Food + Beverage

Pintxo Party

Born in San Sebastián, Spain, the joyous tradition of pintxos is spreading Article by Marti Buckley | Photography by Simon Bajada On the northern coast of Spain sits a postcard-perfect town complete with glittering seaside, lush mountains in the distance, and church spires peeking through the skyline. San Sebastián boasts natural beauty, architecture, and a wealth of attractions. But what draws visitors there the most is something smaller in size — the pintxo. The Spanish snack is tapa on a...

Food + Beverage

Gus's in Good Hands

Lee Pantazis is leading historic hot dog joint to a creative future Article by Loyd McIntosh | Photography by Mary Fehr Gus’s Hot Dogs is one of a handful of Birmingham’s original Greek-owned restaurants still standing and is the last of the original hot dog joints in town following the demise of such places as Tony’s Terrific Hot Dogs and Lyric Hot Dogs. A mainstay on 4th Avenue North, Gus’s Hot Dogs has been in business since an immigrant from Greece, Gus Alexander, first opened the doors...

Style + Beauty

Closet Confessions, Pt. II

At home with Birmingham's style set Article by Kali McNutt | Photography by Mary Fehr The contents of a closet reveal so much about the wearer–lifestyle, aspirations, travel experiences, affinities, and beliefs around sustainability. More interesting than any garment is the person wearing it–someone with a singular point of view who can't be easily labeled. Enjoy part two of our peak inside local wardrobes. Morgan Jones Johnston Morgan Jones Johnston’s artistic, bon vivant aesthetic tells...

Food + Beverage

Food as Medicine

How to boost immunity by incorporating easy kitchen herbalism Article by Emilie Maynor | Photography by Jamie Runnells In 2015, I attended an integrative medicine conference in Boston and had the opportunity to learn from industry experts. Aviva Romm is an MD and master herbalist who spoke about women’s health through the lens of blending conventional medicine with the wisdom of ancient herbalism. It was a fascinating presentation and, quite frankly, the first time I heard anyone trained in...

Food + Beverage

Don’t Mock It Till You Try It 

These spirit-free beverages are worth a night out in Birmingham  Article by Denise K. James | Photography by Mary Fehr The bar scene in Birmingham is indisputably alluring. From artsy dives to chic cocktail establishments, much of the magic in our Magic City happens after dark – but alcohol doesn’t need to be part of it. Here are six of our favorite unspiked beverages.  Pomegranate Blueberry Mojito  Armour House Crafted by veteran bartender Ronnie Moore, this mojito combines pomegranate...

Food + Beverage

Meals with Loved Ones

Jesús Méndez reflects on family and food Article by Denise K. James | Photography by Mary Fehr It’s mid-August in Birmingham, but the balmy weather hasn’t slowed down one of the city’s busiest intersections: 20th Street and Second Avenue North. Local restaurateur Jesús Méndez Jr. gazes out the window of what will become his fourth business in the city: Salud Taqueria, a quick-service eatery featuring authentic Latin cuisine. Up the road, the wildly successful cocktail bar he co-owns...

Local Services

The Business of Life

Corporate consultant turned upscale concierge, Sarah Robinson helps busy professionals make time for the things that matter most Article by Javacia Harris Bowser | Photography by Mary Fehr Sarah Robinson understands that anxious feeling you may get when you return from vacation. You’re thinking about everything that didn’t get done while you were gone. Plus, everyone is hungry, and there’s no food in the fridge. This is just one of the many problems Sarah’s company, HUM Concierge, can solve...

Style + Beauty

Functional and Fashionable

Eileen Barry designs with real life in mind Article by Denise K. James Eileen Barry believes that great style is more than self-expression; it can serve a practical purpose. While growing up in Birmingham, she noticed what others wore on a regular basis: her friends’ moms, older kids at school, and the models on the pages of fashion magazines. While it didn’t take long for Eileen to understand how clothing displayed people’s personalities, a new epiphany struck her at Indian Springs High...

Arts + Culture

New Art at The Old Bailey Gallery

Inspiring the creatives of B’ham and beyond Article by Denise K. James It’s been a busy first year for The Old Bailey Gallery. Though it opened only last October, curator Dan Bailey says the gallery feels more established after three artistic residencies and an ever-growing presence in the local arts scene. The former New Yorker had never visited Birmingham before he relocated to the Magic City six years ago. Still, he’s wasted no time meeting the movers and shakers of the local artscape.  ...

Style + Beauty

Closet Confessions

At home with Birmingham's style set Article by Kali McNutt | Photography by Mary Fehr Valerie and Steven Thomas Enduring. Comfortable. Sustainable. All words to describe the style ethos of Valerie and Steve Thomas, a married couple of nearly 40 years. For her part, Valerie is “very much a shop local person,” evidenced in her pieces from basic. and Billy Reid down to her Zkano socks. Unafraid to repeat outfits as well as mix and match, Valerie’s style has gotten more casual since moving to...