Food & Drink

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

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The Mint Julep dates back to the 18th century, when it was enjoyed as a medicinal tonic before evolving into a beloved social libation. Traditionally, a Mint Julep is made […]

Recipe: Big-Batch Watermelon Mint Julep

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April 29, 2025

Gee’s Bend Airing of the Quilts Festival Awareness Tour The Airing of the Quilts tour will stop in Mobile to celebrate the artistry and history of the Gee’s Bend quilters. […]

Can’t Miss Alabama: Experience the best in quilts, art and food

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April 25, 2025

Across Alabama, there are dozens of restaurants and bars that pay homage to the owner’s history or heritage in some way, but there are two establishments that are often praised […]

3 authentic Cinco de Mayo recipes from the owners of Alabama’s Adiõs and Salud

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April 23, 2025

The South is synonymous with comfort food, and possibly the best known of these is barbecue. While who has the best barbecue is an age-old, unanswerable question for Southerners, there […]

Tuscaloosa BBQ Tour: 5 essential stops for Southern barbecue lovers

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April 21, 2025

Amid rising food costs and evolving appetites, Checkers is staging a revolution — starting in Mobile, Alabama — and all for just $4. Checkers, the beloved drive-thru icon known for […]

Checkers celebrates original Mobile, Alabama location with $4 Meal Deal for a limited time

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April 17, 2025

Whether you enjoy it as a crunchy topping for yogurt, paired with milk for breakfast or as a grab-and-go snack, this granola is the perfect way to fuel your body […]

This simple granola recipe is perfect for spring in the South

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April 14, 2025

In the digital age, information spreads quickly, and as more studies and information gain attention online, the cultural shift toward clean eating continues. Clean eating has many definitions, but the […]

A local’s guide to clean eating in Birmingham

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April 10, 2025

Only one of the three Alabama culinary professionals nominated as semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Foundation Awards is advancing to the finals. José Medina Camacho, founder and beverage director of Adiõs cocktail bar and Salud taqueria in […]

Alabama mixologist and Adios owner named James Beard Award finalist

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April 4, 2025

With awareness of the link between alcohol and adverse health effects becoming more widespread, the world of mocktails is expanding rapidly. What began as a way to make a simple […]

Alabama-inspired mocktail recipes for a lighter swap this spring

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March 31, 2025

Birmingham is known throughout the Southeast for its incredible food scene, and tomorrow, March 29th will see the opening of another ambitious destination for local foodies. Leafly Boba Bar, founded […]

Huntsville-founded boba bar hosts Birmingham grand opening

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March 28, 2025

The wait is over–warmer days are here, and we’re all craving a perfect patio for our next meal. Patio dining options are nearly endless in the Magic City, but we’ve […]

10 must-visit Birmingham patios for soaking in the spring weather

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March 24, 2025

It’s a chilly and overcast morning in the Magic City, and I’m on a mission to find the best pastry in Birmingham. I will be the first to admit that […]

A local’s guide to the ultimate Birmingham pastry crawl

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March 11, 2025

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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January 31, 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