Birmingham is incredibly lucky to have many talented food writers, bloggers, photographers and stylists who write about and make food look beautiful. (I'm lucky enough to work with some of them.)
Thanks so some of them (especially the multi-talented Shaun Chavis), the Magic City is home to a new food blogging conference, Food Blog South. The conference, which will be held January 22, is drawing national attention.
Organizers have assembled an amazing roster of talent, including New York Times writer Kim Severson, cookbook author Virginia Willis, and blogger (and author) extraordinaire, Christy Jordan.
I'm thrilled to be moderating a panel about the safety of Gulf Coast seafood after the oil spill. I'll have more to come about panelists (they are excellent).
In the meantime, I'm gathering questions. What do you want to know about the safety of fish and shellfish now? Are you cautious when buying seafood at the grocery store or ordering from restaurants? Are you asking where your food comes from?
Please let me know, and I'll take these questions with me to the panel.
I love watching TV segments about reducing stress at the holiday. Oh really, I never thought about taking deep breaths and scheduling time for a bath to relax. (To be fair to my TV friends, I know what it's like to get that assignment and groan a little bit. I had to do the same thing once upon a time.)
Stress is a bit of an area of expertise of mine. Let's just say I've had a lot of practice. Say, when I had to go to a certain office during my vacation last week. Twice. But now I've checked out for vacation for real, and just have Christmas & family fun coming up. No stress there, right?
In honor of the most wonderful time of the year (ahem), I bring you my secrets to a stress-free less holiday. Some I've recently discovered; others are tried and true remedies. And yes, I know they aren't applicable to everyone, but it's what helps get me through ...
1. Make candy that involves pounding the hell out of candy canes: Peppermint Bark!
We made it for the first time last night (after I'd eaten ever last crumb from a co-worker, as well as a tin from Costco) using this recipe from Savory Sweet Life.
My duty: to whack the living daylights out of candy canes. And unlike other kitchen duties that involve high temperatures and finesse, I excelled!
Before:
After:
Crushing up the candy canes was actually therapeutic, and the end result was delicious. We're rolling around after eating half of it last night going to give some away as gifts.
2. Skip sending Christmas cards
Even typing this I feel a little sacrilegious. I've never had a year where I didn't obsess over my Christmas cards, i.e., hiring a designer friend and spending countless hours concepting and scrutinizing fonts and layouts. It kind of goes back to my "if it's worth doing, it's worth doing better than anyone else," philosophy, which I've been working on dissembling, much like candy canes.
I do believe in the tradition of the mailed Christmas card, the feel of the paper and photos of their families.
The truth is, I scrutinize images and layouts and words every single day. It was more of a stress this year, and I wanted to put my energy toward other projects. So I didn't do it. And I'm sure no one is standing at their mailbox crying because I've ruined their Christmas. (If they do feel bad, they can read my dad's amazing Christmas letter to hear about our family. It's posted on his blog.)
Oh wait, that was hugely stressful. (Yes, preschool parents who didn't RSVP, I was shooting you a look during our children's Christmas program at school.) But the kids enjoyed it, and I got to eat all the leftover peppermint bark. See #4.
4. Move your peppermint bark-filled body.
To quote my favorite Richard Simmons line (from one of his records that my mother owned in the 80s): "You put it there/now lift it up and put it down." For me, that's starting to take Pure Barre and going back to yoga. (Even if my yoga teacher did say during class last week, "Well thats remarkable, Erin, especially since you haven't been in three months. Busted by the yogini.)
5. Stock up on bagel bites.
They are my specialty. One year during Christmas when we ran out of food I pulled them out. We opened presents eating delicious bite size morsels of goodness. Just like Grandma made. And you can get them in packs of eight zillion at Costco. I am totally serious.
6. Schedule time for champagne for the soul.
Chicken soup is ok, but champagne is better. Last weekend I got my winter blonde highlights and today I spent the day at Ross Bridge Spa with my good friend Amy. (Birmingham residents get 20% off on Monday and Tuesdays - score!)
Ross Bridge is one of our favorite places to get away, and what better time to do it than when everyone else is running around trying to do last minute things? One of the best things about Ross Bridge is that when you get a service you can take advantage of the spa facilities all day long, including the jacuzzi, steam room, and quiet room.
I had the Highland Foot Scrub/Scalp Therapy. It was divine, and the day a great pause from the hustle and bustle.
[For the record, I made Amy wear the hat. But she was so blissed out she was ammenable.]
7. Drink!
I kid, I kid. In moderation, of course. One of the most memorable events of the Christmas season was last week when I went to a friend's house for our first annual "Bows And Baileys." Two of our resident mixologists created amazing conctions based on seasonal liquers, and we practiced making decorative bows.
It was all very civilized, but drinking things filled with cinnamon and chocolate and coffee sure was fun.
8. Have a snowball fight
I know what you're thinking: I don't like cold. It's true. The fabulous thing is that there are lots of places to access fake snow. We had a blast at Gaylord Opryland's "Snow" exhibit (which officially does not allow snowball throwing, although some little person of ours bent the rules).
And said little person was equally thrilled to play in the "snow" at the McWane Center's "Winter Wonderland" exhibit yesterday. There's just something about snow, especially when enjoyed in 72-degrees controlled temperatures.
9. Give to someone who really needs it.
The past few days I've been thinking a lot about the work of The Blogess. This Texas-based blogger offered 20 $30 Amazon gift cards through her blog to people in need. She got more than 500 requests. All of those people have been helped, thanks to the generous outpouring of her readers.
10. Bake a birthday cake (or pick one up at Publix).
As long as I can remember, every Christmas Eve after Mass my family gathers round and sings Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus. At times I played the flute, clarinet, saxaphone, and accordian. Now I just sing, and have introduced the tradition to Nate.
My aunt and uncle are in town from Jacksonville to pick up their new dog, a sweet rescue puppy.
To celebrate, my uncle is cooking up his specialty: plantains. Lightly salted, hot from the stove, crispy around the edges. A rare treat for us. Nothing is better on a rainy Wednesday night.
This is what (part of) my Friday afternoon looked like:
That's moonshine. Completely legal moonshine, that is. (This Washington Post story gives a good explanation to the trend.) One of my colleagues invited me to participate in a testing, leading to my Facebook status update yesterday that I was "doing yoga" and "drinking moonshine" in the same day. (Yes, I am faithful to my Friday lunch time yoga classes. It's all about the balance).
I don't know much about moonshine, so it was interesting to sit at the tasting table with people who do. It wasn't the scene that you'd think of when you imagine people drinking moonshine -- no banjo playing in sight. In fact, it was all quite civilized, much like a wine tasting in which we rated several varieties based on aroma, appearance, and taste.
To quote one of my colleauges: "This stuff clears your sinuses."
I can't say that I'm going to become a moonshine connoisseur -- going to leave that to the experts and stick to my pinot gris. But it sure was fun trying ...
I'm in Birmingham. I'm in Jackson. I'm sitting on a roof overlooking the Magic City. I'm dressing models. 36 hours, two cities, one weekend.
It started out in Bham with one of our best nights of the year: Artwalk Friday. With people packing the streets and art packing galleries, lofts, and businesses, it's always a glimpse of the way Birmingham should be will be. Seriously, from the time when I was involved (circa 2005) the event has just gotten bigger and better. With more businesses on each corner, and new faces that have joined us in the Magic City, it's good stuff.
I love this work by Katherine W. Linn, which reminds me of my Atlanta friends. Ah, the Clermont.
But back to Birmingham. Grabbing a hot dog at Rogue Tavern, walking through the packed streets, loving the art of John Lytle Wilson (see: monkeys shooting laser guns) and Richard Newton (Japanese pop culture).
And, when it got to be blazing hot (so much for the early fall), climbing up to the top of a friend's roof for the best view of Birmingham hands down.
As much as I wanted to loll about Saturday (and I do love a good loll) I was on the road by noon to head to Jackson, Miss. for a shoot. Driving and shooting, shooting and driving, it's all part of my work. What isn't typically part is working with my sister. Though I can't reveal exactly what the story is about, I can say she was an excellent model.
Here she is in wardrobe (take that NY Fashion Week.)
Megan was a good sport, which isn't easy to do with lights and cameras and your sister looking at you.
All of that and despite her long day of work yesterday she took me to Walker's Drive-In, right behind Ricky's church in Fondren. Heath Bar Tiramisu? Yes ma'am.
36 hours, two cities, one job, lots of stories. And this is just the edited version ...
It came with a vinyl decal and these instructions:
"No one will have these other than our very special VIP first in the door guest. Every time
you see one on the road you will know it is a fellow DD VIP guest."
I'm not sure what to do next once I see another *VIP*, but am hoping the next letter contains instructions about a secret handshake or sign. TBD. In any event, after mentioning the two new locations opening in Birmingham (one off 459 at McCalla-Bessemer exit and one near UAB) it goes on to include this gem. It's copied verbatim. (Side note: Dunkin, I love ya, but you need a copy editor. I know tons if you need a reference.)
"The 1st Annual Dunkin Donut Bowl will launch on September 1st!!! pitting our favorite teams against one another. The orange and blue donuts versus the crimson and white donuts. The competition will continue through the football season with the weekly team stats and updates from our friends at Jox radio (Al, Tony, and Jay) during the morning drive show. We will be tracking the sales of each team donut and award the DD Bowl trophy during Iron Bowl week. Get your game face on and be ready to come in a eat one for your team."
Donut Bowl? I'm not familiar with these Jox guys (I'm more of a 90.3 kinda girl), but I would sure like to be considered for officiating such an event. After of all, I am a VIP ...
The Target employee laughed at me when I jumped back fom the parsley, which had suddenly been struck by a supermarket faux rain. At least it didn't make those rain noises like Publix does.
Those really freak me out.
Last week I dropped a package of individually wrapped broccoli servings in the frozen food aisle. Bits of fake cheese flew all over the floor.
"They really shouldn't let you out of the house," said the bagger.
Or at least not into a grocery store.
Today I had the great fortune of attending a soft opening for Oscar's, the new restaurant at The Birmingham Museum of Art. With a menu chock full of ingredients from local farms, it's a welcome addition to Birmingham's beloved arts hub.
Run by local company A Social Affair, the menu consists of starters, sandwiches, salas, desserts and kids' items (aka "Bart The Art Bat's Favorite Bites.")
Each meal starts out with a complimentary sample -- today it was a scoop of pimento cheese with carrots and celery.
They call it "upscale comfort food," which works.
I ordered something a bit unusual for me -- the beef tenderloin sandwich -- because I wanted to try the grass-fed beef tenderloin (it also comes with caramelized onions, gorgonzola, arugula and homemade smoke mayo, and tomatoes for those tomato loves -- not me). Served on cibatta bread with fresh strawberries, blackberries, and melons, it was a perfect lunch.
My friend had the mahi mahi special, which I snagged a bite of (also divine). We finished off our meals
by splitting two of their signature desserts: a banana pudding served in a Mason jar (nice touch) topped with Meringue and the grilled plantation cake (with fresh local berries and peaches, topped with chantilly cream). I'm not even sure what chantilly cream is, but it was absolutely decadent, with both desserts being worth the splurge.
In addition to the delicious, locally grown food (coming from Jones Valley Urban Farm, among others), they've also nailed the ambiance. The mod lime green chairs set the tone for a meal that's part of the entire experience of the museum.
They open to the public July 7, and will be a great gathering place at an already stellar jewel of a museum.
We got back from Florida yesterday, and I have lots to share. The Poynter conference was life changing, and I'm looking forward to sharing that and more.
But I'm beat, and unpacking (OK, who are we kidding, I'm snuggling up to my new iPad). So for now, here's a video diary of the perfect day of West Central Florida Food:
Garage Sale America The companion website to Bruce Littlefield's brilliant book about the magic of garage sales.
Bureau of Communication Wacky pre-worded communcations for every occasion, including "Happy Divorce" and "Grievance Letter" with Ad-Lib type room for your own special personalizations.
Jancee Dunn Blog Pop culture/rock critic wrote a great memoir about being a writer for "Rolling Stone" and VJ for MTV. Most importantly, she hits the 70s and 80s right on the head, particularly with her descriptions of JcPenny's, where her father spent his career. Her blog has great photos from 70s Penny's catalogs, as well as links to her essays, etc.
Disco Museum Brilliant. Check out the entry on Paul Jabara, a fairly unknown singer songwriter who wrote for Donna Summer and more. He was also the person who created the red ribbon to bring awareness to HIV.
Roadside Architecture The author spends much of her time traveling across the U.S. taking photos of giant faux food displays, neon signs, fairytale villages ala "Rock City," old diners and malls and pet cemetaries. Nothing short of genius and addictive.
Bad Fads After buying a squishy porcupine type toy for Shane and I -- I mean Nate and I -- to play with, I remembered the wonderful Koosh Ball of the late 80s. Shane didn't remember this, so I Googled the term and came up with this great page -- the Museum of Bad Fads. Excited to see that there is a reference to Sea Monkeys, my personal favorite. Though they are not a "fad" -- they are a lifestyle!
Dead Malls The guys that run this website travel the country documenting malls of bygone times. I love it!
Florida's psychic to the stars Gary Spivey has an amazing silver afro and a gift for seeing the future. Of course he's from my homeland of the greater Tampa Bay Area, Florida.
Graham Nelson Minnesota baby extraordinaire and son of Alisa!
Nat Reads Natalie writes about books, movies, and life in Birmingham.
Nikko's Blog Nikko is an American ex-pat living in Madrid. I met her through Cliff.
Hugh's News Blog of an exceptionally talented Dad, grandpa and Yankees fan. In-depth commentary on said Yankees, grandson and state of the world in general.
Pugs
http://www.nalldaniels.com/ This is the homepage for our vet. Lola's picture has been known to make an appearance here.
Lolita Pearl Lola enjoys prancing about, provoking her brother and being a vixen pug.
F. Scott Fitzpug F. Scott enjoys napping, pooping and being the cutest male pug in West Central Alabama.
Alabama Pug Rescue Wonderful organization that cares for AL pugs in need.
Moms Rising This site advocates for moms to decide how they want to raise their kids -- whether it be to work outside the home or to be a SAHM. Most of all, it's about fair, equitable conditions in which one becomes a mom and the chance to raise healthy kids.
Mojo Mom A site that helps moms reflect on the fact that they are actually people, not just baby-making beings.