Enjoy Hoover - Jan/Feb 2024

JAN/FEB 2024

Look Who’s

Here!

New brands + locations to check out in 2024 Page 6

IRON CHEF Who will come out on top?

Page 16

SOUTHERN

VOICES Spend the Weekend with Award-Winning Authors Page 12

Helping Hoover families

enjoy

pest-free outdoors since 1965.

(205) 663-4200 vulcantermite.com

2 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024

Serving Jefferson & Shelby Counties

Opening January 2024 Happy Hour & Food Specials Lunch Specials Signature Dishes Mexican Dishes

Come try your new favorite Mexican Restaurant 2760 John Hawkins Pwky Suite 112 Hoover AL 35244

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024 3 205-538-5150

EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Friends, Happy New Year!

I’ve always enjoyed the promise that comes with the start of a New Year. Blank calendars waiting to be filled with opportunities, events, birthdays and vacations. Time spent reflecting on ways to grow, skills to hone, and habits to change. And choosing a resolution to guide the next 365 days.

This year, my resolution is to become a better home cook. Many of our neighbors – myself excluded! – will go head to head this February at the Hoover Iron Chef Competition presented by Enjoy Hoover (page 16).

Maybe you want to finally write that book, spend more time with loved ones, or reclaim yourself and your personal style. If so, I encourage you to find inspiration at the annual Southern Voices Festival (page 12); book a fun Galentine’s Day outing with your best friends (page 21); or head to a favorite woman-owned boutique (page 18) for on-trend looks that’ll keep you warm.

And, if you need help with your resolution, local residents shared their own plans and goals with us on page 28! We hope this issue inspires you for the New Year and encourages you to get out there and enjoy Hoover in 2024!

Kim Cripps, Editor Enjoy Hoover is your guide to dining, entertainment, and shopping in Hoover, Alabama’s sixth largest city. From major events like the SEC Baseball Tournament, the World Games, and the Regions Tradition, to local live music, to hidden gems in local shopping, to the world-class lineup of restaurants, Hoover has tons to offer to residents, guests, and visitors alike.

Enjoy Hoover is published six times a year, a joint venture between David Cohen of the Hoover Restaurant Alliance, Matthew Allen of JBMC Media, and Mitzi Eaker of Mitzi Jane Media. These three longtime Hoover residents blend a passion for their community with years of experience in communication, publishing, marketing, and hospitality.

Copies of this magazine are available at more than 100 locations throughout Hoover. Connect with us through our social media channels: Instagram (@EnjoyHoover) and Facebook ( @EnjoyHoover). Visit us online at EnjoyHoover.com.

We hope you Enjoy Hoover!

4 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024

Kim Cripps, editor kimcripps@gmail.com David Cohen, co-publisher (205) 213-3617, enjoyhoover@gmail.com Matthew Allen, co-publisher (205) 617-9609, matthew@jbmcmedia.com Mitzi Eaker, co-publisher (205) 862-0629, mitzijanemedia@gmail.com Michelle Salem Haynes,

marketing consultant

(205) 381-1311, michelle@jbmcmedia.com ABOUT THE COVER Photo courtesy of Dear Prudence, a woman’s clothing boutique owned by Hoover resident, Prudence Kauffman. The store has five U.S. locations, including Patton Creek and The Summit.

OPEN SUN-THURS 10 AM - 11 PM FRI & SAT 10 AM - 2 AM WE DELIVER WITH

1817 MONTGOMERY HIGHWAY S HOOVER STEAKNSHAKE.COM

NEW HOSPITAL OPENING AUGUST 2024

m e d i c a l w e s t h o s p i t a l . o r g Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024 5

FEATURE

In With the New Welcoming New Businesses to Hoover

BY KIM CRIPPS

“What’s for dinner?” is getting easier to answer with the addition of six new restaurants to Hoover.

Early 2024 brings Phil Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurant and Cookie Fix to Brock’s Gap. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria and Five Guys Burgers and Fries are slated to open later this year in The Village at Stadium Trace, while Super Chix and a second Cookie Fix location have their sights set on Inverness.

Here’s a brief rundown of each: CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Zeel Zaveri with Perla Chavez and the Super Chix management team at The Village of Stadium Trace. Perla, who has been with the team “since day one,” is now a partner for the restaurant’s new 280 location.

6 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024

ITALIAN INSPIRED FOOD WITH A TWIST.

SERVED IN OUR WARM, ENCHANTED EATERY.

TRELUNABARANDKITCHEN.COM 1021 BROCK’S GAP PARKWAY LUNCH: WED-FRI, 11-2 HAPPY HOUR: MON-FRI, 4-6 DINNER: MON-THURS, 4-9 & FRI/SAT 4-10 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024 7

FEATURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Phil Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurante: There’s a lot of buzz in my neighborhood about Phil Sandoval’s. Perhaps it’s the location (proximity to soccer fields, dance studios and football stadiums make it an appealing after-sports dinner spot), or it could be the reputation that precedes them. One Facebook follower wrote that she had “fabulous service, even more fabulous food” while dining at the Huntsville location.

Cookie Fix: Founded in Homewood, Cookie Fix is an ever-popular local dessert destination.

Founder Amy Jason’s original recipe bakes up rich, delicious cookies that magically hold their large cookie-scoop shape.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: Born in Brooklyn, Grimaldi’s makes coal-fired brick oven pizza using pizza-making traditions from over 100 years ago. The restaurant has a New York

theme, a tribute to their roots, and promises to be family-friendly and casual yet upscale.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries: My first impression of Five Guys was the stacks and stacks of fresh potatoes they had in store for their hand-cut fries. They even write where that day’s potatoes-turned-fries came from on a whiteboard by the register!

Super Chix: Serving fried chicken tenders on sandwiches, salads, or solo with sauce, Super Chix appeases the pickiest of eaters.

(I know from personal experience!) Kids’ meals come with a side of frozen custard, and the staff goes above and beyond to provide outstanding service.

The new franchise locations are part of Power Brands Hospitality Group (PBHG), a family-owned business committed to delivering CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Partner Elizabeth Champman and her team at the future location of Cookie Fix in Brock’s Gap, scheduled to open by April. Cookie Fix 280 will open later this year.

8 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024

205- 638-PIRC (7472)

Helping navigate the mental health system for teens and children.

Services are FREE and confidential. Services provided by phone are not medical advice and should not be considered as such.

Services are provided via telephone by licensed mental health professionals who recommend the most appropriate mental health resources.

PIRC is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

PIRC is NOT a crisis or suicide hotline. Call for mental health resources.

The PIRC is generously supported by funding from the Anne B. LaRussa Foundation of Hope, United Way of Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024 Central Alabama, the Daniel Foundation of Alabama and the Walker Area Community Foundation.

9

FEATURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

“ambiance, design elements, and quality that can be enjoyed by the entire family at an affordable rate.”

While PBHG is based in Huntsville, the restaurants will be owned and operated by local residents John Bandes, Elizabeth Chapman, Perla Chavez Majd Lutfi, Fatima Maldonado, Joshua Sullivan and Zeel Zaveri.

Zeel, who also owns and operates the local Super Chix, enjoys pouring into the Hoover community while serving others. “I love doing business here. I moved here for Super Chix, and that is really my baby. I’m there most days, ensuring our customers have the best experience. But I chose to open additional restaurants because I really like all the city has to offer.“ According to the City of Hoover, Zeel is right – Hoover does have a lot With locations in Huntsville and Madison, Phil Sandoval’s is opening in to offer business owners.

Brock’s Gap in early 2024.

The city’s website, hooveral. in 60 minutes or less. And, when needed, an gov, boasts, “Hoover is an international airport is just 20 minutes away. economic engine for Central Alabama and Zeel and the local partners take pride a cornerstone of the Birmingham-Hoover in providing quality food in an enjoyable Metropolitan Region.” The city’s diverse atmosphere and at an affordable price. We’ve industry base, award-winning livability, businessexperienced their work firsthand in warm and friendly environment, and a concentration of welcoming restaurants with family-friendly smart workers check all the boxes for a great dining rooms and excellent customer service. I business location. predict the New Year – and the new franchise Notably, Hoover has a 0% occupational locations – will bring even more meals shared by tax and a business resource team to help new families and friends throughout the city. businesses navigate site selection, zoning, Power Brands Hospitality Group also owns development, permits, licenses and more. The and operates additional restaurants in Hoover, city is also connected to major roadways, which including Biscuit Belly, Melt, Nothing Bundt makes it possible for a labor force of more Cakes, Saw’s BBQ and Super Chix. than 820,500 people to commute into the city 10 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024

MAY/JUNE 2023

THE BEST

America COLLEGE BASEBALL

IN

SEC Tournament Returns PAGE 6

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TEE IT

UP

Fresh

SUBSCRIBE and receive

Farmers markets abound in Hoover

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Regions Tradition brings major golf to Hoover PAGE 10

JULY/AUGUST 2023

at home!

SUMMER

BUCKET LIST

Plenty to do while school’s out

Page 18

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Fill out the form below and mail it in with your check for $35 made out to JBMC Media, LLC, to: JBMC Media, P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham AL 35260.

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Hoover Library releases its 40th anniversary calendar PAGE 23

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Mudbugs are

Back!

Find the best crawfish dishes in Hoover

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A DAY OF FUN

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Celebrate Hoover event returns

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City gains reputation for hiking, biking trails Page 8

Trails

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024 11

An Evening with Elizabeth George Southern Voices Festival hosts acclaimed Authors and Artists

Elizabeth George, who is the headlining author and speaker for the 2024 Southern Voices Festival, is a New York Times and international bestselling author.

BY MITZI EAKER

As a newly appointed library board member, I attended the Southern Voices Festival for the first time two years ago. I was thoroughly impressed with the caliber of authors and delighted by the hours of storytelling about their career journeys and writing adventures.

Southern Voice Festival Coordinator and Library Assistant Director Carrie Steinmehl has been involved with the festival since 2001. When CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

12 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024

ENTERTAINMENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

selecting authors, Steinmehl says, “We look for authors we know our patrons will enjoy and who we enjoy reading.”

The planning committee has brought together a diverse group again for 2024.

Headlining author and speaker on Friday night is The New York Times and international bestselling author Elizabeth George. She is a favorite of many in Alabama and around the world. Her crime novels have been translated into thirty languages and featured on television by the BBC. “The Detective Lynley mysteries are engrossing, well written, and suspenseful,” said Steinmehl.

In addition, seven other authors will speak on Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

They are: Birmingham’s own writer, journalist, and

two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, John Archibald, sharing his newest book, Shaking the Gates of Hell.

Kate Quinn, a best-selling historical fiction writer, discussing her newest novel, The Diamond Eye. First-generation Ghanaian American Yasmin Angoe with a behind-the-scenes look at the muse for her critically acclaimed thrillers Her Name Is Knight and They Come at Knight of the Nena Knight series.

Kim Cross, a best-selling author, journalist, and historian, sharing her true-crime book Light of All Darkness: Inside the Polly Klass Kidnapping.

Kristin Harmel, who is the best-selling author of more than a dozen novels, including her newest novel The Paris Daughter.

Daniel Nayeri, who is known across the CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Alabama writer Ben Raines signs autographs for local fans at the 2023 Southern Voices Festival. Ben is an award-winning environmental journalist and filmmaker.

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024 13

ENTERTAINMENT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

publishing world for his editing and publishing of children’s activity books.

His autobiography Everything Sad is Untrue accounts for his family’s journey as refugees from Iran.

And Kenan Orhan, a creative storyteller and author of I Am My Country.

In addition to the authors, there is a Southern Voices Featured Artist Reception and Artist Lecture on Tuesday, Feb 29, from 5:30 to 8:00 for artist Katie Baldwin and a sold-out concert on Sunday, February 18, with John Waite.

The concert tickets were sold earlier in the year as part of the Library Theatre Series.

The Southern Voices Festival is in the intimate 250-seat Hoover Library Theatre.

The author’s books will be available for purchase, and the authors will be available for signing at designated times.

Tickets go on sale Thursday, January 11, at 10:00 a.m. at www.southernvoices. info and by calling the Hoover Library Box Office at (205) 444-7888. Tickets for An Evening with Elizabeth George are $40, and tickets for the Author Conference on Saturday are $45. The artist event featuring Katie Baldwin on Tuesday, February 20, is free and open to the public.

“Queen of Beach Reads” and author of 28 novels Elin Hilderbrand was the headlining author of the 2023 Southern Voices Festival.

14 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024

MADE IN BLUFF PARK cutting boards | Charcuterie trays bathtub caddies | bed swings stovetop covers | tables | planters shelves | bookcases

DEO GLORIA W

O

O

D

W

O

R

K

S

custom orders accepted facebook: @deogloriawoodworks Instagram: @deogloriawoodworks Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024 15

EAT

Hoover’s Own Iron Chef Presented by Enjoy Hoover

Brian Mooney is the owner and chef at Tre Luna Bar and Kitchen in Brock’s Gap, where he cooks up Italian-inspired appetizers, entrees and desserts.

BY KRISTI SELLERS While surfing the endless channel options on your television, do you find yourself occasionally stopping by The Food Network? Maybe you enjoy The Pioneer Woman, Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, or Iron Chef America.

Bobby Beard is the executive chef at Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel, where he employs an innovative menu and quality ingredients to serve more than 100,000 guests annually.

Based on its predecessor, Iron Chef, Iron Chef America is a game show of culinary skill. Each episode focuses on a challenger facing one of several “Iron Chefs.” A secret ingredient is presented to the contestants, and each course must contain this ingredient.

Then, each course is judged by a panel, and a winner is crowned.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

16 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024

EAT

Farrelly’s Southern Bar and Kitchen, located in The Grove, is known for classic Southern cuisine with a modern twist using fresh farm-to-table ingredients.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

On February 29, 2024, Iron Chef Hoover will be held at Jefferson State Community College. Four chefs from Hoover restaurants will participate in the event. Each chef will be assigned sous chefs - one high school student from Riverchase Career and Connection Center (RC3) and one college student from Jeff State’s Culinary and Hospitality program.

This year, four highly skilled chefs are taking part in the event. Brian Mooney will be representing Tre Luna, Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel’s Bobby Beard is participating, as is Andrew Hatcher of Bellini’s and a chef from Farrelly’s Southern Bar and Kitchen.

Each chef will work with their sous chefs to create culinary masterpieces that will be presented to a panel of judges. Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Chef Joseph Mitchel of Jeff State, and Claire Hudleston with WBRC will be faced with choosing a winning team.

Joy King will be the emcee of the event.

Ms. King, known by many as “Comedienne Joy”, is the owner of the Eat.Drink.Ride food tour. She will run the show and create an entertaining atmosphere for all.

Each team will work to prepare a seafood appetizer, a beef entree, and a dessert of their choosing. Each of the judges will be served, as will the 25-person audience in attendance.

This event is the perfect way for the students to network and gain real-life experience with seasoned chefs. They will have the opportunity to obtain invaluable knowledge during the competition and will receive a prize pack after.

Hoover Iron Chef Presented by Enjoy Hoover aims to showcase our area restaurants while giving back to our community and our future chefs. This year’s event is sponsored by the City of Hoover, Evans Meats, Alabama Cattleman’s Association, Sysco Foods and BRESCO Restaurant Equipment.

For more information on Hoover’s Iron Chef, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Enjoy Hoover.

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024 17

SHOP

Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

Shop Dear Prudence for Styles to Keep You Warm

BY KIM CRIPPS

Dear Prudence, a local boutique with multiple locations in the Magic City, boasts fashionable styles for Southern women. Explore trend-worthy outfits that will keep you warm all winter.

18 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024

January, February and March are undoubtedly the coldest months in the Magic City. It’s been more than 15 years since I moved here from the deep south, and yet, morning temperatures that dip below freezing and the occasional snow flurries still come as a surprise.

But, year after year, one thing that is predictable is that I will always be able to find new pieces for my winter wardrobe at Dear Prudence, a locally-owned, womanowned business with five locations including Hoover, The Summit, Illinois and Michigan.

President and Founder Prudence Kauffman, a Hoover resident, says “It’s always a priority for me to shop local and keep money in our community.” And I couldn’t agree more.

I discovered the store when Prudence posted a need for models on social media. And while I didn’t model, I did check out what promised to be a mix of classic CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

SHOP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

and trendy styles at affordable prices. Plus, I loved the idea of shopping locally and supporting a growing business.

Prudence says her shops bring “all the best styles and do it at reasonable prices. It’s so important to us especially right now to have fun on-trend styles.”

So, it comes as no surprise that I walked away with the perfect black dress for my 20-year high school reunion and have been going back for jeans, tops and jewelry ever since.

This season, you’ll find pieces you can layer, dress up or dress down. While I tend to be drawn to more classic styles (like the trench coat pictured), you’ll also find trendier looks like blazers and sweaters tucked into midi skirts.

Since its opening, Dear Prudence shops have become known for offering a curated mix of classic and trendy, dressier and casual clothing and accessories.

The only downside since I’ve started shopping there is that my teenager now wants to borrow my clothes.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Dear Prudence offers a collection of classic and on-trend styles.

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024 19

SHOP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

TOP WINTER STYLE TIPS FROM DEAR PRUDENCE Update your look for 2024 with these words of wisdom from Dear Prudence owner, Prudence Kauffman.

Layers Up: Wear a mock neck or sleeveless top or vest under a cardigan or jacket, then you can take the outer layer off as the temperature warms up throughout the day.

Wear Winter White: Various shades of white, ivory and cream are big this year.

Try a Monochromatic Look: Branch out and style those whites, ivories, and creams together, this includes shoes and accessories, too!

Dear Prudence is located in Patton Creek at 4441 Creekside Avenue, as well as at The Summit. Dear Prudence has two sister stores including the gift boutique Blackbird by Dear Prudence and the tween and teen boutique Sgt. Pepper by Dear Prudence. They are also located in Patton Creek and at The Summit, respectively. Follow Dear Prudence on social media at Dear Prudence Shops on Facebook and DearPruShops on Instagram.

20 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024

Top: Blazers, one of the biggest fashion trends of 2023, are here to stay in the new year.

Left: Layers are the perfect solution to dressing for Alabama winters.

PLAY

Enjoy sipping fresh coffee and shopping for art and more from local vendors at Wild Roast in Bluff Park.

Galentine’s Day

Plan the Ultimate Celebration of Friendship

BY CARMEN BROWN

Since 2010, Galentine’s Day (or, as some call it, Palentine’s Day) has become increasingly popular as an unofficial holiday that celebrates female friendship or platonic relationships. It goes back to an episode of the popular workplace comedy “Parks & Recreation” and was coined by the character Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be single to celebrate Galentine’s Day, which is one reason why it is typically celebrated on the day before Valentine’s Day on February 13.

So if this is your thing, we have some great ideas mapped out for you and your friends to experience a memorable day or night on the town this Valentine’s Day Eve! CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024 21

PLAY

Catch up over a glass of wine at Plenty of Vino on Highway 31.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Before the big day, check out Plenty of Vino for craft beer, red blend wines, houseplants, jewelry and more! Have a custom bouquet made for each of your dear friends. Plenty of Vino is located at 1650 Montgomery Hwy next to HomeGoods. You can also call 205-874-9763 or shop online at plentyofvino.com.

9:00 a.m. According to tradition, Galentine’s almost always involves breakfast or brunch, so head to Wild Roast for a cup of coffee (or tea, for that friend who doesn’t do coffee!).

Named Best Place for Coffee in Hoover in 2023, Wild Roast celebrates “Caffeine, Creativity and Community” with live entertainment, Wi-Fi, gifts and local art. Try the Wild Roast house blend of Sumatran and Costa Rican beans or a breakfast smoothie with a Dulce de Leche croissant. Wild Roast is located at 585 Shades Crest Road and opens at 7:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m. Treat yourselves to a spa day! Relax, restore and rejuvenate at Birch Tree Day Spa. Birch Tree provides skincare, waxing, massage, salt scrub, tinting and bronzing services.

Located in the Ross Bridge community at 3601 Market Street Suite 103. To book an appointment, call (205) 989-0001 or visit www.birchtreedayspa.net.

22 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024

PLAY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

2:00 p.m. Head to Ragtime Café for an unforgettable late lunch. Ragtime is a full-service bar and New Orleans-style restaurant with a fun, casual atmosphere perfect for Galentine’s day! Start with the Black-and-Bleu Ribeye Caesar, share a Cajun pizza, or try the Ragtime Club Sandwich with bacon, turkey, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pineapple and mayo. Top it off with their bread pudding with whiskey sauce, key lime pie or the cheesecake of the day! Located at 2080 Valleydale Road, Ragtime has been a neighborhood favorite for over 30 years!

Ragtime Cafe near Riverchase serves up comforting daily specials, plus a selection of salads, sandwiches, soups, and quiches.

Get creative with a variety of hands-on projects at Hammer & Stain DIY Workshop on Lorna Road.

5:00 p.m. Create a DIY home decor project with your friends at Hammer & Stain, where all materials are provided, along with professional instructors who will guide you step by step. All you need to bring are your friends and a desire to be creative! (You can also bring your own snacks and the wine you purchased from Plenty of Vino!) Hammer & Stain is located at 1960 Braddock Drive, Suite 104, at Hoover Place behind Publix and Marco’s Pizza. Book your Galentine’s event at www.hammerandstain.com.

Spend the rest of the evening enjoying the latest rom-com flick at AMC Patton Creek, or kick back and catch a show on Netflix. Play games and make smoothies.

Surprise each other with a few Galentine’s gifts or boxes of chocolate.

However you choose to celebrate this special day, we hope you enjoy all the city of Hoover has to offer!

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024 23

MAKERS

The Mad Scientist at Work Michelle Boykin’s chocolate creations are a delight in every season

Michelle and her team participate in many farmers markets and pop-up shops to help Hoover and Central Alabama residents get their chocolate fix.

BY DREW ROBERTS

Most times of the year, chocolate and the weather in Alabama don’t mix. You’d be crazy to have those two things as a part of your livelihood. At least that’s what Michelle Boykin, owner of Michelle’s Chocolate Laboratory, thinks. She’s dubbed herself a “mad scientist,” a nod not only to her decision to make chocolate in such a humid climate but also to the delicious concoctions she CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

24 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024

MAKERS

Chocolate truffles, a must for Valentine’s Day, are hand-crafted, small batch and come in a variety of flavors like milk, dark and the best-selling Woodford whiskey and caramel.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

creates.

Boykin has worked in the food industry for more than thirty years and opened her laboratory in 2018. In the preceding years, she’d taken some time off from cooking by waiting tables and selling insurance instead. It wasn’t until she felt moved to open her own business that the chocolate lab came to be. Boykin detailed the origin of the store, saying, “The Lord said ‘now.’ I was gonna do it from home, but I was moved to go ahead and get a full

license, full food permit, [and] do everything.”

Today, Boykin finds herself with mountains of orders and a “constant to-do list.” Her services include catering, corporate gifting, and wine-tasting experiences. As for her products, they change with nearly every event she caters.

With constant opportunities for creativity, Boykin likes to switch things up, saying, “Any time you see me coming in a pop-up, even if you don’t want chocolate, come by and see what I have because it’s not gonna be the same every time you come.”

Though the Yellowhammer state’s humidity Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024 25

MAKERS

In addition to chocolate, Michelle crafts homemade treats, including brownies topped with chopped nuts and caramel drizzle.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

isn’t kind to the treats Boykin makes, the people of Birmingham are quite the opposite. The bonding power of chocolate makes it easy for Boykin to coordinate with other small businesses. She joked that “no one’s turned [her] away.” Plus, Birmingham’s central location makes it possible for her to bring her chocolate to weddings, wineries, and more throughout the state.

Just as chocolate pairs well with certain wines at Boykin’s wine tastings, no other holiday screams “chocolate” quite like Valentine’s Day. With the holiday right around the corner, Boykin promised some of her classic offerings plus other surprises. She did reveal that “something’s going to be dipped in chocolate, and it’ll probably be on a stick.”

If your sweet tooth is aching for a treat, or if, like Boykin, you believe that “chocolate is the element of a better and great life,” be sure to check out Michelle’s Chocolate Laboratory. Orders can be placed online at michelleschocolatelab.com.

26 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024

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OCTOBER 2020

JANUARY 2021

Davenport’s Devotees Rejoice

Easy Thanksgiving Centerpieces for Kids and Adults

Page 27

KID-

APPROVED, HEALTHY RECIPES

PAGE 10

Party

Princess LIKE A

From royalty to superheroes, Lara Vickery’s magical character entertainment business brings smiles to soirees.Page 12

A childfriendly blessing mix and family charity ideas!

Page 18

Etiquette classes help develop manners, character PAGE 14

RisingUP Nonprofit serves homeless families across the city PAGE 20

ENGAGING KIDS WITH

ART PAGE 26

Create & Inspire Family businesses hatch in Homewood PAGE 8

er ov

o phot featur

in

g

New pizza ocation pens in Vestavia Page 20

MARCH 2023

C

NOVEMBER 2022

Easter

LOOKING THEIR

BEST this

Keep child athletes safe PAGE 32

Check out our sister publication

SPRING OUTFITS FOR EVERY CHILD

HOOVER VOICES

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLISON CARPENTER PHOTOGRAPHY.

New Year, New You! Resolutions from Around Hoover

The new year is the perfect time for new beginnings. We polled members of our team – plus residents from across the city – for their 2024 goals and resolutions. Here are a few of our favorites. Happy New Year, everyone!

Meal prep on Sundays.

- Lorelle Collins Listen to understand and not to reply.

- P.T. Dudley Live in the moment daily without thinking about future or past endeavors. It is so easy to let life slip away.

– Christy Thompson CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

28 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLISON CARPENTER PHOTOGRAPHY.

HOOVER VOICES

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLISON CARPENTER PHOTOGRAPHY.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

Reclaim ME as a person. This past year I was a caregiver; it’s time to regroup and move forward.

– Jennifer Cripps I’m going to really try to have less food waste in my household.

– Jenny Sasser Buy less clothing. I am pretty sure I have a shopping problem!

– Susette Clark–Walker Continue to grow, have new experiences, and make new friends while taking time for existing friends! – Cyndi Elam See Auburn beat Alabama in the 2024 Iron Bowl! A gal can have a dream in the New Year!

– Tammy Arnau

Successfully launch two new magazines and a new podcast in 2024!

– Matthew Allen, Enjoy Hoover co-publisher To look for the beautiful fields of “daffodils” in my life. To let my friends know how much I love them. To give more hugs to those who need and deserve them. To say thank you more often. To enjoy all the moments that I have with my family as precious opportunities to let them know how much I love them. To be more grateful like George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life. And to eat more ice cream.

– David Cohen, Enjoy Hoover co-publisher Become a better home cook.

– Kim Cripps, Enjoy Hoover editor Be more disciplined in 90-day goal setting throughout the year.

– Mitzi Eaker, Enjoy Hoover co-publisher I’m planning to do some more volunteer work and do more to help the needy.

– Michelle Salem Haynes, Enjoy Hoover marketing consultant

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024 29

AROUND HOOVER

Around Hoover Hundreds of Hoover residents gathered in front of Hoover City Hall for the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting on November 28. The celebration was marked by songs from local students, hot chocolate and holiday snacks, sprays of artificial snow and a visit from Santa.

Photos courtesy of Allison Carpenter Photography.

Top Right: Jesse Humphryes, a 4th grader at Gwin Elementary School, helps Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato pull the lever to light the tree while Master of Ceremonies Will Lochamy counts down.

Middle: The Shades Mountain Singers, a choir of students from Shades Mountain Elementary School, entertains the crowd with holiday songs.

Left: Hoover Beautification Board member Pat Lawley hands out Christmas Tree snack cakes amidst the snowfall.

30 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024

CALENDAR | JANUARY-FEBRUARY UPCOMING EVENTS

p.m. Though this event is sold out, you can

As the Christmas lights come down and we say hello to 2024, there’s no better place to be than Hoover. With plenty of exciting activities right here in town, the fun of the holiday season doesn’t have to end. The Hoover Library, in particular, is a great place to be during these upcoming months. Be sure to put on an extra coat and enjoy what the new year has in store!

be put on a waitlist.

visit events.hooverlibrary.org/event/9058717 to February February 8-10: Comic of the Year and clean

comedian Etta May

January

In the mood for some laughs? Head to the StarDome to see award-winning comedian Etta May. Tickets are available at stardome.com.

January 4: Don Middlebrook

February 13: Celebrate Black History Month

If the cold weather has you longing for a beach vacation, head over to Walk-On’s Sports Bistreax any time from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and treat yourself to the musical stylings of Don Middlebrook and the Pearl Divers. Learn more at donmiddlebrook. net January 13: Pancakepalooza All you need for this camping expedition is a good appetite. From 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., the Hoover Public Library features pancake decorating, stories, and more.

January 26: Anthony Easterwood at Boot Barn’s Grand Opening There’s no better way to celebrate Boot Barn’s grand opening than with live music from Anthony Easterwood. The celebration will occur from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. right next to 2nd & Charles.

January 27: The Market at Brock’s Gap

with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Celebrate Black History Month by learning more about the part Africans and African Americans have played in world history.

Charles Woods III, the education director at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, will be visiting the Hoover Public Library to speak from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

February 15 -17: Vintage Market Days

There’s something for everyone at Vintage Market Days. Make your way to the Finley Center on Thursday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. or Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for this unique shopping experience.

Tickets can be purchased at events.humanitix. com/vintage-market-days.

February 23 – 24: Southern Voices Conference

visit brocksgapmarket.com.

Hear from some of the most celebrated authors in the South at the Hoover Public Library. The conference features Elizabeth George at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and continues on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at southernvoices. info.

January 31: The World-Famous Glenn Miller

February 29: Hoover Iron Chef Competition

The Glenn Miller Orchestra will be playing at the Hoover Public Library from 7:00 to 9:00

Visit Jefferson State Community College to see culinary teams face off in an Iron Chef Competition. The event begins at 6:00 p.m.

reopens for the 2024 Season

The Market at Brock’s Gap, featuring local farmers and artisans, will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the parking lot of Brock’s Gap Brewing Company. For more information

Orchestra

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024 31

Ice cream is a good choice, no matter the temperature!

We can’t wait to celebrate 2024 with you!

1021 Brock’s Gap Pkwy, Ste 105 (205) 444-8000 32 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2024