Alabama
Farm To Table Blog

Celebrate peach season in Alabama

BirminghamPepperPlaceSaturdayMarketPeachesThey may have come a little late this year due to an unusually chilly spring, but Alabama peaches are finally ready to eat.

Chilton County is the heart of peach country in Alabama – and proud of it, with enough peach-themed events and attractions to keep you coming back all summer. Two popular festivals that celebrate the season of this delicious fruit
are just around the corner: the Chilton County Peach Festival and the Peach Jam Jubilee. Read More >

Alabama food bloggers weigh in on healthy choices

Homewood Gourmet Baby Bleu-Molly FolseIt’s no secret that Alabama knows delicious food – from fried chicken to rich and creamy pies. But like all good things, these are meant to be enjoyed in moderation. Luckily, Alabama restaurants boast plenty of delectable dishes on the lighter side.

We reached out to three Alabama food and health bloggers – Alison Lewis, founder of Ingredients, Inc.; Jen West, founder of The Jen West Quest; and Stephen Vinson, founder of WhoAteMyBlog? – for their insights on dining out and making healthy choices. Read More >

Enter to win tickets to Hot and Hot Fish Club’s Alabama Innovators Dinner

Hot and Hot Fish ClubIt’s no secret that chef Chris Hastings has made his mark on Alabama’s food scene. In addition to his award-winning culinary feats, Hastings has helped guide other successful chefs throughout the state. As a tribute to these chefs, Hastings has planned the Alabama Innovators Dinner at Hot and Hot Fish Club on Monday, June 17 at 6 p.m.

You could win two tickets to the exclusive, sold-out event (a $500 value that includes food, wine, tax and gratuity), plus a one-night stay at Birmingham’s newest hotel, The Westin (valued at more than $475). Package includes shuttle service to and from the event and breakfast at the hotel the following morning. Enter on The Year of Alabama Food’s Facebook page between now and June 2 at 11:59 p.m. for your chance to win. Read More >

Italian dishes to eat in Alabama before you die

dish-detail-lasagnaThe wide variety of cuisine across Alabama is one of the many things that makes our food culture special. You can get down-home Southern cooking, barbecue, fresh seafood and dishes with authentic European flavor. Among the state’s many culinary influences is another Southern destination – the Southern European country of Italy. Some of Alabama’s best chefs take inspiration from “The Boot,” – from Frank Stitt’s fine dining spot Bottega to the laid-back Ricatoni’s in Florence. Read More >

Crawfish tips & tricks from Crawmama’s

CrawfishCrawfish, crayfish, crawdads – call ‘em what you will, these crustaceans are a significant part of Southern food culture. From crawfish boils to seafood restaurants across the state, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy this freshwater treasure in Alabama.

One such place is Crawmama’s in Guntersville, which started as a roadside seafood stand and today seats more than 325 guests. Crawmama’s co-owner, Kathryn Baucom, recently shared some of her crawfish know-how with The Year of Alabama Food. Read More >

Six places you must eat during Hangout Music Fest

GulfShoresLulusAtHomeportMarinaEach May, Alabama hosts one of the largest and most popular music festivals in the Southeast. Hangout Music Fest returns for its fourth year on the beaches of Gulf Shores May 17-19. Thousands of people flock to hear a large and diverse musical lineup throughout the three-day event, and as a bonus they have the chance to indulge in some of the best eats along Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Read More >

Meet local chefs, farmers and more at Montgomery’s Southern Makers festival

Click to enlarge.

Click to enlarge.

The inaugural Southern Makers event will take place Saturday, May 4, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the historic Union Station Train Shed in Downtown Montgomery. This event is an evolution of 2012’s successful Alabama All Star Food Festival. The highly curated, one-day event will celebrate creativity and innovation in Alabama. All proceeds from Southern Makers will benefit E.A.T. South, a nonprofit organization that encourages healthy lifestyles through education and sustainable food production in urban areas throughout the Southeast. Read More >

Alabama farmers markets kick off 2013 season

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERASpring is here, which means it’s time for the Alabama farmers market season. Local farmers are gathering their goods and making their way to markets and stands all across the state. Alabama boasts more than 130 farmers markets and 240 farm stands during peak season.

April and May are the main kickoff months. From Birmingham to the Gulf Coast, these farmers markets are the place to be.
Read More >