Food & Drink

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

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Big Bob Gibson created a distinct style of barbecue in 1925 when he started combining mayonnaise and vinegar as a sauce for chickens that he pit-cooked whole at his restaurant […]

How “white sauce” became Alabama’s signature barbecue sauce

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December 17, 2023

Do you have a beer nut on your shopping list? Are you down to the wire getting presents? Craft breweries across Alabama have you covered. More than four dozen microbreweries […]

The best Alabama brewery gifts for the enthusiast on your list

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December 16, 2023

Rebecca and Jason Dickey hope to change how people along the busy U.S. 280 corridor pick up sweets for work, school, or home. Their newest location of Crumbl Cookies, in […]

Breaking: New Crumbl Cookie location opens in Greystone

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December 15, 2023

Full Moon Bar-B-Que is an award-winning establishment that has a long, delicious history of excellent Southern-style ‘que and mouth-watering trimmings. Full Moon BBQ has been in operation since 1986 with the […]

How to make Full Moon BBQ’s famous Half Moon Cookies

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December 14, 2023

Imagine an impressive explosion of holiday festivity and celebratory cheer: twinkling lights, classic Christmas carols, and floor to ceiling tinsel. Now imagine even more. And a little more… perfect. This […]

Miracle on 24th Street: Alabama’s most extravagant holiday experience

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December 14, 2023

For decades, the Hontzas family has fed Birmingham. A few branches of the family tree still do. But their numbers are thinning, after Theo Hontzas announced that his Smoke House […]

Breaking: Beloved Birmingham family business, Smoke House, closes after 63 years

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December 12, 2023

Billed as a white-sand “beach in a bottle,” Florida-based Bushwacker Spirits liqueur is building on Alabamians’ love for the frozen cocktail by the same name. The three-year-old company is expanding […]

Southern Spirit: The story behind the beloved Bushwacker liqueur

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December 11, 2023

Along a one-mile stretch of Green Springs Highway in Homewood nearly two dozen restaurants, markets, and food trucks serve food from practically every continent on the planet. You’ll find specialties […]

International Food Passport: Find foods from all cultures on Alabama’s international mile

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December 11, 2023

From the glittering landscapes to the world-renowned cuisine, there’s something uniquely special about France that captivates even the novice traveler. The French are experts in living well—and celebrating well—so when […]

A Taste of France: A guide to experiencing a French Christmas in Alabama

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December 10, 2023

Give a gift that keeps on giving this year with subscriptions for Alabama-grown meats, vegetables, fruit, eggs, and honey. Farmers across Alabama offer shares of their harvest through Community-Supported Agriculture […]

A guide to gifting the best fresh foods from Alabama farmers

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December 8, 2023

With an aptitude for science, a concern for people, the ability to plan and direct programs, and a strong interest in food, nutrition, and health, The University of Alabama’s food […]

Backed by Science: University of Alabama Food & Nutrition Student Shares Soulful Holiday Recipe

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December 7, 2023

Wine may be the most intimidating adult beverage. Ordering a glass or a bottle requires a dizzying array of choices—red, white, or rose; still or sparkling; organic, naturally produced, or conventional wine from more than a dozen countries and representing innumerable styles.

Atmosphere and Appetizers: 6 Alabama wine bars to experience this season

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December 7, 2023

Whether it’s for a celebratory meal or a grand gift, Alabama restaurants, breweries, and cocktail bars offer some unusual opportunities for the holidays. These aren’t your ordinary tacky-sweater events. “Yule” […]

Make Your Reservations: Reserve your spot at these 6 exclusive Alabama holiday events

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December 5, 2023

Local Alabama baker, Molly Bolton of The Nostalgic Crumb, has created a holiday cookie recipe that is sure to impress at your next celebration! These cookies are perfect for the […]

This Alabama baker has created the only cookie recipe you’ll need this holiday

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December 5, 2023

We won’t fudge the truth. The Birmingham Candy Company is one of the sweetest startups around.

Hoover native Cassie Bolden and her husband Wayne built their business by working numerous farmers markets and popping up at various locations around metro Birmingham before opening their permanent sweet shop downtown in 2019 at the Pizitz Food Hall.

Behind the Brand: How Birmingham Candy Company makes their famous sweets

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December 3, 2023

Santa is coming to town, and he’s bringing a limited-edition treat to Birmingham! Casey’s Sports Grill at the Westin Birmingham is asking, “Are you naughty and nice?” this holiday season […]

Christmas Cocktails: Birmingham pop-up bar opens for the holidays

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November 27, 2023

Culinary artisans who established and helped mature Birmingham’s award-winning restaurant scene are being honored by another of the city’s culinary artisans, as Big Spoon Creamery introduces a series of special […]

The local creamery featuring custom flavors by Alabama’s culinary icons

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November 25, 2023

Bunkers, Auburn’s first-of-its-kind cocktail bar, restaurant, and indoor golf simulator, has just opened. The concept was developed by Plainsmen Consulting, the team behind many of Alabama’s well-known establishments including Collins […]

Meet Auburn’s new high-end simulated sports experience

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November 20, 2023

Alabamians know a good burger when they taste one. From state-based chains like Milo’s and Jack’s to its diners and dives—even its temples of gastronomy—the magical combination of beef patty, bun, cheese and condiments is a Yellowhammer delight. 

Alabama’s Best: Where to find the best burgers in Alabama

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November 18, 2023

Do you long for turkey and all the trimmings but cooking all that food just isn’t possible? These places have you in mind. While other people feast at their family’s […]

Alabama’s top restaurants open for Thanksgiving dinner

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November 17, 2023

Restaurants, caterers, local groceries across South Alabama – even a personal chef – are ready to cook for you this Thanksgiving. To take the muss and fuss out of your […]

Thanksgiving in South Alabama: Where to find the best local meals

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November 13, 2023