A lunchtime treat: Shaun Chavis of the Foodie Book Club and Jason Horn of the Messy Epicure will chat live at noon CDT about Birmingham’s Best Eats, including your thoughts on local dining, food, recipes and more.
We’ll be here for the full hour, so join us.
Full transcript, after the jump …
Transcript
1:45
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Wade:
Welcome, y’all! We’re going to start the chat in 15 minutes. |
11:45 Wade
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11:54
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Wade:
As we’re gearing up, feel free to leave a quick comment to say hello. Please give us your name, part of town, and favorite cereal. |
11:54 Wade
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11:56
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TheMessyEpicure:
Jason Horn, Southside, Peanut Butter Crunch |
11:56 TheMessyEpicure
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11:57
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ShaunChavis:
Shaun Chavis, Southside, Captain Crunch! |
11:57 ShaunChavis
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11:58
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Wade:
Wade, Crestwood, Publix organic honey oat Os. |
11:58 Wade
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11:59
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ShaunChavis:
Hi Amy and Gigi! |
11:59 ShaunChavis
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11:59
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[Comment From Amy WarrenAmy Warren: ]
Hey Wade, I’m Amy Warren, mostly in the Homewood area, and Honey Bunches of Oats (boiled eggs are my preferred breakfast). |
11:59 Amy Warren
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11:59
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[Comment From GigiGigi: ]
Gigi, Homewood, Golden Grahams, baby. |
11:59 Gigi
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12:00
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Wade:
Welcome, everyone, to our Birmingham’s Best Eats live chat. For the next hour, we’ll be chatting with Shaun Chavis of the Foodie Book Club and Jason Horn of the Messy Epicure. |
12:00 Wade
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12:00
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Wade:
Say hi, Shaun and Jason! |
12:00 Wade
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TheMessyEpicure:
Hi, everybody! |
12:00 TheMessyEpicure
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12:00
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ShaunChavis:
Hello! …and, Kashi U is pretty good too. |
12:00 ShaunChavis
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Wade:
Shaun Chavis (@shaunchavis) is the co-founder of Birmingham/s Foodie Book Club, and a food journalist whose work has appeared in “Cornbread Nation 4: The Best of Southern Food Writing,” eGullet and Friends Journal. In the fall, she will teach a course on food and literature at Samford University’s Samford After Sundown. |
12:00 Wade
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12:01
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Wade:
As you may know, Shaun and Jason and other Birmingham food bloggers have been sharing their picks for the best eats in town this month on this site. |
12:01 Wade
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12:02
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Wade:
Let’s talk about trends. What’s a hot food trend in Birmingham right now? Shaun, let’s hear from you first. |
12:02 Wade
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ShaunChavis:
I think the biggest trend right now is a significant change in how we eat: local, farmed food. We see it coming from restaurants using Jones Valley Urban Farm produce, in places that publicize they’re doing local food… now, even Frank Stitt is starting his own farm to supply produce to his restaurants. |
12:02 ShaunChavis
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12:03
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Wade:
Jason, what’s your take? |
12:03 Wade
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12:04
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TheMessyEpicure:
I’d say authentic (or otherwise really good) Mexican food. The two taco trucks in town have been getting a wider and wider audience, Chuy’s just opened, and we’re getting a Pinches Tacos in late September in Homewood. |
12:04 TheMessyEpicure
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Wade:
Are authentic and local two terms for the same thing? |
12:04 Wade
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ShaunChavis:
No. |
12:04 ShaunChavis
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ShaunChavis:
Something can be authentic but not local. |
12:04 ShaunChavis
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12:05
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TheMessyEpicure:
I definitely agree. Authentic’s about techniques and ingredients, but not necessarily where those ingredients come from. |
12:05 TheMessyEpicure
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
Hi, Deborah here from Bhamdining.com. On trends — seems like we’ve had a lot of sandwich shops open recently. Trend or coincidence? |
12:05 DLinBham
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12:06
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Wade:
Deborah Lockridge is another of our Birmingham’s Best Eats bloggers. Welcome, Deb! |
12:06 Wade
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TheMessyEpicure:
Deborah, I think those sandwich shops are part of the local trend. Brick & Tin and Urban Cookhouse are both big supporters of local ingredients. |
12:06 TheMessyEpicure
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ShaunChavis:
I think that’s an outgrowth of some of the local trend – exactly. |
12:06 ShaunChavis
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12:07
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ShaunChavis:
Sandwiches are a great way to be flexible in the kitchen, and you need flexibility if you’re going to do mostly local produce. You don’t know what you’re going to get. You’re at the whims of nature in many respects. |
12:07 ShaunChavis
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12:07
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TheMessyEpicure:
Lunchtime seems to be the biggest meal to eat out in this city, and sandwiches are cheap (well, cheaper than other things) and quick to make. |
12:07 TheMessyEpicure
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Wade:
Should we be worried that the trend might pass? That local won’t be “cool” anymore. |
12:07 Wade
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TheMessyEpicure:
That’s something I’ve seen a lot of food bloggers and websites writing about. |
12:07 TheMessyEpicure
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12:08
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ShaunChavis:
I don’t think so. I think this is more than just a trend; I think it’s a paradigm shift.
I think the worry is, I’m looking at what’s happened in the UK now with them taking healthy food out of schools now. It’s politicians giving in to big industry. |
12:08 ShaunChavis
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ShaunChavis:
The other thing is that we have to improve our business models for doing local. It’s not easy, especially on an institutional scale, as in schools. |
12:08 ShaunChavis
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12:09
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Wade:
Dare I ask if local schools, now back in session, are embracing healthy and local? |
12:09 Wade
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TheMessyEpicure:
I think local/organic/sustainable is something that’s now part of the fabric of our society, but I do think it’s starting to lose some of its luster. Foodies like to feel like elites and now that everyone’s into local, there’s kind of a backlash. |
12:09 TheMessyEpicure
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ShaunChavis:
They’re starting to! Thanks to @foodrevival, Jones Valley Urban Farm, the Jeff Co Childhood Obesity Task Force… |
12:10 ShaunChavis
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
It’s not even easy eating local in a rural, mostly agricultural state. |
12:10 Sean Kelley
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12:10
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TheMessyEpicure:
School lunch everywhere is a bit of a nightmare, but there are bright spots |
12:10 TheMessyEpicure
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ShaunChavis:
Hi Sean! Very true. |
12:10 ShaunChavis
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Wade:
Hi to Sean Kelley, part of our Birmingham’s Best Eats group. |
12:10 Wade
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TheMessyEpicure:
Sean, I’d say it’s easier eating local here than it was 5 years, or even 1 year, ago |
12:10 TheMessyEpicure
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ShaunChavis:
What Jason said about the backlash, that’s a sad thing. Local food should be for everyone. |
12:10 ShaunChavis
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12:11
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
I know what they serve at my daughter’s school is awful. They add a whole wheat bun to a hot dog or serve a whole wheat roll with chicken nuggets and call it “healthy.” |
12:11 DLinBham
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TheMessyEpicure:
Part of the school lunch problem is a systemic problem. The laws, for example, don’t distinguish between tater tots and a salad—both are vegetables. |
12:11 TheMessyEpicure
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12:12
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Wade:
Also from Deb: “I personally don’t care if it’s “cool” or not; to me local’s simply better. I hope a lot of other people are discovering that too.” |
12:12 Wade
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ShaunChavis:
Hi Sean! Very true. |
12:12 ShaunChavis
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ShaunChavis:
And it is difficult to source ingredients consistently in a school setting. |
12:12 ShaunChavis
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[Comment From GigiGigi: ]
One of the challenges with schools I think is that they buy in bulk at the beginning of the year (or in summer), with an emphasis on cheap. Local requires more change throughout the year according to what’s in season (e.g. we won’t serve tomatoes in the winter). |
12:12 Gigi
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TheMessyEpicure:
As it happens, I just wrote a story about the history of school lunch for Healthline.com that addresses some of the reasons for that: http://www.healthline.com/health-feature/school-lunch-menu-history |
12:12 TheMessyEpicure
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TheMessyEpicure:
Sean, I’d say it’s easier eating local here than it was 5 years, or even 1 year, ago |
12:12 TheMessyEpicure
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TheMessyEpicure:
Sean, I’d say it’s easier eating local here than it was 5 years, or even 1 year, ago |
12:12 TheMessyEpicure
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12:13
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
Fair point, Jason. I think that’s because farmers have easier ways to market their food now (communications are better) and more venues (farmers markets). But the venues will drive up if the trend ends. |
12:13 Sean Kelley
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ShaunChavis:
Exactly, Gigi. |
12:13 ShaunChavis
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12:09
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
I personally don’t care if it’s “cool” or not; to me local’s simply better. I hope a lot of other people are discovering that too. |
12:09 DLinBham
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
On the local topic, I’ve also noticed a growing number of farmer’s markets around town the past few years. I love Pepper Place Market, but some weekends it’s easier for me as a Hoover resident to head the smaller market on Valleydale. |
12:13 DLinBham
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12:14
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ShaunChavis:
It is good to see more farmers markets and community gardens popping up. |
12:14 ShaunChavis
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TheMessyEpicure:
I’m glad there’s some choice in farmers’ markets now, but I’d like to see them happen more than one day a week. When I lived in Chicago, there was at least one farmers’ market going on every day. |
12:14 TheMessyEpicure
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12:15
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TheMessyEpicure:
(Granted, Chicago’s a lot bigger than Bham, but this was 5 years ago, well before local got trendy.) |
12:15 TheMessyEpicure
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ShaunChavis:
Yes, and I want year-round markets. I lived five minutes from a year-round market in Raleigh… I don’t see why we can’t have that here. I am glad to say that Pepper Place is expanding its “season.” |
12:15 ShaunChavis
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
I’ve been trying to figure out how much “local” produce at those markets is truly local. |
12:15 Sean Kelley
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
Findlay Blvd market has produce from all over the country, for example. |
12:15 Sean Kelley
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[Comment From GigiGigi: ]
Wonder what it would take for grocery chains to stock more local produce. Why are there California peaches on sale at Publix in Birmingham when we have plenty of local peaches being harvested now? |
12:15 Gigi
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TheMessyEpicure:
The Finley Ave. “farmers’ market” is a bit of a misnomer. It’s a wholesale produce market. Though some of that stuff is indeed local. |
12:16 TheMessyEpicure
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ShaunChavis:
You have to ask, for sure. No matter where you are. |
12:16 ShaunChavis
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[Comment From GigiGigi: ]
Excellent point, Sean. That has me stumped as well. |
12:16 Gigi
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Wade:
Comment from Karen: “I would love to have more year round markets” |
12:16 Wade
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12:17
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TheMessyEpicure:
Ah, the food-truck controversy. |
12:17 TheMessyEpicure
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TheMessyEpicure:
(Granted, Chicago’s a lot bigger than Bham, but this was 5 years ago, well before local got trendy.) |
12:17 TheMessyEpicure
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TheMessyEpicure:
(Granted, Chicago’s a lot bigger than Bham, but this was 5 years ago, well before local got trendy.) |
12:17 TheMessyEpicure
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TheMessyEpicure:
(Granted, Chicago’s a lot bigger than Bham, but this was 5 years ago, well before local got trendy.) |
12:17 TheMessyEpicure
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ShaunChavis:
Oy! |
12:17 ShaunChavis
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TheMessyEpicure:
(Sorry, I don’t know why that just happened with the triple post. I didn’t do it.) |
12:17 TheMessyEpicure
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12:17
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Wade:
Let’s talk about food trucks. Spoonfed Grill ran into a problem with Operation New Birmingham this week. Jason, have you been to Spoonfed? (You mentioned the taco trucks earlier.) |
12:17 Wade
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TheMessyEpicure:
I’ve eaten at Spoonfed once. |
12:17 TheMessyEpicure
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12:18
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ShaunChavis:
I haven’t yet been to Spoonfed or the taco trucks yet. We found the tamale car, but that’s been the sum of my mobile eating. I’m definitely not opposed to it. |
12:18 ShaunChavis
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Wade:
What’s your solution to the issue? Is there even an issue? |
12:18 Wade
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12:18
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
In fact, Finley was the only market for many years. It’s year-round, isn’t it? |
12:18 Sean Kelley
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12:18
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
If you want local at Finley Ave. “farmer’s market” it’s typically only available in big amounts from the back of trucks. The three of us aren’t going to eat a bushel basket of peaches. |
12:18 DLinBham
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ShaunChavis:
Can my solution be get rid of the crazy politicians? |
12:18 ShaunChavis
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[Comment From KarenKaren: ]
I would love to have more year round markets |
12:15 Karen
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12:19
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TheMessyEpicure:
I don’t think there’s really an issue. This controversy erupted because Spoonfed was indeed parked illegally. The ONB guy’s comments were awful, but he’s walked them back. |
12:19 TheMessyEpicure
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12:19
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ShaunChavis:
For real, there’s not an issue. There’s misunderstanding, ignorance, and apprehension or intimidation about something new. |
12:19 ShaunChavis
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TheMessyEpicure:
(Sorry, I don’t know why that just happened with the triple post. I didn’t do it.) |
12:19 TheMessyEpicure
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12:19
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TheMessyEpicure:
(Sorry, I don’t know why that just happened with the triple post. I didn’t do it.) |
12:19 TheMessyEpicure
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12:19
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
Love me some food trucks in NYC. We really need a cupcake truck and a waffle truck, but that’s the diabetic in me speaking up. |
12:19 Sean Kelley
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
Based on Carlton’s article, it looks like there currently is no permit set-up that would allow a food truck to operate on a Birmingham street. |
12:19 DLinBham
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TheMessyEpicure:
I’ve eaten at Spoonfed once. |
12:19 TheMessyEpicure
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12:19
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TheMessyEpicure:
I’ve eaten at Spoonfed once. |
12:19 TheMessyEpicure
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ShaunChavis:
Trucks have to get health dept inspections, and operators have to go through food safety training, just like a brick-and-mortar food business. |
12:19 ShaunChavis
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12:20
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ShaunChavis:
Sean have you read about the cake and shake truck, I think in DC? Cupcakes and milkshakes… mmm…. |
12:20 ShaunChavis
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12:21
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TheMessyEpicure:
I don’t think there’s really an issue. This controversy erupted because Spoonfed was indeed parked illegally. The ONB guy’s comments were awful, but he’s walked them back. |
12:21 TheMessyEpicure
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12:21
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TheMessyEpicure:
I don’t think there’s really an issue. This controversy erupted because Spoonfed was indeed parked illegally. The ONB guy’s comments were awful, but he’s walked them back. |
12:21 TheMessyEpicure
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12:21
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[Comment From GigiGigi: ]
Speaking of cupcakes, there’s another food trend. I’m not sure that one is here to stay. |
12:21 Gigi
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12:21
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
I have read about them. In fact, didn’t I just read a piece on food trucks jumping the shark? |
12:21 Sean Kelley
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12:21
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
And do food trucks qualify as “local” if they move around? |
12:21 Sean Kelley
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TheMessyEpicure:
Part of the food-truck issue is walkability. People all get in their cars and drive to lunch now. If we can convince them to walk down the block for lunch, we’d have more food trucks. |
12:21 TheMessyEpicure
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12:21
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TheMessyEpicure:
I’ve eaten at Spoonfed once. |
12:21 TheMessyEpicure
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12:21
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TheMessyEpicure:
I’ve eaten at Spoonfed once. |
12:21 TheMessyEpicure
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ShaunChavis:
Trucks have to get health dept inspections, and operators have to go through food safety training, just like a brick-and-mortar food business. |
12:21 ShaunChavis
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TheMessyEpicure:
Sean, if they use local ingredients they do. |
12:21 TheMessyEpicure
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12:22
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
Maybe we need a veggie truck. |
12:22 Sean Kelley
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12:22
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Wade:
Also from Sean: “I like spoonfed. WHERE IS THE TAMELE CAR, Shaun? You’re holdin’ out.” |
12:22 Wade
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12:22
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
Or a tempura truck. |
12:22 Sean Kelley
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12:22
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ShaunChavis:
There has been talk of a mobile farmers market. That would be great for the food deserts in Birmingham. |
12:22 ShaunChavis
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12:23
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Wade:
How would that work, Shaun? |
12:23 Wade
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ShaunChavis:
The tamale car! It’s near the Original Pancake House on Sunday mornings, but you have to get up EARLY. Like 7am. |
12:23 ShaunChavis
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12:20
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
I like spoonfed. WHERE IS THE TAMELE CAR, Shaun? You’re holdin’ out. |
12:20 Sean Kelley
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ShaunChavis:
Wade, on the mobile farmers markets, basically you have someone load up a truck, preferably refrigerated, and load it up with produce from local farmers. Could be things that weren’t sold at a Saturday market. Set up a schedule to visit underserved neighborhoods. Drive around, just like an ice cream truck. |
12:24 ShaunChavis
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Wade:
(Ah live chat, where some comments publish in triplicate, and some take 5 minutes to show up.) |
12:24 Wade
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[Ad] |
The Carb Lovers Diet
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12:24
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
Are the tamales on the tamale car good? You know the now-defunct Mancha’s got its start as a tamale cart. |
12:24 DLinBham
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ShaunChavis:
Ta-da! That’s been my life for 2 years. |
12:24 ShaunChavis
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12:25
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ShaunChavis:
My boyfriend and I LOVED the tamale car tamales! |
12:25 ShaunChavis
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ShaunChavis:
Very spicy |
12:25 ShaunChavis
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Wade:
(The book cover is an ad for the new book from Shaun’s group at Health Magazine. Check it out.) |
12:25 Wade
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Wade:
Questions from the audience. Go! |
12:25 Wade
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
Where are the best tamales in town for those of us who can’t get up that early? |
12:25 DLinBham
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12:26
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ShaunChavis:
Thanks Wade. |
12:26 ShaunChavis
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12:26
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
Number 4 on the New York Times Bestseller’s List….this week. |
12:26 Sean Kelley
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Wade:
(Ah live chat, where some comments publish in triplicate, and some take 5 minutes to show up.) |
12:26 Wade
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12:26
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Wade:
(Ah live chat, where some comments publish in triplicate, and some take 5 minutes to show up.) |
12:26 Wade
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ShaunChavis:
Jason, you have an answer for the tamale question? I have a man to wake up early for me 🙂 |
12:26 ShaunChavis
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12:27
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Wade:
I loved the tamales at Mancha’s, a long time ago. |
12:27 Wade
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TheMessyEpicure:
I refuse to wake up that early on Sunday, sorry, no matter how much I love tamales. |
12:27 TheMessyEpicure
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12:28
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
We just make our own tamales or go over to D’s in Hueytown, which isn’t open on Saturday or Sunday. |
12:28 Sean Kelley
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ShaunChavis:
Sorry, I don’t know about other tamales in the city! Usually I get them from the tamale care, or during the HICA drive. Or make them. |
12:28 ShaunChavis
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12:29
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ShaunChavis:
Does everyone know about the HICA tamales? I can explain if needed. Sorry about that |
12:29 ShaunChavis
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Wade:
Jason wrote about Chicago Mike’s in Homewood. Can you tell us why this place stood out for you? |
12:29 Wade
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
Guess I’m going to have to learn to make tamales. I’ve already decided homemade enchiladas are better than any I’ve found in restaurants. I keep meaning to try the HICA tamales but the holidays are so crazy I never seem to get around to it. |
12:29 DLinBham
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TheMessyEpicure:
Well, I’m from Chicago, so that was the initial appeal. |
12:30 TheMessyEpicure
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TheMessyEpicure:
I find that the worst-looking places tend to serve the best food, and this one is a tiny shack with no real indoor seating. |
12:30 TheMessyEpicure
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12:31
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Wade:
Have you embraced the Birmingham-style hot dog? |
12:31 Wade
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12:31
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
Chicago Mike’s was the first place I had a kosher beef dog. It was love at first taste. |
12:31 DLinBham
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12:31
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
HICA Tamales are what we have at our church events around Christmas. Helps that Bart Thau, who heads up the HICA board, is a minister at our church. |
12:31 Sean Kelley
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TheMessyEpicure:
Sorta. I still prefer all-beef, but I can appreciate the pork-dog-with-chili thing. |
12:31 TheMessyEpicure
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12:31
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[Comment From @Iva4Gov@Iva4Gov: ]
hello all. HICA tamales and Chicago Mike’s are IMMEDIATELY on my “to do” list! |
12:31 @Iva4Gov
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12:32
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TheMessyEpicure:
I make a big batch of homemade tamales every year, but otherwise I have yet to find good ones in town. |
12:32 TheMessyEpicure
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12:32
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
Love me some Pete’s Famous on 2nd Ave. North and just “discovered” Gus’s in Hueytown. |
12:32 Sean Kelley
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12:32
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ShaunChavis:
I think that’s a challenge for a lot of us – hard to find good ethnic foods sometimes here. |
12:32 ShaunChavis
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12:32
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TheMessyEpicure:
With hot-dog joints, a lot of it is about history. You walk into a place like Pete’s Famous and you can just feel the decades of hot-dog-making. |
12:32 TheMessyEpicure
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Wade:
What are some of the good ethic food discoveries y’all have made? |
12:33 Wade
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12:33
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TheMessyEpicure:
Mr. Chen’s |
12:33 TheMessyEpicure
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12:33
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[Comment From @Iva4Gov@Iva4Gov: ]
@ Sean – i LOVE Pete’s! have you tried Lyric on 3rd? they have a very rich “special dog” sauce… |
12:33 @Iva4Gov
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12:33
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ShaunChavis:
Mr. Chen’s! |
12:33 ShaunChavis
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12:34
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TheMessyEpicure:
I also love Taqueria mi Casita in the Palisades |
12:34 TheMessyEpicure
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ShaunChavis:
…Although I worry that Mr. Chen’s is being, um, I call it “Hooverized.” However a waitress has told me that Mr. Chen was just out of town for a while. |
12:34 ShaunChavis
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12:34
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
Pete’s Famous is a must-experience for Birmingham. (Talk about your hole in the wall!) Last summer we took a yankee friend there who isn’t even all that wild about hot dogs and she loved it! |
12:34 DLinBham
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12:34
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[Comment From travtrav: ]
Kool Korner in Vestavia is now making Cuban Tamales. They are a little different, but VERY tasty; though usually sold out by 5p each day |
12:34 trav
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12:35
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ShaunChavis:
I’ll have to check out those Cuban Tamales! |
12:35 ShaunChavis
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TheMessyEpicure:
Trav, I’m going to Kool Korner tomorrow! |
12:35 TheMessyEpicure
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12:35
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TheMessyEpicure:
Are they wrapped in banana leaves? |
12:35 TheMessyEpicure
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12:35
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Wade:
Bring us some tamales! |
12:35 Wade
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12:35
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[Comment From GigiGigi: ]
I’m a fan of Taqueria, too. Sitar on Southside is excellent, as well as Makarios. |
12:35 Gigi
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12:36
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ShaunChavis:
I do like Sitar better than the other Indian places in town. |
12:36 ShaunChavis
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12:36
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TheMessyEpicure:
Gigi, I live 3 blocks from Makarios and eat there twice a month at least. |
12:36 TheMessyEpicure
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12:36
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
Gus makes Pete’s Famous worth it. I find atmosphere and personality is sometimes just as important as the food. |
12:36 Sean Kelley
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12:36
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TheMessyEpicure:
Sitar’s been hit or miss for me. Once it was fantastic, once not so great. |
12:36 TheMessyEpicure
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12:36
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ShaunChavis:
I used to be married to an Arab, so I tend to cook my own Middle Eastern. |
12:36 ShaunChavis
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12:36
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
Hence my enduring love for the Bright Star, which has good food, but great ambiance and personalities. |
12:36 Sean Kelley
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12:36
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
I love Silver Coin Indian Grill in Hoover. |
12:36 DLinBham
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12:37
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Wade:
Is the ethnic food diversity growing in the Birmingham area? Do people know about it? |
12:37 Wade
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12:37
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ShaunChavis:
I think it’s growing, I think it needs a lot of support… |
12:37 ShaunChavis
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12:37
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TheMessyEpicure:
I don’t know if diversity is growing, but I think a wider audience is discovering places only members of that ethnic group would go previously. |
12:37 TheMessyEpicure
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12:37
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TheMessyEpicure:
i.e. the taco trucks |
12:37 TheMessyEpicure
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12:38
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ShaunChavis:
I think the ethnic food scene in Birmingham is a perfect example why we need a good strong force of food writers, whether in traditional media outlets or bloggers. |
12:38 ShaunChavis
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TheMessyEpicure:
and Mr. Chen’s—Mr. Chen used to cook at Red Pearl on West Valley |
12:38 TheMessyEpicure
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12:38
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ShaunChavis:
Food writers can inform, and also educate people about what ethnic cuisine is supposed to be; and of course, that requires food writers who know what they’re writing about. |
12:38 ShaunChavis
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12:39
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[Comment From GigiGigi: ]
I don’t get the sense folks in Birmingham are as adventurous when it comes to ethnic food as in other cities. |
12:39 Gigi
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12:39
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TheMessyEpicure:
I think Birmingham’s pretty much at a point where you can get ingredients to make anything you want, but for a lot of things you have to find a recipe online and make it yourself. |
12:39 TheMessyEpicure
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12:40
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ShaunChavis:
It’s slowly starting to change. But yeah, I think people can be nervous about trying something new. Also I worry that ethnic restaurants change to suit what they think diners want. |
12:40 ShaunChavis
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12:40
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[Ad] |
The Messy Epicure
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12:40
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TheMessyEpicure:
Birmingham is quite sophisticated about food for a city of its size I think |
12:40 TheMessyEpicure
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12:40
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ShaunChavis:
Like, Cafe de Paris – I think those guys have potential. But I think they shape their menu to what they think people in Birmingham think French food is. Not everything on their menu is authentically French. |
12:40 ShaunChavis
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12:40
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Wade:
(That’s Jason’s blog, one of the food writers serving up good recipes, reviews and recommendations. Check it out.) |
12:40 Wade
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12:41
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TheMessyEpicure:
Thanks for the plug, Wade! |
12:41 TheMessyEpicure
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12:41
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[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]
Thought I’d join in for the last 15 minutes or so. |
12:41 Sheree
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12:41
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[Comment From @Iva4Gov@Iva4Gov: ]
*holding my head in shame* i know virtually nothing about ethnic foods. i don’t know where/how to start….. |
12:41 @Iva4Gov
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12:41
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
Good example: Surin West. Not exactly ethnic thai. |
12:41 Sean Kelley
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12:41
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[Comment From @Iva4Gov@Iva4Gov: ]
is there an “ethnic food fair”? |
12:41 @Iva4Gov
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ShaunChavis:
Hi Sheree! |
12:41 ShaunChavis
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12:41
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
I’ve been thrilled to discover some of these great food writers in Bham; thanks to Wade for bringing them together for the BhamEats project. When we started Bhamdining.com about 10 years ago, there was very little food writing beyond the newspapers. |
12:41 DLinBham
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12:42
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TheMessyEpicure:
There are actually several, Iva4Gov: There’s a greek food fair, a Lebanese food fair, the HICA tamales fair… |
12:42 TheMessyEpicure
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12:42
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TheMessyEpicure:
The key is to go places you haven’t been before and order things you normally wouldn’t |
12:42 TheMessyEpicure
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12:42
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ShaunChavis:
Iva, it takes time – just dive in! Reading helps. Honestly, no one’s born loving different foods. It’s a lifelong, enjoyable journey. |
12:42 ShaunChavis
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12:42
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
That’s a point I had a question about, Jason. We get a lot of credit for restaurants at the top of the food chain, ie. Highlands, Hot & Hot, etc. |
12:42 Sean Kelley
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12:43
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
French restaurants do not seem to have had good luck here in Bham. There have been a number over the years that have gone out of business. |
12:43 DLinBham
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12:43
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ShaunChavis:
Yes. What Jason said. And take friends, it’s always more fun with friends. |
12:43 ShaunChavis
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12:43
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[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]
I had some great food at the Lebanese festival last spring, April, I think. |
12:43 Sheree
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12:43
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
But the middle and the bottom, not so much. I find a lot of effort put towards bbq. Beyond that there’s only a handful of great restaurants in Birmingham that arent’ just special occasion restaurants. |
12:43 Sean Kelley
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TheMessyEpicure:
Sean, I think it’s starting to trickle down—look at places like Urban Standard, Brick & Tin, Trattoria Centrale, Bettola, Cantina |
12:43 TheMessyEpicure
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12:44
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TheMessyEpicure:
(speaking of ethnic food, Bettola is fantastic authentic Italian) |
12:44 TheMessyEpicure
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ShaunChavis:
That’s a puzzle to me, DLinBham. I don’t know what people expect of French cuisine here. It can be very diverse (say with pates, terrines, etc) but it can also be very familiar. |
12:44 ShaunChavis
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12:44
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[Comment From GigiGigi: ]
I agree, Sean. Or maybe those are the ones we tend to hear about the most (after all, they’re the ones that put Birmingham on the culinary map). |
12:44 Gigi
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12:44
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[Comment From WoodyTheRoasterWoodyTheRoaster: ]
Coffee: How does BHM rate for specialty coffee? This is totally a self-serving question, because I love to roast fantastic coffees and have just started selling at a farmers market. Do you think B’ham can become a coffee mecca for the south? |
12:44 WoodyTheRoaster
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12:44
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ShaunChavis:
Oh, and Camp Taco, Jason |
12:44 ShaunChavis
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12:45
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TheMessyEpicure:
The fact is, you just can’t get high-quality food for the price of a 99-cent cheeseburger |
12:45 TheMessyEpicure
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12:45
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TheMessyEpicure:
But you can if you’re willing to pay $6 or $7 for lunch |
12:45 TheMessyEpicure
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12:45
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TheMessyEpicure:
yes, Camp Taco. That’s a really good model for a locally owned, cheap place making really good food |
12:45 TheMessyEpicure
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12:45
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ShaunChavis:
Woody, anything’s possible. I know the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area has a lot going on coffee-wise, too. |
12:45 ShaunChavis
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12:45
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[Comment From WoodyTheRoasterWoodyTheRoaster: ]
Also about Coffee: Can BHM support a coffee only shop, one that doesn’t serve food, just coffee (drip or manual pour-over) or espresso? |
12:45 WoodyTheRoaster
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12:46
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
Coffee — we seem to have an increasing number of local roasters. I adore Primavera. |
12:46 DLinBham
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12:46
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ShaunChavis:
The first time I ate at Camp Taco, I went back almost every night for a week |
12:46 ShaunChavis
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12:46
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[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]
Re: Sean’s point: I’m on a fairly tight budget and I love food. So I tend to cook for myself rather than dine out simply to be dining out. But I’ve been trying local places, like Bottletree, Urban Standard. |
12:46 Sheree
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12:46
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
Sean, so true. If you want a mid-priced local meal, options are limited, especially if you’re not in the mood for ethnic. |
12:46 DLinBham
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12:46
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[Comment From @Iva4Gov@Iva4Gov: ]
it may sound closed minded but i don’t know how to “dive in”. to go into a fair/restaurant and just order (not knowing anything prior to) doesn’t sound rational to my Birmingham mind. when i say “ethnic food fair” i’m talking as much education as i am talking offerings…. |
12:46 @Iva4Gov
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12:46
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TheMessyEpicure:
Woody, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a coffeeshop serving pastries and stuff—it’s almost standard at this point |
12:46 TheMessyEpicure
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12:47
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[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]
I haven’t eaten a fast-food burger in 7 years. But I’ll eat tamales from a taco truck if I know they’re good. |
12:47 Sheree
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12:47
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TheMessyEpicure:
Iva4Gov, do some research online |
12:47 TheMessyEpicure
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12:47
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[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]
Camp Taco — sounds like my kind of place. |
12:47 Sheree
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12:47
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
Woody, Primavera only serves a few pastries, and don’t do a lot of specialty beverages. Their focus is really the coffee. |
12:47 DLinBham
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12:47
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TheMessyEpicure:
learn about the basic foods from that country, read some blogs, then go out and try stuff. Ask people in the restaurant what they ordered. |
12:47 TheMessyEpicure
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12:47
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[Comment From GigiGigi: ]
@Iva4Gov sites like Yelp can help, too. |
12:47 Gigi
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12:48
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ShaunChavis:
Iva4Gov, there are a lot of books you can read too that will whet your appetite and introduce you to what you’re eating or what authentic cuisine is. |
12:48 ShaunChavis
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12:48
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Wade:
There’s a Foodie Book Club. What about a Foodie Eating Club? |
12:48 Wade
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12:48
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[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]
thanks! |
12:48 Iva4Gov
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12:48
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TheMessyEpicure:
To be fair, the Foodie Book Club IS a Foodie Eating Club… |
12:48 TheMessyEpicure
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12:49
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ShaunChavis:
LOL Jason! |
12:49 ShaunChavis
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12:49
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Wade:
Jason, Shaun and Sean are all founding members. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 Wade
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12:49
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ShaunChavis:
Jason and I have mused about starting a “supper club”… |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 ShaunChavis
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12:49
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TheMessyEpicure:
but that might be fun. There are a lot of local groups on sites like Chowhound that meet up and eat out once a month or so |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 TheMessyEpicure
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12:49
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[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]
How does “one” join the Foodie Book Club, Shaun? |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 Sheree
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12:49
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
They’re the same thing Wade! |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 Sean Kelley
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12:49
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[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]
@ Wade – now THAT sounds good to me! |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 Iva4Gov
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12:49
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ShaunChavis:
Just come! We meet the second Tuesday of every month. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 ShaunChavis
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12:49
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
Also, Iva4gov ask the owners of the restaurant what they would recommend and tell them what you DON’T like, such as spicy foods. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 Sean Kelley
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12:49
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[Comment From WoodyTheRoasterWoodyTheRoaster: ]
Thanks! You folks are great to share your knowledge. See you IRL! |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 WoodyTheRoaster
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12:50
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Wade:
What’s the book pick for September, and where can people pick it up? |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:50 Wade
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12:50
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[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]
Cool. Look forward to checking it out. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:50 Sheree
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12:50
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ShaunChavis:
our next meeting is Sept 14 at Dreamcakes. We’re reading The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake. If you buy your book from Alabama Booksmith and tell them you’re with the Foodie Book Club, you’ll get a discount. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:50 ShaunChavis
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12:51
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[Comment From GigiGigi: ]
I’ve got to bail, but thanks for the chat. Enjoyed it! |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:51 Gigi
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12:51
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TheMessyEpicure:
Thanks, Gigi |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:51 TheMessyEpicure
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12:51
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ShaunChavis:
Later Gigi! |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:51 ShaunChavis
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12:51
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Wade:
Why is it important to sit down together and talk food, even around books? |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:51 Wade
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12:51
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TheMessyEpicure:
Food is everything. Without it, we literally die. Food affects culture, ethnicity, family |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:51 TheMessyEpicure
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12:52
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ShaunChavis:
Exactly. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:52 ShaunChavis
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12:52
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ShaunChavis:
Food helps us identify who we are as individuals, as a culture, as a nation. Food shapes our politics, our economy, it impacts health, there are safety issues involved, even foreign relations. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:52 ShaunChavis
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12:52
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[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]
I like TME’s point. I think that some of our social/cultural problems can be traced to the change in family eating habits and loss of connection to good food. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:52 Sheree
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12:53
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[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]
Plus, it’s a great opportunity to talk with food in your mouth. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:53 Sean Kelley
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12:53
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[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]
having never eaten ethnic food, before, where should i start? i love bold flavors and spicy food…. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:53 Iva4Gov
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12:53
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TheMessyEpicure:
Indian. Check out Sitar. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:53 TheMessyEpicure
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12:53
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ShaunChavis:
This is my soapbox. We have a “luxury” in this country of thinking about food as entertainment and forget that food is essential to life. Very soon I think food will become more important as we make decisions over how to use our water and land wisely. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:53 ShaunChavis
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12:53
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ShaunChavis:
LOL Sean |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:53 ShaunChavis
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12:53
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[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]
Totally agree, Shaun. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:53 Sheree
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12:54
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ShaunChavis:
Iva, definitely Mr. Chen’s. I think you need a group, and go to Mr. Chen’s. Take someone who’s been before or who is familiar with Chinese cuisine to help you navigate the menu. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:54 ShaunChavis
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12:54
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ShaunChavis:
Iva do you like sushi? I’d start at Jinsei. It’s pricey, but, Jinsei. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:54 ShaunChavis
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12:54
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
lva5Gov, if you love bold flavors and spicy food, I’d agree with Jason and recommend Indian. And “real” tacos. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:54 DLinBham
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12:55
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TheMessyEpicure:
Nah, for sushi I’d say Ginza. Better and cheaper. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:55 TheMessyEpicure
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12:55
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ShaunChavis:
Ah, haven’t been there before. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:55 ShaunChavis
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12:55
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Wade:
Jinsei in Homewood, Ginza down 280 at Inverness Corners. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:55 Wade
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12:55
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TheMessyEpicure:
The good thing about Indian restaurants is most have very extensive menus, so you’re sure to find somethingthat sounds intriguigng |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:55 TheMessyEpicure
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12:55
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[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]
oops. i have had Chinese. (clarification) i’m gonna jump on Indian. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:55 Iva4Gov
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12:56
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Wade:
Sitar: corner of University and 20th. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:56 Wade
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12:56
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[Comment From WoodyTheRoasterWoodyTheRoaster: ]
Best fish tacos in town? |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:56 WoodyTheRoaster
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12:56
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[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]
i don’t like sushi. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:56 Iva4Gov
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12:56
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ShaunChavis:
Indian food is so comforting to me. The spices are just…alchemy. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:56 ShaunChavis
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12:56
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ShaunChavis:
Best fish tacos: Grilled fish taco from Camp Taco. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:56 ShaunChavis
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12:56
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ShaunChavis:
Iva – what don’t you like about sushi? If it’s the idea of eating raw fish, there are a lot of sushi pieces made with cooked fish. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:56 ShaunChavis
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12:57
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Wade:
I love the fish tacos at Cantina in Pepper Place and Cocina Superior (Brookwood Village). |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:57 Wade
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12:57
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[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]
going to Sitar. i’ll tell them you guys sent me! 😉 |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:57 Iva4Gov
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12:57
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[Comment From WoodyTheRoasterWoodyTheRoaster: ]
OK – I’m there Shaun! |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:57 WoodyTheRoaster
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12:57
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[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]
Haven’t been to Sitar, but love Silver Coin on Lorna Road in Hoover. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:57 DLinBham
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12:57
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Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:57 Wade
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12:57
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TheMessyEpicure:
Silver Coin is great too if you live closer to Hoover |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:57 TheMessyEpicure
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12:58
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Wade:
Closing thoughts from our panelists. Jason, why don’t you go first? |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:58 Wade
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12:58
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[Comment From WoodyTheRoasterWoodyTheRoaster: ]
Thanks Wade! |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:58 WoodyTheRoaster
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12:58
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[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]
@ Shaun – i’ve had both. (california rolls and something else, too.) just not my cup of tea. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:58 Iva4Gov
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12:58
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[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]
You are all such great resources for new places to check out. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:58 Sheree
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12:58
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Wade:
Sheree: We eat. A LOT. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:58 Wade
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12:59
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[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]
thank you everyone. i enjoyed it! |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:59 Iva4Gov
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12:59
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ShaunChavis:
Thanks Iva! Hope to see you around. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:59 ShaunChavis
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12:59
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TheMessyEpicure:
Well, thanks for having me on, Wade. This was great fun! I think the key to keeping the Birmingham food scene vibrant is that you have to go to different places. Stop eating at the same restaurant every Friday night. Expand your horizons. There are lots and lots of local businesses to support! |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:59 TheMessyEpicure
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1:00
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[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]
you too Shaun! |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 1:00 Iva4Gov
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1:00
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ShaunChavis:
My closing thought is – please support local businesses, and go an extra step and talk to the chefs, the restaurateurs, the grocery store managers, the farmers at the farmers market… tell them what you like, tell them how you use their food. It will help them. Also please support the local wine shops! We didn’t even get into that. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 1:00 ShaunChavis
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[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]
I eat. A LOT, too. That’s why I run so much. Thanks for hosting. Thanks for the insights. I found the 20 minutes I spent here to be very informative. |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 1:00 Sheree
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Wade:
Thanks to everyone who joined us today!
And a special thanks to Shaun Chavis and Jason Horn for their insights on Birmingham’s Best Eats! |
Wednesday August 18, 2010 1:00 Wade
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ShaunChavis:
Thanks everyone! This was so much fun. Thanks for putting this together Wade. |
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• • •
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Hungry for more? Check out the menu of Birmingham’s Best Eats!
Posted:
Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 7:00 am, in B'ham, Food.
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 12:52 pm
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Wade Kwon, Wade Kwon, Wade Kwon, bhamterminal, Andre Natta and others. Andre Natta said: Visit @WadeOnTweets at 12pm to talk re: #Bham's Best Eats with @ShaunChavis & @messyepicure. http://itswa.de/bbe-chat #bhameats […]
Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 1:12 pm
This was great! Thank you for all involved and to Wade for hosting. I’m intrigued by all the folks that cook ethnic at home and am looking for ethnic grocery stores around Birmingham.
Thanks again. You guys make me hungry.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 2:28 pm
You’re welcome, Trav. Thanks for joining the conversation!
We’ll have a good story on ethnic grocery stores coming up soon on Birmingham’s Best Eats …