states
on a clear day: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee,
and Virginia.
11:30 A.M.
GO UNDERGROUND AT
RUBY FALLS Ruby Falls is the nation’s
largest and deepest waterfall that is open to
the public. When taking a cave tour, you’ll
journey down to the falls that are located more
than 1,120 feet beneath ground level. Also at
Ruby Falls is the Zip Stream Aerial Adventure,
a suspended obstacle course and zipline that
offers stunning views of the Scenic City from
the tree tops. Don’t forget to climb to the top
of the Ruby Falls Castle for more breathtaking
views on your way out!
1:00 P.M.
LUNCH AT BREWHAUS After a full
morning of outdoor exploring, you’ll need a
hearty meal to keep you energized for the rest
of the day. BrewHaus, a German-American
gastropub in Chattanooga’s Northshore
neighborhood, is your spot. Among the
German specialties are massive Bavarian
pretzels, brats, schnitzel, spaetzle, and crispy
German potato cakes. There’s also a large
selection of domestic and import brews on
draft to enjoy on the back patio. After lunch,
take a little extra time to visit Northshore’s
eclectic collection of local shops and boutiques,
and grab an ice cream come from Milk &
Honey or Clumpies.
2:30 P.M.
5:00 P.M.
TAKE A SUNSET RIVER TOUR
Close out your trip with a sunset cruise on
the Tennessee River with one of the many
charters conveniently located right near
downtown. Blue Heaven River Tours offers
private two-hour or four-hour river tours
for up to six people that take riders through
Lake Chickamauga, the Tennessee River
Gorge, Nickajack Lake, and the Little Grand
Canyon. Pontoon boats, party boats, and
cabin yachts are all available for tours. The
Southern Belle Riverboat, which has been
touring since 1985, also offers daily cruises,
with two-hour dinner cruises running every
night of the week except Sunday.
BIKE TO THE BLUFF VIEW ART DISTRICT Take advantage of Chattanooga’s
bike-friendly blueprint and explore the city on two wheels. A rent-a-bike station (part of
Chattanooga’s Bicycle Transit Stystem) is conveniently located around the corner from Brewhaus,
and from there, it’s only a 7-minute bike across the famous Walnut Street Bridge to get to the Bluff
View Art District. The historic bluff-top neighborhood is filled with restaurants, art galleries, and
plenty of beautiful outdoor gardens and courtyards to mosey through. Stop for coffee and a pastry
at Rembrandt’s Roasting Company, then explore the local, regional, and national collections inside
River Gallery. In the two-acre River Gallery Sculpture Garden, you can see breathtaking sculptures
with the backdrop of the sparkling Tennessee River. If you have extra time, consider exploring the
Hunter Museum of American Art, also located within the district.
Photo courtesy of Chattanooga CVB
Photo courtesy of Chattanooga CVB
56 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 57

SPECIAL PROMOTION
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APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 59

• LIVING | Dwelling
Lakeside Living
Nestled along the beautiful waterway of Lake Martin, this
home has become an unofficial calling card
for lake living.
by SARAH COOK
THIS PAGE: Clockwise from top left: The home is situated on the tip of
a peninsula in Lake Martin. A home office is surrounded by windows
offering a view of the lake. The kitchen features dark wood cabinets
and granite countertops.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Top to bottom: The impressive house has seven
bedrooms and eight bathrooms. A covered patio is ideal for relaxing
near the water.
UNPRETENTIOUSLY LAVISH may
sound like an oxymoron, but that’s exactly
what this lakeside estate embodies. Depending
on cloud coverage and the amount of mist
rising off Lake Martin’s smooth waters, boaters
can spot this abode from four, maybe five miles
away. It’s a beautiful testament to what quality
architecture is all about—making a strong
statement with subtlety and grace.
Located on Lake Martin’s shoreline in The
Ridge community of Russell Lands, this home
can comfortably accommodate a crowd big
enough for a substantial shindig, but it’s also
cozy enough for a quiet evening by a lakeside
fire. With seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms,
and several inviting nooks tucked into the
home, this house is a calling card for beauty
and relaxation.
“People know they’re coming to The Ridge
when they see this property,” says Steve
Arnberg, vice president of real estate for Russell
Lands on Lake Martin.
The home’s architecture, Arnberg says, is
reminiscent of something you might find in the
mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. The
mountain aesthetic, paired with European-style
craftsmanship, creates a stunning structure that
is both traditional and laidback.
Inside the home, you’re greeted by stunning
views and classic interior design. Legacy
Homes, which built the property, emphasized
a strong foundation in its construction,
Arnberg says. The home looks natural in
its lakeside setting, as it was created from
mostly local and regional resources, including
Alabama stone and timber. Hardwood floors
are found throughout the home, while rustic
details serve as a reminder of its lakeside
location. The home’s state-of-the-art kitchen
and handsome office, Arnberg says, are among
the homeowners’ favorite features.
“Even though it’s huge, it’s very warm and
inviting,” says Becky Haney, realtor with Lake
Martin Realty. “The whole house has state-ofthe-art
technology, so you can operate it from
your iPad or iPhone. It’s very cutting edge.”
Because the home is surrounded by
unmatched views, the owners made sure the
majority of the house offered an optimum
“
The home’s
architecture is
reminiscent of
something you
might find in
the mountains
of Asheville,
North Carolina.
The mountain
aesthetic, paired
with Europeanstyle
craftsmanship,
creates a stunning
structure that is
both traditional and
laidback.
”STEVE ARNBERG,
VICE PRESIDENT OF REAL ESTATE
FOR RUSSELL LANDS ON
LAKE MARTIN
60 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 61

• LIVING | Dwelling
Clockwise from top: A long bar in the kitchen provides ample seating room for friends and family.
The family enjoys spending time by an outdoor fire pit. The home also features a lakeside pool
and hot tub. The landscaping includes water features within the grounds of the home. The
spacious master bathroom features a jacuzzi tub.
“
Even though it’s
huge, it’s very warm
and inviting…The
whole house has
state-of-the-art
technology, so
you can operate it
from your iPad or
iPhone. It’s very
cutting edge.
”
BECKY HANEY,
REALTOR WITH LAKE
MARTIN REALTY
view of the water. Almost every room features
expansive windows, allowing guests stunning
view of the waters surrounding the home.
“We call it the sunrise-to-sunset estate
because you can see the sunrise on one side
and the sunset on the other, which is really
something special,” Haney says.
When the home’s owners aren’t basking
in the scenic views, there’s a good chance
they’re enjoying any one of the plethora of
amenities throughout the property, which
include a personal white-sand beach with a
cascading waterfall and a lakeside pool. Or,
Arnberg says, the couple is likely taking to the
waters—enjoying The Ridge’s most notable
asset. With room to dock a small fleet of
water vessels, the home is perfectly primed
for recreational activity.
“I can only imagine what a regular day is
like, looking at the property,” Arnberg muses.
“Maybe they’re hanging out at the beautiful
covered patio next to the custom kitchen. Or,
maybe they’re going down to the pool or the
hot tub. Or, they could always go for a walk
along The Ridge trail system or swing by The
Ridge Club.”
Because Lake Martin was created as a haven
for water enthusiasts—and those who just
want a scenic getaway—everything about the
community was designed with leisure in mind.
At The Ridge, home ownership comes with
a long list of extra amenities, all designed to
connect residents with family, friends, nature,
and, of course, the lake. When residents aren’t
enjoying their lakeside abodes, they can get
out and explore the community’s 10-acre
recreation complex that offers tennis, fitness
equipment, a pool, playgrounds, and more.
Or, they can take to the trails and enjoy all that
nature has to offer.
And, because The Ridge boasts such a
comfortable lifestyle, Arnberg says the home—
even though it’s 12,000 square feet—doesn’t
feel out of place. Instead, it seamlessly flows
with the other lakeside properties.
“The property doesn’t really stick out like
someone was trying to show off,” he says. “If you’re
going to do a property like this, you want to do
it in a neighborhood where there are other nice
properties in there as well. When you look at it,
you don’t say, ‘Wow, there’s a 12,000-square-foot
house.’ People say, ‘That’s a very charming, very
elegant home.’”
As The Ridge continues to welcome folks
seeking respite by the lake, Haney said she
expects that this house will continue to be a
flagship representation of what The Ridge is all
about—ultimate relaxation and comfort.
She says, “It’s the whole house, the
whole property, that communicates that
peaceful feeling”.
RESOURCES
Home Designer: Bill Farshee
Home Builder: Legacy Homes
Renovation: Nathan Watson
Photos courtesy of RUSSELL LANDS ON LAKE MARTIN
Imagine your home, totally organized!
Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Offices, Pantries, Laundries and Hobby Rooms
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www.closetsbydesign.com
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62 | Birmingham | APRIL 18

• LIVING | Roundup
Spruce Up for Spring
by SARAH COOK
As we usher in a new season, give
your home and garden a refresh via
some of our favorite home and garden
shops in town. Each has its own
personality and is chock-full of décor
that’ll brighten your abode.
GARDEN SHOPS
CHARLIE THIGPEN’S GALLERY
Likened to a secret garden, Charlie Thigpen’s
Gallery is a springtime oasis brimming with
beautiful plants and gifts. The gallery is Charlie’s
and wife Cindy’s brainchild come to life—a
place where locals can peruse a panoply of
plants meant to enhance both indoor and
outdoor living. “This spring we will have lots
of locally grown bedding plants, herbs, and
vegetables for the garden,” Charlie says. “Our
shop and courtyard will also have a large
selection of containers of all shapes and sizes
and colors to enhance your landscape.” Located
in the heart of Pepper Place, the gallery is an
ideal spot to visit on the weekend and pick up
a few potted plants. Or, take a stroll through
the gallery and just listen to the birds chirp.
Either way, a visit to this Birmingham gem will
instantly get you in the springtime mood.
2805 2nd Avenue South Suite 300 | 205.328.1000 |
charliethigpengardengallery.com
Succulent bundles at Leaf & Petal
LEAF & PETAL
With several locations throughout
Birmingham, Leaf & Petal has always been
a go-to spot for local plant aficionados.
Now with four stores open, this plant
powerhouse offers a smorgasbord of
options. “For us, having multiple locations
allows us to get plants from the far reaches
of the country,” says owner Jamie Pursell.
“On a weekly basis, we get plants out of
California, Oregon, Canada—literally
everywhere.” Pursell is quick to point out
that no season is the same at Leaf & Petal.
Similar to fashion and home trends, certain
plants gain popularity each year. This
spring, Pursell says to keep an eye out for
Pilea Peperomioides, a charming Chinese
plant with pancake-shaped leaves. “Plants
almost have a vibe to them, you know?”
Pursell says. “They evoke emotions.”
Multiple locations | leafnpetal.com
OAK STREET GARDEN
Oak Street Garden’s owner, Billy Angell,
took a parking lot and turned it into a
paradise. He opened the eclectic shop in
1990, and you can still see faded white
parking lines on the ground to this day.
Since then, Oak Street has become a
mainstay in the Crestline shopping district.
“When you’ve been here as long as I have,
you see [customers] come and go,” Angell
says. “Older people give way to the younger
people—and what I feel like we really try
to do is offer everyone what they’re looking
for.” Whether searching for a gift or some
colorful flowers to brighten your home,
customers are guaranteed to find what
they’re looking for at the shop, Angell says.
Aside from a great selection of plants, Oak
Street Garden is also a haven for a few
felines who can regularly be found curled up
in the garden taking a mid-day catnap.
115 Oak Street (Mountain Brook) | 205.870.7542
| oakstreetgardenshop.com
Owner Jon Culver in Sweet Peas Garden Shop (Photo by Cary Norton)
SWEET PEAS GARDEN SHOP
Nestled in the heart of Homewood off Linden Avenue, Sweet Peas
Garden Shop has been providing artfully arranged plants for 15
years. The shop—marked by a colorfully painted convertible that’s
permanently parked in the front yard—is known for outfitting
local businesses and homes with thoughtfully crafted floral displays.
“That’s one of my favorite things to do,” says owner John Culver, who
admitted he has an undeniable penchant for working with plants.
Aside from arrangements, the shop also offers a wide variety of potted
plants and assorted garden décor. As spring approaches, Culver says
locals can expect plenty of options from his shop. From fully
grown citrus trees to small succulents, herbs, and vegetable plants,
Sweet Peas is more than ready to welcome the new season.
2829 Linden Avenue (Homewood) | 205.879.3839
facebook.com/sweetpeasgardenshop
HOME SHOPS
ATHOME FURNISHINGS
Located in Birmingham’s historic Homewood district, AtHome
Furnishings has offered some of the best hand-curated home décor
for more than 20 years. The showroom’s inventory changes frequently,
boasting on-trend furnishings that cater to a wide range of styles.
In addition to furniture, AtHome also offers dinnerware, wall art,
drapery, lighting, and a long list of other home accessories worth
checking out. For a springtime spruce-up, spend an afternoon sifting
through their extensive selection, which is sure to have the perfect
piece of décor to breathe fresh life into your home this season.
2921 18th Street South (Homewood) | 205.879.3510 | athome-furnishings.com
64 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 65

• LIVING | Round-Up
• LIVING | Vignette
PATINA
Effortlessly posh, Patina is the spot for
sophisticated home décor. Decorator Melanie
Pounds has created a haven of neutrals
and smart style that boasts furniture and
accessories to instantly elevate any space.
Blending modern style with old-world
attention to detail, each item at this chic shop
is a statement piece on its own. Located in the
heart of Mountain Brook, the store offers a
little bit of everything in a wide spectrum of
price points. From elegant sofas to tote bags
and dog leashes, this spot is the perfect place
to pick up special something that’ll become
your new favorite décor item.
2822 Petticoat Lane | 205.802.9805 | shoppatina.com
SOHO RETRO
Pioneered by Steve Thomas, a purveyor of
mid-century modern décor, Soho Retro is
a colorful shopping destination along 18th
Street South in Homewood. Thomas makes
sure to keep the store stocked with one-ofa-kind
pieces that are equal parts functional
and beautiful. While big-box stores churn
out mid-century furniture in mass quantity,
Thomas is mindful to keep his store stocked
with only the most unique retro items.
While there, make sure to browse the vibrant
artwork that lines the walls. Most are by local
artists, who are known to hang out in the
store and explain their medium and process.
2805 18th Street South (Homewood) | 205.870.7655
| shopsohoretro.com
URBAN HOME MARKET
With 17,000 square feet filled with furniture,
lighting, and décor of all kinds, Urban Home
Market is overflowing with design options.
Savvy interior designer Kathy McMahon
opened the store in an effort to offer more
home décor options in the Highway 280
area. Located in The Village at Lee Branch,
Urban Home Market offers a revolving cast
of products, along with a design team ready
to help customers outfit their homes in
style. Along with an impressive collection of
home furnishings, the store also offers a large
selection of locally and regionally sourced
artwork and jewelry.
1001 Doug Baker Boulevard | 205.980.4663 |
urbanhomemarket.com
BEJEWELED
Necklaces hanging on the wall also serve
as decór and are a throw to Hellmers'
background in jewelry. Selecting necklaces in
similar colors to the decór help them blend
seamlessly into the home's aesthetic.
FEATHER YOUR NEST
The paintings, furnishings, and decorative
accents throughout Hellmers’ home come
from flea markets, antiques stores, and
galleries across the nation and around the
world. “ From a pair of 1920 vintage peacock
lamps to an assortment of insects, there’s
visual interest at every angle.
An Eclectic
Collection
by ANDREA FANNING
Long Island native Chatham Hellmers honed
her skills in visual art and merchandising at the
Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. A
buying trip brought her to Birmingham, and the
allure of the Magic City persuaded her to stay.
Her signature style shows up in her work with
jewelry and accessories, as well as in her chic
and unique downtown loft pictured here.
UNDER COVER
The simple addition of a glass cloche atop a
favorite find turns the decorative tree of birds
into a tiny treasure. Hellmers also relied on
metal shelves to elevate the look in both
height and aesthetic in this vignette.
ON A ROLL
Tables and cabinets that already
have casters give the ability to
easily move things around when
inspiration strikes. This means the
home's look is continually evolving
and constantly rotating. This piece in
particular is an old hospital gurney.
Top to bottom: Patina. Soho Retro. Urban Home
Market. (Photos by Kelsey Justice and provided
by Urban Home Market)
66 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 Photo by CARY NORTON
APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 67

• LIVING |
Wish List
by
SHEEPISH GRINS
Lamb planter (plants sold separately),
$39, at Leaf N Petal at the Gardens;
leafnpetal.com
SOUTHERN STAPLE
Rabbit butter dish by Hope & May,
$190, at Table Matters;
table-matters.com
AT YOUR SERVICE
Salad serving set by Casafina in
Seafoam, $55, at Table Matters;
table-matters.com
CENTER OF ATTENTION
Faux floral spring wreath (for door or
centerpiece), $64, at Leaf N Petal at
the Gardens; leafnpetal.com
EASTER
READY
Celebrate the season of renewal with
springtime finds sure to brighten the table
and exude joy for days to come.
ANDREA FANNING
SUNNY BUNNY
Felt rabbit with carrot,
$27, at Lamb’s Ears, Ltd.;
lambsearsltd.com
PRETTY IN
PASTEL
Dinner plate by Casafina
in Seafoam, $28, at
Table Matters;
table-matters.com
SWEET TWEETS
Miniature ceramic birds, $4 each, at
Leaf N Petal at the Gardens;
leafnpetal.com
NATURAL TOUCH
Bistro teak flatware 5-piece place
setting, $95, at Table Matters;
table-matters.com
WE’RE ALL EARS
Hemstitched napkins in Sky
Blue, $6 each, and bunny ear
napkin rings, $15 for set of
4, both at Lamb’s Ears Ltd.;
lambsearsltd.com
EGG-CELLENT ACCENTS
Decorative robin’s eggs, $12 for a set,
at Table Matters; table-matters.com
FIND YOUR PLACE
Coated Placemat in Natural, $39, at
Table Matters; table-matters.com
RAINBOW RUNNER
Stripe paper table roll, $29, at Lamb’s
Ears Ltd.; lambsearsltd.com
VINTAGE VIBES
Vintage glassware in Green, $12 each,
at Lamb’s Ears Ltd.; lambsearsltd.com
GILDED EDGE
Ruffle cake plate in Pink, $60,
at Lamb’s Ears Ltd.; lambsearsltd.com
68 | Birmingham | APRIL 18
Photos by CARY NORTON

• LIVING |
Shop Local
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Pillow
DEGA
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Birmingham’s
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AT THE JUXTAPOSITION OF
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Owner Michelle
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Here, she started her
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From classic black-and-white
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pillows are made with vintage
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the growth of women’s rights.
LAGUNA
18"x19"
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When selling or buying a home,
having the right real estate agent
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70 | Birmingham | APRIL 18
Headshot by ANGELA KAREN
Photo by CARY NORTON

Guy Bradley
SPECIAL PROMOTION
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Charles Perlis
Anna Frances Bradley
Tiffany Bittner
Sandi Prater
Erle Fairly
Marcus Kennedy
Nicole Hardekopf
Christi Kallam
Introducing our newest
agent, Katy Pulvere
THE BRADLEY PERLIS GROUP
When it comes to buying or selling
a house, everyone has different
personalities, ideas, and needs. It is
key to find a real estate agent that
complements your personality and
understands your requirements.
The Bradley Perlis Group (BPG) was
formed at the beginning of the year
with that individualized attention in
mind. Anna Frances and Guy Bradley,
along with Charles Perlis, three of
Birmingham’s top producers, formed a
business partnership through LAH Real
Estate to cater to Birmingham’s fastpaced
real estate environment. BPG
recently brought in experienced agent,
Katy Pulvere, as an associate to work
on their team.
As the Bradley Perlis Group continues
to expand, they intend to hire other top
talent in the real estate industry to be
a part of the team. Each team member
brings their unique network, market
knowledge, expertise, and personality
to the group, making the buying and
selling process seamless.
With a genuine desire to help clients
through the highly competitive spring
real estate scene, the BPG agents
keep their work ethic, standards and
practices very high. Their agents
work together to create detailed
plans tailored to each client’s specific
goals. In multiple offer situations, BPG
associates are prepared with offers that
are stronger and more comprehensive
than the competition.
Having a LAH-Bradley Perlis Group
sign in your yard indicates quality real
estate professionalism renowned in
Birmingham.
“The proven stability, reputation and
market share performance of LAH has
always been, and continues to be, the
highlight of our real estate business,”
explains Anna Frances Bradley. “That’s
why we’ve been here for almost 20
years. Whatever your buying and
selling needs are, you can expect the
highest quality and most individualized
attention from our agents.”
At Bradley Perlis Group, we will get
it done.
THE ERLE FAIRLY GROUP
ARC Realty Company is A Relationship
Company that keeps its clients top of
mind. The Erle Fairly Group at ARC
Realty is founded on trust, and will
exceed your expectations by going
above and beyond to ensure you have
the best experience possible when
buying or selling your home. The Erle
Fairly Group (EFG) was formed in the
fall of 2017. Under the leadership of
one of Birmingham’s top producers,
the group consists of six experienced
realtors: Erle Fairly, Tiffany Bittner,
Nicole Hardekopf, Marcus Kennedy,
Christi Kallam, and Sandi Prater.
We understand that you have many
options when it comes to finding
a realtor, however the Erle Fairly
Group stands out above the rest
with impeccable customer care and
professionalism. Each team member
brings a unique aspect to the group,
whether it be their personality,
network, skills or expertise with the
highly-competitive Birmingham market.
We also have a client appreciation
program to stay in touch and provide
additional service long after the sale is
complete.
When you’re looking for a realtor with
skills and attention beyond compare,
choose the Erle Fairly Group.
Get In Touch:
205-807-2500
205-835-4667
erlefairlygroup.com
EFG@arcrealtyco.com

Lee Marlow, Realtor, ABR
RealtySouth, Trussville East
Top Producer
205-913-9559 cell | 205-655-8877 office
LMarlow@realtysouth.com | www.LeeMarlowhomes.com
Lee Marlow has made her mark on Trussville, being named the
#1 RealtySouth Trussville agent for two years in a row in volume
and transactions and ranked as a top producer since 2009.
“My husband Tyler and I moved to Trussville 20 years ago
when he took a teaching/coaching job in Pell City. We
purchased our first home here, and still live in that same
‘first home’ with our three daughters,” stated Marlow.
Anchored by the historic Cahaba Homesteads, Trussville
has seen amazing growth over the years due to its
proximity to downtown coupled with an amazing school
system and community. Trussville is a great place to call
home for commuters, families, and people of all ages.
When looking to buy or sell, Marlow encourages clients to
establish a relationship with a realtor that is professional,
knows the community, and can guide buyers/sellers thru
each step of the process. Buying or selling a home can be
one of the biggest financial decisions of a person’s life, so
finding a full time professional that you trust to work on
your behalf is vital.
If you’re in the market to buy or sell,
be sure to call Lee Marlow!
Ray & Poynor Properties
is proud to announce the partnership of
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
By far the best realtor I have ever had! Attention to detail, high energy, extremely well informed about the market and sale price setting.
Very adept By far at the handling best realtor multiple I have potential ever had! buyers Attention while to detail, at the high same energy, time dealing extremely with well a informed uncooperative about the tenant. market Exhibited and sale the price highest setting.
level of
Very adept at handling multiple potential buyers while at the same time dealing with a uncooperative tenant. Exhibited the highest level of
professionalism from listing to closing – S. Davenport
professionalism from listing to closing – S. Davenport
Jennifer Jennifer didn’t didn’t just help just help me find me find a house, a house, she she helped helped me me find find a home. I I couldn’t couldn’t have have asked asked for for a better a better home home buying buying experience experience or a better
or a better
real estate real estate agent. agent. She was She was patient, patient, understood exactly what I I was looking for, for, addressed my my concerns, concerns, explained explained what what I needed I needed to avoid,
to avoid,
and always and always had my had best my best interest interest mind. mind. She She will will be be the the first person I contact when it comes it comes time time for me for to me make to make another another move move – I. Hibbs
– I. Hibbs
Jennifer Jennifer was very was pleasant, very pleasant, and and down down to to earth, but but she remained professional throughout the the entire entire process. process. The house The house had been had on been the
on the
market market multiple multiple times times in the in last the last 10 10 years, years, and and Jennifer was the only realtor to to sell sell the the house house AND AND at the at price the price we were were wanting. wanting. I have
I have
recommended recommended her and her will and continue will continue to do to do so. so. She She takes takes the the time to explain things things and and isn’t isn’t pushy. pushy. She She truly truly is a diamond-in-the-rough is a diamond-in-the-rough of
of
thousands of realtors. We are so grateful for meeting her and appreciative of her help in finally getting our house sold – M. Hardman
thousands of realtors. We are so grateful for meeting her and appreciative of her help in finally getting our house sold – M. Hardman
I CAN HELP YOU TOO...
I CAN HELP YOU TOO...
Jennifer Carns Tarr,
ABR, RCC
Jennifer 205-222-5313
Carns Tarr,
ABR, RCC
205-222-5313
jtarr@realtysouth.com
A8531911-01
jtarr@realtysouth.com
A8531911-01
Margaret Camp
205-567-6091
mcamp@raypoynor.com
Susannah Camp
205-243-3510
scamp@raypoynor.com
Ray & Poynor is pleased to provide our community with many extremely qualified agents. Recently, two of our dedicated representatives,
Margaret and Susannah Camp, have teamed up to deliver exceptional service for our community and clients.
Michael Thomason is passionate about real estate with a focus on a
positive experience for his clients. "Purchasing and selling a home
may be stressful and overwhelming, but focusing on a positive
experience and their home needs makes for a successful
experience," says Michael .
Having been in the banking industry for 20 plus years Michael
brings a wealth of experience not only in real estate but project and
financial management. Michael has established himself as a man of
integrity who consistently goes above and beyond. His personal
touch is strengthened by his expertise of the market and strategic
management of transactions and the housing market. With his
unique background and personal touch approach, he would be an
asset in navigating the housing market. Michael in his own words,
"My work isn't just real estate; it's about serving my community and
helping to get my neighbors where they want to be.
These sisters-in-law have a passion for real estate, enjoy people and are business minded with excellent marketing and negotiating skills.
Margaret and Susannah understand the importance of buying and sellling a home and work tirelessly to deliver a memorably pleasant
real estate experience with personalized service and attention to detail. We know you will be pleased with their service and dedication.
raypoynor.com
2629 cahaba rd. birmingham al 35223 205-879-3036
Michael Thomason
205-873-3094 | jmichael@lahrealestate.com
“We couldn't have asked for a better realtor! We loved Michael. He
helped us buy two houses and sell one. Super patient with my elderly
parents and sometimes wishy-washy client. He went above and beyond
anything we could have imagined on our own. He helped with staging
our home and it looked beautiful. He has a wonderful attitude and spirit.
We would recommend him to everyone!”
-Katherine and Dustin

Becky & Howard Haynie
Proudly Present their
Selection of Homes for Sale in The Ridge on Lake Martin.
BEAUTIFUL
BIRMINGHAM
HOMES&
GARDENS
Becky & Howard
Haynie
334.312.0928
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If you are considering buying or selling anywhere on the lake,
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1085 North Ridge
Be inspired by three
well-designed homes and
three equally stunning
gardens that all are
picture-perfect examples
of Birmingham living.
PHOTO BY ABRAHAM ODREZIN

BIRMINGHAM HOMES I Kitchen Goals
KITCHEN
GOALS
A necessary kitchen renovation led to much
more in this Mountain Brook home.
BY LAURA MCALISTER
PHOTOS BY JEAN ALLSOPP
TO SAY COURTNEY PATE ENJOYS
COOKING WOULD BE AN UNDERSTATEMENT.
She has a collection of cookbooks that
numbers well over 100, though her husband
Russell says it’s probably more like 300. While
he unwinds at the end of the day with The Wall
Street Journal and a glass of wine, Courtney
reaches for one of her prized cookbooks.
“That’s her thing,” Russell says. “She loves to cook
and play in the kitchen.”
When the couple purchased their Mountain
Brook home in 2011, the kitchen was far from their
favorite spot. It was closed off and unbearably hot
during the daytime when the afternoon sun shined
THIS PAGE: Top to bottom: The home’s kitchen includes a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf to house all of
Courtney’s cookbooks. As part of the renovation, the Pates ended up expanding their living room and opening
it to the kitchen. OPPOSITE PAGE: An oversized island is the focal point of the kitchen, and pecky cypress
cabinets with white marbe countertops give the room a clean, modern aesthetic.
its brightest right into the space. Russell likes to
joke that food wasn’t the only thing cooking in that
kitchen.
After dealing with the inconvenience for a few
years, the couple started to reconsider their home.
They began casually looking at homes on the
market and quickly came to the conclusion that
though their home wasn’t exactly what they wanted
(at the moment), they had a gem that could be
improved upon.
Located on 2.8 acres, the home was private yet
centrally located in a family-friendly neighborhood.
The Pates quickly realized that they weren’t going
to find a better location for them and their 9-yearold
daughter. The lot offered plenty of land to
create outdoors spaces for the three to enjoy
along with family and friends. The kitchen,
they discovered, was the main part of the
house that wasn’t working for them.
Courtney and daughter Stella are avid
HGTV network fans, so they knew exactly
what they wanted in a renovation project.
Courtney also knew just who she wanted to
do the job.
The Pates hired Christopher Architecture
& Interiors, and began work on the project
in 2016.
“My wife loves their work,” Russell says.
“And, of course, I do, too.”
Joanna Goodman, Christopher vice
president and designer, says the project
originally started as a kitchen renovation and
pool addition, but evolved into much more.
The Pates ended up expanding the living
room; adding a bedroom and bathroom to
the third level; and adding a porch, outdoor
kitchen, pool, and new Alaskan cypress roof to
the home.
Though it took more than a year to
complete—and the family lived in the house
during the entire process—Russell says it was
worth the wait to customize the space for their
family’s needs. “Now that we’ve been in the
house, I can say that,” he laughs.
As part of the renovation, each member of
the family got a little something they’d always
wanted. For Courtney it was the kitchen, of
course. Joanna says initially, she had a hard time
letting go of the existing design.
“It was a beautiful kitchen,” she recalls.
“I was thinking, ‘Why would you want to
renovate this? This is beautiful,’ but I had to
step outside and get past that.”
After spending some time thinking over
the kitchen in the hot afternoon sun, Joanna
says she changed her tune. Her first goal was
to create a space that offered spectacular views
without being a hot box. Courtney wanted the
kitchen to be a place people wanted to gather.
To do so, they opened up the space and
added a large pantry, complete with ovens
and freezer drawers. Joanna says this blocked
some of the harsh sunlight, while also leaving
more room for entertaining in the kitchen
where an oversized island became the definite
centerpiece. The pecky cypress cabinets, topped
with white marble, give the room a clean,
modern aesthetic.
Since Courtney loves her cookbooks, a
floor to ceiling bookshelf, complete with a
rolling ladder, was designed to house all 300
of them. There’s also a built-in desk for Stella
to work on her homework, while her mother
cooks. Joanna says now the space truly is
the hub of the home—just as the family
78 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 79

BIRMINGHAM HOMES I Kitchen Goals
BEFORE
THIS PAGE: The back of the home features a large pool and ample outdoor area for entertaining.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Clockwise: The home during renovations. The home’s brick was painted
white and the front entrance is adorned with gas lanterns and greenery. The landscaping around
the pool is comprised of synthetic turf with pavers. A sunroom off the kitchen offers great views
of the pool. An outdoor kitchen was on Russell’s wishlist for the renovation.
always wanted.
“Before it was small right before a
massive window,” Joanna says of the
former kitchen. “It kind of isolated her.
No one wanted to come in there. Now, it’s
the axis.”
The kitchen is now open to the dining and
family rooms, as well as the new back porch
and pool. There, Courtney also had some
ideas that Christopher brought to fruition.
The pool is a relaxing getaway,
complete with an in-water tanning
lounge. The landscaping around it is
comprised of synthetic turf with pavers
to give a sophisticated look that’s also easy
to maintain.
The pool addition was something for
the whole family to enjoy, but when it
came to Russell’s special space, it was all
about an outdoor kitchen and basement,
complete with a wine cellar renovation.
“That’s the only thing I think I really
wanted,” he says. “It’s really great, and
we’ve really enjoyed it.”
As for Stella, she got her space, in the
small third floor that was added to the
house as her domain.
The focal point of the third-floor space,
Russell says, is the chimney that’s flanked by
built-in bookshelves, creating the perfect
cozy reading nook where Stella can enjoy
her books.
Russell admits that it wasn’t easy living
in their house as it was being transformed
around them, but he’s quick to add that it’s
now a home that the whole family adores.
“If you asked me during…I’m not
sure what I’d say,” Russell laughs.
“But now that I’m living in it and
enjoying it, it was worth it. Not sure
I’d do it again as for living in it, but I’d
definitely use Christopher Architects and
Joanna again.”
RESOURCES:
Architecture & Design: Christopher
Architecture & Interiors
80 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 81

A MODERN
MAKEOVER
The home’s steep, winding staircase was replaced
with one grand staircase leading directly to the pool.
What started as a simple pool-house
addition ended up as a total
home renovation.
BY LAURA MCALISTER
PHOTOS BY TOMMY DASPIT
WHEN LAURA AND NORM WINSTON
purchased their home in the Cherokee Bend
neighborhood of Mountain Brook, they knew
it would need some updates.
When it came time to improve their home,
they decided a pool house would be the perfect
addition. The pool was a favorite spot of the
then family of five, but the walk to and from
the house was tedious due to steep winding
stairs that the family went up and down just to
enjoy their pool. A pool house was the ideal
solution to that problem.
They brought in architect Adam Gerndt
of Adams-Gerndt Design Group to design
the new pool space. The more they saw of
his plans, the more they liked it, which got
them thinking about updating more than
just their pool space.
“When we were looking at the drawings
for the pool house, everything just started
coming together,” Laura recalls. “We had
gotten to the point where we knew we wanted
something more modern and contemporary
for our house, but we also wanted to make it
mesh with the neighborhood.”
In addition to the pool house, the
Winstons had Gerndt take on a full house
renovation with the goal of giving them the
modern interior living space they desired,
while respecting the historic neighborhood
in which the house is located.
One of Laura’s main goals for the
renovation was to make more space,
especially as they welcomed a new baby into
the family. The best way to do that, Gerndt
determined, was to build up. Adding
another level also gave the home—which sits
at the bottom of a steep hill—an impressive
BEFORE
82 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 83

BIRMINGHAM HOMES I A Modern Makeover
THIS PAGE: Clockwise from top left: Pavers line the way to a wooden
gate. A pool-house addition was the catalyst for an entire home
renovation in this project. During the renovation, the home went from
one story to two, and the exterior brick was painted a modern white.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Top to bottom: The living room ceiling extends to
the second floor. A parlor off the kitchen is perfect for
pre-meal gatherings.
street presence. The dated reddish brick was
painted a sophisticated white, transforming
the modest ranch into an elegant colonialstyle
house.
“The goal, especially with the front of
the house, was to maintain the context of
the neighborhood,” Gerndt says. “In the
back, we opened it up a little and made it
more modern.”
In the backyard, Gerndt replaced the
rickety winding stairs with one grand
staircase that leads directly from the
basement to the pool.
Laura says utilizing the backyard also was
a priority during the renovation. The couple
now has four children ranging in age from
18 months to 19 years old, and the backyard
is still one of their most-used areas.
“We wanted to encourage family time,”
Laura says. “We wanted a backyard that
would be inviting to all ages.”
A pool, tennis court, and basketball area
provide all the variety for fun the family
needs, and the pool house makes those
spaces even more inviting, Laura adds.
In the main house, Gerndt brought the
outdoors inside. A wall of windows in the
back of the house starts with the glass doors
on the basement level and extends to the
second story, allowing the pool to be the
main focus in the family room. The massive
windows also served a dual purpose in
letting lots of natural light into the home.
While the outside of the home is
traditional, Norm and Laura agreed that
they wanted a modern aesthetic inside.
“Inside is where we could really focus
on our personal styles and preferences,”
Laura says. “We really like clean lines and
neutral colors—contemporary but with a
minimalist approach.”
Inside, the floor plan is open, with
the living-room ceiling extending to the
second level. An open staircase leads to
the additional bedrooms upstairs, with the
master on the main level of the home.
Aside from the wall of windows in the
two-story living room, the focal point in
the living room is the steel firebox. The
custom-made piece adds to the modern feel
of the space, as does an acrylic accent chair
and the bubble-glass chandelier.
The living room opens to the kitchen,
which also has a clean, contemporary design.
The waterfall island and countertops are
white, vein-cut marble and the backsplash
is glass tile. The floor-to-ceiling cabinets
match the clean lines of the veining in
the countertops and island. To add a little
dimension to the kitchen, the trim around
the windows is deeper than usual.
“They have a little bit of a deeper profile,
BEFORE
84 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 85

BIRMINGHAM HOMES I A Modern Makeover
THIS PAGE: Top to bottom: Floor-to-ceiling windows in the
living room offer stunning views of the pool out back. The
kitchen features a waterfall island and countertops in white,
vein-cut marble. OPPOSITE PAGE: Top to bottom: Norm’s guitar
collection is displayed in shadow boxes in the hallway leading
to the master bedroom. The master bedroom’s white walls are
contrasted with a dark grey headboard. The master bathroom
has a spa-like feel with white, marble walls.
which gives them some depth, so it’s not all
flat,” Gerndt says.
In addition to the kitchen, the family can
share their meals outside on the adjoining deck
or in the formal dining room. Other updated
rooms include a parlor off the kitchen that’s
perfect for pre-dinner drinks or gatherings,
and the main-level powder room that features
a floating marble sink and dark porcelain tiles
that add contrast to the small space.
“It gives it a bit of richness,” Gerndt says.
The hallway leading to the master bedroom
is lined with classic guitars in shadow boxes,
an idea Gerndt had after seeing the family’s
impressive instrument collection.
“Norm’s got an amazing collection,” Gerndt
says. “He’s got one signed by Kiss, Eric
Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan…I got the idea
to put them in shadow boxes in the hallway. It
gives it more of a gallery feel.”
That gallery of guitars leads to the master,
which has a tranquil feel. The white bedding
is contrasted with a dark grey headboard, and
a sofa in the same color sits at the foot of the
bed. Since it’s located in the back of the house
where privacy isn’t an issue, large windows
were added to one wall giving yet more views
of the pool.
The master bath has a spa-like feel with
white, marble walls and flooring contrasted
against dark quartzite countertops.
The master bedroom is the only space in
the home that slightly changed the footprint
of the existing house. Gerndt says they kept
the foundation and bumped it out to make
room for the master.
In the end, the family ended up with
everything they were looking for: a traditional
exterior with a modern interior, plus a great
pool house for family and friends.
RESOURCES:
Architecture: Adam Gerndt and Tom Adams of
Adams-Gerndt Design Group
Design: Hadley Dobson of Adams-Gerndt
Design Group
Furnishings: Janet Clifton of Defining Home
Contractor: Twin Construction
Landscape: Garner Landscape
Custom Steel Firebox: Welded Wood
86 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 87

BIRMINGHAM HOMES I In Perfect Harmony
Despite the challenges of a small lot
and zoning restrictions, Christopher
Architecture & Interiors created a
modern marvel that is right at home
in this historic neighborhood.
BEFORE
IN PERFECT
HARMONY
S
SIFTING THROUGH BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS of a
Christopher Architecture & Interiors Mountain Brook renovation
project, it’s hard to believe that the original one-story home
wasn’t a complete tear down—but Chris Reebals has proof.
“See that bush right there,” he says pointing at a picture of
the front of the new house. “That was there before.”
So was the foundation, and even some of the framing and
brick, he adds, but based on the after photos, you’d never guess.
The sloping roofline and floor-to-ceiling windows give the
home curb appeal, while keeping with the historic feel of the
Mountain Brook neighborhood. The mix of both is exactly
what was wanted by the family of four that lives there now.
The couple who purchased the house had moved to the
area about a decade ago, so a few years ago when they began
their search for a new home, they knew they wanted to be in
Mountain Brook. They also wanted a place where they could
lay roots and raise their two daughters.
When they purchased their 1940s Mountain Brook house,
the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home wasn’t right for the
family of four. They needed more space, but they also wanted
to make the most of the existing structure. Having worked with
Reebals, president of Christopher Architecture, on other projects,
they brought him in to do the job.
In the beginning, there was talk of tearing down the old
BY LAURA MCALISTER
PHOTOS BY TOMMY DASPIT
house and starting from scratch. However, strict zoning laws
and setbacks, as well as the size of the lot—84-feet wide and
160-feet deep—caused Reebals to determine that the best
option was to work with what they had.
The decision appealed to the California couple who wanted
to be good stewards to the neighborhood and the environment
by preserving everything they could, from the structure of the
house to the landscaping.
While the family knew what they wanted in their home, they
also knew Reebals was the expert, so they left the details to him.
“I’ve done a couple projects for this couple, and they’re fun
to work with,” he says. “She’s a doctor and would say, ‘I can fix
your heart; you can fix my house.’’’
That’s exactly what Reebals and his team did. The family of
four has now been in the house for about a year. What was once
a deteriorating one-story home is now a beautiful, functional
two-story home with five bedrooms and five and a half baths.
Reebals’ inspiration for this historic home was his college idol,
architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. “I always thought his
work was interesting,” Reebals says.
The early 20th century architect was known for his artistic
approach to design, and the same could be said of Reebals, who
still draws out each of his designs by hand.
This Mountain Brook renovation is reminiscent of one
of Mackintosh’s most iconic homes—Hill House in
Scotland—yet it’s also true to its own style.
For instance, the two-story window in the front of
the house is dramatically different than the Mackintosh
design, and purposefully so.
The original house was one story, and Reebals added a
second. He says the floor-to-ceiling window on the front
facade of the home unifies the home’s two levels
“I like doing two-story glass,” he says. “It breaks the
stories up, but it also makes them feel like one.”
Another wall of windows extends from the front facade of
the house, creating the symbiotic relationship Reebals desired.
The exterior of the home is Texas limestone mixed with
Indiana limestone, a juxtaposition of smooth and rough
stone. A fire pit of those same materials is a gathering
spot outdoors.
Inside, Reebals says the family wanted a more
modern approach.
“They wanted a little bit more modern interiors, and
really, we do too,” he says. “They wanted more modern,
clean lines.”
The couple kept all the walls white and the décor simple
with a neutral color palette. The modern, open feel
is most apparent in the kitchen, where Reebals opted to
nix the upper cabinets, giving more room to let in light
from two of the kitchen’s three walls that are lined with
windows. He made up for the lack of storage with a wall
of cabinets, which covers the appliances and also hides a
large walk-in pantry.
The kitchen countertops are carrera marble, and the
ceilings are pecking cypress, which provides an interesting
mix of cool stone with earthy wood.
Everywhere throughout the house, Reebals worked with
the existing structure. The bay window in the family room
and the garage are original to the 1940s home.
“They really liked the idea of using what was there,”
Reebals says. “We did too; we want to be good stewards. If
we found something of quality or value there, we used it.
We reused the brick and some of the framing.”
RESOURCES:
Architecture & Design: Christopher
Architecture & Interiors
THIS PAGE: Top to bottom: The renovation was inspired by a home designed by famous
architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The kitchen has no upper cabinets, but instead features
a wall of cabinets that serves a dual purpose in covering the appliances and a large walk-in
pantry. OPPOSITE PAGE: The home’s flat, one-story design was transformed into a beautiful
two-story home with a sloping roof and plenty of interesting angles to add curb apeal.
88 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 89

BIRMINGHAM GARDENS I A Craftsman’s Approach
A
CRAFTSMAN
APPROACH
BY ANDREA FANNING
PHOTOS BY JEAN ALLSOPP
The garden features wooden accents and plenty of sitting areas.
Thoughtful solutions and Southern charm bring
curb appeal to this arts-and-crafts-style abode.
IN BIRMINGHAM’S MT. LAUREL NEIGHBORHOOD,
NATURE AND NEIGHBORS RESIDE SIDE BY SIDE.
The planned community focuses on experience, with even
the sidewalks designed around the area’s abundant sights and
sounds. So, when residents Don and Gail Rule decided to
enhance their home’s surroundings, they resolved to focus on
elements that would blend into Mt. Laurel’s overall aesthetic
and enhance the grounds of their arts-and-crafts-style cottage.
The Rules called upon David Brush of David N. Brush
Landscape Architecture to help bring their vision to life. “Don
and Gail’s program was for me to design something simple
that looks like it’s been there,” Brush says. “Don’s main request
was to use materials that were part of the neighborhood’s
vernacular; Gail’s was the inclusion of a place where she could
plant annuals and perennials.”
The home features a wraparound porch along the front
facade and a screened porch on the side, so Brush formed
a plan to extend those two living areas into the landscape.
He wanted to create a seamless flow between them.
“Their front porch is more of a transitional space and doesn’t
provide much separation from the community sidewalk and
the house,” he says. “I intentionally developed outdoor spaces
with glimpses of the street, yet they retained enough privacy
to serve as a sanctuary of sorts. To help reinforce this, we built
a wooden trellis, gate, and fence, all of which were stained to
complement the heavy wooden timbers on the front porch.”
Since the Rules had moved from a spacious three-acre
property in St. Louis, they wanted to maximize their smaller,
narrower lot in Mt. Laurel to make the transition and
downsizing smoother. Brush helped the couple ease into
their smaller space by creating a series of interconnected yet
distinctly different garden areas. He used a layered approach
to pull it off, including a meandering sidewalk, subtle changes
in construction materials and flora, and attention-grabbing
ground cover such as Blue Star Creeper.
Says Brush, “The best plans are fully realized when topquality
craftsmanship is part of the process. You can’t
overemphasize or shortcut this fact. I’m fortunate to be able
to work with true craftsmen on this project.” The talented
team also included Blackjack Horticulture, who handled the
millwork and softscape, and Valente Martinez who performed
the masonry-related work.
Though the landscape is fairly young, the Rules are already
enjoying the fruits of their labor, which is exactly what Brush
hopes will happen with each one of his designs. He says,
“Landscape architecture is quite unique in that it’s not static,
it’s always changing. It’s been a pleasure to watch the Rules’
garden grow.”
RESOURCES:
Landscape Architecture: David N. Brush
Millwork and Softscape: Blackjack Horticulture
Masonry: Valente Martinez
90 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 91

BIRMINGHAM GARDENS I English Accents
ENGLISH
ACCENTS
Garden improvements and
installations extend the
living space and enhance the
Southern-meets-European
feel of a Homewood abode.
BY ANDREA FANNING
PHOTOS BY TOMMY DASPIT
HHOWARD AND CAROLYN NEISWENDER
spend as much time as possible in the great
outdoors. Both successful professionals, they
enjoy having a place to rest, but they also take
delight in having an ever-changing landscape
to care for and cultivate.
In the process of acquiring their English
Tudor home, they discovered a wealth
of installations in the yard—a gazebo, a
little house, a small patio, and an array
of brickwork. However, much repair and
attention were needed to make these
elements cohesive. For the overall aesthetic
of their grounds, they wanted it to be
decidedly English, with a combination of
traditional formal gardens and more casual
cottage gardens. The result is a harmonious
alfresco vernacular.
The Neiswenders gathered a group of
outdoor enthusiasts to help them bring their
vision to life: landscape architect Charles
Sowell, Aaron Plasters for installation and
hardscapes, and Bill Aroosian of Habitation
Home for exterior designs.
“Charles understood my vision for the
property,” Carolyn says. “The garden and
the home should fit seamlessly together
and complement each other. He crafted
colorful country cottage perennials while
complementing the formal walkways and
entrances to the garden.”
The design included adding a cedar
pergola, as well as updated gathering
areas that would prove both beautiful
and functional, on the rear terrace. Says
Sowell, “This area faced west and baked in
the afternoon sun.” Because of this, shade
became a driving force in the plans, and the
team worked together to refine the design in
ways that suited the English theme.
Plasters worked diligently to bring
existing lampposts back to life, and
Aroosian suggested painting them black for
a more British feel. Sowell and Plasters also
crafted hardscapes and raised herb gardens,
which play into the aesthetics while also
providing valuable resources for Carolyn’s
culinary endeavors.
As part of the renovations, the team
had to navigate several challenges. From
upgrading the sprinkler system and lighting
system, to removing standing water, problem
solving was a big part of the process.
“Before renovations, the yard was muddy
and uninviting,” Carolyn says. “But it was
difficult to part with trees and shrubbery
that provided privacy in the backyard.” The
plans addressed these concerns, and the
family remained patient in the process.
“This is a respite from the cares of day-
THIS PAGE: The garden’s design includes a cedar pergola and lots of existing brickwork.
OPPOSITE PAGE: The garden features a small gazebo as one of its main structures.
to-day life, a place to practice mindfulness
and seek peace in the wonder of nature,”
Carolyn says. “Howard and I enjoy the
gazebo—it is a wonderful place to watch
hummingbirds, as well as the neighborhood
cats who often visit to observe the afternoon
antics of the chipmunks and squirrels.
Gardens are never finished. This is step
one of two or maybe three! Our next project
is just beginning.”
A partial roof to the pergola is coming
soon, as well as a fire pit and more plants
that will allow the family to enjoy the yard
year-round. Carolyn says, “We plan to take
our time and enjoy the journey.”
RESOURCES:
Landscape Architect: Charles Sowell
Installation and Hardscapes: Aaron Plasters
Extrerior Deisgn: Bill Aroosian of
Habitation Home
92 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 93

TIMELESS
NATURE
BY ANDREA FANNING
PHOTOS BY ABRAHAM ODREZIN
Clever design and creative solutions work together to
transform a dated structure on a small lot into a charming
property with enduring appeal.
WWHEN JEAN AND JIM THOMPSON DECIDED
to build a new home in an established Mountain
Brook neighborhood, they knew it would take a
special team to help bring to fruition their vision for a
classic yet subtle home with plenty of character. The
task included tearing down an existing structure and
starting from scratch on a cramped lot adjacent to a
busy street, all while abiding by the area’s rigid codes
and restrictions.
“My husband’s background is in architectural
engineering, and we have done a lot of building projects
together. In fact, we love a building project,” Jean says.
“But this was quite a difficult job site, and we wanted to
work with people who could understand our desire for
balance in the architecture and landscape.”
The Thompsons assembled a team that included
Jeffrey Dungan Architects, Francis Bryant Construction,
landscape contractor Terry Joyner of T. Joyner, Inc., and
the landscape architects of LMO Partners. Dungan had
worked with the Thompsons on previous building projects,
and he helped give them a structure with both European
sensibility and Southern charm. “We know what we like,”
Jean says, “and it’s great to work with someone who also
knows what you like.”
Craftsmanship took top priority both inside and out.
A couple of notable exterior details include imported roof
tiles from a French monastery and stone chipped by hand
on site. And while the architectural details lined up with the
Thompsons’ hopes for their new home, the landscape
design proved difficult. They connected with LMO
Partners—David Lorberbaum, Eric McNair, and Bram
Odrezin—via a recommendation and invited them
to come by and see the existing grounds. “We were so
Left: The home’s exterior includes imported roof tiles from a
French monastery and stone chipped by hand on site. Above: The
conservatory side entrance is flanked by garden folly and greenery.
94 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 95

BIRMINGHAM GARDENS I Timeless Nature
Cal and Heather Morris have prioritized their
art collection, including work like Michael
Palmer's "Morning Comes Over the Hill," over
other niceties, such as a big wedding.
A focal fountain feature draws
you through the path of the secret
side garden. Below: A framed
view of the evergreen garden
looking out from the garage.
impressed with their professionalism,” Jean
says. “And the neatest part was when they
came back later to show us their ideas, they
had some out-of-the-box designs that they
showed us through Bram’s photography and
their sketches.”
“We try to achieve year-round interest,”
Lorberbaum says. Their plan included
a white palette—per the homeowners’
request—and a series of anchoring
evergreens, ferns, boxwoods, and more
that would give the grounds a “peek-aboo”
feel with something always in bloom
and/or of interest in every season. McNair
adds, “We think about mystique, timing,
and experience. And we try to keep things
loose and natural, while still structured
along the lines of timeless garden designs
from Europe.”
As a general practice, LMO Partners tries
to salvage as many plants and trees from the
land as possible, however the site’s condition
was poor. After saving what they could,
they proposed bringing in local varieties of
mature trees from nearby nurseries, which
ensured the final look felt indigenous.
“Like anything living, it’s constantly
growing and changing,” Jean says of the
landscape. Their family has now been
living in the custom home for more than
three years, and her affection continues to
grow as well. She says, “I love driving up to
our home, and it’s something we do every
day. What a delight to feel so good about
coming home.”
RESOURCES:
Landscape Design: LMO Partners
Architect: Jeffrey Dungan Architcects
Contruction: Francis Bryant Construction
Landscape Contractor: Terry Joyner of
T. Joyner Inc.
Garden Ornaments: Architectural Heritage
HOME is WHERE
ARTis
Intimidated by collecting art? You’re not alone--but there’s no need to fret.
Learn how—and why—to make art part of your everyday life.
the
BY CARLA JEAN WHITLEY | PHOTOS BY MICHAEL J. MOORE
96 | Birmingham | APRIL 18

HOME is WHERE
the
ART
is
Art
Festivals
Art extends outside gallery walls, and area festivals
are one of the more low-key ways to peruse the work
of dozens of artists in a single day. Mark your calendar
for these festivals, which will both satisfy your
curiosity and introduce you to artists from near and far.
MAGIC CITY ART CONNECTION
(APRIL 27-29): The mother of Birmingham art
festivals, with 35 years of history and 200 artists
filling Linn Park each year. The event highlights both
a featured and emerging artist each year. 2018’s
featured artist is Lisa Krannichfeld, whose portraits
of women break tradition. Women have historically
been passive subjects, but Krannichfeld shows their
disinterest and defiance through their expressions.
Emerging artist Mia Badham makes sculptures of
paper and ceramics, and finds inspiration in concepts
of time and memory. magiccityart.com
CAL AND HEATHER MORRIS weren’t what you would call
wealthy. He was a manager at Starbucks, she was a dancer. But
the couple has always believed that art is essential to their lives.
So when they married, they eschewed rings and a fancy ceremony.
Instead, they purchased a painting.
“It really speaks to a part of my and Heather’s journey,” Cal
says. He and Heather are both drawn to distorted portraits, and
such work is a significant part of their collection. “We’re really
distorted, so there are definitely ugly sides and beautiful sides to
who we are,” Cal says.
The Morrises regularly turned to Keith Hawthorne of the nowclosed
Hawthorne Gallery. His mission was to make purchasing
art accessible for all, and he showed works by artists from a range
of experiences and mediums.
“It brings you more into the reality of what life is,” Cal says.
“I just love how art speaks differently to different people.”
Life has changed significantly since the early days of the
Morrises’ marriage. The couple now owns Church Street Coffee &
Books in Crestline Village, and Heather is a company artist with
Arova Contemporary Ballet. Having three kids also has altered
the couple’s financial priorities. But the Morrises continue to add
to their art collection as they’re able, often by purchasing smaller
pieces while traveling.
“It makes home home. It’s not impersonal things that look
good,” Cal says. “It makes our space our space.”
HOW TO GET STARTED
It’s hard to imagine Eileen Kunzman without art. Kunzman is
the founder of Birmingham’s largest art festival, Magic City Art
Connection, and has worked in the field for decades. Her passion for
art easily exceeds the space on her walls; her son and colleague Alex
has joked that she leans art against the wall, perfectly positioned so a
smaller work allows a glimpse of a larger one.
Although she’s accumulated expertise over the years, Kunzman’s
advice to an aspiring art collector is simple: Start however you like.
“The big deal is to go out and look, look, look, and ask questions.”
The 35-year-old MCAC, to be held April 27-29 this year, is one
opportunity to take in a lot of art in a casual atmosphere. The festival
fills Linn Park with 200 artists of varying mediums. It’s a good starting
point for purchasing original pieces, but you might also visit other art
festivals, galleries, museums, university exhibitions, craft fairs, estate
sales, eBay, and secondhand stores.
Regardless of where you look, you don’t need an art education
or understanding of why you like what you like, Kunzman says.
Instead, she advises starting a collection based on an emotional
connection to art. Taking that approach—rather than focusing
on filling blank wall space—will ensure a collection that endures
over time.
“It’s just responding to something that strikes a chord, and then
looking at it in terms of how well it’s executed,” she says. “You’re
building your own environment. You’re reflecting your personality,
your desires, your quirkiness. You’re building an environment that
you’re living in day in and day out.”
OPPOSITE PAGE: The Morrises are drawn to distorted portraits, such as William Thomson’s “Head
Portrait.” THIS PAGE: Top to bottom: Mary Rooney helps her clients incorporate art collections into
their homes including this piece, “Yin Yang” by Birmingham artist Troy Crisswell. One of the Morris’
paintings, Patrick Atkinson’s “Cast Our Hands,” hangs above a bookshelf.
SLOSS MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
(JULY 14-15): Yes, music takes top billing at this
4-year-old festival. But art’s in the name for a reason.
Use breaks between sets to take in the event’s arts
and crafts vendors in the artist village. Bonus: The
tents provide much-needed shade! slossfest.com
ARTWALK (SEPT. 8-9): Discover Birmingham’s
loft district and 100 regional artists during this annual
juried art show. Friday night is always a bit of a
celebration as downtown comes to life. Saturday is
a slower-paced, family-friendly opportunity to stroll
among the work. birminghamartwalk.org
BLUFF PARK ART SHOW (OCT. 6):
Celebrate 55 years of this Hoover event. Proceeds
benefit local arts education, and the show’s top prize
winner is added to the association’s permanent
collection, on display throughout area institutions.
bluffparkartassociation.org
KENTUCK FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
(OCT. 20-21): Folk and contemporary art
fans should save the date for Northport’s (near
Tuscaloosa) sprawling festival, which is in its 47th
year. The gathering always includes live music and
demonstrations by artists. kentuck.org
MOSS ROCK FESTIVAL (NOV. 3-4): This
12-year-old eco and art festival is also organized by
the team behind Magic City Art Connection. Moss Rock
embraces its natural environment, at Hoover’s Moss
Rock Preserve, and the artists who exhibit often create
work that feels at home in such an environment.
mossrockfestival.com
98 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 99

Grouping art can be a powerful way to make the work
stand out, especially if you have limited wall space,
says interior designer Mary Rooney. She also likes
to mix modern work with traditional spaces. This
collection, in a client’s home, brings together a variety
of mediums.
HOW TO BUDGET
An art collection is an investment, but it isn’t all about money. As you figure out what type of art appeals to
you, begin developing a plan for incorporating it into your budget. “Don’t be shy. If you truly have listened
and have that guttural reaction, you’ve talked and you’ve looked a lot, then figure it out,” Kunzman says. “It
should be yours.”
»»
Investigate price points. Learn what going
rates are for a range of media, whether
that’s painting, sculpture, photography,
or prints.
»»
Set an annual budget. How important is
it to bring original art into your home?
Factor that into your financial planning for
each year.
»»
Talk to a gallery or an artist about how
they can help finance your purchase.
Galleries are often willing to work out
payment plans. Cal Morris says he
often brought his tips from Starbucks to
Hawthorne Gallery until he paid off pieces.
Kunzman recalls a friend who worked out
a two-year payment plan on a $3,000 piece
20 years ago. “She loves it as much today
as she did then,” Kunzman says.
»»
Negotiate. Artist Chris Davis says, “Some
of the pieces I don’t mind fudging a bit on.
Some of the pieces I’d prefer to keep the
price tag on.” If you approach an artist
with respect, price is a conversation many
would be happy to have.
»»
Explore smaller works. If the artist or
gallerist is unable to negotiate, you may
ask if the artist has similar work at a
smaller scale. “You’re telling the artist
that you like their work, and you’re being
honest that you can’t afford it,” Davis says.
Davis in his studio
HOW TO TALK TO AN ARTIST
Birmingham artist Chris Davis has credentials. He went to art school. He
listened to art professors and read art history books. He’s a working artist.
Even so, he has doubted his right to question art critics and historians.
And that’s wrong, he says.
“Even though art is so subjective, art has, for some people, this air
of elitism and intellectualism that is almost unattainable to the common
person—which is so far from the truth,” he says. “I have my own opinions
and I have the right to question anything.”
And that’s true of any art patron. You don’t have to understand the
medium or offer an interpretation of the work. If you have the luxury of
speaking to an artist about his or her work, Davis advises approaching
with a spirit of curiosity.
Sometimes viewers introduce Davis to things he didn’t notice in his
work, he says. What they notice may not have been his intent, but the
viewer adds his or her own perspective and meaning.
When the artist isn’t available, Kunzman encourages patrons to
approach a gallerist without fear. “You’re not there to be grilled by the
gallerist,” she says. “You’re there to find out everything possible they know
about something you like. That is their job.”
“It’s one thing for art to be unattainable financially, but it shouldn’t
be unattainable as far as appreciating it,” Davis says. “You don’t learn
anything without trying and asking about it.” He suggests several
questions to start with:
»»
What is your inspiration?
»»
What do you feel about the piece?
»»
Does it have meaning to you?
»»
What makes this piece this price? That can be a taboo question,
Davis says, but it can help a patron understand just what he or she
is spending money on.
Art fills ordinary spaces in the Morris home. Cal
works beneath Ron Griswold’s “The Family.”
Learn more
»»
Create Birmingham regularly profiles artists
across mediums on its blog at
createbirmingham.org.
»»
Kunzman recommends following media such
as artnet.com, Artspace, Art Daily News, and
blouinartinfo.com.
»»
Art books are a relatively inexpensive way to
deepen your understanding while adding beauty
to your home.
»»
The Birmingham Museum of Art includes the
Clarence B. Hanson Jr. Library, full of a variety
of research materials and open by appointment.
Learn more at artsbma.org.
»»
Attend art lectures at both the BMA and
University of Alabama at Birmingham,
particularly through Abroms-Engel Institute for
the Visual Arts (uab.edu/cas/aeiva).
100 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 101

HOME is WHERE
the
ART
is
Bethany McClellan, Birmingham Museum of Art Curatorial Support
Group Manager, helps art collectors find their way. The museum offers
a variety of support groups, which provide educational opportunities
that build upon the museum and other organizations’ knowledge.
McClellan is pictured in the American art gallery with “Lady Helen
Vincent, Viscountess d’Abernon” by John Singer Sargent.
Birmingham offers an
abundance of places
to purchase original
artwork. The painting,
“Reflection” by Wellon
Bridgers, in one of
Rooney’s client’s homes,
came from Art Alley in
Homewood. Jim Goshorn
of Grant created the
sculpture “Boomer
Boogie,” which was
purchased at the Bluff
Park Art Show.
HOW TO GO DEEPER
You’re ready to commit to art, but there’s so much
out there. Short of visiting every gallery in town
and meeting dozens of artists, how can you deepen
your understanding?
The Birmingham Museum of Art may not be the
first place that comes to mind for art collectors, but it’s
an educational resource. The museum’s broad collection
allows visitors to observe an array of styles and, in the
process, learn what they’re drawn to. Its support groups
go further still, providing members with educational
resources, curator access, private collection tours, and the
option to attend art-related trips.
“Having that access to the curator and developing
a relationship is really beneficial for collectors because
they have that knowledge of the market,” says Bethany
McClellan, curatorial support group manager for
the museum.
General museum membership is a prerequisite for
joining a support group, each of which carry their own
dues. Groups offer an average of one event per month,
with summers open for individuals’ travels. Most of the
groups use their dues to acquire work for the museum’s
permanent collection, although some choose to instead
fund public programs with dues.
The museum’s newest support group, Emerging
Collectors, is geared toward people who are interested in
art but haven’t selected an area of focus. One of its signature
events is an annual collection crawl, in which members
board a bus and visit several private collections around
town. The hosts share stories of how their collections
evolved, which often were through meandering paths
before they established a specific area of interest.
Each of the other support groups also will extend
an event invitation to members of Emerging Collectors,
creating opportunity to learn about an array of art styles.
That fits perfectly with McClellan’s interests, as well. “I
never really had one little specific area that captured
my interest,” she says. “I liked learning generally about
different kinds of art and art history.”
Birmingham Museum
of Art support groups
(All prices are per year)
»»
Indian Cultural Society: $500
»»
Friends of American Art: $500, or $250 per member
younger than 40
»»
European Art Society: $500, or $250 per member
younger than 40
»»
Collectors Circle for Contemporary Art: $500, or $250
per member younger than 40
»»
Emerging Collectors: $150, or $250 per couple
»»
Asian Art Society: $250, $150 per member younger
than 40 or $50 per student
Learn how to joining a group at artsbma.org/support-groups.
HOW TO BRING
IT HOME
Interior designer Mary Rooney understands that
art can elevate a home. It’s often the starting
point when she tackles a new project. Here, she
shares tips for incorporating a budding collection
into your home décor.
»»
Bring a piece home on approval. Most
galleries will allow clients to take a piece
home for several days to see how it
looks with their furnishings and in the
available light.
»»
Group art together. This is especially
helpful if you have limited wall space or
have accumulated a number of pieces.
Pair pieces of different sizes and shapes to
make a whole out of pieces, Rooney says.
»»
Less is more. Leave some walls blank to
give the eye room to rest.
»»
Consider the tone each piece sets. A
collection of family photographs might fit
better in a hallway or a more private area,
rather than serving as a primary living
room display. Likewise, a more casual
piece of art might feel more at home in a
den than a formal living room.
»»
Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Rooney
sometimes will place a contemporary piece
in a more traditional setting to give it “a
spark of life.”
»»
If a piece no longer feels fresh to you,
consider whether you can give it new life.
Change its setting, or reframe and remat
a painting. Mat colors can become dated,
Rooney says, and that’s a simple and
inexpensive change.
»»
Buying and throwing out less expensive
pieces can be more expensive over time.
“Instead of spending a lot of money buying
a lot of different, inexpensive pieces to hang
around the house, maybe it’s better to put
all that money into one nice piece that you
can keep for a lifetime,” Rooney says.
»»
Allow your collection to reflect your
interests. “Art is a very personal thing.
Even when I buy for myself, I’ve got to
really fall in love with a piece before I want
to buy it,” Rooney says. “In time, you’ll
have a collection that reflects you. You
won’t grow tired of it.”
102 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 103

By Tara Massouleh
Photos by Cary NortoN
Illustrations by Kelsey Justice
Jones Valley Teaching Farm moved to the Central City neighborhood of downtown
Birmingham in 2007 and established their downtown Urban Farm there. Today, the site
is used as a teaching farm for the students of John Herbert Phillips Academy.
Jones Valley Teaching Farm has grown
from a catch-all farming organization
into a nationally-recognized education
model that brings food-based experiential
learning to almost 5,000 city-school
students each year.
104 | Birmingham | APRIL 18
APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 105

IT’S A FRIDAY MORNING IN MS. LITTLE’S SOCIAL STUDIES CLASS
AT PUTNAM MIDDLE SCHOOL. TODAY, THE CLASS HAS BEEN TAKEN
OVER BY LEAH HILLMAN, A JONES VALLEY TEACHING FARM (JVTF)
INSTRUCTOR. SHE SLOWLY COUNTS DOWN, “5...4...3...2...1.”
At “one”, the tremendous noise coming from 25
sixth-graders subsides, giving way to excited silence
as Hillman takes volunteers to wipe off each student’s
desk and pass out hand sanitizer. Then, the frenzy
ensues as each pod of desks is given a pile of onions,
multi-colored peppers, cabbage, and kid-proof safety
knives, and is instructed to start chopping. After each
student has had a turn with the knife, their work
is added to a pot of vinegar, sugar, and spices that
AmeriCorps VISTA member Kelly Baker has been
tending over an electric tabletop stove.
While the vegetables cook down, Hillman puts on
a slideshow showing historic figures related to black
history, and asks the students what each image has in
common. Hands shoot in the air, and answers follow.
One student hits the nail on the head by pointing out
that all the pictures have something to do with food or
eating together.
The chow chow the students have helped to prepare
(made solely from vegetables grown in JVTF school
farms) is just the starting point for a larger discussion
on the role of food in the Civil Rights Movement. But
the students aren’t only learning about the Civil Rights
Movement, they’re also learning tactical skills like how
to chop and pickle vegetables, as well as social skills
like how to work with others.
That’s typical of everything Jones Valley Teaching
Farm does—everything is multi-faceted, many skills
are gained, and there’s more to their mission than
meets the eye.
As Executive Director Amanda Storey puts it, “A
lot of people think of us as just growing food, and
we’re not that necessarily. What we do is use food—
the growing and cooking of it—as the vehicle and
foundation for learning … the foundation for science,
social studies, math, and all subjects to come alive.”
About three miles away, kindergarteners at Avondale
Elementary pick collard leaves from plants they helped
to grow in their own on-site teaching farm. They take
them to an outdoor classroom where they’re used for
a counting lesson. After, they’ll rip up the leaves and
learn to cook them.
Across town, Avondale Elementary alum and now-
Woodlawn Teaching Farm intern, Jerrick Hamilton, is
hard at work hand planting hundreds of seeds inside
the Woodlawn greenhouse. Once the seeds sprout,
OPPOSITE PAGE: Jones Valley's Good School Food program provides K–12 students the ability to participate in hands-on
activities related to farming and the culinary arts during classroom instruction at their school's Farm Lab (teaching farm).
“What we do is use food—the growing
and cooking of it—as the vehicle and
foundation for learning..."
- AMANDA STOREY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF JVTF
106 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 107

The Woodlawn High School interns, including Jerrick Hamilton (standing, center), with Woodlawn High School Program Director Scotty Feltman (standing,
second from left) and JVTF Farm Manager Mohamad Jalloh (seated, left).
they’ll get transplanted to Jones
Valley’s six other school sites.
Each of Jones Valley’s moving
parts work simultaneously
and separately, but it’s in their
togetherness where the real magic
happens—the magic that now
allows Birmingham City School
students to take part in Jones
Valley programming from the time
they start school as kindergarteners
to the time they graduate high
school. And, on increasingly more
occasions, that extends beyond
even grade school, as seen through
the many graduates of Woodlawn
High School’s internship program who have
returned to the farm in one way or another.
GROWING PAINS
Today, Jones Valley’s primary work is through
Good School Food, a food education model
that connects students to food, farming,
and the culinary arts through standardsbased,
cross-curricular lessons during the
day. Seven Birmingham City Schools,
ranging from pre-K–12, participate in
Good School Food, as well as thriving
after-school programs that include Farm
Club (where students get more hands-on
experience tending to their school’s teaching
farm), Culinary Club (in-depth cooking
lessons), and student-run farmers markets
(where students learn to run a small business
by selling their school’s harvest to teachers,
parents, and the community).
But Jones Valley’s focus wasn’t always so
laser sharp.
The organization was founded in 2002
on a little plot of land in Southside. In
2007, the farm moved to a three-acre city
block in the Central City neighborhood
of downtown Birmingham. It’s here that
Jones Valley established a new community
garden and farm center, broke ground on
its first fields, and began to grow its foodand
farm-centered programming. Today,
the downtown farm serves as the teaching
farm for the 900 K–8th grade students of
nearby John Herbert Phillips Academy. The
downtown farm is where Jones Valley, as we
know it, was formed. But it would be many
more years before the nonprofit perfected
the model it is known for today.
“When we moved downtown in 2007, we
became Jones Valley Urban Farm, and that
was all right before the big farm-to-table
movement took off, and before questions
of childhood obesity, and questions about
fresh food access and food desserts really
were being talked about,” Storey says. “So,
we were ahead of the trend, but we started
asking what does food mean to community?
What does urban agriculture mean to
Birmingham, and what could it mean?
What does it mean for something to be
locally grown? And we wanted to show what
all that could be in Birmingham.”
To do that, Jones Valley started taking
on projects—any and every project that
remotely related to their mission to
bring sustainable farming to downtown
Birmingham and introduce school-age
students to farming and cooking. They were
doing field trips to the farm, partnering with
community initiatives, teaching cooking
classes, selling produce at Pepper Place,
running a program at ASFA, and fielding
all kinds of requests in relation to gardening
and farming.
“What happened is we were spread thin,”
Storey says. “If people had a problem with
tomatoes, they would call us. We became
the catch-all with anything relating to urban
or sustainable agriculture.”
The organization continued that way for
about five years, until 2012 when founder
Edwin Marty left and Grant Brigham came
in as executive director with fresh eyes
for what Jones Valley was and could be.
He asked the small staff to step back and
consider what the organization
did best. They found that
education rose to the
top. And because the
organization is
funded entirely
through donations
from community
partners—Alabama
Power, PNC,
Regions, Sysco,
HealthSouth (now
Encompass Health),
and the list goes on—it
was important to narrow its
focus to make better use of their
yearly allocations.
APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 109

Jones Valley's
Urban Farms &
Farm Labs
1,200 taste tests
1,910 student
internship hours
for course credit
4,646 students
engaged
THIS PAGE: Clockwise from top: A map of Jones Valley's Urban Farms and Farm Labs (teaching farms). (Illustration courtesy of Jones Valley Teaching Farm). Jones Valley
lessons emphasize the interconnectedness of plants and animals, especially insects like bees. The Putnam Middle School greenhouse was built through a $10,000 grant from
The Birmingham Change Fund.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Top to bottom: JVTF Instructor Leah Hillman works with students in Putnam Middle School's outdoor classroom. The produce stand at the Downtown Urban
Farm is run after school by students from Phillips Academy.
379 varieties
of fruits &
vegetables grown
That same year, Jones Valley started
teaching lessons at Glen Iris Elementary,
and Good School Food was born. By spring
of 2013, Jones Valley’s first teaching farm at
Glen Iris was complete. And in the next five
years, five more school sites were established
with teaching farms of their own.
By 2016, Jones Valley had grown
exponentially. That year 3,500 seeds were
sown, 4,646 students were impacted, and
13,259 pounds of produce were harvested
from the seven school sites. In the 2016–
2017 school year, 1,096 lessons were taught,
259 after-school programs were held, and
Jones Valley’s staff had grown to 26. A big
part of that staff growth came in 2016 when
Jones Valley altered their structure to add
full-time instructors at each school rather
than using transient AmeriCorp VISTAs.
Hillman, who already had been working
with Jones Valley for the past two years, first
as a VISTA and then hired on as a secondyear
fellow, was one of those hires.
She’s now been at Putnam since December
2014, even before the school’s teaching farm
was finished the following February. Over the
years, Hillman has worked with nearly every
teacher at Putnam to develop lessons that
both fit with Alabama teaching standards and
that get students excited to learn. The lessons
can be cross-curricular or taught over several
weeks as a unit.
“My first group of sixth-graders were the
eighth-graders who graduated last year, so
being able to see students from the start of
their middle school career and being able to
see how they grow as individuals has been
really rewarding,” Hillman says.
Some of the students in that group of
eighth-graders even helped to design and build
the greenhouse that was completed in May of
2017 (just in time for their graduation) through
a $10,000 donation by the Birmingham
Change Fund. And now those eighth-graders
are freshmen at Woodlawn High School,
where they’ll have the chance to spend time
in another student-built greenhouse and
continue their involvement with Jones Valley.
35,000 seeds sown
1,000 lessons/year
*From 2016 Annual Report
110 | Birmingham | APRIL 18

It’s all a part of a bigger picture that starts
and ends with sustainability. Instructors get
connected with the community they work in;
students, teachers, and parents all buy in; and
the cycle continues.
BRANCHING OUT
The way the cycle has continued most
recently is with an internship program at
Woodlawn High School, which started in
2016. The program employs six to seven
juniors and seniors who receive course credit,
a weekly salary, and a $1,000 scholarship for
future studies upon graduation. The 2.5-acre
teaching farm, complete with a 1,500-squarefoot
greenhouse, debuted in spring of 2016,
and like most of Jones Valley’s projects, it
was students who envisioned, planned, and
helped execute the project.
One of those students, Mohamad Jalloh
(a 2015 Woodlawn graduate), has now been
working with Jones Valley in one way or
another since 2012, when the organization
made a presentation to his 10th grade class
proposing that Woodlawn’s sports practice
field be transformed into a farm.
“At the time it was the practice field for
football, baseball, and soccer,” Jalloh says. “I
played football, baseball, and soccer, and I
was in the government of the school, so for
me, the site was my own. They wanted to
have the input of every aspect of the students.
For me, I knew it was going to be a challenge,
but it also was an excitement.”
Jalloh moved to Woodlawn from Guinea
in 2011, and farming, he says, wasn’t foreign
to him. “It was like a piece of me coming
back,” he says.
Over the next couple years, Jalloh and a
small group of students worked with Jones
Valley to develop plans for an urban farm
and internship program. They made multiple
presentations to the school—teachers,
students, principals—and took their ideas
back to the Jones Valley staff to create the
perfect addition to the school. Though
the process was long, Jalloh says it was
well worth it for the success of the end
product, as well as the lessons learned
along the way.
“It’s a great accomplishment to be able
to drive by and say, ‘I helped get that up’. It’s
something I can rely back on in life,” Jalloh says.
“This all happened in the period of three years,
so it’s a lesson within itself. You realize your
goals don’t happen instantly. You plan them,
and you have to pursue them step by step.”
After graduating, Jones Valley hired
Jalloh as what he calls a “floating agent” to
help among the farm sites. By the end of
the summer, Woodlawn hired its first class
of interns and Jalloh was stationed there to
facilitate; later he was hired full-time as the
farm manager. Now, when he’s not in class
earning a degree in electrical engineering
at Lawson State, Jalloh can be found at the
farm, leading and inspiring the next group of
student farmers.
“I always try to talk to the students and
make them understand the moral behind
what we do,” he says. “It’s not just farming.
We did crop planting last month, so in
two months, we’ll see plants, and in five,
we’ll start harvesting. You always have to be
patient, and even when you’re waiting, you
have to work.”
Jalloh’s legacy is being upheld in a new class
of farming students, who already have told
him that they want his position if he leaves.
There’s Milo, a freshman who comes to the
farm every day—no doubt a future intern—
and there’s Jerrick Hamilton, a second-year
intern who has a special connection to the
program through Woodlawn’s program
director and environmental science teacher,
Scotty Feltman.
“I’ve known Mr. Feltman since I was in
5th grade [at Avondale Elementary where
Feltman used to teach] so he kind of brought
me out here,” Hamilton says. “I have a love
for labor, and I enjoy learning. I’m like
a sponge, so the opportunity came and I
took it.”
As an intern, Hamilton reports to the farm
every day after school and works until 5 or
5:30 p.m., weeding, transplanting, sowing
seeds, flipping compost piles, tilling the soil,
and doing his personal favorite job: making
compost. But he says his real favorite part of
his job is the people he works with through
the Jones Valley organization.
“I really feel as if the people of the program
have your best interest at heart and are willing
to do whatever it takes to better you,” he
says. “When I graduate, I want to major in
agriculture just because of Jones Valley.”
The enthusiasm for and knowledge of
farming and natural processes that Hamilton
now has is exactly what Feltman hopes to give
to all his students, interns or not.
“For me to come out here and pull crops
out of the ground and show them tiny
bacteria that're growing on the roots is
amazing,” Feltman says. “So they can actually
see these things instead of hearing about
them or watching them.”
IN FULL BLOOM
The tactical farming skills that Hamilton and
his fellow interns have learned are just the tip
of the iceberg when it comes to what every
student in the Jones Valley system stands to
gain. They’re also learning about teamwork,
professional development, leadership, problem
solving, critical thinking, self-confidence,
patience, hard work, and public speaking. The
success stories from Year One’s class of interns
serve as proof.
One former student is studying culinary
arts at Lawson State and has launched her own
cupcake business, an obvious translation of
her exposure to cooking and running a small
business through Jones Valley’s student-run
farmers markets. Another graduate is working
full time with a local chef and still comes back
to volunteer at the farm. Then there’s Jalloh
“It's a great accomplishment
to be able to drive by [the
farm] and say, I helped get
that up.'"
- MOHAMAD JALLOH
JVTF FARM MANAGER
Part of Jones Valley's mission is to expose schoolaged
students, from kingergarten through 12th grade,
to different types of fruits and vegetables, as well as
other plant species.
112 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 113

Students threw seed bombs on the roof the
Putnam Middle School outdoor classroom and
storage unit, creating a lush wall of greenery
that flows down the side of the structure.
SPECIAL PROMOTION
and Hamilton and the fact
that last year’s valedictorian
and salutatorian both
were interns.
“It’s been hugely successful in
terms of how it has fostered growth
in so many different ways,” Storey
says. “I think that just proves the
strength of the program.”
It also proves that the program
is reaching its goal for sustainability
with more than just food and farming.
Jones Valley’s biggest asset and most sustainable
element is its students.
“We get credit for our work because we work
really hard to produce a great product, but we’re
good because of the incredible students we get to
work with,” Storey says. “They make us the best
that we are.”
The specific students Jones Valley works with
also was a deliberate and conscious decision that
once again goes back to sustainability.
“We made a very specific decision to only
partner with Birmingham City Schools for a
number of reasons,” Storey says. “Primarily,
we were founded in Birmingham city and
we believe in the public school system and
believe that the future leaders of Birmingham
are in public schools, so we wanted to invest
time and resources into that school system.”
Ultimately, Storey’s hope for Jones Valley is
that she be put out of her job.
“For me, there would be nothing better
A student pulls potato plants from the ground that will later be sold at a student-run after-school farmers market.
than to see a shift in who is teaching,
who is farming, and who is leading the
organization,” she says. “I want students who
have been through the program and have
seen the work its takes, running it, shaping
it, redefining it, and ultimately owning it.
That’s what I’m most excited about and want
to happen faster than it can possibly happen.”
And if Head Intern Hamilton has anything
to say about it, he’ll be leading the charge.
When asked whether he envisions himself
working with Jones Valley past graduation
he replied: “They can’t turn me away; they’re
stuck with me. This is my first job and
my last.”
Find more information about Jones Valley at jtvf.org
BIRMINGHAM MAGAZINE conducted its ninth-annual peer reviewed
survey this winter, asking more than 4,000 local attorneys registered
with the Birmingham Bar Association for their nominations for the
area’s top lawyers in 35 practice areas.
Birmingham magazine staff members reviewed the results to vet
both the voters and the winners. The attorneys listed represent the
top five in each category, except in cases of ties, when more are listed.
Attorneys are listed with the firms they were affiliated with at the
time of the survey.
We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and relevancy of
these results, and we congratulate the winners.
114 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 115

BALCH & BINGHAM
CONGRATULATES
OUR ATTORNEYS
RECOGNIZED AS TOP
ATTORNEYS BY
BIRMINGHAM MAGAZINE.
Melanie Bradford Holliman and John R.
Holliman have a passion for elder law and
estate planning.
Amy
Adams
Stephen
Gidiere
Stan
Blanton
Ed
Haden
Chuck
Burkhart
Lee
Johnsey
Greg
Butrus
Chris
Kimble
Russ
Campbell
Phil
Nichols
Marcus
Chatterton
Chad
Pilcher
Alan
Deer
Jeremy
Retherford
With decades of legal experience, they help
clients achieve their estate planning goals.
From basic wills, revocable living trusts,
powers of attorney, and probating estates to
complex asset protection trusts, retirement
trusts, special needs trusts, and estate tax
planning, Melanie and John guide their clients
through their options and work to develop a
plan that fits the clients’ specific needs.
Melanie and John apply their vast knowledge
of VA regulations, Medicaid regulations, and
trust law when developing clients’ long-term
care plans while also preserving assets and
their estate plan goals.
Brandon
Robinson
Jeff
Starling
Patrick
Strong
Predictability is exciting. ®
Will Hill
Tankersley
Tim
Tracy
Bradford and Holliman, LLC
2491 Pelham Parkway Pelham, AL 35124
www.bradfordholliman.com
205-663-0281
PHONE NUMBER
WEB ADDRESS
888-254-2466
www.balch.com
Alabama Florida Georgia Mississippi Washington, DC
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to
be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be
performed by other lawyers.
No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

Brett Hollett’s main focus throughout his
legal career has been centered around
helping people. He truly believes the best
way to do that is to first listen to his clients’
needs and then provide them with a voice
to help level the playing field. His practice is
concentrated in the areas of Personal Injury,
Car Accidents and Wrongful Death. He
understands how important each case is and
appreciates the opportunity to serve and help
his clients in their time of need.
Meredith Maitrejean strives in her career to be
compassionate. As an attorney, she listens to
her clients and their stories and ensures that
she is attentive and accessible. She enjoys
taking the time to explain the process of a
lawsuit to her clients and makes sure that no
questions go unanswered. Meredith’s practice
is centered around medical and nursing
home litigation. Meredith is grateful to have
the opportunity to help people every day, and
for all of the people she has met along the
way in doing so.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is
greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.
Drawing from our Past, Innovating for the Future
Cabaniss Johnston congratulates our Attorneys recognized as Top Attorneys by Birmingham Magazine
Housed in the stately and Historic AB Loveman
House in Highland Park, the boutique-styled law
firm of Peeples & Davis concentrates solely on
cases involving family matters such as divorce,
child custody and support, as well as adoption
and assisted reproductive technology. The AVrated
firm is known for handling complex cases
that include division of assets of substantial
estates and closely-held businesses. They also
are at the forefront of the world of assisted
reproductive law in Alabama and work very
hard to help people have children and start their
families.
“You can’t deliver the high level of attention
hurting families deserve if you have a large
caseload; and you can’t dabble in this rapidly
changing legal discipline and expect to stay up
to date,” explains Peeples, a 17-year veteran of
the field who is consistently chosen as one of
Birmingham’s “Top Attorneys” in Birmingham
Magazine, and is a former Chair of the Family Law
Section of the Alabama State Bar.
An undergraduate of the University of Georgia,
Candi Peeples earned her law degree, cum laude,
from Cumberland School of Law at Samford
University in 2000. A Fellow in the American
Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, as well as a
Fellow in the International Academy of Family
Lawyers, Candi is also a Board-Certified Family
Law Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial
Advocacy. She has been selected for several
years as a Rising Star by Alabama Super Lawyer
Magazine.
While it would be easy to measure the firm’s
success in terms of settlements and awards, the
team considers intangible outcomes the best
measure of success.
G. Thomas Sullivan Healthcare
Nancy W. Ball Trust/Estates
Jason W. Bobo Insurance Defense
R. Carlton Smyly Construction
F. Gerald Burnett Commercial Real Estate
Michael E. Turner Labor Unemployment
David S. Dunkle ERISA
Roy J. Crawford* Tax
*not pictured
Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner,
Dumas & O’Neal LLP
2001 Park Place North, Suite 700
Birmingham, AL 35203
205-716-5200 | www.cabaniss.com
“We try to help our client’s through the inherent
unpleasantness that comes with many family law
situations and move on with their lives, having
the tools and mental attitude to successfully
manage future situations that may arise,” explains
Peeples. “Our goal is not to merely help a client
survive, but to help prepare them to thrive in the
next stage of their lives.”
Candace B. Peeples
2956 Rhodes Circle South
Birmingham, Alabama 35205
(205) 403-5577
Peepleslaw.com
No representation is made that the quality of legal
services to be performed is greater than the quality of
legal services to be performed by other lawyers.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is
greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.

Glenda Cochran is an experienced trial
lawyer and owner of Glenda Cochran
Associates Attorneys at Law. Her work
is focused in providing advocacy for
individuals who have suffered serious injury
and representation for families of victims
who have died as a result of negligence or
wrongdoing.
Ms. Cochran received her undergraduate
degree from the University of South
Alabama, M.P.A. from the University
of Alabama, and J.D. degree from
Cumberland School of Law. While at
Cumberland, she was an ATLA National
Trial Team Competition Champion and
Regional Winner and was passionately
drawn to pursue litigation. Excelling in
the nationally renowned trial advocacy
program at Cumberland, Ms. Cochran was
the first woman to win placement in the
program. She went on to win in regional
and national competitions and her success
and ambition led to her career as a trial
lawyer.
Glenda Cochran’s work is founded upon
accountability, fairness, excellence, and
an unending search for truth as she
diligently fights as an ally for her clients.
This devotion has earned her the highest
possible AV Preeminent® rating in both
legal ability & ethical standards from
Martindale-Hubbell®. Her practice areas
of focus as a personal injury attorney
include catastrophic and burn injuries,
wrongful death, workplace injuries and
industrial negligence, premises liability,
product liability, medical malpractice, and
explosion injuries.
Throughout her 25 years of service, Ms.
Cochran has seen firsthand that the
outcome of a case will determine a client’s
future quality of life. Her success, and
the success of her clients, is established
through strong personal relationships that
endure even after the trial is over. Glenda
Cochran is committed as a partner and
an ally, and in her quest for truth, she will
leave no stone unturned.
As an experienced real estate attorney,
Caroline Harrington Allen has been an asset
to the Birmingham real estate market for 15
years.
Prior to completing her law degree, Caroline
gained experience locally working in the
real estate department of a large law firm.
Caroline joined William Halbrooks in 2012 to
start Halbrooks & Allen, LLC. Her knowledge
and attention to detail coupled with his 40
years of real estate experience gives their firm
the ability to provide knowledgeable, detail
oriented service to home buyers and sellers, as
well as mortgage and real estate professionals
throughout the state of Alabama.
Since the formation of Halbrooks & Allen,
Caroline and Bill have closed thousands of
residential and commercial transactions while
remaining committed to excellence in service.
This commitment to customer satisfaction and
their collective experience in curative title work
has created a track record of success for clients
and real estate partners.
Halbrooks & Allen, LLC provides accurate and
ethical professional services tailored to meet
the unique needs of each client. When facing
challenges, they meet them with experience
and expertise that guarantees successful
and timely real estate transactions. Caroline
is “Best Practices” certified through ALTA
(American Land Title Association). She finds
great satisfaction participating in a first-time
homebuyer’s experience. Caroline is married
to Tanner Allen, they have a two-year-old son,
Harry. They are active members of Shades
Mountain Baptist Church and she serves on the
Board of Directors for Sav-A-Life Foundation.
Glenda Cochran Associates Attorneys at
Law Birmingham Personal Injury Lawyer
310 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North,
Suite 500, Birmingham, AL 35203
Toll-Free (888) 906-3955
Local (205) 328-5050
glendacochran.com
Halbrooks & Allen, LLC
#1 Independence Plaza, Suite 704
Birmingham, AL 35209
205.871.0780
Halbrooksallen.com
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to
be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be
performed by other lawyers.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to
be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be
performed by other lawyers.

Goldasich & Associates, LLC is a
nationally recognized civil litigation
firm representing individuals,
families, and businesses that have
been injured or damaged as a
result of the wrongful conduct
of other individuals or entities.
Attorneys Dennis Goldasich, Josh
Vick, Andrew Fulk, and Justin
Owen represent clients throughout
Alabama and across the United
States, handling a wide spectrum
of cases involving catastrophic
personal injury, medical
malpractice, breach of contract,
theft or misuse of trade secrets,
product liability, complex business
litigation, and class action claims.
The firm has developed a reputation
for taking on extremely difficult
cases and successfully representing
individuals and businesses in claims
against some of America’s largest
corporations.
The attorneys at Goldasich &
Associates have gained national
notoriety by obtaining record results
including a $63,000,000 settlement
in a fraud action, a $12,500,000
settlement in a commercial fraud
case, a $6,000,000 verdict against
a Michigan-based corporation that
stole trade secrets and formulas
from a local Birmingham-based
company, a $9,300,000 verdict
in a case involving the wrongful
death of a teenage boy, and a
$9,000,000 settlement for a young
woman who had been paralyzed
in a commercial trucking accident.
Some of the firm’s recent results
include a $7,500,000 settlement of
a deadly trucking accident, several
multi-million dollar birth injury
settlements, and a record setting
$10,000,000 medical malpractice
verdict. To date, the attorneys
at Goldasich & Associates have
obtained more than $250,000,000
in verdicts and settlements for their
clients.
As a result of the firm’s success
in the courtroom, the attorneys
at Goldasich & Associates are
consistently recognized by
peer reviewed professional
associations within the national
legal community. In 2017, Dennis
Goldasich was nominated by his
peers as a member of the Mid-
South Super Lawyers group, while
Josh Vick and Justin Owen were
recognized as Rising Stars in civil
litigation by the same organization.
The attorneys at Goldasich &
Associates are currently handling
cases involving widespread
corporate fraud, theft of trade
secrets, birth-related brain
injuries, commercial trucking
collisions, surgical complications,
and complex business litigation.
The firm currently represents
clients in Alabama, Georgia,
Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, and
North Carolina. By taking on the
toughest legal issues and the
largest corporate defendants, the
attorneys at Goldasich & Associates
have earned a reputation as skilled
litigators who consistently obtain
significant recoveries in venues
across the country.
J.D. Walker represents clients
from all over the world and he
aims to provide legal services
of the highest quality and
efficiency through personalized
services. He is recognized as a
leader in the immigration legal
profession and all members of
his staff provide friendly client
oriented services.
J.D. Walker is an active member
of the American Immigration
Lawyers Association and the
Birmingham Bar Association.
He became chairman of the
Birmingham Bar Association
Immigration Committee in
2018 and has been retained by
the Birmingham Bulls Hockey
team as the team’s immigration
lawyer. He handles international
affairs for the team and will help
the athletes and coaches from
around the world gain legal
entry into the United States.
J.D. Walker has been selected
for membership in The National
Advocates and The National
Black Lawyers – Top 40 Under 40
in the state of Alabama.
“I am extremely honored to
receive this type of recognition,”
Walker says. “I am a big believer
in the fact that life is about
preparation, preparation,
preparation.”
J.D. Walker,
Attorney at Law
Immigration & Deportation
Defense
2107 5th Ave N, Suite 401B
Birmingham, AL. 35203
Phone: (205) 492-8966
www.lawbusinesscenter.com
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is
greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.
Goldasich & Associates, LLC
2100 3rd Ave N #700
Birmingham, AL 35203
205.731.2566
www.GoLaw.net
Jones Walker LLP
One Federal Place, Suite 1100
1819 5th Ave N
Birmingham, AL 35203
205.244.5200
joneswalker.com
We don’t just practice law in this
community, we’re a part of it.
In 1937, Jones Walker LLP began as
a small law firm in New Orleans.
We expanded to Alabama in 2008
and have been growing ever since.
We’re now one of the largest
firms in the U.S., serving a broad
range of industries, including
energy, banking, healthcare, and
construction.
While we’ve certainly changed over
the years, what hasn’t changed
is our steadfast commitment to
communities like Birmingham.
Perhaps that’s why The BTI
Consulting Group, which conducts
hundreds of in-house counsel
interviews to identify the top client
service firms in the nation, named
Jones Walker to its 2018 Client
Service A-Team.
Managing Partner
William H. Hines
bhines@joneswalker.com
504.582.8272
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.
William W. Horton, Healthcare | Michael D. Waters, Banking | John W. Gant, Jr., Corporate/Financial | C. Ellis Brazeal, III, Bankruptcy
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.

Birmingham law firm Marsh, Rickard &
Bryan congratulates founding partner
David Marsh for his selection as a 2018
Top Attorney. For more than 35 years,
David has represented clients in personal
injury cases involving car and truck
accidents, wrongful death, defective
products and medical malpractice, as well
as business disputes. He has won dozens
of multi-million dollars verdicts across
the state of Alabama, and has handled
numerous high-profile civil cases. He is
passionate about what he does.
Marsh, Rickard & Bryan
#600-D, 800 Shades Creek Pkwy.
Birmingham, AL 35209
205.879.1981
www.mrblaw.com
No representation is made that the quality of legal
services to be performed is greater than the quality of
legal services to be performed by other lawyers.

As a female attorney with over 20
years of experience representing
businesses, individuals, and nonprofit
entities, Martha Reeves Cook
brings a fresh perspective and a
passionate style to mediation, a
proven alternative to litigation.
Whether you are considering filing
a lawsuit, defending yourself or
a party in a dispute, or appealing
an unfavorable decision, Martha’s
thoughtful and objective approach
as a neutral professional helps parties
resolve even the most complex
disputes in subject matters ranging
from real estate, mortgage services,
consumer debt, business law,
personal injury, probate, divorce, or
issues on appeal.
Martha opened her own law firm
and mediation practice in the fall of
2016 in the historic Kress Building
in Birmingham. While she currently
focuses much of her practice on
mediation, she also counsels small
businesses, individuals, professionals,
and non-profit organizations in real
estate matters, contracts, domestic
relations topics, and other issues.
Martha is a 1996 graduate of
Cumberland School of Law at
Samford University in Birmingham.
She was admitted to the Alabama
State Bar in that same year.
To schedule your next mediation or to
speak to Martha about a legal matter,
please contact her at:
Martha Reeves Cook, LLC
The Kress Building
301 19th St. N., Suite 520
Birmingham, AL 35203
205-458-1250
mrc@mrcattorney.com
www.mrcattorney.com.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the
quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.
LEROY MAXWELL, Maxwell Law Firm
The Maxwell Law Firm is a premier
Birmingham personal injury law
firm known statewide for providing
outstanding legal advice and excellent
representation. We focus on personal
injury, auto accident, truck accident,
motorcycle accident, wrongful death,
social security disability, and mass torts
throughout Alabama. In addition, the
Maxwell Law Firm is familiar with the
deep roots of prejudice and injustice, and
are passionate in advocating on behalf
of individuals and groups who continue
to experience discrimination and other
civil rights violations. Our office is in
Birmingham, Alabama, one of the birth
places of the Civil Rights movement. We
have a proven track record of obtaining
a full range of remedies for our clients,
including compensation, injunctive
relief to undo the effects of civil rights
violations on individuals and groups, and
punitive damages to change the future
behavior of defendants.
Maxwell Law Firm
2100 1st Ave. North Suite 370
Birmingham, AL 35203
205.216.3304 MXLawFirm.com
No representation is made that the quality of
legal services to be performed is greater than the
quality of legal services to be performed by other
lawyers.

Judge Julie Palmer draws upon her 20 plus
years of legal experience both on and off the
Bench to assist parties and their attorneys
through mediation in divorce actions including
custody, child support, alimony and property
issues as well as any modifications in these
areas. She sits as Chairperson for the Child
Support Advisory Committee to the Alabama
Supreme Court since 2015 and as a member
since 2005. The Family Law Section of the
Alabama State Bar selected her as Attorney of
the Year in 2005 and Judge of the Year in 2015.
Let Judge Palmer help you determine the outcome
of your family law issues through mediation.
She serves Shelby and Jefferson counties
as well as statewide service.
Judge Julie A. Palmer, Of Counsel
Merrell Law Firm
101 Riverchase Parkway East
Hoover, AL 35244
205.874.9697
Judgejuliepalmer@gmail.com
Susan Han is the founder of Nettles Han
Law, LLC, a member firm of Red Mountain
Law Group. Susan focuses on employment
law (general employment counseling,
EEOC charges and discrimination cases)
and real property law (boundary disputes,
encroachment, adverse possession, quiet
title actions and reformation claims),
representing individuals and entities. Susan
worked at a large Birmingham firm for over
ten years prior to starting her own firm and
is also a trained and registered mediator.
Susan earned her Bachelor of Arts
degree at McGill University, her Master of
Music degree at The University of Texas at
Austin, and her Juris Doctor at Cumberland
School of Law. She has served as Chair
of the Women Lawyers Section of the
Birmingham Bar Association, a member of
the Executive Committee of the Birmingham
Bar Association, and a member of the Solo/
Small Firm Section Board.
A dedicated advocate for her clients,
Susan is known for her efficient and
thoughtful approach.
Nettles Han Law, LLC,
A Member of Red Mountain Law Group
2100 First Avenue North, Suite 600
Birmingham, AL 35203
Telephone: (205) 383-2296
www.redmountainlawgroup.com
No representation is made that the quality of legal services
to be performed is greater than the quality of legal
services to be performed by other lawyers.
Sirote’s Brad Sklar is a well-recognized tax attorney
with an impressive professional history. As the
past-co-chair of the Law Firm’s Corporate and Tax
Practice Group, Brad has been recognized by The
Best Lawyers in America© as a Tax Law “Lawyer of
the Year” in Birmingham for 2018. Brad was the
president of the American Institute on Federal
Taxation, the Federal Tax Clinic and the Birmingham
Tax Forum; chair of the Alabama Bar Association’s
Tax Section; and also was an adjunct professor
of taxation at the Birmingham School of Law.
Brad focuses on complex tax, entity, and business
planning transactions, including mergers, acquisitions,
sales of businesses, and navigation of state and local
tax incentives. Together with Sirote’s Tax Practice
Group, Brad coordinates the planning of transactions
to maximize tax benefits, reduce risk, and comply
with tax laws at the local, state, and federal levels.
Sirote & Permutt, P.C. | 2311 Highland Ave. South | Birmingham, AL 35205 | Direct: 205.930.5152 | Email: bsklar@sirote.com | www.sirote.com
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.

Congratulations to our Partner
Brian J. Malcom
on being named a
Birmingham Magazine
2018 Top Attorney
for Banking
wallerlaw.com
1901 Sixth Avenue North, Suite 1400, Birmingham, AL 35203 I 205.214.6380
AGGRESSIVE, FOCUSED REPRESENTATION.
The Bloomston Firm is dedicated to defending
the rights and freedom of people accused of
serious felony and misdemeanor crimes, as
well as those whose constitutional rights have
been violated, and zealously representing and
fighting to help those clients with domestic or
family law cases. The attorneys at the firm have
earned a strong reputation for criminal defense,
civil litigation and domestic relations in the
legal community of Birmingham — and across
the state of Alabama — as tireless litigators,
dynamic trial lawyers and passionate fighters
for their clients. They are committed to working
hard to create a positive outcome for every
client with criminal charges, constitutional
rights violations and domestic and family
law problems. The firm’s smaller size allows
significant interaction with our clients and
the attention to detail that is crucial to the
successful resolution of their legal issues.
The Bloomston Firm is dedicated to providing
professional and effective representation in all
of their cases throughout the State of Alabama
both in federal and state court. With many
years of combined litigation experience in a wide
range of areas, the attorneys at The Bloomston
Firm stand ready to put their unique skills to
work for you. Our award-winning attorneys are
constantly working to aggressively defend and
represent our clients in seeking a “win” in their
case.
We invite you to contact our firm and let us
discuss how we can help you.
The Bloomston Firm
2151 Highland Avenue S, Suite 310
Birmingham, Alabama 35205
205.212.9700 (o)
205.212.9701 (f)
www.thebloomstonfirm.com
Named a Birmingham Top Attorney for
both Civil Rights Law and Criminal Defense Law
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.

Meet the attorneys of The Rose Law Firm:
Lindsay C. Ronilo
Top Attorney, Family 2018
On the most fulfilling part of her job:
One of the most fulfilling parts of our field is that I get to help good people through
what might be the worst part of their lives. It’s very fulfilling to be the person who
can show them that everything is going to be alright and then be able to personally
put that framework in place so that they have a great tomorrow to look forward to.
A good family law attorney plays multiple roles. I’m not just my client’s counselor
at law, I often end up being quite literally a counselor, a shoulder to cry on, and
a friend. It’s a great feeling knowing that the work we do can actually have long
lasting positive effects on people.
Jennifer G. Rose
Top Attorney, Family 2013-2018
On an overlooked skill of a family law attorney:
The Rose Law Firm, a boutique firm that
practices family and matrimonial law
exclusively, has three attorneys who have
all been named top family law attorney—
two this year. Additionally, the firm has
had at least one attorney on the list for
the past six years in a row. As a result of
their sole focus on the field of family and
matrimonial law, each attorney is well
versed in handling matters such as divorce,
child custody, asset division, pre and
postnuptial agreements, spousal and child
support, paternity, and all other family
law issues. The firm serves a diverse group
of clients due to their reputation and the
referrals from prior clients that they have
helped, tackling not only simple family law
matters but complicated matters involving
custody and sizable assets as well.
Attorney Jennifer Rose, a second
generation attorney and one of only a
handful of certified family law specialists
in Alabama, believes the reason for the
success of the firm is simple, “I think it’s
easy for the clients to see the passion we
have for family law. They see the value
in specialization and appreciate that we
don’t believe in a “jack of all trades and
master of none” approach to our craft. By
keeping a focus on one field, we are able
to keep our knowledge current and fresh
by investing in the best and most specific
training that is available, by utilizing the
newest technologies, by partnering with
the best outside support, and by hiring
only those with the same passion for our
client’s family and matrimonial matters.
We understand how delicate and specific
each of our family law client’s needs are
and that a “one size fits all” approach just
doesn’t work in a field with so many subtle
nuances and frequent changes. Ultimately,
our goal is to represent each client the way
we would want someone to represent our
family.”
In addition to this year’s top attorney
awards, the firm and its attorneys have
taken home many other awards from
multiple organizations, such as the
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Top 40 under 40
Lawyers, and Client’s Choice Awards in
family law and divorce. For those seeking
their assistance, they give free initial
consultations at their office located in the
historic Rose Building in Birmingham’s
Southside, near UAB.
The Rose Law Firm, LLC
Located in the Rose Building in Birmingham’s historic Southside District
811 20th Street South, Birmingham AL 35205
205.323.1124
www.rosefamilylaw.com
One of the most overlooked skills as a family law attorney is being a good listener.
There are a lot of attorneys out there who love to simply hear themselves talk so
much that they forget to listen to the client. This need to hear themselves may lead
to an attorney trying a case that may be better off settling or vice versa. You have to
really listen to the client to understand what they are wanting to accomplish out
of a case. Now that doesn’t mean that what the client is looking for is always going
to be realistic, it’s still our job to help them by advising them and guiding them
towards something that is. However, with that said, if you listen to your client’s story
and figure out what they are looking to accomplish you have a much better chance
of pursuing and obtaining the type of results that will make them happy in the
long run. Listening also sometimes means taking calls and answering texts at three
in the morning, and that’s ok, sometimes they just need someone to listen and
reassure them that everything is going to be alright.
Katherine W. Haynes
Top Attorney, Family 2017
On how practicing family law exclusively helps her clients:
Another thing that comes up a lot is whether I’ve ever had a case like one a
potential client has. The truth is that no two cases are alike but if you do this every
day, as we do, then you start to see similarities in one case that you can use for other
cases. It doesn’t matter if a divorce involves ten thousand dollars or ten million
dollars (and we’ve done both), there is always something to take from each one.
Another thing to take from all this variety is just that, you really do end up seeing
everything you can imagine, I’ve been around family law long enough now that
nothing shocks or surprises me. That’s why I feel that doing this every day really
helps our firm and gives us an edge over those who just do a little bit of this and a
little bit of that.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.

I am humbled and honored to be selected
as Top Attorney in Consumer Law by the
Birmingham Bar Association. I am fortunate
to work with two incredibly creative and
competent attorneys who love the law
and are committed to serving the public,
Thomas C. Donald and David Holcombe.
Our firm, Alabama Car Lawyers, is unique in
that we specialize in Consumer Protection
law pertaining to automobiles and RVs. We
primarily represent consumers in matters
against businesses involving disputes
over sales and financing, warranties and
Lemon Laws, as well as product defects.
I have been practicing for more than twenty
years, and utilize this experience to craft
and refine specialized legal approaches,
informed by the evolution of the law, to
effectively and efficiently advocate, defend,
and champion consumers who need it
most. Our firm has extensive experience
in arbitration, state, and federal court,
representing consumers against automobile
and RV dealers, manufacturers, and
financers that disregard the law for profit.
No representation is made that the quality of legal
services to be performed is greater than the quality of
legal services to be performed by other lawyers.
Alabama Car Lawyers
Michael Parrish
1707 29th Court South
Birmingham, AL 35209
205.985.2309
alabamacarlaw.com
Wiggins Childs Pantazis Fisher
& Goldfarb, LLC is proud of the
selection of Sidney Jackson and
D.G. Pantazis, Jr. as Birmingham
Magazine’s 2018 Top Attorneys
by their peers. With offices
in Birmingham, Florida, and
Washington D.C., our attorneys are
prepared to serve every client with
the high level legal support they
so richly deserve.
Ruby Y. Davis is an attorney, based
in Birmingham, Alabama. Ms. Davis
founded The Davis Law Group, LLC.
The law firm’s primary areas of practice
are wrongful death and injuries
occurring from car accidents and
catastrophic events. The Davis Law
Group represents accident victims
across Alabama, Georgia and Florida.
With extensive experience in the
insurance industry, Ruby uses a distinct
graduate of Lawson State Community
College and Faulkner University.
She earned her Juris Doctorate from
Birmingham School of Law.
Ms. Davis is a member of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Incorporated. A strong
advocate in the community, Ruby
devotes much of her time to charitable
and philanthropic causes and events.
She is a dynamic speaker; often invited
her leisure, she enjoys traveling and
spending time with family and friends.
Her pride and joy is her lovely daughter,
Diamond, an honor student at Tuskegee
University.
The Davis Law Group LLC
205 20th St. North, Suite 910
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
205.502.7679
set of skills in handling injury cases.
A Birmingham native, Ruby is a product
of Birmingham City Schools. She is a
to share her endearing personal story
of faith and tenacity. She currently
serves as Board Chair for Birmingham
Jefferson County Transit Authority. In
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.
As advocates and litigators, the
pursuit of justice is our passion.
Whether it is the loss of a job, loss
of a loved one, discrimination, or
personal injury, our lawyers have
the commitment, determination,
and skill required to help the
members of our community when
they need it most.
Wiggins, Childs, Pantazis, Fisher
& Goldfarb
The Kress Building
301 19th Street North
Birmingham, AL 35203
205.314.0500
wigginschilds.com
No representation is made that the quality of legal
services to be performed is greater than the quality of
legal services to be performed by other lawyers.

It’s little wonder why Tempe
Smith is being recognized as
a Rising Star. Just last year,
Tempe was a part of a trial team
that successfully represented
the nation’s corn growers in
the first of eight certified state
class action lawsuits against
Syngenta, resulting in a verdict
of nearly $218 million.
Prior to working on behalf of
America’s corn farmers, Tempe
worked as part of a team
of Hare Wynn lawyers who
were successful in obtaining
a $310 million class action
fraud settlement on behalf of
hundreds of individuals and
companies across the country.
Tempe also has experience
helping States seek justice
on behalf of their citizens.
She, along with other Hare
Wynn lawyers, worked with
the Attorney General’s offices
of Montana and Alaska to
negotiate the largest consumer
protection settlement related
to drug misbranding in both
Montana and Alaska.
Tempe understands how
difficult and overwhelming the
legal process can be, which
is why she works to facilitate
open communication and offers
compassionate guidance to all
of her clients.
Hare, Wynn, Newell, & Newton;
LLP
2025 Third Ave N., Suite 800
Birmingham, AL 35203
205.328.5330
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed
is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.
SPECIAL PROMOTION
LEGAL DIRECTORY 2018
AMY ADAMS
Balch & Bingham LLP
CAROLINE ALLEN
Halbrooks & Allen LLC
The Five Points Law Group, a collection
of lawyers for life’s transitions, is proud
that Heather Fann has been selected
again as a Top Attorney for Family Law,
and is excited to announce LaTonia
Williams has joined the firm’s family
law practice group as an associate to
better serve our clients.
Heather Fann’s family law practice
has been in the news in recent
years, as the United States Supreme
Court confirmed the status of one
of her clients as legal parent of her
children of a same-sex relationship
in 2016, and Heather also worked
with national organizations in
successfully representing clients in
federal marriage equality litigation.
The National LGBT Bar Association
recognized Heather for these efforts at
its 2017 annual conference, giving her
its Leading Practitioner Award.
LaTonia Williams brings years of
litigation experience in both criminal
defense and financial matters such
as bankruptcy to offer clients a
fresh approach to enforcement and
modification cases, as well as matters
involving domestic violence or other
criminal implications.
Fann and Williams provide modern
approaches to divorce, paternity,
custody, and support matters,
via alternative dispute resolution
methods such as collaborative
law, preventative planning such
as prenuptial and postnuptial
agreements, and, where necessary,
carefully tailored litigation. Because
nothing matters like family matters.
Five Points Law Group
2151 Highland Ave S, Suite 205
Birmingham, Alabama 35205
(205) 263-0743
fax (205) 238-7129
5pointslaw.com
205.226.8794
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
LEON ASHFORD
Hare Wynn Newell &
Newton LLP
205.328.5330
2025 3rd Ave N Suite 800
hwnn.com
205.871.0780
1 Independence Plaza Suite 704
halbrooksallen.com
NANCY W. BALL
Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner,
Dumas & O'Neal LLP
205.716.5200
2001 Park Place Suite 700
cabaniss.com
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.

SPECIAL PROMOTION
SPECIAL PROMOTION
LEGAL DIRECTORY 2018
LEGAL DIRECTORY 2018
STAN BLANTON
Balch & Bingham LLP
BRETT BLOOMSTON
The Bloomston Firm
DARRELL LLOYD
CARTWRIGHT
Richardson Clement P.C.
MARCUS
CHATTERTON
Balch & Bingham LLP
THE BLOOMSTON
FIRM
205.226.3417
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
205.212.9700
2151 Highland Avenue South
Suite 310
thebloomstonfirm.com
205.572.4100
100 Corporate Parkway-One
Lake Level
richarsonclement.com
205.226.8794
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
JASON W. BOBO
Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner,
Dumas & O'Neal LLP
C. ELLIS BRAZEAL, III
Jones Walker, LLP
GLENDA COCHRAN
Glenda Cochran Associates
Attorneys at Law
MARTHA REEVES
COOK
Martha Reeves Cook LLC
205.716.5200
2001 Park Place Suite 700
cabaniss.com
205.244.5200
One Federal Place, Suite 1100 1819
5th Avenue North
joneswalker.com
205.328.5050
310 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N.,
Suite 500
glendacochran.com
205.458.1250
301 19th Street North Ste 520
mrcattorney.com
CHUCK BURKHART
Balch & Bingham LLP
F. GERALD BURNETT
Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner,
Dumas & O'Neal LLP
ROY J. CRAWFORD
Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner,
Dumas & O'Neal LLP
RUBY DAVIS
The Davis Law Group, LLC
205.226.8794
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
205.716.5200
2001 Park Place Suite 700
cabaniss.com
205.716.5200
2001 Park Place Suite 700
cabaniss.com
205.502.7679
205 20th Sreet North Suite 910
debtfreealabama.com
GREG BUTRUS
Balch & Bingham LLP
RUSS CAMPBELL
Balch & Bingham LLP
ALAN DEER
Balch & Bingham LLP
AUGUSTA DOWD
White Arnold & Dowd
205.226.8794
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
205.226.8794
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
205.226.8794
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
205.323.1888
2025 3rd Avenue North Suite 500
whitearnolddowd.com
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.

SPECIAL PROMOTION
SPECIAL PROMOTION
LEGAL DIRECTORY 2018
LEGAL DIRECTORY 2018
DAVID S. DUNKLE
Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner,
Dumas & O'Neal LLP
MIKE ERMERT
Hare Wynn Newell & Newton
LLP
ED HADEN
Balch & Bingham LLP
SUSAN NETTLES HAN
Nettles Han Law, LLC, Red
205.716.5200
2001 Park Place Suite 700
cabaniss.com
205.328.5330
2025 3rd Ave N Suite 800
hwnn.com
205.226.8794
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
205.328.9445
The Landmark Center Suite 600
2100 1st Avenue North
redmountainlawgroup.com
HEATHER FANN
5 Points Law Group
KIRBY FARRIS
Farris Riley and Pitt
BRETT HOLLETT
Farris Riley and Pitt
JOHN R. HOLLIMAN
Bradford & Holliman LLC
205.291.2064
2151 Highland Avenue South,
Suite 205
5pointslaw.com
205.324.1212
505 20th Street North Suite 1700
frplegal.com
205.324.1212
505 20th Street North Suite 1700
frplegal.com
205.663.0281
2491 Pelham Parkway
bradfordholliman.com
ANDREW FULK
Goldasich & Associates
JOHN W. GANT, JR.
Jones Walker
MELANIE BRADFORD
HOLLIMAN
Bradford & Holliman LLC
WILLIAM W. HORTON
Jones Walker
205.731.2566
2100 3rd Avenue North Suite 700
golaw.net
205.244.5200
One Federal Place, Suite 1100 1819
5th Avenue North
joneswalker.com
205.663.0281
2491 Pelham Parkway
bradfordholliman.com
205.244.5200
One Federal Place, Suite 1100 1819
5th Avenue North
joneswalker.com
STEPHEN GIDIERE
Balch & Bingham LLP
DENNIS
GOLDASICH JR.
Goldasich & Associates
SIDNEY M. JACKSON
Wiggins Childs Pantazis
LEE JOHNSEY
Balch & Bingham LLP
205.226.8735
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
205.731.2566
2100 3rd Avenue North Suite 700
golaw.net
205.314.0500
The Kress Building 201 19th
Street North
wigginschild.com
205.226.8794
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.

SPECIAL PROMOTION
SPECIAL PROMOTION
LEGAL DIRECTORY 2018
LEGAL DIRECTORY 2018
CHRIS KIMBLE
Balch & Bingham LLP
LAWRENCE T. KING
King Simmons, P.C.
EDWARD A. MERRELL
The Merrell Law Firm, LLC
JAMIE MONCUS
Hare Wynn Newell & Newton
LLP
205.226.8794
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
205.871.1310
5300 Cahaba River Road, Suite 100
kingsimmons.com
The Merrell Law Firm, LLC
205.719.1630
101 Riverchase Parkway East
merrelllawfirm.com
205.328.5330
2025 3rd Ave N Suite 800
hwnn.com
MEREDITH
MAITREJEAN
Farris Riley and Pitt
BRIAN J. MALCOLM
Partner, Waller Lansden
PHIL NICHOLS
Balch & Bingham LLP
JUSTIN C. OWEN
Goldasich & Associates
205.324.1212
505 20th Street North Suite 1700
frplegal.com
205.226.5706
1901 6th Avenue North Suite 1400
wallerlaw.com
205.226.3410
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
205.731.2566
2100 3rd Avenue North Suite 700
golaw.net
DAVID EUGENE
MALICK
Richardson Clement
DAVID MARSH
Marsh Rickard & Bryan, P.C.
JUDGE JULIE A.
PALMER
The Merrell Law Firm, LLC
D.G. PANTAZIS JR.
Wiggins Childs Pantazis
Fisher & Goldfarb
205.572.4100
100 Corporate Parkway-One
Lake Level
richardsonclement.com
205.879.1981
800 Shades Creek Parkway
#600-D
mrblaw.com
The Merrell Law Firm, LLC
205.719.1630
101 Riverchase Parkway East
merrelllawfirm.com
205.314.0500
The Kress Building 201 19th
Street North
wigginschild.com
LEROY MAXWELL, JR.
Maxwell Law Firm
BRUCE MCKEE
Hare Wynn Newell & Newton
LLP
MICHAEL E.
PARRISH
Alabama Car Lawyers
CANDACE B.
PEEPLES
Candace B. Peeples Family
Law
& Goldfarb
205.216.3304
2100 1st Avenue North Suite 370
mxlawfirm.com
205.328.5330
2025 3rd Ave N Suite 800
hwnn.com
205.985.2309
1701 29th Court South
alabamacarlaw.com
205.403.5577
2956 Rhodes Circle
peepleslaw.com
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.

SPECIAL PROMOTION
SPECIAL PROMOTION
LEGAL DIRECTORY 2018
LEGAL DIRECTORY 2018
CHAD PILCHER
Balch & Bingham LLP
ALYSON M. HOOD
The Bloomston Firm
MAURICE L. SHEVIN
Sirote & Permutt, P.C.
LINDSEY SIMMONS
King Simmons, P.C.
THE BLOOMSTON
FIRM
205.226.8731
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
205.212.9700
2151 Highland Avenue South
Suite 310
205.930.5149
2311 Highland Avenue South
sirote.com
205.871.1310
5300 Cahaba River Road, Suite 100
kingsimmons.com
JEREMY RETHERFORD
Balch & Bingham LLP
MORRIS WADE
RICHARDSON
Richardson Clement P.C.
BRADLEY J. SKLAR
Sirote & Permutt, P.C.
BRADLEY J. SMITH
Clark Hair & Smith, P.C.
205.226.8794
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
205.572.1400
100 Corporate Parkway-One
Lake Level
richardsonclement.com
205.930.5152
2311 Highland Avenue South
sirote.com
205.397.2900
1000 Urban Center Drive,
Suite 125
KEN RILEY
Farris Riley and Pitt
BRANDON
ROBINSON
Balch & Bingham LLP
TEMPE SMITH
Hare Wynn Newell & Newton
LLP
R. CARLTON SMYLY
Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner,
Dumas & O'Neal LLP
205.324.1212
505 20th Street North Suite 1700
frplegal.com
205.226.8794
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
205.328.5330
2025 3rd Ave N Suite 800
hwnn.com
205.716.5200
2001 Park Place Suite 700
cabaniss.com
LINDSAY C. RONILO
The Rose Law Firm, LLC
JENNIFER G. ROSE
The Rose Law Firm, LLC
JEFF STARLING
Balch & Bingham LLP
PATRICK STRONG
Balch & Bingham LLP
205.323.1124
811 20th Street South
rosefamilylaw.com
205.323.1124
811 20th Street South
rosefamilylaw.com
205.226.8794
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
205.226.8794
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.

SPECIAL PROMOTION
G. THOMAS
SULLIVAN
Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner,
Dumas & O'Neal LLP
LEGAL DIRECTORY 2018
SIDNEY SUMMEY
White Arnold & Dowd
DISCOVER
NEW CATERING
FAVORITES
205.716.5200
2001 Park Place Suite 700
cabaniss.com
205.323.1888
2025 3rd Avenue North Suite 500
whitearnolddowd.com
WILL HILL
TANKERSLEY
Balch & Bingham LLP
TIM TRACY
Balch & Bingham LLP
205.226.8794
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
205.226.8794
1901 Sixth Avenue North,
Suite 1500
balch.com
MICHAEL E. TURNER
Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner,
Dumas & O'Neal LLP
JOSHUA M. VICK
Goldasich & Associates
205.716.5200
2001 Park Place Suite 700
cabaniss.com
J.D. WALKER
The Law Business Center
205.731.2566
2100 3rd Avenue North Suite 700
golaw.net
MICHAEL D. WATERS
Jones Walker
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No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.
Downtown Birmingham Brook Highlands Crestline Soho The Summit Patton Creek Trussville Vestavia

SPECIAL PROMOTION
SPECIAL PROMOTION
LEGAL DIRECTORY 2018
LEGAL DIRECTORY 2018
APPELLATE
COLLECTIONS
Darrell Lloyd Cartwright
Stan Blanton
GOVERNMENT
M. Blair Clinton
Amy Adams
Christopher Daniel
Alan Duke
Keith Nadler
CONSTRUCTION
W. Lee Gresham III
Chad Pilcher
INTERNATIONAL LAW
Brooke Everley
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Derek Drennan
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Tempe Smith
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George Gaskin
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FAMILY/DOMESTIC
Freddy Rubio
Martha Reeves Cook
TAX
Ted Stuckenschneider
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Bill Nolan
Jessica Kirk Drennan
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Jennifer G. Rose
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Bradley J Smith
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Brad Howell
Bradley J. Smith
R. Brent Irby
EMPLOYMENT
Candace B. Peeples
Rick D. Norris Jr.
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David B. Walston
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Jason W. Bobo
Jamie Moncus
TRUST/ESTATE
Leon Ashford
Jeanie S. Sleadd
Jeff Starling
FRANCHISE
A. David Fawal
Courtney French
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Edward A. Merrell
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William D. Hasty, Jr.
A. Joe Peddy
David Marsh
Nancy W. Ball
Dennis Goldasich, Jr.
CORPORATE/FINANCIAL
Susan N. Han
Aaron L. Dettling
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Glenda Cochran
Christopher Reid
Leroy Maxwell, Jr.
Tripp Watson
Lindsey Simmons
William B. Hairston III
Will Hill Tankersley
R. Wendell Sheffield
Bill Nolan
Wayne Morse, Jr.
John W. Gant, Jr.
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
Michael S. Denniston
Tripp Watson
PROBATE
Amy Adams
Sidney M. Jackson
Tim Tracy
James L. Noles, Jr.
Phil Nichols
Marcus Chatterton
Chris Hamer
WHITE COLLAR DEFENSE
Alyson M. Hood
John Steiner
Richard E. Davis
David Eugene Malick
Megan Elder
Richard Davis

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• TABLE |
Dining Guide
DOWNTOWN,
Where to Eat Right Now
EastWest Kitchen + Bar (Photo by Cary Norton)
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM LATE NIGHT NEW
Winner in our annual Best of Birmingham poll Open after 10 p.m. Recently opened
SOUTHSIDE, 5 POINTS,
HIGHLAND PARK
LATE NIGHT
5 Point Public House
American, Seafood, Pub
1210 20th St. S. | 205.918.0726 | $$
5pointpublichouse.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri., 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
Sat., 5 p.m.-12 a.m.
Sun., closed
LATE NIGHT
Al’s
Deli, Mediterranean
1629 10th Ave. S. | 205.939.4278 | $
alsdeliandgrill.net
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
LATE NIGHT
Black Market Bar & Grill
Bar, American
3411 Colonade Pkwy. | 205.967.8787 | $$
evilbartenders.wix.com/blackmarket
Mon.-Thurs., 3 p.m.-2 a.m.
Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Bottega
Italian
2240 Highland Ave. S. | 205.939.1000 | $$-$$$
Dining Room
Bottegarestaurant.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Sat., 5:30 p.m. -10 p.m.
Sun., closed
Café
Bottegarestaurant.com/café
Mon., closed
Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., closed
Chez Fonfon
French
2007 11th Ave. S. | 205.939.3221 | $$$
fonfonbham.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri., 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sat., 4:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sun., closed
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Dreamland BBQ
1427 14th Ave S. | 205.933.2133 | $$
dreamlandbbq.com
Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Galley & Garden
French, American, Southern
2220 Highland Ave. S. | 205.939.5551 | $$$
galleyandgarden.com
Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sat., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
Garage Café
Sandwiches, Dive Bar
2304 10th Ter. S. | 205.322.3220 | $
garagecafe.us
Mon., 3 p.m.-2 a.m.
Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Sun., 3 p.m.-2 a.m.
Golden Temple
Asian, Health Market, Vegan
1901 11th Ave. S. | 205.933.6333 | $$
goldentemplehealthfoods.com
Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sat., 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Sun., 12 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Highlands Bar & Grill
Southern, Bar
2011 11th Ave. S. | 205.939.1400 | $$$$
highlandsbarandgrill.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Sat., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., closed
Hot & Hot Fish Club
Seafood, Bar, Southern
2180 11th Ct. S. | 205.933.5474 | $$$$
hotandhotfishclub.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Sat., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., closed
NEW
IKKO
Japanese, Ramen, Sushi, Poke
1909 11th Ave. S. | 205.203.4833 | $$
Every day 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
The J. Clyde
Pub, American
1312 Cobb Ln. | 205.939.1312 | $$
jclyde.com
Mon.-Wed., 2 p.m.-12 a.m.
Thurs.-Sat., 2 p.m.-2 a.m.
Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Jim N’ Nick’s
Southern, Barbecue
1908 11th Ave. S. | 205.320.1060 | $$
jimnicks.com
Mon-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Little Italy’s Pies & Pints
Pizza, Italian, Sandwiches
1924 11th Ave S. | 205.224.5775 | $$
littleitalyspiesandpints.com
Every day, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
Makario’s
Middle Eastern
940 20th St. S. | 205.731.7414 | $$
makarioskabob.com
Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-12 a.m.
Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sun., 10 a.m.-12 a.m.
LATE NIGHT
Marty’s P.M
Dive Bar, American
1813 10th Ct. S. | 205.939.0045 | $
Every day, 8 p.m.-6 a.m.
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Ocean
Seafood
1218 20th St. S. | 205.933.0999 | $$$
oceanbirmingham.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Thurs., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sun., closed
LATE NIGHT
Pho Pho Vietnamese & Sushi Bar
Vietnamese, Sushi Bar
1025 20th St. S. | 205.703.8929 | $$
phobirmingham.wix.com/phobirmingham
Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., closed
LATE NIGHT
Rojo
Mexican, American
2921 Highland Ave S. | 205.328.4733 | $$
rojobirmingham.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Sun., 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Surin West
Thai, Sushi Bar
1918 11th Ave. S. | 205.324.1928 | $$
surinwest.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sweet Tea
American
2205 3rd Ave S. | 205.745.3990 | $$
sweettearestaurant.com
Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sat., closed
Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Taj India
Indian
2226 Highland Ave S. | 205.939.3805 | $$
tajindia.net
Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-10 p.m.
Sun., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-9 p.m.
UPTOWN
LATE NIGHT
Bamboo on 2nd
Sushi Bar, Asian Fusion
2212 2nd Ave N. | 205.703.0551 | $$
bambooon2nd.com
Mon.-Thurs., 5p.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 5p.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., closed
Bistro Two Eighteen
French, Seafood, American
218 N. 20th St. | 205.983.7999 | $$$
bistro218.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sat., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., closed
Brava Rotisserie Grill
Café, Sandwiches
321 20th St. N. | 205.502.7914 | $
bravagrill.com
Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sat. & Sun., closed
Brick & Tin
Salad, Soup, Sandwiches
214 20th St N. | 205.297.8636 | $
brickandtin.com
Mon.-Thurs., 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fri., 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 5 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Sat. & Sun., closed
Café Dupont
American
113 20th St. N. | 205.322.1282 | $$$$
cafedupont.net
Mon., closed
Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.,5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sat., 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sun., closed
LATE NIGHT
Carrigan’s Public House
Cocktails, Gastropub, American
2430 Morris Ave. | 205.440.2430 | $$
carriganspub.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-12:30 a.m.
Sun., closed
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM LATE NIGHT
The Collins Bar
Cocktail Bar, Lounge, American
2125 2nd Ave. N. | 205.323.7995 | $$
thecollinsbar.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Thurs., 4 p.m.-12 a.m.
Fri. & Sat., 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Sun., 6 p.m.-12 a.m.
LATE NIGHT
Delta Blues Hot Tamales
Tamales, Southern
1318 Cobb Ln. | 205.502.7298 | $
deltablueshottamales.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Thurs, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., closed
NEW
EastWest Kitchen + Bar
Asian Fusion
2306 2nd Ave N. | 205.202.4496 | $$
eastwestbirmingham.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Thurs., 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
El Barrio
2211 2nd Ave. N. | 205.868.3737 | $$
Mexican
elbarriobirmingham.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.,5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sat., 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., closed
Eugene’s Hot Chicken
2268 9th Ave. N. | 205.322.7555 | $
eugeneshotchicken.com
Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
EDITOR’S PICK
Jumbo Tenders
Feast and Forest
Café
212 24th St N. | 205.607.0030 | $
feastandforest.com
Mon.-Thurs, closed
Fri., 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
Fero
Italian
152 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 153

• TABLE |
Dining Guide
1821 2nd Ave. N., Suite 176 | 205.582.9250 | $$$
ferorestaurant.com
Mon.-Thurs., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Fri.-Sat., 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Fife’s
Breakfast/Brunch
2321 4th Ave. N. | 205.254.9167 | $
Mon.-Sat., 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Sun., closed
The Fish Market
Seafood
612 22nd St S. | 205.322.3330 | $$
thefishmarket.net
Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ghion Cultural Hall
Ethiopian
1821 2nd Ave. N. | 205.730.9177 | $$
Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Gus’s Hot Dogs
Hot Dogs
1916 4th Ave. N. | 205.251.4540 | $
gushotdogs.com
Mon.-Sat., 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sun., closed
John’s City Diner
American, Diner, Gastropub
112 Richard Arrington Blvd. | 205.322.6014 | $$
johnscitydiner.com
Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sat., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Niki’s West
Southern, Meat & Three
233 Finley Ave W. | 205.252.5751 | $$
nikiswest.com
Mon.-Sat, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., closed
Oscar’s at the Museum
Café
2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd.
205.254.2565 | $$
artsbma.org/visit/oscars
Mon., closed
Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sat. & Sun., closed
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM LATE NIGHT
Paramount
Sports Bar, American
200 20th St. N. | 205.320.2824 | $$
paramountbirmingham.com
Mon., Closed
Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
The Pita Stop
Mediterranean, American
1106 12th St. S. | 205.328.2749 | $$
thepitastop.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.,5-10 p.m.
Sun., closed
The Pizitz Food Hall
100 19th St. N. | $-$$
thepizitz.com
Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fri., 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sat., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun., 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
Rogue Tavern
American, Bar
2313 2nd Ave. N. | 205.582.7369 | $$
roguetavern.com
Mon.-Tues., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Wed.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Roots & Revelry
American
1623 2nd Ave. N., Suite B | 205.730.1907 | $$$
roots-revelry.com
Mon., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
EDITOR’S PICK
PB&J
Serendipity
Salads, Sandwiches, Meat & Three
1500 1st Ave. N. | 205.999.0686 | $
serendipitybham.com
Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
LATE NIGHT NEW
Shu Shop
Japanese, Ramen
1830 3rd Ave. N. | 205.291.6660 | $$
shushopbham.com
Mon.-Wed., 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
Thurs.-Sat., 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
Sol’s Sandwich Deli & Shop
Sandwiches, Deli
2 20th St. N. | 205.244.7657 | $
solsdeli.com
Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sat. & Sun., closed
The Southern
Southern, American, Bar
2301 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. | 205.278.7281 | $$
thesouthernbirmingham.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
Todd English P.U.B.
Gastropub, American
2221 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N.
205.307.3700 | $$
toddenglishpub.com
Mon.-Thurs., 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 6:30 a.m.-12 a.m.
Sun., 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
Tortugas Homemade Pizza
1304 2nd Ave. S. | 205.730.9249 | $$
tortugaspizza.com
Mon., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., closed
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Trattoria Centrale
Breakfast/Brunch, Italian, Café
207A 20th St. N. | 205.202.5612 | $
trattoriacentrale.com
Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sat., closed
Sun., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Urban Standard
Café, Sandwiches
2320 2nd Ave. N. | 205.250.8200 | $
urbanstandard.net
Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sat., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun., closed
Yeh Man
Jamaican
1643 4th Ave. N. | 205.323.3120 | $
yehmanrestaurant.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun., closed
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Yo Mama’s
American, Gluten-Free, Comfort
2328 2nd Ave. N. | 205.957.6545 | $
yomamasrestaurant.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Sat. & Sun., closed
The Yard
American
1928 1st Ave. N. | 205.226.9298 | $$$
theyardbirmingham.com
Mon.-Sat., 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m-9 p.m.
Sun., 6:30 a.m.-noon
LAKEVIEW, AVONDALE,
FOREST PARK,
WOODLAWN
Avondale Common House & Distillery
American
4100 3rd Ave. S. | 205.703.9895 | $$
avondalecommonhouse.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
Babalu Tacos & Tapas
Tapas/Small Plates, Mexican
2808 7th Ave. S. Ste. 117 | 205.297.0200 | $$
babalutacos.com
Mon.–Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri.–Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.s-9 p.m.
Bettola
Pizza, Italian
2901 2nd Ave. S. | 205.731.6499 | $$
Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Sat., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., closed
Bogue’s
American
3028 Clairmont Ave. S. | 205.254.9780 | $
boguesdiner.com
Every day, 6 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cantina Tortilla Grill
Mexican, Bar
2901 2nd Ave. S. Ste. 210 | 205.323.6980 | $$
cantinabirmingham.com
Mon.–Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sat., 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., closed
East 59 Vintage & Café
Sandwiches, Café
7619 1st Ave N. | 205.838.0559 | $
east59.net
Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun., closed
Fancy’s on Fifth
American, Seafood, Bars
430 41st St. S. | 205.777.3662 | $$
fancyson5th.com
Tues.-Sat., 5-10 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
FIVE
Breakfast/Brunch, American
744 29th St. S. | 205.868.3841 | $$
five-bar.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Thurs., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5 p.m.-12 a.m.
Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
Hattie B’s
Chicken
2808 Seventh Ave. S. | 205.578.6018 | $
hattieb.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat, 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
Hotbox at Parkside
Food Truck, Asian Fusion
4036 5th Ave. S. | 205.224.5632 | $$
hotboxbhm.com
Mon., Closed
Tues.-Thurs., 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
Sun., Closed
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM LATE NIGHT
Hot Diggity Dogs
Hot Dogs
430 41st St. S., Suite B | 205.202.2363 | $
hotdiggitydogsbham.com
Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
Sat., 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
Sun.-Mon., closed
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM LATE NIGHT
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
Burger, Beer Garden, Pub
2811 7th Ave. S. | 205.203.4512 | $$
jackbrownsjoint.com
Every day, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
EDITOR’S PICK
The Cowboy Burger
Little Savannah
American, Southern
3811 Clairmont Ave. S. | 205.591.1119 | $$$
littlesavannah.com
Mon.-Thurs., 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., Closed
Taco Morro Loco
Mexican
417 41st St. S. | 205.203.2579 | $
facebook.com/TacoMorroLoco
Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., closed
Melt Avondale
American
4105 4th Ave. S. | 205.917.5000 | $$
meltbham.com
Mon., closed
Tues. & Wed., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sun., closed
Moe’s Original BBQ
731 29th St. S. | 205.252.5888 | $$
moesoriginalbbq.com
Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
Ovenbird
Spanish, Southern, Portuguese
2810 3rd Ave. S. | 205.957.6686 | $$$
ovenbirdrestaurant.com
Mon.-Thurs., 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 4:30 p.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., closed
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM LATE NIGHT
Post Office Pies
Pizza
209 41st St. | 205.599.9900 | $$
postofficepies.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Rowe’s Avondale
American, Breakfast/Brunch
4100 4th Ave. S. | 205.224.5570 | $
eatatrowes.com
Every day, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Saw’s Soul’s Kitchen
215 41st St S | 205.591.1409 | $$
sawsbbq.com
Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun., closed
Silvertron Café
American, Comfort Food, Brunch
3813 Clairmont Ave. S. | 205.591.3707 | $$
silvertroncafe.us
Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sat., 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM LATE NIGHT
Sky Castle Gastro Lounge
American
2808 7th Ave. S. | 205.578.6080 | $$$
skycastlegastrolounge.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.,
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
Slice
Pizza
725 29th St. S. | 205.715.9300 | $$
slicebirmingham.com
Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
Sun., 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
NEW LATE NIGHT
Tropicaleo
Puerto Rican
4426 4th Ave. S. | 205.643.5956 | $$
tropicaleo.com
Mon., Wed., Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri., 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-1 a.m
Wasabi Juan’s
Sushi Bar, Mexican, Hawaiian
4120 3rd Ave.S. | 205.703.8891 | $$
wasabijuan.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Woodlawn Cycle Café
5530 1st Ave S,. | $$
Every day, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
MOUNTAIN BROOK
LATE NIGHT
Avo & Dram
Bar, American
2721 Cahaba Rd. | 205.871.8055 | $$
dramwhiskeybar.com
Mon. & Tues., 4 p.m.-11 p.m.
Wed.-Sat., 4 p.m.-12 a.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
Basil Gourmet Pizza
1101 Dunston Ave. | 205.224.4465 | $$
basilgourmetpizzaandbar.com
Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Billy’s Sports Grill
American, Sandwiches, Sports Bar
2012 Cahaba Rd. | 205.879.2238 | $$
billyssportsgrill.com
Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Brick & Tin
Salad, Soup, Sandwiches
2901 Cahaba Rd. | 205.502.7971 | $
154 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 155

• TABLE |
Dining Guide
Sat.,
brickandtin.com
Mon.-Sat., 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
Char Bar No. 7
American
900 Jemison Ln. | 205.802.9050 | $$
charbar7.com
Sun.-Thurs., 4 p.m.-11 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 4 p.m.-12 a.m.
Chez Lulu
French, Bakery, Café
1911 Cahaba Rd. | 205.870.7011 | $$
chezlulu.us
Mon., closed
Tue-Thurs. ,11 a.m.-3 p.m.,
5:30-9:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sun., 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Crestline Bagel Co.
66 Church St. | 205.871.4583 | $
crestlinebagel.com
Mon.-Fri., 6 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sat. & Sun., 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
EDITOR’S PICK
Everything Bagel
with Salmon Spread
Daniel George
American
2837 Culver Rd. | 205.871.3266 | $$$
danielgeorgerestaurant.com
Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.,
5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sat., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., closed
LATE NIGHT
Davenport’s Pizza Palace
2837 Cahaba Rd. | 205.879.8603 | $$
davenportspizza.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Dyron’s Lowcountry
American
121 Oak St. | 205.834.8257 | $$
dyronslowcountry.com
Mon., closed
Tue-Fri., 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sat. 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Habitat Feed & Social
American
2655 Lane Park Rd. | 205.203.4745 | $$$
grandbohemianmountainbrook.com/
dining/habitat
Mon.-Sun., 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
La Paz
Mexican. Tex-Mex
99 Euclid Ave. | 205.879.2225 | $$
eatatlapaz.com
Mon. & Tues., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Wed. & Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Olexa’s
Southern, Sandwiches
2838 Culver Rd. | 205.871.2060 | $$
olexas.com
Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sun., closed
NEW LATE NIGHT
Root to Tail
Modern American
2031 Cahaba Rd. | 205.730.1699 | $$$
Roottotail.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Wed., 11 a.m.–2 p.m. & 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Thurs., 11 a.m.–2 p.m. & 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
Fri., 11 a.m.–2 p.m. & 5 p.m.–11 p.m.
Sat., 5 p.m.–11 p.m.
Sun., 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Saw’s Juke Joint
Southern, Barbecue, Soul Food
1115 Dunston Ave | 205.745.3920 | $$
sawsbbq.com
Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
Sun., closed
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Taco Mama
Mexican
63 Church St. | 205.414.9314 | $
tacomamaonline.com
Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., closed
Vino
Mediterranean, Italian
1930 Cahaba Rd. | 205.870.8404 | $$
vinobirmingham.com
Mon.-Thurs., 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 4 p.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., closed
HOMEWOOD,
GREEN SPRINGS
NEW
Big Bad Breakfast
1926 29th Ave. S. | 205.666.7099 | $$
bigbadbreakfast.com
Every day 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m
DeVinci’s
Pizza, Italian
2707 18th St. S. | 205.879.1455 | $$
devincispizza.wordpress.com
Mon.-Thurs., 6 a.m.-10 a.m.
Fri. & Sat., 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sun., 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
NEW
Farm Bowl and Juice Co.
Smoothies, Juice, Oatmeal
1920 29th Ave. S. | 205.848.2929 | $$
farmbowlandjuiceco.com
Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sat.-Sun., 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
GianMarco’s
Italian, Seafood
721 Broadway St. | 205.871.9622 | $$$
gianmarcosbhm.com
Mon. & Tues., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Wed,-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sat., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., closed
EDITOR’S PICK
Rigatoni
Grille 29
Seafood, Steakhouse
971 Brookwood Village | 205.783.1295 | $$$
grille29.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sun., 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Holler & Dash
Breakfast, Biscuits
2801 18th St. S., Ste 101 | 205.414.0999 | $$
holleranddash.com
Every day, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Homewood Diner
Diners, Southern, American
162 Oxmoor Rd. | 205.941.9994 | $
Mon.-Fri., 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sat., 6 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sun., 6 a.m.-2 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
Jinsei Sushi
2242 Highland Ave. S. | 205.933.2001 | $$
jinseisushi.com
Mon.-Thurs., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Johnny’s Restaurant
Diner, Meat & Three
2902 18th St. S. | 205.802.2711 | $$
johnnyshomewood.com
Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Sat., closed
Sun., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Little Donkey
Mexican
2821 Central Ave | 205.703.7000 | $$
thelittledonkeycom
Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Mr. Chen’s
Chinese
808 Green Springs Hwy Ste. | 205.942.5000 | $$
mrchenschineseal.com
Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
O’Carr’s
Deli, Sandwiches
2809 18th St. S. | 205.879.2196 | $
ocarrs.com
Mon., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sun., closed
O’Henry’s
Coffee, Bakery
2831 18th St S. | 205.870.1198 | $
ohenryscoffees.com
Mon.-Thurs., 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri., 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Over Easy
Breakfast/Brunch, Sandwiches
358 Hollywood Blvd. | 205.639.1910 | $
eatovereasy.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Sun., 6 a.m.-2 p.m.
Pho Que Huong
Vietnamese
430 Green Springs Hwy. | 205.942.5400 | $$
Every day, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.,
5 p.m.-9 p.m.
NEW
Pizzeria GM
600 Oak Grove Road | 205.905.3266 | $$
pizzeriagm.com
Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Real & Rosemary
American
1922 29th Ave S. | 205.820.7100 | $$
realandrosemary.com
Every day, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Red Pearl
Korean, Chinese
243 W Valley Ave. Ste. 121 | 205.888.4045 | $$
superorientalmkt.com
Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-10 pm.
Sun., 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sam’s Super Samwiches
2812 18th St. S. | 205.871.0046 | $
samssupersamwiches.com
Mon.-Fri., 6 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sat., 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sun., closed
Savage’s Bakery
Bakery, Deli
2242 Highland Ave. S. | 205.933.2001 | $$
savagebakery.com
Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sun., closed
Saw’s BBQ
1008 Oxmoor Rd. | 205.879.1937 | $$
sawsbbq.com
Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun., closed
Seoul
Korean
430 Green Springs Hwy. | 205.945.8007 | $$
Mon., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tues., closed
Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Steel City Pops
Popsicles
2821 Central Ave. | 205.969.8770 | $
steelcitypops.com
Mon.-Thurs., 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Urban Cookhouse
American
2846 18th St. S. | 205.879.0883 | $
urbancookhouse.com
Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., Closed
HOOVER, RIVERCHASE
Baha Burger
Burgers
4745 Chace Cir., Ste. 125 | 205.682.6980 | $
bahaburger.com
Every day, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Blue Pacific at Hoover Foodmart
Thai
3219 Lorna Rd. | 205.978.0754 | $
Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.,
5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Sun., closed
EDITOR’S PICK
Panang Chicken
LATE NIGHT
The Cajun Steamer
Cajun/Creole
180 Main St., Ste. 200 | 205.985.7785 | $$
cajunsteamer.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Customs Café
International
1845 Montgomery Hwy. | 205.987.0176 | $
customscafe.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m-8 p.m.
Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., closed
Dale’s Southern Grill
Southern
1843 Montgomery Hwy. | 205.987.4757 | $$
dalesgrill.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat.,11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
First Watch
Breakfast, American
4741 Chace Cir. | 205.982.8477 | $
firstwatch.com
Every day, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Fried Green Tomatoes
American
1615 Montgomery Hwy., Ste 132. |
205.824.5000 | $
eatfgt.com
Every day, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Front Porch
American
2301 Grand Ave., Suite 109 | 205.436.2072 | $$
frontporchrossbridge.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m-10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Jubilee Joe’s
Cajun/Creole, Seafood
2341 John Hawkins Pkwy., Ste. 119 |
205.982.7797 | $$
jubileejoes.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Mr. Chen’s
Chinese
1917 Hoover Ct. | 205.824.8283 | $$
mrchenschineseal.com
Every day, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Pita Café
Mediterranean
2801 John Hawkins Pkwy. | 205.402.7482 | $$
pitacafehoover.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., closed
Salvatore’s Pizza
2798 John Hawkins Pkwy., Ste 108 | 205.705.1854
| $$
salvatorespizzeria.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Silver Coin Indian Grill
Indian
3321 Lorna Rd. | 205.823.9070 | $$
silvercoinusa.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Tip Top Grill
Breakfast, Burgers, Hot dogs
588 Shades Crest Rd. | 205.978.8677 | $
Mon.-Fri., 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sat., 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sun., closed
Tortugas Pizza
2801 John Hawkins Pkwy. | 205.403.9800 | $$
tortugaspizza.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Thurs., 4 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., closed
Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato
Italian, Pizza
610 Preserve Pkwy., Ste. 100 205.637.3036 | $$
vecchiabirmingham.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Zoes Kitchen (Best of Birmingham)
Mediterranean
180 Main St., Suite 140 | 205.989.4020 | $$
zoeskitchen.com
Every day, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
VESTAVIA,
CAHABA HEIGHTS
The Alabama Biscuit Co.
Breakfast/Brunch, American
4133 White Oak Dr. | 205.578.2553
alabamabiscuit.com
156 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 157

• TABLE |
Dining Guide
Every day, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
Bar 31
1485 Montgomery Hwy. | 205.824.3160 | $
bar31vestavia.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Fri., 11 a.m.-4 a.m.
Sat. & Sun., 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Bistro V
American
521 Montgomery Hwy. | 205.823.1505 | $$$
bistro-v.com
Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., closed
The Fig Tree
Café
3160 Cahaba Heights Rd. | 205.969.6711 | $$$
thebirminghamfigtree.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.,5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.,5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fleming’s
Wine Bar, Steakhouse
103 Summit Blvd. | 205.262.9463 | $$$$
flemingssteakhouse.com
Mon.-Sat., 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Flip Burger
220 Summit Blvd., Ste. 140 | 205.968.2000 | $$
flipburgerboutique.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m-9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m-9 p.m.
FoodBar
American
3156 Heights Village | 205.876.8100 | $$$
foodbarbham.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Sat., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., closed
Klingler’s Café
Bakery, Dessert, German
621 Montgomery Hwy. | 205.823.4560 | $$
klinglers.com
Mon.-Sat., 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sun., 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Masaman Thai Kitchen
790 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 104 | 205.200.0711 | $
masamanthaikitchen.wix.com/vestavia
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sat., 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., closed
Miss Myra’s Pit BBQ
3278 Cahaba Heights Rd. | 205.967.6004 | $$
Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sat. & Sun., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Mudtown Eat & Drink
American
3144 Green Valley Rd. | 205.933.2001 | $$
The burger at The Fig Tree (Photo by Cary Norton)
mudtownalabama.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
The Olive Branch
Mediterranean
3236 Cahaba Heights Rd. | 205.967.4600 | $$
olivebranchbham.com
Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Sun., closed
The Ridge Eat & Drink
Burgers, American
3325 Rocky Ridge Plz. | 205.917.5080 | $$
theridgealabama.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sun., closed
Satterfield’s
American, Seafood, Wine Bar
3161 Cahaba Heights Rd. | 205.969.9690 | $$$
satterfieldsrestaurant.com
Mon.-Thurs., 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., closed
LATE NIGHT
Village Tavern
American
101 Summit Blvd. | 205.970.1640 | $$
villagetavern.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
HWY 280, INVERNESS
Abhi
Sushi Bar, Asian Fusion
300 Summit Blvd., Suite 105 | 205.969.6858 | $$
abhiatthesummit.com
Mon.-Sat., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
EDITOR’S PICK
Momos
Big Bad Breakfast
Breakfast/Brunch
5361 Hwy. 280 | 205.490.7568 | $$
bigbadbreakfast.com
Every day, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Chuck’s Fish
Seafood, Sushi Bar
508 Greensboro Ave. | 205.248.9370 | $$$
chucksfish.com
Mon.-Sat., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., closed
The Boot
American
5279 U.S. Highway 280 | 205.991.8388 | $$
thebootfoodanddrink.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a..m-9 p.m.
Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Edgar’s
Bakery, Café
6801 Cahaba Valley Rd. | 205.408.0897 | $
edgarsbakery.com
Mon.-Sat., 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sun., closed
Lloyd’s
Southern, barbecue
5301 Hwy. 280 | 205.991.5530 | $
lloyds280.com
Every day, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Magnolia Café
Meat & Three, Southern
4704 Cahaba River Rd. | 205.969.4855 | $$
magnoliacafebirmingham.com
Every day, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Nori
Sushi, Thai
4704 Cahaba River Rd. | 205.970.7570 | $$
noribirmingham.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
BEST OF BIRMINGHAM
Perry’s Steakhouse
4 Perimeter Park S. | 205.968.1597 | $$$$
perryssteakhouse.com
Mon.-Thurs., 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Fri., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sat., 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
EDITOR’S PICK
Famous Pork Chop
LATE NIGHT
Seasons 52
Seafood, Modern American
24 Summit Blvd. | 205.968.5152 | | $$$
seasons52.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
CRESTWOOD,
EASTWOOD
& IRONDALE
Crestwood Coffee Co.
Coffee, Bakery, Café
5512 Crestwood Blvd. | 205.595.0300 | $
facebook.com/CrestwoodCoffeeCo
Mon.-Thurs., 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fri.-Sat., 6:30 a.m.-10 p..m
Sun., 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Irondale Café
Southern
1906 1st Ave N. | 205.956.5258 | $
irondalecafe.com
Every day, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
El Cazador
Mexican
1540 Montclair Rd. | 205.951.1205 | $
elcazadoralabama.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat,., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
The Filling Station Pizza
5524 Crestwood Blvd. | 205.592.3455 | $$
thefillingstationbham.com
Every day, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
TRUSSVILLE
Café on Main
Meat & Three
218 Main St. | 205.655.0330 | $
cafeonmainfood.com
Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sat., closed
Sun., 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Chocolate Biscuit Tea Room
335 Main St. | 205.655.0119 | $$
thechocolatebiscuit.com
Mon., closed
Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sun., closed
LATE NIGHT
Mizu Japanese Steakhouse
Sushi Bar, Japanese
1483 Gadsden Hwy., Ste. 156 205.655.8077 | $$
mizuusa.com
Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sat., 12 p.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
LATE NIGHT
Parish Seafood & Oyster House
Bar, Seafood, Cajun/Creole
1911 Gadsden Hwy. | 205.655.4117 | $$
parishoysterhouse.com
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun., closed
LATE NIGHT
Rock-N-Roll Sushi
5078 Pinnacle Sq. | 205.655.6040 | $$
rockandrollsushibar.com
Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sat., 10:30 a.m.-12 a.m.
Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
158 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 159

• POSTSCRIPT
TWO DISTINCT MODELS. ONE PERFECT HOME.
THE JONES
Models Now Open
A Steel Garden
A new hobby is blooming for John.
by JOHN ARCHIBALD
New Homes from Low $400s to High $600s+
MY LATE GREAT AUNT—Elizabeth
Archibald—stuck an old broomstick in the dirt
as a garden stake.
And it sprouted. She had a green thumb.
So did my mom. Every time she cut an
avocado, she rooted the pit in a jar and grew
them in pots until the leaves bent at the ceiling.
We had an avocado rain forest in the
living room.
I could have killed the lot of them in a
weekend. Not enough water. Too much water.
Perhaps there was too much of that William
Blake philosophy in me: “You never know
what is enough unless you know what is more
than enough.”
It rarely works for people. It never works
for plants.
My thumb is not green.
I blame Birmingham.
I grew up in a city that belched smoke from
coal and coke, on a mountain perforated with
mines that pulled red ore from the ground.
Given a choice, I’d take a visitor to Sloss
Furnaces rather than the Botanical Gardens.
The most interesting blooms come in a blob of
iron and slag.
Somehow, some way, that Birmingham
stuck to me.
I’ve tried to grow things. I’ve planted vegetables
and watched them wither and die before
their time. I’ve cultivated impressive herb
gardens, only to see them go to seed and fade
away. Just like me and my dreams of agricultural
accomplishment.
I do not understand the drive or appeal
of a lawn. You throw everything you have at
it—water, fertilizer, weed and seed, and more
water—and when it grows as lush and green
as you’d hoped, you slash it down to nothing.
It seems cruel. It seems like the definition
of insanity.
I am not a garden guy, as it turns out. My
thumb is dark with the soot of Birmingham. It
took me 50 years to figure out that was OK.
I took a class last year at Sloss Furnaces—
beginning blacksmithing—and it made me
feel Birmingham with every hammer strike.
Metal is how we got here, after all. Metal is
why we are here. It is beautiful and substantial
and—these days—uncommon. At Sloss it
was magical, as holy as church, right there in
the stink of sweat and burning coke.
To say it lit a fire is not to say enough. It
has been … consuming.
So as the neighbors plant new grass and
trim shrubbery and cook out on a spring
afternoon, I spend days turning an old barbecue
grill into a coal-burning forge and
pounding metal into and out of shape. It
smells a little worse than burgers, and has a
different kind of sizzle.
But I have developed quite a talent for
turning worthless hunks of metal into
worthless hunks of metal.
I’m progressing, though. Soon—with a
new gas forge and more tools—I’ll learn to
turn expensive steel into worthless junk, too.
It’s only a matter of time.
But there is peace in the noise and heat.
There is as much Zen in metal as there is in
any garden. And if you listen, it can teach you
a lot about life.
That you can bend things to your will, but
that doesn’t make them the way they were
meant to be.
That the harder you make things, the more
likely they are to break.
That a cool fire still burns.
Yeah, my thumb is gun-metal gray, and I’m
OK with it. If only I could convince
the neighbors.
JOHN ARCHIBALD
jarchibald@al.com
OLD OVERTON GOLF CLUB
dNew Membership Packages
DRUMMOND BUILT HOMES
dNew Hometown Homebuilder
THE OVERLOOK
d
New Lake Neighborhood
TOWN VILLAGE
dNew 700-Acre Plan
THE LOGAN
APRIL 27-29 | MAY 4-6
&
THE JONES
THE LOGAN
Decorated Models
(205) 945-6401
libertypark.com
All information and depictions herein believed accurate but not warranted or guaranteed and subject to change without notice. All information should be independently verified.
Liberty Park Joint Venture, LLP, Liberty Park Properties, LifeScape Builders, LLC, Drummond Built Homes, LLC and their respective builders, employees and agents are not responsible
for errors or omissions. All rights reserved.
160 | Birmingham | APRIL 18 APRIL 18 | Birmingham | 161

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