a b o u t t o w n . io
COMPLIMENTARY
NOV 2017
The
Food &
Antiques Drink At The Issue Gardens The Zoo Gala
+
Holding Yourself ble Accounta OLIDAYS
EH OVER TH Moseley w/ Mandy
page 20
Where the Chefs Go page10
LIAM, Jr. Copywriter, and CHRIS, Graphic Production Artist, take a lunch break on the harbor outside our office!
BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM THE SUMMIT | 209BLVD. SUMMIT BLVD. | BIRMINGHAM, AL205-970-9758 | P: 205-970-9758 SUMMIT | 209 SUMMIT | BIRMINGHAM, AL | P:
NEW HOMES COMMUNITY BY TOWER HOMES
TOWER HOMES
GRAND OPENING
11/29/2017 3PM—5PM
Indulge your lifestyle without compromising your budget... A Tower Homes Community, Irondale, Al Over 180 New Homes Craftsman & Modern Farmhouse Collections Latest Interior Design Trends GRAND OPENING: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH 3-5PM
TOWER HOMES
Price Hightower, President of Tower Homes
Grants Mill Valley - Home is where your story begins... Tower Homes invites you to indulge your lifestyle without compromising your budget. We have the perfect setting for the active modern lifestyle in a convenient location off Grants Mill Road. The community will feature over 180 single family homes from Tower’s Modern Farmhouse and Craftsman Style floor plan collections. Floor plans offer the latest interior and design trends such as chef’s kitchens, home offices, home fitness, screened porches and great outdoor living areas. Homebuyers have an option to customize their new home with premium designer finishes and build with energy efficiency. Let your story begin at Grants Mill Valley! LOCATION: Grants Mill Valley—Model Home 1334 Creekside Glen 35210 Irondale
Sandy Reeves 205.365.3298 Freida Zamiatala 205.516.2297 Visit our website: www.tower-homes.com
NOV
Eat Me
The Food & Drink Issue
INSIDE 24 Vulcan After Tunes - Music Under the Big Guy 32 Autumn Celebration - Tacos for Trinity 34 Ties on the Turf - Presented by Alabama Pain Physicians 36 Antiques at The Gardens - Gala in The Gardens 40 Skin Wellness - Open House 42 Fairy Tale Ball - Benefiting Childcare Resources 43 St. Jude Walk - Supporting Children 44 A Night of Big Stars - For Big Brothers and Big Sisters 46 The Engaged Collective - Engaged Wedding Library 48 Maestro’s Ball - Hosted by the AL Symphony 50 Fitathlon Challenge 51 Real Men Wear Pink - Supporting American Cancer Society 52 Sips for CF - 8th Annual 53 Ed Family Game Night 54 YP Birmingham - September Social 55 Tailagte Challenge - Benefiting the Bell Center 56 Zoo Gala - Mambo with the Macaws 59 Hoover Helps - Hoover vs Spain Park 60 Fall Harvest - Garden Dinner
COVER
Brandon Cain at Roots & Revelry photo: Hannah Slamen ABOUT
4 TOWN
Every story has a beginning. When you’re pregnant, you learn a lot about what to expect. But no matter what, you know that having your baby is only the beginning of the story. With five hospitals throughout central Alabama, hundreds of specialists, and countless ways to customize your experience, Brookwood Baptist Health is a community of care dedicated to making your new beginning a happy one.
Find your happy beginning with us at BrookwoodBaptistHealth.com/Womens
Dear Reader
@ABOUTTOWNMAG
ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TRIVIA 4. QUESTION
1. QUESTION
Which American legend had his own distillery?
Beer dates back to...
A) George Washington B) Hank Williams C) Edgar Allan Poe D) Andrew Jackson
A) The 1800’s to Milwaukee B) The 1300’s to Central Europe C) The 2nd Millennium BC to China D) The 5th Millenium BC to Iraq
2. QUESTION
5. QUESTION
Which food chain has the most locations in the world? A) Subway B) KFC C) Starbucks D) McDonald’s
Which Birmingham Bar offers the infamous “Sex Panther”, which is illegal in over 5 countries? A) Collins B) The Marble Ring C) The Atomic D) Saturn
3. QUESTION
Vodka can be translated to mean... A) Little Water B) Feels Good C) Russian Spirit D) Burning Wine
6. QUESTION
What Alabama agriculturalal product produces the most revenue? A) Chicken B) Cotton C) Cattle D) Soy Beans
ANSWERS BELOW IN RIGHT CORNER
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
Morgan Ranker, 22
The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, Lana Del Rey, One Republic, Ariana Grande, Imagine Dragons, Coldplay. How often do you buy music? Now, I pay $10/month for unlimited digital music downloads. I used to buy CD’s the day they were released, but since music has now gone digitial, it isn’t really necessary anymore unless you’re a collector. I still have some old CD’s that I keep around just for fun, but I haven’t listened to them in years. Local Radio, Spotify or Satellite? Spotify. 100%.
TRIVIA ANSWERS
1: A, 2: A, 3: A, 4: D, 5: C, 6: A ABOUT
6 TOWN
You love growing your business. Then you’ll love this bank. Discover how Progress can help you and your business grow. From experienced wealth management to robust business lending options, you’ll find our local connections and dedicated service provide a solid foundation for Progress. Come see us today: Birmingham Office 205.822.5500 2121 Highland Ave S Vestavia Office 205.705.1500 1360 Montgomery Hwy Suite 100
MEMBER FDIC
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WHAT YOU GET Follow each issue of About Town as we feature four properties at a particular price point in various neighborhoods.
Homewood
Mountain Brook
$600k WHERE: 707 Broadway Street WHAT: 4 beds, 4 baths HOW MUCH: $565,000 SETTING: This southern family home settles inside the popular Edgewood Neighborhood. INDOORS: Boasting an open floor plan and unique character throughout each room, this newly updated home is perfect for entertaining. OUTDOORS: Includes a sprinkler system, beautiful landscaping, and fenced-in backyard.
Vestavia Hills
WHERE: 2634 Dolly Ridge Road WHAT: 4 beds, 5 baths HOW MUCH: $594,000 SETTING: Nestled on a large, level lot, this rustic, yet modern 2-story home is located conveniently close to Highway 280 and The Summit. INDOORS: Vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors throughout, third level bonus room. Each bedroom boasts its own ensuite bath. OUTDOORS: Additional driveway parking and a huge, covered deck.
WHERE: 4009 Old Leeds Ridge WHAT: 4 beds, 3 baths HOW MUCH: $598,000 SETTING: Found on a private double cul-desac in a wooded area. INDOORS: Kitchen includes a limestone island, custom white cabinets and brand new stainless-steel appliances. OUTDOORS: Beautiful stone patio and second story deck overlooking the natural landscaping and tall forest trees.
Hoover
WHERE: 849 Aberlady Place WHAT: 5 beds, 5 baths HOW MUCH: $589,000 SETTING: You can find this home on a hill with a stunning view of the mountains of Shelby County. INDOORS: Includes of two fireplaces, granite countertops in the kitchen, and natural lighting throughout the main level. OUTDOORS: Sitting over an acre with a Nature Preserve connected to its backyard.
ASK AN EXPERT
All we’ve heard for the last couple of years is interest rates will be rising. Even though we have a new administration and an improving economy, interest rates have yet to rise significantly. Why has there been such little movement?
Even though our economy is improving, we haven’t experienced the inflationary pressures yet. As soon as those numbers start showing up, interest rates will rise accordingly. Interest rates and inflation have a direct and immediate relationship.
ABOUT
8 TOWN
Vicki Warner
QUICK
Where the Chefs Go
TIPS
IN THE KITCHEN
We asked some of our favoriteswhat are some of their favorites.
The Super Simple Perfect Steak
Matt Jones - El Barrio
Best Pizza? Vecchia Pizzeria Best place to bring a date? Chez Fonfon
Jason McGowen - Avondale Common House
Favorite Fast Food? Taco Bell Best Burger? Chez Fonfon
Skip the grill. Preheat your cast iron skillet to HIGH. Add a dab of butter and oil to it. Cook steak on one side for just under 2 minutes. Flip and cook other side for same time. Grab the skillet and put into a 220 degrees oven for 10 min. Makes med-rare.
Easy Addition for Richer Mashed Potatos
Ricky Headrick - Wasabi Juan’s
Best Burger? Jack Brown’s Best Place to Bring a Date? The J. Clyde
Wake-up your garlic powder by mixing it with an equal part of water, then saute in butter before adding it to your mashed potatos. Adds a significantly fuller flavor.
Better Roasted Asparagus Greg Henderson - Brick & Tin
Bobby Thompson - Ovenbird
Favorite Fast Food? Guthrie’s Chicken Best Pizza? Trattoria Centrale
Best Pizza? Post Office Pies Place to Bring and out of town guest? Good People during Barons’ game
Most recipes call for 400 degrees. Take it up to 500 and cook for 8-9 minutes. The blazing heat sears in a deeper flavor and creates a crisper-tender texture.
Forget the Meatball Mess
Joey Mitchell - EastWest
Joey Dickerson - Melt
Best Burger? Five Guys Bar you would bring an out of town friend? Trim Tab Brewery
Best Burger? Fancy’s on 5th Spot you would bring an out of town friend? Moon Shine
Perhaps our simplest tip - don’t cook your meatballs in a skillet. It’s a greasy mess. Simply bake in the oven in a tinfoil lined pan, then add to your sauce when cooked rare.
The Beef for Your Burgers
Randy Davis - Otey’s
Matthew Statham - Saw’s BBQ
Best Pizza? Papa John’s Restaurant you would bring an out of town friend? Longhorn Steakhouse
Favorite Fast Food? Chick-fil-a Best Place to Bring a Date? Gianmarco’s ABOUT
10 T O W N
Your ideal fat content is between 15-20%, which is usually the Ground Chuck. It has the richer flavor and tender texture. Ground Sirloin (around 7-10%) is too lean and will be dry. Ground Round is too gristly, while Ground Beef is inconsistent, and can be too greasy.
PROMOTION
Ask Dr. Misty
Mind, Body & Heart Wellness
My Husband’s Sex Drive and Mine Are Not on the Same Page... >>> My husband’s sex drive and my sex are not in alignment. I would really like to have sex 3-4 times a week. He is about once a week or sometimes even once every two weeks. Now he does have a lot of work-related stress and I’m not concerned about him cheating. What advice would you recommend for us to get a little bit more on the same page?
Writer, Speaker, Radio & Television Contributor, Dr. Misty Smith is the Founder and Managing Director of the Birmingham, Alabama based Mind, Body & Heart Wellness Clinic. She is an ASSECT Nationally recognized Certified Sex Therapist (CST), as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) of more than 15 years, who focuses on assisting individuals and couples to achieve their optimal emotional, relational, and sexual health through a results-oriented counseling process tailored to the needs of the individual or couple. In addition to being ASSECT Certified, Dr. Misty has a PhD in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University and her EdS in Counseling from the University of Alabama. She can be
Desire discrepancy is a very common problem among couples, married or not. I would initially recommend the two of you having a conversation regarding the discrepancy and how often you would like to have sex. This is a conversation I highly recommend couples have prior to a marriage contract, but seems to be the conversation they shy away from at that time. If this conversation elicits an argument, which it often does, I would recommend you talk with a professional who can either be a mediator or an “interpreter.” This might assist you in communicating without getting caught up in a fight. The next step I would recommend is to consider your age, current “place” in life, and whether or not you have children. These factors can, and almost always do, affect the amount of sex you are having at any given point. Evaluate whether the desire discrepancy was affected by any of these factors. Again, this really all starts with the conversation letting your partner know you feel like something is missing in your sexual relationship. Maybe the sexual piece declined because something was missing in your overall connection. Depending on his age, I would most definitely recommend he see a urologist for testosterone levels to be checked. Typically men do not start having a decrease in testosterone until around age 40, but this is not always the case! If he is experiencing any other symptoms of low testosterone such as fatigue, muscle loss, sleep problems, depression, anxiety, etc., then he should definitely get into that urologist as soon as possible! When testosterone has been ruled out as a contributor and the conversation has been had, it is important for the two of you to discuss expectations.
reached by email at mistysmithphd@mbhwellnessclinic.com or mbhwellnessclinic.com.
It is also important for the two of you to be intentional about that sexual time you spend together, as well as the other “intimate” time you have. It’s not really spontaneous and not always fun to schedule sex, but sometimes it is VERY important to put it on the calendar to, at the very least, ensure that you are getting back into a rhythm that keeps both of you satisfied and connected! Keep in mind that this might also mean scheduling romance, date nights, and intimate conversation time. Those things can be just as important to getting back on track sexually.
>>> My friend has had serious drug problems in the past and his friends and I don’t know how to handle it. We’ve talked to his parents and we all thought it was going pretty well, but now things seem to be going back to the way they were. His friends and I haven’t talked to him in a few weeks because we’re fed up with his old bad habits, and feeling like we’re responsible for his well-being. Should we keep our distance like we have been the past few weeks, or do you think we owe it to our childhood friend to get more involved even though that clearly didn’t work the last time? Addicts decide to get help when THEY decide to get help, or when they hit “rock bottom!” You can push and shove and intervene, but the chances of relapse are extremely high if that person is not doing it of their own accord.
I don’t think you should step away completely. People need support, and people need people! Don’t be an enabler! Be aware of “rescuing” behaviors on your part such as giving them money, buying necessities for them, providing them a place to live or sleep, being their transportation, etc. Set HEALTHY boundaries, and learn how to say NO! This only makes the situation worse. Parents and spouses can be the biggest enablers, while thinking that they are helping. Offer support, and possibly even offer that support with incentives or restrictions if help is sought or not sought. The chances are high that your support will fall on deaf ears again. However, addicts left with zero support have a tendency to have fates worse than those with strong support systems. Let them know that you are available as soon as they are ready to seek help. Then be available when they do. If you just really need to do something...take his parents to a support group for friends and family of addicts (AL-ANON, NAR-ANON). Get some information for treatment centers together for the day your friend decides they are ready for help. Be patient. Live your life! If you’d like to ask an anonymous question to Dr. Misty, please email it to: info@abouttown.io
The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this column not intended to replace or substitute for any professional, financial, medical, or legal advice. If you have specific concerns or situations requiring professional, psychological or medical help, you should consult with an appropriately qualified individual. The opinions or views expressed in this column are not intended to treat, diagnose, or replace the treatment and care that you may be receiving from another licensed professional. This column, its author, and the publisher are not responsible for the outcome or results of following any advice in any given situation addressed. You, and only you, are completely responsible for your actions.
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PROMOTION
on the menu EASTWEST 2306 2nd Ave N.
Recommended dishes include Chinese Duck Nachos $11, Lettuce Wraps $6 and the Soft-Shell Crab Rice Bowl. $16.
As the 2nd Ave explosion continues, a new restaurant is on the scene.
Conklin is looking to make updates to the menu, like the Salt and Pepper
Located in the former What’s on 2nd spot, EastWest is the product of
Calamari. They also offer daily off-the-menu specials like Seafood Gumbo.
Colby Conklin, formly of 5 and Chuck’s Fish. As the name implies, the
Like the area as a whole, there may be a wait to be seated. The restaurant
cuisine is an Asian-American inspired concept/eatery. Says Conklin, “It’s
seats about 80 guests downstairs and has room to seat another 50 or 60
East meets West, the Eastern culture and the Western culture. We are
in a private event space upstairs. Price ranges are $4 to $6 for steamed
doing things like taking a ribeye and doing a Mongolian ribeye, and taking
buns, $6 to $10 for small plates, $9 to $11 for sandwiches, and $19 to $25
a piece of tuna and making it tuna tataki.”
for entrees.
First Impression is the eye-catching tiger/dragon mural designed by Shane B. of Non-Stop Art. “The mural above the bar definitely gives it sort of an Asian feel,” Conklin said. “The tiger and the dragon kind of symbolize the East and the West.”
Featured cocktails are a big draw. Jared Logan, who also works down the street at The Collins Bar, puts together the cocktail menu. Logan’s signature cocktails include the Silk Road, with Bulleit Rye, tamarind syrup and lime juice, and Mr. West, with tequila, vermouth, lime juice and a Thai Chile syrup.
ABOUT
16 T O W N
Open for dinner only from 5 to 10 p.m. Tues - Thur and from 5 to 11 p.m. Fri & Sat (Friday Lunch and a Saturday Brunch start Dec 1st and 2nd respectively.)
2306 2nd Ave N. Downtown Birmingham
(205) 202-4496
BIRMINGHAM’S LOCAL
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PROMOTION
Birmingham’s food scene is in the national spotlight. With lines at new restaurants out the door assuring customers of a long wait, it is always nice to come across a hidden gem in the Magic City. The Grill at Iron City, attached to Birmingham’s favorite music venue, features a locally sourced menu, unique cocktails, an extensive lineup of Alabama craft brews, live music on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and heavenly homemade desserts.
The Grill at Iron City is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Tues-Sat. The convenient Southside location within walking distance to many businesses and ample parking make it a great option for lunch with coworkers, client meetings or to-go orders. For smaller private functions up to 100 people, The Grill at Iron City is available to be rented out on weekends and select evenings. The casual atmosphere features a small stage for entertainment and a wrap-around bar. It’s the perfect space for after work networking events, a farm to table dinner experience, and social receptions. Email events@ironcitybham.com for more information.
It is common to find pastry chefs in fine dining restaurants, but rarely are they found in restaurants that are attached to music venues. Expect the unexpected from The Grill at Iron City. From the brown butter crust of the seasonal cheesecake to the grand Marnier whipped cream on top, each part of the dessert menu at The Grill at Iron City is made from scratch by Pastry Chef Ashley Thompson. Her dessert menu changes with the season along with the main lunch and dinner menus. Creme Brule and a cheesecake are always included, but a Fall favorite is the Pumpkin Sundae - creamy pumpkin ice cream topped with Makers Mark caramel, roasted pecans and fresh whipped cream. The dessert selection at The Grill at Iron City should be on your list of must-try eats in Birmingham.
–– VISIT THE GRILL AT IRON CITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR FOOD PHOTOS, LIVE MUSIC UPDATES AND MORE! ––
Also unique to The Grill at Iron City are the extensive wine, beer and cocktail offerings. A beautiful, large, wrap around bar welcomes patrons to settle in for a tasty libation. Guests are presented with a wine list that stretches from the Willamette Valley to New Zealand to Spain. Most wines are offered by the glass and bottle, and your bartender is more than happy to recommend a dish (or dessert) that pairs well with your selection. The cocktail list features classics like the Paloma, the Boulevardier and the Cable Car, and modern twists like the Calvert with Cathead Vodka, elderflower liqueur and blackberry juice or the Desert Rose with sparkling wine and hibiscus syrup. If hops are more your thing, take a look at the enormous chalkboard for a top-notch selection of Alabama draft beers offered on tap. No matter your reason for dining out—a concert, sporting event, or a quiet dinner with friends, The Grill at Iron City has the libation to fit the occasion.
“The venue at Iron City is one of the best in Birmingham. My husband and I have attended several concerts here and always have such an amazing time. The Grill at Iron City is also something that should not be overlooked. The vibe of the restaurant is casual, but the menu feels very upscale. Everything I have tried here has been downright delicious. This is a place that we will go to again and again.” - Alexandra W., Yelp.com
Iron City is known for having popular artists on its large stage in the Venue. However, The Grill at Iron City also showcases “Sound Sessions”, a two-hour tasting of some of the best live music in town. Music lovers enjoy a variety of genres of music on The Grill’s intimate stage from some of the best local and regional talent. Sound Sessions on Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6pm to 8pm (on non-concert nights) is the complete “dinner and a show” experience. Follow @TheGrillatIronCity on Facebook for live updates. Judah & the Lion photo credit Don Naman
V I E W T H E F U L L FA L L M E N U O N L I N E - I RO N C I T Y B H A M . C O M The Grill at Iron City 2208 6th Avenue South, Birmingham 205-202-5483 Make your reservation now at IronCityBham.com Open Monday 11am-2pm Tuesday-Thursday 11am-9pm Friday 11am-10pm Saturday 5pm-10pm Closed Sunday except when there is a concert.
PROMOTION
Holding Yourself Accountable Over the Holidays >>> By: Mandy Moseley from Three15 Studio
The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year. In all honesty, who doesn’t love an opportunity to dress up and spend time with their friends and family? For a lot of us, the holiday season can be an extremely difficult time to stay healthy. I have learned the more prepared you are for the next few months ahead, the easier it is for you to have fun and enjoy yourself without undoing all of the hard work you have put in the past 10 months. So the question is, how do we tackle the holiday season?
#1. SET REALISTIC GOALS Just a heads up, you have two more months before you have to come up with that lofty New Year’s resolution! This doesn’t mean you do not need to hold yourself accountable, because you do. The best advice that I can give you is to find a workout that you really enjoy and set a realistic goal for yourself. Maybe it is attending classes four times a week. If so, write it down and make it visible to yourself on a daily basis. If you check off the days that you go and you find yourself slipping, you are more likely to reign it in if you can visually see it on a piece of paper.
#2. WATER, WATER, WATER Drinking water throughout the day can help you feel fuller, which can keep you from consuming as many calories when it’s time to eat. A small change in your drinking habits over the next few months can save you a lot of calories. Try drinking water throughout the day versus juices or sodas. Another tip is to try drinking a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage when you are at a party.
#3. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY If a female wants a piece of chocolate, there are very few things that will keep her from finding it! That being said, this is not the time to deprive yourself of all of the yummy foods that are associated with holiday eating. If your aunt Martha’s pecan pie is your favorite thing in the whole world and you have been looking forward to it all year long, then have a small piece and move along. Denying yourself of all of the goodies can sometimes make them more appealing. So have the cake, just don’t have all of the cake. Moderation is the key! ABOUT
#4. HAVE A DRINKING PLAN I know that this might sound silly, but drinking too much can sometimes cause you to lose your inhibitions and make bad decisions around food as well. The more you drink, the more likely you are to rationalize eating that cookie you have been eyeing all night long. Try and limit yourself to 2 to 3 drinks per night. Another tip that I mentioned earlier is to have water in between each one of those drinks. Another way you can save some calories is by choosing wine, beer, or a liquor drink with club soda or water. One of the fastest ways calories can sneak up on you are when you are drinking a mixed drink. A glass of wine can be around 120 cal, where a delicious margarita can be close to 600 cal.
At the end of the day, we all just want to enjoy the next few months with “our people”. Enjoy yourself and remember that if you do miss your workout or you do eat that extra cookie, it isn’t the end of the world, so don’t beat yourself up! Instead, wake up the next day and try to be a better you. Control what you can control and happy holidays!
P.S. make sure to get your hands on the next copy of About Town, where we tackle New Years Resolutions! 20 T O W N
The Thing Delicate jewelry. Something subtle. Stacked rings - this season’s must-have each of them uniquely designed to be worn alone or as a trend-setting stackable look. A gorgeous piece of fine jewelry that clearly makes a statement. Top: 6-sided geometrical design with miligrain detail and .46 carats of diamonds. Middle: Delicately beaded 14KT yellow gold Bottom: Uniquely curved rectangular shape filled with three round brilliant diamonds, antique detail and additional .14 carats of diamonds. Starting at $300.00 ~ Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers
Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers 2408 Canterbury Rd Mountain Brook avanirupa.com
Smashing Pumpkins From stout to subtle, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the classic flavor of the season.
<<<
4
dishes 4 towns
These are a couple of our favorite dishes we want in Bham!
Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale
Steven’s Point Brewing Co.’s Ale is a part of one of the brewery’s Whole Hog seasonal series. Its traces of nutmeg and caramel flavors help bring out the pumpkin flavor. A bourbon barrel aged version has limited availability. Check it out at The Pig and Hop City. ABV: 7.4% Brewed: Steven’s Point, WI Pumking Imperial Ale
Known as the “king of pumpkin beers”, P.I.A. is brewed with pumpkins and pumpkin pie spice added. She also has hints of cinnamon and vanilla that help highlight a pumpkin. pie flavor. Found at The Pig and Publix. ABV: 8.6% Brewed: Lakewood, NY Pinchy Jeek Barl
Aged for 6 months in Wild Turkey barrels gives this Anderson Valley brew a smooth taste. Coconut flavor compliments the additional ingredients found within. Pinchy Jeek Barl may be not be found at your local grocery store but more than a few Birmingham restaurants and bars hold this beverage, including: Ovenbird, Woodlawn Cycle Café and Crestwood Tavern. ABV: 8.5% Brewed: Booneville, CA Jack-O Traveler Pumpkin Shandy
At only 4.4% ABV, this wheat beer is both refreshing and flavorful. For those that would like to try this brew, it can be found at most Publixs around town. ABV: 4.4% Brewed: Burlington, VT
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE Mexico
Mexican Hamburgers
What’s the difference in a Mexican hambuger and an American? A super thin beef patty, a thin slice of regular grocery ham, a slice of American cheese, mustard and ketchup. Then add pickled jalapenos, chopped roma tomatoes and fresh onions. Squish down all together on the griddle. Made late night on the streets. This is the best 3 A.M. food out there.
HANALEI, KAUA’I Hawaii
Acai Bowl
The ‘Good Times’ Bowl, and a relatively healthy sweet-treat. Hanalei’s laid-back vibe and emerald mountain surroundings make it the perfect spot when you want to slow it down. Ingredients include: Granola, Banana, Coconut Flakes, Macadamia Nuts, Chia Seed, Hemp Seed, Bee Pollen, Peanut Butter, Chocolate and Honey.
FLORENCE Italty
Pappardelle Chianina
This simple meat sauce pasta dish is a staple and has been perfected by Italian chefs so that the flavors blend perfectly. Like the best dishes - it’s all local and it’s all fresh. Pappardelle is broad, flat ribbons of pasta, and of course, they’re homemade.
Warlock Imperial Stout
A darker counterpart to the Pumking Imperial Ale. The darkness in the Warlock can be found in the hints of dark chocolate and coffee in its flavor. Like the P.I.A., the Warlock is also brewed with pumpkin pie spice. ABV: 8.6% Brewed: Lakewood, NY ABOUT
22 T O W N
NEW ORLEANS LA
Curried Cauliflower Hummus
Next time you’re in New Orleans, please eat at Shaya’s. Its new Israeli cuisine and it is ridiculous! Being called the best new restaurant in New Orleans in the last decade, is quite a claim. We had a hard time just picking out one dish from here.
PROMOTION
Trailblazer
ER
A Profile of Who’s Helping Who
IC
KE
L LY
WORK Managing Producer- Home Loan Specialist Assurance Financial
CHARITY Monday Morning QB Club & Triumph Services MOTIVATION MMQBC raises money for children’s charities & Triumph Services provides life skills training, employment, and counseling for individuals with developmental disabilities. I’m passionate about both, as I’ve seen the good each nonprofit accomplishes for our community and concern. BEST OF BHAM The overall kindness of the community. I moved here about 11 years ago and since day 1 have loved Birmingham and happy to call it HOME!
Jeff and Allen Mann
Sean Leach, Christa Vest
VULCAN AFTERTUNES
Guests enjoyed cool tunes, craft brews catered by Alabev
Lora and Matt Statham
and sweet views with up-and-coming artists as well as Heather Ray, Sarah Peters, Joe Cochran, Todd Collier
everyone’s favorite cast iron statue, Vulcan. Guests also chilled out in Birmingham’s backyard with their lawn chairs and blankets and brought their families out to enjoy some of the country’s best new entertainers.
Sam and Alexandra Lloyd
Shanda Hendricks, Jeannette Hendricks ABOUT
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Lauren Adams
Erin Elliott
Magic City Music
Three Local Acts to Keep Your Eyes On THE BURNING PEPPERMINTS
Hannah Murphy, Andrew Larkin
Claiming hard rock influnces like Zeppelin and The White Stripes, The Peppermints inject just a bit of West Coast Surf into their music. The band consists of Jake Wittig, the band’s founder and songwriter, on vocals and lead guitar. Ahmad Farzad backs Wittig’s guitar and vocals while covering bass and baritone. Ryan Colebeck, the group’s percussionist, seals the deal on the drums. “We place a premium on unity. We strive, sometimes painfully and often joyously, to be on the same page, and work toward our common goals,” Farzad said in an interview. “That keeps us growing in the right direction. And in a place like Birmingham, especially considering where the city is in its current stage of growth, there is enough to do and with good people to keep busy when we’re not working but there aren’t so many distractions and difficulty getting from one part of the city to another to detract from our constant work flow and attention to growing our craft and the band.”
THE GREEN SEED
Nathan and Erin Clark
This hip/hop group began its formation in early 2009 when the group’s founder and Producer, R-Tist (bottom left), met DJ FX (top left) and the two began to collab together on creating quality beats by recording individually played instruments. R-Tist eventually joined with fellow MC, C.O.M.P.L.E.T. (bottom right), through a mutual desire to compose complex lyrics over authentic beats. With DJ Jeff C (top right) joining in at the later end of 2009, the four individuals began to work together exclusively. Signed with local label Communicating Vessels. Each member of The Green Seed brings their own set of skills to the table when performing. From a knowledge of instruments such as guitar, piano, and drums to poetic lyrics and intricate rhythmic mixing, The Green Seed is a force to be reckoned with. For The Green Seed, the concept of growth is a key aspect of who they are as a group, and it also played a large part in the creation of their name.
THE DIRTY LUNGS
William Morrow, Martha Anne Parker
Galen Hale, Anneharris Rahe
Perhaps you’ve seen their stickers around town. (Always in random spots like the light post in the WalMart, and on the back of boat sitting on a trailer in Avondale) Anyway, their catchy name is tough to forget. Throughout their 12 year history, The Dirty Lungs have had their ups and downs, but the group has proven time and time again that Birmingham is where they belong. In terms of genre, it would be difficult to describe The Dirty Lungs as possessing only one sound. The group is not shy when it comes to experimenting with new musical methods and it seems as though each year the group is adding a new sound to its repertoire of sounds. Being a Birmingham based group, The Dirty Lungs have performed at some of the Magic City’s events such as Secret Stages. The group has also played shows at many of the venues around the city including: The Syndicate Lounge, Avondale Brewery, Saturn, and Workplay.
Like the Italians Do.
TIPS »» Always only use extra virgin olive oil, never use plain olive oil. Extra virgin means it’s the oil collected from the very first pressing. It’s the best quality with the richest flavor.
Egg Pasta
INGREDIENTS
»» 1 cup (or more as needed) semolina or all-purpose flour plus more for work area (either flour works) »» 8-9 egg yolks (depending on the size) »» 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Find an authentic classic Italian ragu sauce recipe to add to your homemade pasta and more tips at abouttown.io!
Photos by: Meredith Albury
RECIPE
> Place the flour in a bowl and make a well in the center. > Add the egg yolks and olive oil, stir to combine. > Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes, or until smooth, elastic and well-blended. If the dough is sticky, dust more flour over a spoonful at a time, continue to knead. > Shape into a ball and flatten into a disk; wrap in plastic, set aside for about 15 minutes, allowing it become easier to roll out. > Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface again and with a dusted rolling pin flatten and shape the dough into a rectangle. > Once it’s thin enough to fit through your pasta machine at the thickest setting, pass it through and repeat the following steps several more times until the dough is smooth and supple. > Starting at the second-to-widest setting, pass the dough through the pasta machine again. > Continue that step, making the rollers narrower each time, until the dough reaches the desired thickness. > Dust the finished pasta sheets and place on parchment lined baking sheets or cooling racks. > Cut the pasta by machine or hand as desired. An easy way is to slice the pasta into thick strips like fettuccine or pappardelle. > Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until desired texture is reached.
ABOUT
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»» Never add olive oil to the pasta cooking pot. You may think you’re keeping your noodles from sticking together, but it’s doing more harm than good. Olive oil in the pasta pot makes for slippery noodles which have a hard time retaining a sauce on them. It’ll just slide off. Instead, heavily salt the water (which also gives it flavor) and your problem is solved! »» Italians always (unless it’s gnocchi) cook their pasta “al dente” and never overcook which makes for soggy, limp noodles. To reach the perfect tenderness, you can gauge it yourself by tasting a piece and checking for the moment when the pasta is soft on the outside but still holds a slight bite in the middle. If you’re making pasta from a box, it’ll give you a recommended amount of time to cook the noodles to reach al dente. “Al dente” in Italian literally means “to the tooth”. »» Save the starchy pasta water after your noodles are cooked instead of draining the pot. You can use this water to thicken your sauces better while adding a little more flavor than just plain water would do.
Use pieces of plain bread to have an oil tasting and find which brand of extra virgin olive oil you like best!
Historic Elegance. Modern Luxury.
The Florentine boasts two distinct event spaces (below) - The Cafe and The Ballroom - which can be rented together or separately. All events at The Florentine will be provided with the following: - On Site Catering by Corretti Catering - All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages - In-house Floral and Décor by Florentine Designs - In-house Pastry Chef for all cakes and desserts - On Site Day-Of Event Coordinators
The Florentine is a beautiful historic building conveniently located at 2nd Ave. North downtown- one of Birmingham’s hottest and most social areas. It is an icon commonly referred to as “Birmingham’s most beautiful building.” After undergoing multi-million dollar renovations the Florentine is once again a beacon of elegance and charm, making it the perfect setting for your next event!
Catering by Corretti Catering
The Florentine 2101 2nd Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 205.503.4470 events@florentinebuilding.com florentinebuilding.com
PROMOTION
Trailblazer
AN
N
B
A Profile of Who’s Helping Who
EN
T NE
AMITER TH
WORK Vice President, Private Banking Progress Bank CHARITY American Red Cross
MOTIVATION Disaster can strike any one of us at any time. I appreciate that the Red Cross can mobilize and get immediate help to people when they are most vulnerable. While victims are still in shock, the Red Cross manages to get a structure into place and offer critical assistance along with reassurance and concern. BEST OF BHAM There are so many parts of Birmingham that are my favorite. My favorite thing about Birmingham is that it really has the best for whatever I am looking for. Best areas to live, best places to eat, best coffee and best local brews‌ all my favorite!
107 Yorkshire Dr
4 BR/2.5 BA – Forest Park $625,000
4 BR/3.5 BA – Homewood (Hollywood) $599,900
4150 Montevallo Road
~1 acre lot in the heart of Mountain Brook $550,000
NEW LISTING
504 Woodland Drive
3186 Highland Drive
2392 Chalybe Trail
3 BR/2 BA – Edgewood $449,900
3 BR/2 BA – Highland Park $269,900
4 BR/2.5 BA – Ross Bridge $350,000
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING
1104 Iredell Circle
169 Daly Street
510 Rutherford
2 BR/2 BA – Homewood $249,900
3 BR/2 BA – Crestline Gardens $199,900
3 BR/3 BA – Roebuck Springs $229,900
NEW LISTING
212 Mitoba Trail
6274 New Castle Road
2 BR/2 BA – Townhouse in Pelham $132,000 UNDER CONTRACT
19-acre parcel in Morris just outside Gardendale $119,900 UNDER CONTRACT
UNDER CONTRACT
228 Saxon Drive
1.33 acre lot – Mountain Brook $299,900 SOLD
3041 Cahaba Cliffs Drive
2 BR/2.5 BA – Cahaba Cliffs Townhomes $139,900
246 Creekside Lane
2 BR/1.5 BA – Homewood $229,900
3 BR/2 BA – Pelham $194,900
SOLD
SOLD
521 Rutherford Drive
3 BR/3.5 BA – Roebuck Springs $269,000
525 52nd Street South 3 BR/2 BA – Crestwood $199,999
the jamie goff team 205.296.2323
Follow us
on Facebook @Jamie Goff
NEW LISTING
2603 Abingdon Road
welcome home!
4306 Glenwood Avenue
www.JamieGoff.com
Real Estate Team
ABOUT
30 T O W N
There’s Nothing More Exciting Than a Fresh Idea. Except maybe ice cream! So we combined the two. Lucky Cat Rolled Creams is a fresh spin on a classic treat. Rolls of ice cream are packed into a cup and topped with any imaginable extra, from standards like Mexican chocolate sauce and strawberries, to twists like cardamom and honey.
GOODNESS GRACIOUS.
Our hand-rolled ice cream is made by pouring a creamy mixture on a cold steel pan, mixing in toppings with metal spatulas, and then rolling the ice cream into neat little rolls. This process allows us to control the quality of our ingredients. We get rid of the ones you can’t pronounce, go easy on the sugar, and up the tasty fruit and other goodness to give you the freshest, most delicious ice cream you’ve ever had. ABOUT THE NAME.
Lucky Cat Rolled Creams seeks to spread joy and prosperity to everyone who visits. Rolled ice cream is a Thai street food that can be found across Asia, and in Asian culture, the maneki-neko (or beckoning cat) is a talisman of good fortune. We believe happiness springs from strong communities, and that our ice cream is our way of bringing people together. ABOUT US.
We are Greg and Hannah. We are the partners of Lucky Cat Rolled Creams. For years we kicked around the idea of opening a restaurant, and with two children under the age of 7, we decided ice cream was a no-brainer. In April 2017 we founded Lucky Cat Rolled Creams and hope to have a storefront in 2018. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and find us at our next popup. luckycatrolledcreams.com
ABOUT
31 T O W N
Gwen Goff, Mandy Goff, Wendi Thompson, Caroline Corso
Andy, Leigh, Betsy, and Mary Hogan Glenn, Mark Finley
AUTUMN CELEBRATION: TACOS FOR TRINITY Trinity Counseling held its fifth annual Autumn Celebration, Tacos for Trinity, at Cahaba Brewing on Thursday October 12, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The benefit featured music from Tarred and Feathered, a silent auction with a focus on local vendors and artists, and food from Taco Mama. Trinity has been serving the Birmingham community for the past 17 years with a commitment to providing a safe, confidential environment for its clients to seek healing and support outside of traditional healthcare pathways, regardless of their economic or financial status.
Jason Stuckey, Diana Boyd
Emily Wood, Nancy Peeples, Billy Wood
Carter Harsh, Hutton Fant, Cindy and Carter Harsh ABOUT
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Kathy Raughley, Gracie Small
Julianne Harkness, Parker Morris, Paige Morris Cartwright Morris, Courtney Harkness
Martha Bailey, Rebekah Laws
Danielle Ray, Kelly Connelly, Arden Richards
Mary Beth Walker, Jonathan Small
ABOUT
33 T O W N
Catherine Jones, Kelly Baker
Holly Dougherty, Jenny Brown, Whitney White
Sean and Ashley Hood, Alicia and Chad Austin
TIES ON THE TURF The 4th Annual Alabama Pain Physicians Ties on The Turf was hosted at the Highland Park Golf Course. The event featured food catered through Homewood Gourmet, drinks catered by Fairhope Brewing and International Wines, live music by Livewire, drawings and a ton of fun! The event supported Wish 2 Enrich and their mission to provide enrichment and extracurricular activities to children with hardships.
Maryam and Nick Iranikhah
Rush Garner, Laurie Zelinski, Nikki Turner
Lauren Haley, Whitney Hill, Caitlyn Mitchell
Sam David and Ashley Knight
Dominic and Danielle Wallace
ABOUT
34 T O W N
Clark and Melanie Williamson
WE LIVE HERE. WE WORK HERE. WE PLAY HERE. THANK YOU BIRMINGHAM FOR MAKING US #1 IN SALES VOLUME. YTD Sold Data from GALMLS
We’ve helped more Alabama families buy and sell homes than any other company, but the most important measurement of our success is our customers’ satisfaction.
For information call 877-890-0050
www.realtysouth.com
Aero Joe Pilates will officially celebrate 5 years in Birmingham’s Pepper Place on January 6, 2018!
ity is Aero Joe Pilates has carved a niche in Birmingham, and it’s why the medical commun s, outcome patient improve to Joe Aero like centers wellness now working in tandem with local s coincide ary annivers 5th Pilates’ Joe Aero Also, pain. back especially when dealing with chronic with the January return to resolutions and fitness! Aero Joe Pilates Studio (Pepper Place) 2805 2nd Ave S - Suite 100 aerojoepilates.com 205.202.5758
Russ and Caroline Adams, Yates and Tommy Amason, Bert and Virginia Amason
Bill and Emily Bowron, Leah and Bo Taylor
ANTIQUES AT THE GARDENS Gala in The Gardens, presented by 1919 Investment Counsel and Stifel, is the annual black-tie kickoff party for Antiques at The Gardens presented by Regions. The event honorees this year were Yates and Tommy Amason. At this year’s event, designer Richard Keith Langham signed copies of his latest book About Decorating, released in September. Additional copies of the book are available at Leaf & Petal at The Gardens.
Alanna Caley, Kate Birchall, Danielle Balanis
Paul and Ragan Stone, Gage Smith
Michelle and Steve Mote, Gia and Porter McCollister
Anna Donald, Findley Townsend, Courtney Stephens
Anna Ballowe, Claude Plaskett ABOUT
36 T O W N
Andy and Sarah Webb
Steve Holms, Ashley Little, Chris Wright
Gregg McCormick, Doug Klick, Arden Upton, Randall Porter
Susan and Daniel McCurry
Davida Freeman, Dohn Dye
Sarah Warburton, Julia Williams
Hamilton Thompson, Neillie Butler, Betsy Wall, Karen Luce
Kyle and Savannah Moon
ABOUT
37 T O W N
Marie Wright, Patti Ireland, Leslie Register
Theresa and David Miller
Jay McDiarmid, Erin Harney, Staci and Gerald Brooks
Lindsay and Thomas Hugghins
ABOUT
38 T O W N
Deborah and Ron Wiggins
Peyton and Julia King
Lindsey Puckett, Lee Ann Petty
Anne Caroline Thompson, Katherine Bramlett
ABOUT
39 T O W N
Erin McElroy, Kristin Bains
Cassie Casey, Jasmin McClinton, Anna Athey
Donald Watkins Jr, Orlando Nelson II, Corey Hartman, Amanda Spivey
SKIN WELLNESS OPEN HOUSE The Skin Wellness Center of Birmingham offers a number of cosmetic services and procedures aimed at providing quality care to its clients. The Skin Wellness Center offers services in Cosmetic Dermatology, Medical Dermatology, and Laser Dermatology. The Skin Wellness Center of Birmingham hosted its 8th annual Open House at its Homewood location! The event featured food, drinks, live music, and specials on a plethora of Skin Wellness Center products and procedures! Event attendees
Tim Merritt, Kelly Ann Smaha
were also given the chance to speak with brand reps from some of the highest quality cosmetic lines.
Sidney Bayles, Lauren Neal
Peck and Brie Barham
Toya Howard, Brisa Del Cojo
Tiffany Owens, Tanesha Howard ABOUT
40 T O W N
Melissa and Steve Mistrot, Julie and Lee Estes
Niamh and Doug Fields
Kelly Wright, Misty Westover
Amanda Spivey, Christen Files
Erika and Corey Hartman, Tee Smith
Atheena Walters, Channdra IsomLaw ABOUT
41 T O W N
Atheena Walters, Channdra IsomLaw
Zay Allen, Hayden Brooks, Morgan Baker, Zion Allen, Zoe Allen
Shon Thurman, Keith Johnson, Heidi Ramey, Samika Williams, Jason Bryant, Willie Wells III
FAIRY TALE BALL As the premiere family gala benefiting families in Central Alabama, more than 700 guests of all ages attend the fabulous Fairy Tale Ball each year to experience live music, dancing, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, an over-the-top “candy bar,” silent auction, interactive entertainment and activities, and Peily, Libby and Oliver Soong
whimsical fairy tale characters. And while this is certainly an evening of fun for the family, it’s also an important event that raises valuable dollars to help further the mission of Childcare Resources.
Cheri, Camilla, and Sydney Augustus, Denise McDaniel
Breanna Taylor, Brittany Knox, Roderegas Taylor
Sarah, John, Whit, and Peinhardt, Mary March
Samantha Deskin
Neal Zarzour, Blake Milner, Matt Hart, Shawn Allen ABOUT
42 T O W N
Dewayne and Shepard Hamilton
Kewanee Alexander, Harvey McCorvey, Duanita Jackson, Chaundra Davis
ST. JUDE WALK/RUN The St. Jude Research Hospital is an organization focused on providing funding and treatment to aid children with cancer. St. Jude’s is famous for refusing to charge families fees for travel, treatment, food or housing. During the month of September, the organization hosted its annual St. Jude Walk/Run to End Angela Chapman, Tiffany Albani, Crinson Albani
Childhood Cancer across the nation to raise money for the children of St. Jude. Patrons were encouraged to sign-up via St. Jude’s website as individuals or to start a team and raise funds together. Along with the individual patrons, the organization’s many partners also contributed to the fundraiser. Some of these partners include American Airlines, Target, Thrivent Mutual Funds, and many others! All together, teams and patrons raised over $300,000!
Will Scroggins, Caroline Russell
Angie Hageland, Lisa Rutledge ABOUT
43 T O W N
Mackey Harwell, Chelsey Peeler
Dan and Misty RIchards, Bruce and Lauren Taylor
Jim Williams, Meaghan Ryan, Karen and Todd Carslile
A NIGHT OF BIG STARS In support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham, the Alys Stephens Center hosted the Night of Big Stars event. Guests enjoyed a live and silent auction and food courtesy of Kathy G.
Garrett Adamson, Kineshia Collins
Valerie Shannon, Aimee Risser
Bart McBride, Bruce Taylor
Margaret Ann McGregor, Katie Dunn, Lauren Taylor ABOUT
44 T O W N
Brooke and Jonathan Ratliff
ChildrensAL.org/committedtoacure
THE FACE OF A CURE
The Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders is committed to finding a cure for Rollins and the more than 1,500 children who come to us for care each year. As a founding member of the Children’s Oncology Group,* Children’s of Alabama and UAB combine research and innovative therapies to help save the lives of children down the street and around the world.
Emily Herning, Rachel Fisher, Nicole Hall
Although the cancer cure rate has risen from 50 to 84 percent and strokes in patients with sickle cell disease have decreased by 90 percent, we are actively working toward a CURE for children like Rollins.
Maggie Elliott, Dailey Clay, Kimberly Reynolds
David and Natalie Rula
*The Children’s Oncology group is a clinical - translational trials organization with more than 9,000 experts worldwide dedicated to finding better cures and improving the outcomes for all children with cancer.
Make the World a More Humane Place
Adopt-A-Pet GOLDIE
Goldie is a sweet pit bull mix that has spent 132 in our care – she wants her forever home! Because our staff and volunteers love Goldie so much, her adoption fee has been sponsored by an Adoption Angel! All pets are spayed/neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations prior to adoption.
Logan Mouron, Mary Lauren McBride, Renee Clements
Female - 2 years old
Kerry and Addie Hendricks
Shealy and Clayton McKinnen
Shelby Humane Society 381 McDow Road Columbiana, AL 35051 Phone: 205-669-3916 info@shelbyhumane.org
Caroline Eades, Michael Odom, Paige Drew
Whitney Rutledge, Rebecca Blevins, Blakely DuBose, Cathy Shaw
THE ENGAGED COLLECTIVE At Engaged Wedding Library, wedding professionals have created a unique planning experience giving brides exactly what they want for the big day. The Engaged Wedding Library hosted its Engaged Collective, a bridal event featuring Engaged Wedding Library’s curated collection of Birmingham’s most acclaimed wedding professionals. The event, hosted at The Haven, was sponsored by Bella’s Bridal and Formal, Event Rentals Unlimited, Alabama Weddings Magazine, Cahaba Dermatology, I do! I do! Wedding Planning and more!
Carol Harris and Penny
Natasha Patete, Christyn Carpenter
Courtney Hutchison, Rebecca Bankson
Shanaye Poole, Kelsey Seldon ABOUT
Lauren Taylor, Morgan Norris
46 T O W N
Megan Cobb, Sandy Cobb, Trina Ware
Cari Cline, Ali Blansit
Nicole Rodriguez, Sarah Cahela, Caitlin Milan
Madison Daugette, Lauren Lettow
Holly Miller, Abigail Lee, Tabi Parvin, Amber Lee
Sandra and Victor Rivera, Jesicca Rivera, Jarrod Pescatore, Olivia Pescatore ABOUT
47 T O W N
Daniel Keys, Rene Reder, Nina and Doug Adair
Danny Zhou, Dawson Smith, Jessica Webb, Jessica Zeller
MAESTRO’S BALL The Alabama Symphony Orchestra hosted its annual Maestro’s Ball at the Alys Stephens Center. This year’s Maestro Ball, led by Alabama Symphony Orchestra Conductor Carlos Izcaray, celebrated the 20-year anniversary of Concertmaster Daniel Szasz with the premiere of Transylvanian Seasons, and saluted his Romanian roots with fun and earthy Eastern European music by Enescu and Kodaly. Mr. Szasz’s 20-year anniversary season was sponsored by PNC. For the third year, young patrons from the companies of the table sponsors had their own party following the concert. The Young Professional party took place in the Odess Theatre at the Alys Stephens Center.
Jim and Janelle Falbe, Mike and Jennifer Kiser, Molly Ray
Mary Washburn, Jeremie Kirkwood, Mallory Yates, Noah Andrews
Justin Davenport, Jennifer Taylor, Amanda and Doug Foshee
James and Lauren Cook
Hillary Tidman, Lauren White ABOUT
48 T O W N
Sarah Kluth, Zak Enikeev
Josh and Nicole Carpenter, Beau Gustafson, Laurie Rapier
Mandy Burleson, Sarah and Taylor Geraldson, Marissa Mendoza, Kacy Dunaway
Michael Reilly, Laura Reilly, Cameron and Claude Estes
Melissa Mancini, Amanda James
Anastasia Allmon, Emily Wood Bowron, Courtney LarsonEstes
Kelsey Eppen, Erica Hale, Maura Baytos, Tina Wilburn
Meredith Branch, Ben Brady
Tyler and Ale Phares, Wylie Hayes, Holly Carr
ABOUT
49 T O W N
Deonna Wilson, Chiara Perry, Sheila Tyson, Niva Roberson
Glenna Dawson, Mallory Booth, Emily Cox, Kendra McClain, Amalee Smith
LUPUS 5K FITATHLON CHALLENGE The Mid South Chapter of the Lupus Foundation hosted their 5k FITathalon Challenge at Sloss Furnaces. The event included two different races. The first was a traditional 5k run and walk and the second race featured an obstacle course. A basic course in exercise was also featured during the second race. Exercises included jump ropes, tire runs, walking lunges, and many more! The Fun Zone, an exercise themed area for kids, featured the NOBESITY EXPO, inflatables, a fitness obstacle course and games!
Curtis Starks, Libet Anderson
Niki Marsh, Sara Muncher, Kalai Livingston
Cambrin Daniel, Tommy Walker, Rod Avery, Jonathan Davis
Abby Crim, Noah Hosmer, Kenzie Samudio, Dylan Connelly, Jake Brown
ABOUT
50 T O W N
Tina and Norman Tynes, Art Tipton
Andrea and Bezshan Dolatabadi, Jamey and Arayah Reynolds
REAL MEN WEAR PINK KICK OFF PARTY The American Cancer Society hosted its third annual kickoff party for the American Cancer Society’s 2017 Real Men Wear Pink Campaign. The event was hosted at Regions Field. A total of 28 select men were nominated to serve as the “Pink Men” of Birmingham during breast cancer awareness month. Each participant promoted breast cancer education and early detection as well as raised funds. The men competede against each other in raising as much as possible for the American Cancer Society. The participant that raised the most funds was named “Birmingham’s Pink Man of the Year.” Stephanie Rayborn, Julia Meyers
Donovan Santana , RJ Alcantara
Larry and Elaine Lyda, Van Sykes
Eric and Paige Meyer
Mallory Hill, Gina Tucker
Randi and Troy Rhone
Randall Porter, Ben Lancaster ABOUT
51 T O W N
Mindy Ruggiero, Catherine Goudreau
Elise Pittman, Sarah Walker, Mary Hannah Gentry
Lynn Pulido, Elizabeth Ann Naro, Lauren Marino
SIPS FOR CF The 8th Annual Sips for CF event was hosted at The Gallery at The Pizitz Food Hall and featured food from Pizitz Food Hall vendors, Busy Corner Cheese & Provisions and the new Bitty’s Living Kitchen, and was a perfect way to experience Birmingham’s newest foodie destination. A unique wine tasting by Hop City introduced new wines to guests based on old favorites. This event was hosted in support of Cystic Fibrosis treatment, care, and research!
Taylor Akers, Demi Kampakis
Ryan and Angie Killingsworth
Jacque Carden, Kara Weiland, Dana Brown Knox Richardson, Sarah Edwards, Sarah Brackmann, Erica Murphy
Valerie Tarn, Stephanie Williams, Linda Russo ABOUT
52 T O W N
Rachael Tally, Allison Booth, Amelia Schuyler
Eva Robertson, Brooklin Ballard, Meryem Tunagur
Faith Edison, Yetta Edison, Nehemiah Edison, Philtrecea Jones, Naida Glass, Andrew Edison
ED FAMILY GAME NIGHT The third annual Ed Family Game Night benefitted students in Birmingham City Schools and was hosted at Alys Stephens Center. The event was hosted in support of the Birmingham Education Foundation with food catered by Cafe Iz. Teams of students competed alongside executives from Birmingham’s top companies, for scholarship dollars! These students played with teams like Alabama Power, UAB, Protective Life Whitley Kelly, Brandon Cleveland
Corporation and Adamson West.
Mary Ansley Gilbert, Brittney Abel, Cameron Shevlin, Lorenzo Johnson, Henry Joe
Dasha Shaw, Rhianna O’Rilley, Kiki Titer, Leroy Abraham
Amber Anderson, Tanesha Howard
Abby and Keylan Smith
Alex Flachsbart, Elizabeth Flachsbart, Drew Fravert ABOUT
53 T O W N
Scott Adams, Brooklin Ballard, Cissy Williams, David Perry
Jesse Bouldin, Julia Hagemeyer, Ashley Nolen, Faith Henley, Alice Braga
Daniel Locke, Dorothy Ogdon, Kim Duong, Daniel Neumann, Callie O’Hear, Kimberly and William Thomas
YP BIRMINGHAM SEPTEMBER SOCIAL
The Young Professionals of Birmingham monthly social for September was hosted at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The Young Professionals of Birmingham group was joined by the Botanical Gardens Young
Adrian Marcus, Janisha Ross
Professional Group. The social featured
Connor Hughes, Kevin Hicks
an open bar, food catered by Taziki’s, live music, and networking opportunities! Attendees also received the chance to learn more about the Gardens and become a member of their YP interest group at the social. Guests were also given the opportunity to purchase discount tickets for UAB Football home games. Matthew Kenny, Latoya Goncalves, Rachel Burton, Taylor Holly
Nicole McKee, Cheyenne Sanchez
Kevin Puntney, Alexis Esneault
Alex Green, Pablo Sierra, Elizabeth Ballew ABOUT
54 T O W N
Tillman, Nancy, Barry and Rosie Hemric
Tammy Stover, Andrew Warat, Bruce Henderson, Natalie and Amelia Franklin
TAILGATE CHALLENGE The Bell Center’s Tailgate Challenge provided a fun way for Bell Center supporters to celebrate and anticipate the upcoming football season. Event-goers enjoyed tastes of tailgating food at various team tents. It was an afternoon of music, kid-friendly events and team rivalry. Celebrity judges were on hand to judge each of the teams on most team spirit, best tasting food, and best all around. Lyla, Joshua, and Murphee Wooten, Elizabeth Hayes, Kathleen Wilson
Reid Lynch, Stuart Roberts
Elaina and Kenny Thrasher, Chris and Tonya McLaughlin
Sarah and Jimmy Gilchrist, Murphree Wooten Scott and Gina McClanahan ABOUT
55 T O W N
Saige Avis, Julie Sabbak
Liz Major, Drew Josey, Brett and Taylor Knight
Ford and Karla Wiles, Michele Kong, Arden Upton
ZOO GALA The Birmingham Zoo hosted its largest annual fundraising event, ZooGala 2017 – Mambo with the Macaws! Zoo Gala had entertainment including flame throwers, live music by Atlanta Steel Pan and Island Music Trio and The Main Attraction, and stunning dÊcor inspired by a Caribbean style. The occasion featured a necklace giveaway from Empire Diamond Corporation. Throughout the evening, guests were treated to special animal walkabouts and greetings. In addition, there were donation opportunities to raise funds for member Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) organizations recently impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Pettus Randall, Kate and Nick Danella
Brandon and Katy Bishop, Tom and Kate McKnight
Dusty and April Maner, Amanda Hawkins, Todd Benefield
Zach and Sarah Ivey
Candice and Lee McKinney ABOUT
56 T O W N
Katie Dolan, Stead Hayes
John Hennesy, Wally Nall, Gail Poyner, Trey Merrill
Katy Bishop, Maggie McDonald, Britt Redden, Jessalyn McCurry, Kelly Moffett, Pam Evans, Molli Grant, Kelly Moffett
Art and Marie Freeman, Marianna and Michael Odom
Josh Randolph, Jana Parker
Jeffrey Weinacker, Ann-Bradley Siniard
Douglas and Molli Grant, Chuck and Britt Redden, Mat and Jesalyn McCurry, Kelly and Brad Moffett
Steve Shoemaker, Jennifer Smith
Hannah and Conner McCabe, Claude and Cameron Estes, Steven Elsaroad, Saaed Iqbal
ABOUT
57 T O W N
ZOO GALA CONT.
Trey and Megan Miller
Amy and Jeff Smith, Hannah Slamen, Rebecca Womack, Catherine Guardabassi, Clay Knight
Lacey Whattley, Amanda Davis, Hanna Nall, Madison Merrill
Chase Eley, Mary Wallace Hannon
ABOUT
58 T O W N
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HOOVER HELPS Hoover Helps is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is actively engaged with school leaders, churches, businesses and other organizations to help align community resources. The organization hosted its 3rd Annual Hunger Challenge at Spain Park High School. The funds raised through the event were used to support programs that support children in Hoover.
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FALL HARVEST GARDEN DINNER The Fall Harvest Garden Dinner hosted by Hilltop Montessori is an annual fundraiser held at the school. Each class created their own class projects to help raise money for the school.The event consisted of a live auction by Jack Granger of Granger, Thagard and Associates, a silent auction hosted by the school, food harvested from the school’s garden and drinks! Nik Layman also provided services in the form of casual red carpet photos for attendees.
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Cold Weather Chili I’ve always loved how food connects you with memories. You can probably list off a number of dishes that remind you of certain people or times in your life. Chili is one of those foods for me; it just warms my soul. It’s a different recipe, but it brings me back to my childhood memories of my grandparents in the fall.
Christina Brockman is the creator of Huckleberry Collective. She is a food and flower enthusiast with a passion for styling. Her website focuses on floral design, prop styling, recipes, and stories. For more ideas visit her website at huckleberrycollective.com
ingredients »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»
1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil 1-2 Pounds of Lean Ground Beef 1 Large Yellow Onion, finely chopped 1 Large Chopped Green Bell Pepper, 1 Can Drained Red Kidney Beans 1 Can Drained Pinto Beans 1 Can Drained Great Northern Beans 1 Can Drained of Chili Beans 2 Cans Diced Tomatoes with Garlic 2 Cans (8oz) Tomato Sauce 1 Cup of Water 2 Tablespoons of Chili Powder 3 Teaspoons of Ground Cumin 2 Teaspoons of Garlic Salt Salt and freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
toppings »» Cheddar and Monterey jack Cheese, sour cream, avocado, and hot sauce (to taste). I served mine with pepper jack biscuits but I also like tortilla chips, Fritos, oyster crackers, or cornbread.
recipe 1. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, add onion and pepper sauté for 2-3 minutes or until golden on edges. Poor onion and pepper mixture into chili pot and let sit. 2. Return skillet to medium heat. Add ground beef, cook until beef has browned. Drain the grease from the meat, then add to chili pot. 3. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, all beans (rinsed and drained), chili powder, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Let simmer on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. 4. If it seems thick and you like a more soup texture, add another cup of water. 5. ABOUT
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Serve warm with topping options above! Enjoy!
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Our Annual About Town is published by Gillespie, Inc. P.O. Box 130328 Birmingham, AL 35213 Copyright © 2017 Gillespie, Inc.
out Feb. 2018
ISSUE no.17 December ‘07
ABOUT TOWN IS 12!
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THE LAST 12 YEARS?
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