Pepper Place Spring Magazine

Volume 2, Issue 1

Spring Issue

Spring Has Sprung pepperplace.com

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SPRING SPRUCE UP RICHARD TUBB SHARES SOME SECRETS

If you ask Richard Tubb about his favorite decorating trend, he’s quick to tell you he hates the word “trend.” Instead, he prefers designing with pieces that have longevity. Richard’s also not afraid to switch things around with the shift in season. “You rearrange your closet in the spring,” he says.

“Why not rearrange your home too?

“People have things set up one way in the winter and seem nervous to move them with the new season,” explains Richard. “But it’s amazing the big impact you can make by easily and inexpensively making a few simple swaps.

“I had clients with a lake house who were 2

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thinking about selling it because it was just so dreary,” he says. “I sent them out for the day and put out some light colored pillows and switched a few things around. They couldn’t get over how great it looked.”

Before you do anything, Richard suggests looking at your accessories. If they appear too dark and dull, it’s time to replace them.

Set out light colored baskets in place of heavy bowls and boxes. Some of his favorites available at his shop are coiled so beautifully they look hand-woven. Another great way to refresh a room is to use white and cream boxes. “They don’t even have to be that expensive,” says Richard. “A smaller collection

of light colored boxes can be really nice.”

There’s also something refreshing about putting away heavy wool throws. Replace them with ivory or white ones in a linen blend or other lightweight fabric. Take away darker pillows and substitute them with ones that are tone-on-tone for a spa look.

Orchids are another darling of spring because these long-lasting plants adapt to a number of styles.

“If you get a white orchid with lots of buds on it, you can stick it in the corner and it will last a long time,”

Spring is a time to make changes that entice the senses––from visual to smell to touch.

he says. “Just put ice cubes in the pot once a week.”

Enhance the ambiance of your home by freshening the scent. While the smells of pine and mulling spices work well for winter, it’s nice to have lighter scented candles for spring such as the bamboo one that they’ve recently gotten in the shop.

Richard particularly loves to entertain in the spring. It’s a great time to open all the doors, and arrange candles on the porch and lawn to draw people outdoors.

“You rearrange your

“Open the draperies,” Richard says. “And wash

closet in the spring,”

your windows. I love it when someone’s having a

Tubb says. “Why not

party and you can see inside the house.”

rearrange your home, too?”

And rather than feel like you have to go to the florist, Richard encourages people to be creative. He suggests pulling out the vases and creating arrange-

rule about a party? Have as few chairs as possible.

“Once people start sitting down,” explains Richard. “the party dies.”

For more tips and ideas stop by Richard Tubb

ments from whatever is in the yard. Some of his fa-

Interiors, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,

vorite arrangements are evergreen. His number one

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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THE MARKET IS BACK Grab your market bags and head downtown! The Market at Pepper Place is back, offering the best of what’s in season, homemade and produced in Alabama.

This year’s Market will host around 100 tents for farmers, artisans, food vendors and live music. Chef demos will be held every Saturday at 9am starting May 7. The strawberries, asparagus, leafy greens and mushrooms will soon be followed by peaches, blueberries, tomatoes, squash, peppers and eggplant. You may never go back to the grocery store again.

Start the day with breakfast burritos, doughnuts, sausage biscuits, scones and muffins, hot and iced coffee, tea, fresh squeezed juices and kombucha. Pick up extras to take home, along with artisan breads, farm-fresh eggs and cheeses, pasture raised meats, cured bacon, honey, hummus, salsas, fruit preserves, pimento cheese and more.

Finish your shopping with colorful cut flowers, or starter veggies and herbs for the garden. Stop by the Info Tent, and support the Market by picking up this year’s tshirts, hats, tote bags and posters. And take home a copy of KNOW THY FARMER, our new book of photographs and essays honoring the Alabama farmers, chefs and shoppers of Pepper Place.

Remember this is YOUR market. The only products you’ll find are grown or made in Alabama by people who live near you. What better way to discover the creativity and diversity that exists in Alabama and directly support farmers and the community than by shopping at the Market.

For weekly updates on the featured chef demos, live music and other special events, including the Maker’s Village, coming June 4-September 3, check out www. pepperplacemarket.com, @pepperplacemarket on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and subscribe to our newsletter.

MAKER’S VILLAGE Need gift ideas? Artisans throughout the Market sell beautiful pottery, cutting boards, silkscreened tshirts, prints and handcrafted jewelry.

Beginning June 4th, you’ll find even more in the Maker’s Village. To celebrate AL Tourism’s “Year of Alabama Makers,” the Makers Village will be set up in the parking lot next to OvenBird with additional tents and display areas, live music and lectures and demonstrations in SCENE Gallery, every Saturday at 10am, by Maker Ambassadors like potter Tena Payne, bridal designer Heidi Elnora, and the quilters of Gee’s Bend. The Maker’s Village will run June 4-September 3, and culminate with the Southern Makers Festival, coming to Sloss Furnaces, September 9-10.

Find out more at pepperplacemarket.com

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FOOD MEDIA SOUTH GATHERS AT OVENBIRD People from all areas of the food media industry gathered in Birmingham February 20 to elevate the conversation around food.

The Southern Foodways Alliance (SFA) hosted the symposium attended by writers, chefs, publishers, videographers, and more from all over the Southeast. For many, it was their first trip to the Magic City. A few of the featured speakers included Francis Lam, a JamesBeard nominated writer and book editor; Bill Addison, food critic from Eater; Corby Kummer, senior editor for The Atlantic Monthly; Frank Stitt, owner of Highlands Bar & Grill, Chez Fon Fon, and Bottega; and Hunter Lewis and Ann Pittman, editor and executive editor of Cooking Light.

John T. Edge, director of the SFA, challenged people to look at the culture of food and the stories and soul behind how we experience food in the South. The event focused on these core beliefs as the discussions centered on topics like storytelling in the digital age and how race and gender impact food culture.

But no gathering of food professionals would be complete

without sampling incredible food.

One of the highlights of the symposium was an evening at OvenBird to taste some of Chris Hastings’ specialty dishes. Many attendees had only read rave reviews about Ovenbird and the menu and were finally tasting the food for the first time. Clearly it lived up to its reputation; the staff was surprised by how quickly they had to replenish the dishes each time they set them out. One of the favorite items was whole roasted lamb, prepared especially for the event.

It was a perfect evening for the food folks who filled the OvenBird warehouse and spilled into the gardens, with music blaring. Everyone left Birmingham with their hunger for good food and good conversation fed.

A SIMPLY DELIGHTFUL WINE DINNER When Chef James Lewis planned the recent wine dinner held in late February at Bettola, he let the winery from Paitin, Piedmont, Northern Italy act as his guide. He served four red wines and one white wine to accompany small bites. The 70 guests in attendance were given an early taste of spring with a five-course meal designed especially for the event.

“We didn’t want the menu to be too compli-

sprouts and wild mushrooms grilled over coals. Braised short ribs

cated, and we wanted

that had been seasoned overnight were presented next, along-

every ingredient to be

side root vegetables packed in a cream–based sauce. For dessert,

really fresh and well-

guests enjoyed a take on s’mores, made with semifreddo and

prepared,” says James.

caramel infused with orange zest and hazelnut crunch. Chef Lewis

“It’s difficult to do well-

thought each of the wines were spectacular, but the Barbaresco

prepared, simple stuff.

served with the fourth course was his favorite.

You have to get the

Chef Lewis plans to hold the wine dinners once a quarter and

matching of ingredients

will plan a special menu for each one. It takes him about a week to

down right.”

plan, and the entire staff works the preceding day and the day of

The meal started with light crostini topped with ricotta and

the event to prepare––they’re so well received that it’s worth all

fresh micro-vegetables. One of the most popular dishes of the

the effort. Guests can sign up for the next wine dinner in May by

night was served next, a squid pasta. This was followed by a duck

calling the restaurant at 205-731-6499.

charred on flames and then cold smoked, served with tiny Brussels

Photo by D. Paul Jones III

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MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE Discover great finds for mom at Pepper Place.

1. Bring her flowers and a pop of yellow with this vase from Atmosphere Home Essentials.

2. Sometimes the simplest pieces of art make the biggest statements like this painting found at SCENE. 3. An air plant from Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery will be the easiest plant she’ll ever own.

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4. Make sure the sun is always bright in her garden with this sculpture by Frontera Iron.

5. Serve something special on these vintage plates at Interiors Market.

6. Pack a few Turkish blankets from King’s House Rugs on your family vacation to the coast this summer.

7. Treat her to a spa anytime she wants with a Destress Express elixir at The Collective.

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8. Break out these eco-Coasters from King’s House Antiques next time the neighbors stop by for an afternoon cocktail.

9. Make sorting through the mail fun with one of Richard Tubb’s many accessories.

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SATURDAY NIGHT SCENE Scene had a large crowd at their first-ever Saturday night opening on February 20. The Make Room for Bold Show celebrated the work of Emily Farish, William Rankin McClure, and Arden Ward Upton.

Emily Farish, an Alabama native based in San Francisco, showed a collection of botanicals in charcoal on paper. Part of the magic of her work is that she draws exactly what she sees as she is creating, including the actual staples and pins that hold her florals onto the board.

William McClure, who lives in Birmingham, worked for years as a designer for Bill Ingram while painting on the side. “I base all my success on Instagram for allowing me to post images of my art in a non-braggadocious manner,” he said. “It’s allowed people to see it and it’s spread like wildfire.” William uses big, bold brush strokes in his mixed media paintings, creating

A well-known Birmingham wedding photographer, Arden Upton exhibited her black and white photographs of beautiful and dramatic landscapes and other images from a recent trip to France.

An avid equestrian, she also shared some striking images of horses.

“There was a great crowd at the show and I was excited about the atmosphere and vibe,” she commented.

In addition to viewing one-of-a-kind artwork, the crowd enjoyed food by Deborah Stone of The Pantry. She served a strawberry infused vodka cocktail, along with jams, jellies, and goat cheese.

Scene hopes to have a show every month or every other month. The next show May 12 is an Arthur Price show. Since Scene is always changing and evolving with different artists, you get a different experience every time you step through the doors. Stop by and see for yourself, Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm and Saturday 9am-2pm.

Photo courtesy Arden Ward Upton

cool and graphic work with minimal color.

THE MAGIC IN THE ROTARY TRAIL Birmingham just got a little greener, and Pepper Place is excited to be a part of it. A 20-year dream came true with the April 6th opening of the Rotary Trail. This soft opening of the trail was marked with the lighting of a new sign that states “Rotary Trail in the Magic City.” The trail, which has paths for walking,

beautiful

landscaping, an amphitheater, and park 8

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benches, is an extension of Railroad Park from 20th Street to 32nd Street along First Avenue South. The Zyp Bike Station at Pepper Place is centrally located to the trail, and with warm spring days ahead, makes the perfect place to take a lunch break or weekend ride up and down the trail. The trail will eventually expand to the CrossPlex venue in Five Points West to Avondale, making Pepper Place a main connecting spot.

Photo courtesy AL.com

THE PILATES TRADITION AERO JOE BRINGS MASTER INSTRUCTOR TO THE MAGIC CITY

While it sports the signature swaths of hanging fabric that make its look and offerings unique to Birmingham, the Aero Joe Pilates studio nevertheless embodies the traditional Pilates Method, from the vintage photos of Joe Pilates on the walls to the Balanced Body equipment built from Joe’s original designs. Owner Alison Page recently demonstrated her deep commitment to the study of Pilates and its lineage by organizing a two-day workshop, held at Aero Joe in early March. Eighteen instructors attended from around the southeast. Alison invited long-time friend and master instructor, Cara Reeser, to lead the workshop.

Cara Reeser is internationally known and respected, a secondgeneration master instructor and one of the world’s leading Pilates experts. According to her website, carareeserpilates.com, Cara believes practicing Pilates can “lead to a mind-body transformation that will change the life of those who seriously embrace it.” Her knowledge and training help her stay true to the teachings of Joe Pilates and his wife, Clara, which she acquired with guidance from her own mentor, Kathy Grant, who was an actual student of Joe and Clara Pilates, and Cara’s teacher for more than 20 years.

Aero Joe owner Alison explains that Kathy Grant’s gift was teaching students to execute movement without excess tension, and she passed this on to Cara. During the workshop, Cara demonstrated what Joe Pilates meant when he said the method is “the complete coordination of mind, body, spirit.” In other words, according to Alison, “When you leave the calm of the studio for the chaos of everyday life, you cope better because you center yourself.”

“We are encouraged by Cara to teach holistic health – teaching people, not exercise,” Alison says. Pilates can be for everyone when we teach to the individual, rather than taking a “one size fits all” approach. Since the workshop, Alison can see the studio’s clients approaching work with less stress. “We are able to progress to advanced movements faster, and students leave more relaxed.”

The workshop was a great success. Alison feels it opens a door future mentorship opportunities with Cara as well as visits from other master teachers, making Aero Joe a leading site for lineage Pilates education in the Southeast. To find out more about classes, workshops and the Pilates method, stop by Aero Joe, on 2nd Avenue South and 28th Street, and visit aerojoepilates.com.

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BEHIND THE

SCENES

AT COUNTRY LIVING

When Hearst relocated Country Living from New York to Birmingham two years ago, they looked at different office spaces, including several down 280. “I really wanted them to look at Pepper Place, selfishly because I live in nearby Forest Park” says Editor-InChief Rachel Hardage Barrett. “But also because there’s a creative energy down here.” We talked with Rachel about having a magazine that reaches 20 million readers produced in the middle of the Martin Biscuit Building.

What do you like best about being at Pepper Place?

What’s great about the location is that so many of the surrounding businesses offer things that are in alignment with our brand. If we’re working on a floral or garden story, we can pop over to Charlie

the United States––there’s a high concentration of readers in

Thigpen’s shop to get inspired or buy last-minute pumpkins for a

Portland, Maine and Portland, Oregon. Some people think of

prop. We’ve also talked about heading over to Hop City on Friday

us as hill country, some wine country––there’s lots of different

afternoons for “growler hour.”

types of “country” and the magazine serves them all.

The Pepper Place location makes recruiting much easier.

When people come to interview from Nashville, Brooklyn, or

What has been your favorite feature?

I’ve had several. We do a lot of homes stories, but I particu-

other places, they see that they can walk down the street to get

larly liked a hardworking one on home renovations from A to Z. It

lunch or grab a cup of coffee. I think it’s less of a leap because it

covered everything from an apron sink for A to a first-person es-

still has that fun downtown city vibe.

say by Trisha Yearwood for E, on Endless hours of binge watching

We also have fun with our office space. We have barn lights,

Fixer Upper on HGTV. Another was a Senoia, Georgia feature on

a hammock, a giant gingham wall, and even dogs running around

porches, where every home is required to have a porch in their

on occasion.

house plans. Readers learned how to decorate their porches,

Why was the move from New York to Birmingham important?

The goal of the move to Birmingham was to allow the brand

what to eat on their porches, and more.

What are your goals for the brand?

My main goal is to continue our strong newsstand success.

to grow closer to the lifestyle it celebrates. And we have the

I’d also like to grow the popular Country Living Fairs, which are

numbers to show it’s working. Country Living ended the year

held in Nashville, TN, Columbus, OH, Atlanta, GA, and Rhinebeck,

3 percent up on the newsstand, which is huge considering the

NY. And, of course, I’d like to continue to create content that

industry is down by as much as 10 percent. We were one of the

resonates with the audience in fun ways.

only brands in our competitive set who was up last year. And, we’re already up over that for this year.

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Country Living has been around for almost 40 years, and has an incredibly loyal audience. It’s evenly distributed throughout

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Editor-In-Chief Rachel Hardage Barrett, above, photographed at Pepper Place.

SAVE THE

ON THE

MOVE

We are pleased to welcome

the following new tenants to the Pepper Place Market District: brik realty Ryan Freeman, Inc. The Watson Firm Yeatts Law FIrm We are also happy to have the following tenant renew their leases for an additional term: The Collective

SPECIAL

EVENTS

THIRD THURSDAY AT PEPPER PLACE May 19, 2016 June 16, 2016 July 23, 2016 August 18, 2016 www.pepperplace.com

DATE

Be sure to check out these and other great Pepper Place Market District goings-on at www.pepperplace.com

May 5, 2016 Terrific New Theatre New Play Begins “Sophie Tucker: The Last of the Red Hot Mammas!” www.terrificnewtheatre.com for tickets May 5, 2016 Cantina Cinco de Mayo Celebration! Food + Drinks + Live Music on the patio! www.cantinabirmingham.com May 7, 2016 Aero Joe Join Aero Joe Pilates for demos, movement and discussion about Pilates.

Complimentary chair massage and tea bar. 9-10am www.aerojoepilates.com May 12, 2016 SCENE at Pepper Place Arthur Price solo Art Show www.artgallery1930.com May 17, 2016 Bettola Bettola five-course Wine Dinner featuring wines from Venato, Italy producer Zenato. bettolabirmingham@gmail.com for reservations June 16, 2016 SCENE at Pepper Place Art Show www.artgallery1930.com/ June 4- Sept. 3, 2016 Makers Village Every Saturday 8:00 am – noon, rain or shine www.pepperplacemarket.com Now - Dec. 10, 2016 OvenBird Saturday Brunch 9:00 am – 1:00pm www.ovenbirdrestaurant.com Now - Dec. 10, 2016 Market at Pepper Place Every Saturday 7:00 am – noon, rain or shine www.pepperplacemarket.com

RECIPES FOR MAY FROM CANTINA SUMMER GUACAMOLE (SERVES 2-4)

MOM’S MARGARITA

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

½ tablespoon minced red onion

1 ounce 100 percent agave silver tequila

1 teaspoon minced serrano chile

1 ounce Cointreau or triple sec

1 ripe mango, diced

1 teaspoon orange flower water

12 red grapes halved

3 ounces champagne

¼ cup finely diced pineapple

1 slice lime to garnish

Salt Pomegranate seeds or halved blackberries, to garnish Tortilla Chips to serve

Combine the lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and orange flower water in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until very cold and strain into a champagne flute. Splash with

Lightly mash the avocado, onion, and chile in a molcajete.

champagne and garnish with a lime slice.

Gently fold in the grapes, mango, and pineapple; season to taste with salt. Garnish with pomegranate seeds or blackberries and serve with tortilla chips. pepperplace.com

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DISTRICT DIRECTORY 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

I

I @ Zyp Bike Station [el Parking RETAIL & SHOWROOMS

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

3. Aero Joe Pilates

5. Bettola

6. Atmosphere Home Essentials

5. Cantina

www.aerojoepilates.com

www.atmospherehomeessentials.com

www.bettolarestaurant.com www.cantinatortillagrill.com

4. Peritus Pr, LLC www.perituspr.com

OFFICES 5. Aq2 Technologies www.aq2tech.com

6. OvenBird

5. Battle & Winn LLP

5. The Red Cat

6. Bdot Architecture, Inc

4. The Collective

6. Terrific New Theatre, Inc

5. brik realty

5. Dekalb Office

MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS

5. Chip Rewards Inc

3. About Town

4. Epic

3. Black Benak, LLC

4. Haskins Jones, LLC

6. Cantley & Company

www.cantleyandcompany.com

3. Charlie Thigpen's Garden Gallery www.charliethigpensgardengallery.com www.clicksalon.com

www.dekalboffice.com

1. Eisys, Inc

www.eisys-inc.com

2. Ferguson

www.ferguson.com

8. Frontera

www.fronterairon.com

6. Illuminations

www.illumco.com

6. Interiors At Pepper Place www.interiorsatpepperplace.com

3. King's House Antiques

www.kingshouseantiques.com

3. King's House Oriental Rugs www.kingshouseorientalrugs.com

4. Richard Tubb Interiors

www.richardtubbinteriors.com

3. Scene

www.artgallery1930.com

www.ovenbirdrestaurant.com www.theredcatcoffeehouse.com www.terrificnewtheatre.com

www.abouttownsite.com

www.blackbenak.com

6. BW&Co, Inc

www.thinkbw.co

4. Context A3

www.contexta3.com

5. Country Living

www.countryliving.com

4. Hodges and Associates www.thehighroad.com

4. Mental Floss

www.mentalfloss.com

www.battlewinn.com www.bdota.com

www.brikrealty.com www.chiprewards.com

www.epicbrokers.com www.haskinsjones.com

6. Krumdieck A+i Design www.krumdieck.com

3. Live Design Group

www.livedesigngroup.com

6. Momentum

www.momentumleaders.org

4. Ryan Freeman Inc www.rfibuilders.com

6. Schilleci & Tortorici, PC www.schillecitortoricilaw.com

6. Murphy Media, Inc

4. Southern Environmental Law Center

4. Peppermint Photography

4. The Watson Firm

www.murphymedia.com www.apeppermintphoto.com

4. Urban Coding

www.urbancoding.net

www.southernenvironment.org

www.birminghambusinesslaw.com

4. Yeatts Law Firm

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111111 Jones Valley Trail

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www.yeattsfirm.com