Food & Drink

Browse exclusive SoulGrown stories about the flavors and libations of Alabama's cuisine

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What may come as a shock to those outside of the distinct world of Alabama restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, has come as welcome news to locals. Four Alabama coffee […]

Meet the Alabama coffee shops that just ranked among the best in the world

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February 20, 2025

There’s an old adage that applies to lawyers, gas stations and restaurants that might seem counterintuitive— if you’re the only option in town you’ll go broke – but if you […]

Longtime Montgomery Staple Shashy’s Surges Into Supper Selections

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February 18, 2025

Alabama seasons come and go on a whim. Some years, summer and winter linger forever, while spring and fall only visit a few brief days. This January, winter decided to […]

Winter Recipe: Alabama Fried Apple Pies

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February 5, 2025

The Alabama Sweet Tea Company announced an exciting new product on Friday, January 24. Their famous Southern-style sweet tea is now available in 16-ounce cans! This Alabama-based company is thrilled […]

The Alabama Sweet Tea Company Announces New Canned Tea

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January 29, 2025

Plenty has changed in the 25 years since Daniel Briggs and a partner opened Daniel George restaurant in Mountain Brook Village. Then, eateries were a rarity in the neighborhood, now […]

DG: The story behind the beloved Mountain Brook restaurant

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January 28, 2025

Mentone may be a small North Alabama town—home to a population of only 325—but there is nothing small about the impact the small mountain community has on those who visit. […]

Wildflower Café: How a local Mentone café became a wild success

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January 9, 2025

Food may not be the first thing that comes to mind for the two days when the calendar changes from one year to the next. Fireworks and football are on […]

How to enjoy Alabama’s top restaurants this New Year’s Eve

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December 26, 2024

The holiday festivities are over and you’re faced with a kitchen full of leftovers. You’re tired of the same plate of turkey and dressing. Before you send the rest of […]

Recipe: Transform your holiday leftovers

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December 23, 2024

If your gift list includes some Christmas spirits, Alabama distillers produce tipples for most every taste. From Huntsville to Atmore, Alabamians craft vodkas and gins from grain, and distill rums […]

Alabama Gifting Guide: How to gift the state’s top spirits this season

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December 18, 2024

At Salud Taqueria, the Mendez family brings the flavors of street fare in southern Mexico to Birmingham’s downtown restaurant district. Salud is not the type of Mexican restaurant familiar to […]

Salud: The story behind the dishes that define Birmingham’s must-visit taqueria

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December 13, 2024

Barbecue in Morgan County is more than a meal—it’s a tradition. Rooted in the slow-cooking techniques passed down through generations, the local style emphasizes tender, flavorful meats cooked over wood […]

Morgan County BBQ Trail: Home to Some of the South’s Best BBQ

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December 9, 2024

“It’s unlike anything else,” she whispers, turning her head to make sure she isn’t caught. Under the noise of the presentation, I lean in to catch her next words, curious […]

The vision behind Alabama’s newest fine dining experience

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December 5, 2024

The roster of restaurants and watering holes continues to grow in metro Birmingham, with the latest establishments offering prime steaks, top-shelf bourbons, regional Chinese fare, and fast-casual favorites. Here is […]

6 New Birmingham Bars and Restaurants to Try This Holiday

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November 26, 2024

It’s a crisp fall evening at Cerulean Park in WaterColor, Florida, and guests have gathered under the tent’s twinkling lights to sip and savor wines from over a dozen vineyards […]

The Foundation Bringing Wine Enthusiasts Together for a Great Cause

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November 25, 2024

Common Bond Brewers, located in the old Lowe’s Auto Body Shop on Bibb St in Montgomery, AL, is striving to be the #1 craft beer in the state of Alabama. […]

Common Bond Brewers: Crafting Connections Through Beer

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November 17, 2024

Surf Hound, the latest concept from the deliciously creative mind of restaurateur Abhishek “Abhi” Sainju, evokes the flavors and vibes at his favorite beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and […]

Meet the self-trained Alabama chef who is becoming a local household name

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November 15, 2024

Birmingham’s bounty of celebrated chefs has helped build a strong eat-local ethos, inspiring one of the state’s premier creameries to collaborate with Alabama food figures to create limited-time treats through […]

Big Spoon Creamery highlights Birmingham’s best through Local Chef Series

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November 6, 2024

The Iron City’s versatile food scene enjoys a nice bit of spicing up with the Cajun-inspired flavors of The Rougaroux restaurant in downtown Birmingham. Opened in 2017, the original location […]

The Rougaroux: Spicing Up Birmingham’s Food Scene

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October 30, 2024

Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican celebration when the dead are believed to come back for a visit, is marked with ofrenda altars, traditional music, folkloric dance, and a ceremonial […]

A deep dive into the dishes that define Dia de los Muertos in Alabama

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October 28, 2024

The newest dish at Helen, the lauded Southern grill in downtown Birmingham, embodies chef-owner Rob McDaniel’s dedication to serving the best seasonal ingredients he can find, sourced as locally as […]

Rob McDaniel, Owner and Executive Chef of Helen, on his latest locally-inspired dish

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October 22, 2024

Kelsey Barnard Clark knows a thing or two about entertaining. As a longtime caterer, lauded restaurateur, and practiced home host, the Alabama native is an expert at throwing gatherings both […]

The story behind acclaimed Alabama chef Kelsey Barnard Clark’s new cookbook

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October 15, 2024