Wade on Birmingham

Birmingham’s Best Eats: Live chat with our writers

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Birmingham's Best EatsA 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
Twitter
Wade:

Welcome, y’all! We’re going to start the chat in 15 minutes.

11:45 Wade
11:48
Twitter
WadeOnTweets:

Wanna talk Bham food? Live chat starts in 15 w/ @messyepicure and @ShaunChavis! http://itswa.de/bbe-chat #bhameats [via Twitter]

11:48 WadeOnTweets
11:54
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
11:55
Twitter
messyepicure:

Join @shaunchavis and I in a live chat about Bham’s Best Eats RIGHT NOW!! http://itswa.de/bbe-chat #bhameats [via Twitter]

11:55 messyepicure
11:56
TheMessyEpicure:

Jason Horn, Southside, Peanut Butter Crunch

11:56 TheMessyEpicure
11:57
ShaunChavis:

Shaun Chavis, Southside, Captain Crunch!

11:57 ShaunChavis
11:58
Wade:

Wade, Crestwood, Publix organic honey oat Os.

11:58 Wade
11:59
ShaunChavis:

Hi Amy and Gigi!

11:59 ShaunChavis
11:59
[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
11:59
[Comment From GigiGigi: ]

Gigi, Homewood, Golden Grahams, baby.

11:59 Gigi
12:00
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
12:00
Wade:

Say hi, Shaun and Jason!

12:00 Wade
12:00
TheMessyEpicure:

Hi, everybody!

12:00 TheMessyEpicure
12:00
ShaunChavis:

Hello! …and, Kashi U is pretty good too.

12:00 ShaunChavis
12:00
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
12:00
Wade:

Jason Horn (@messyepicure) is a Birmingham writer, sometime culinary student and big fan of zombie movies. He blogs at The Messy Epicure.

12:00 Wade
12:01
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
12:02
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
12:02
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
12:03
Twitter
WadeOnTweets:

Bham’s Best Eats live lunchtime chat NOW: With @messyepicure and @ShaunChavis! http://itswa.de/bbe-chat #bhameats [via Twitter]

12:03 WadeOnTweets
12:03
Wade:

Jason, what’s your take?

12:03 Wade
12:04
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
12:04
Wade:

Are authentic and local two terms for the same thing?

12:04 Wade
12:04
ShaunChavis:

No.

12:04 ShaunChavis
12:04
ShaunChavis:

Something can be authentic but not local.

12:04 ShaunChavis
12:05
TheMessyEpicure:

I definitely agree. Authentic’s about techniques and ingredients, but not necessarily where those ingredients come from.

12:05 TheMessyEpicure
12:05
[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
12:06
Wade:

Deborah Lockridge is another of our Birmingham’s Best Eats bloggers. Welcome, Deb!

12:06 Wade
12:06
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
12:06
ShaunChavis:

I think that’s an outgrowth of some of the local trend – exactly.

12:06 ShaunChavis
12:07
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
12:07
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
12:07
Wade:

Should we be worried that the trend might pass? That local won’t be “cool” anymore.

12:07 Wade
12:07
TheMessyEpicure:

That’s something I’ve seen a lot of food bloggers and websites writing about.

12:07 TheMessyEpicure
12:08
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
12:08
Twitter
_amywarren:

RT @WadeOnTweets: Bham’s Best Eats live lunchtime chat NOW: With @messyepicure and @ShaunChavis! http://itswa.de/bbe-chat #bhameats [via Twitter]

12:08 _amywarren
12:08
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
12:09
Wade:

Dare I ask if local schools, now back in session, are embracing healthy and local?

12:09 Wade
12:09
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
12:10
ShaunChavis:

They’re starting to! Thanks to @foodrevival, Jones Valley Urban Farm, the Jeff Co Childhood Obesity Task Force…

12:10 ShaunChavis
12:10
[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]

It’s not even easy eating local in a rural, mostly agricultural state.

12:10 Sean Kelley
12:10
TheMessyEpicure:

School lunch everywhere is a bit of a nightmare, but there are bright spots

12:10 TheMessyEpicure
12:10
ShaunChavis:

Hi Sean! Very true.

12:10 ShaunChavis
12:10
Wade:

Hi to Sean Kelley, part of our Birmingham’s Best Eats group.

12:10 Wade
12:10
TheMessyEpicure:

Sean, I’d say it’s easier eating local here than it was 5 years, or even 1 year, ago

12:10 TheMessyEpicure
12:10
ShaunChavis:

What Jason said about the backlash, that’s a sad thing. Local food should be for everyone.

12:10 ShaunChavis
12:11
[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
12:11
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
12:12
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
12:12
ShaunChavis:

Hi Sean! Very true.

12:12 ShaunChavis
12:12
ShaunChavis:

And it is difficult to source ingredients consistently in a school setting.

12:12 ShaunChavis
12:12
[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
12:12
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
12:12
TheMessyEpicure:

Sean, I’d say it’s easier eating local here than it was 5 years, or even 1 year, ago

12:12 TheMessyEpicure
12:12
TheMessyEpicure:

Sean, I’d say it’s easier eating local here than it was 5 years, or even 1 year, ago

12:12 TheMessyEpicure
12:13
[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
12:13
ShaunChavis:

Exactly, Gigi.

12:13 ShaunChavis
12:09
[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
12:13
[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
12:14
ShaunChavis:

It is good to see more farmers markets and community gardens popping up.

12:14 ShaunChavis
12:14
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
12:14
Wade:

Here’s a list of farmer’s markets that Elisa Muñoz compiled:

http://www.gbcfp.org/blog/?p=64

12:14 Wade
12:15
TheMessyEpicure:

(Granted, Chicago’s a lot bigger than Bham, but this was 5 years ago, well before local got trendy.)

12:15 TheMessyEpicure
12:15
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
12:15
[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
12:15
[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]

Findlay Blvd market has produce from all over the country, for example.

12:15 Sean Kelley
12:15
[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
12:16
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
12:16
ShaunChavis:

You have to ask, for sure. No matter where you are.

12:16 ShaunChavis
12:16
[Comment From GigiGigi: ]

Excellent point, Sean. That has me stumped as well.

12:16 Gigi
12:16
Wade:

Comment from Karen: “I would love to have more year round markets”

12:16 Wade
12:17
TheMessyEpicure:

Ah, the food-truck controversy.

12:17 TheMessyEpicure
12:17
TheMessyEpicure:

(Granted, Chicago’s a lot bigger than Bham, but this was 5 years ago, well before local got trendy.)

12:17 TheMessyEpicure
12:17
TheMessyEpicure:

(Granted, Chicago’s a lot bigger than Bham, but this was 5 years ago, well before local got trendy.)

12:17 TheMessyEpicure
12:17
TheMessyEpicure:

(Granted, Chicago’s a lot bigger than Bham, but this was 5 years ago, well before local got trendy.)

12:17 TheMessyEpicure
12:17
ShaunChavis:

Oy!

12:17 ShaunChavis
12:17
TheMessyEpicure:

(Sorry, I don’t know why that just happened with the triple post. I didn’t do it.)

12:17 TheMessyEpicure
12:17
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
12:17
TheMessyEpicure:

I’ve eaten at Spoonfed once.

12:17 TheMessyEpicure
12:18
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
12:18
Wade:

What’s your solution to the issue? Is there even an issue?

12:18 Wade
12:18
[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
12:18
[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
12:18
ShaunChavis:

Can my solution be get rid of the crazy politicians?

12:18 ShaunChavis
12:15
[Comment From KarenKaren: ]

I would love to have more year round markets

12:15 Karen
12:19
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
12:19
ShaunChavis:

For real, there’s not an issue. There’s misunderstanding, ignorance, and apprehension or intimidation about something new.

12:19 ShaunChavis
12:19
TheMessyEpicure:

(Sorry, I don’t know why that just happened with the triple post. I didn’t do it.)

12:19 TheMessyEpicure
12:19
TheMessyEpicure:

(Sorry, I don’t know why that just happened with the triple post. I didn’t do it.)

12:19 TheMessyEpicure
12:19
[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
12:19
[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
12:19
TheMessyEpicure:

I’ve eaten at Spoonfed once.

12:19 TheMessyEpicure
12:19
TheMessyEpicure:

I’ve eaten at Spoonfed once.

12:19 TheMessyEpicure
12:19
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
12:20
ShaunChavis:

Sean have you read about the cake and shake truck, I think in DC? Cupcakes and milkshakes… mmm….

12:20 ShaunChavis
12:21
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
12:21
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
12:21
[Comment From GigiGigi: ]

Speaking of cupcakes, there’s another food trend. I’m not sure that one is here to stay.

12:21 Gigi
12:21
[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
12:21
[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]

And do food trucks qualify as “local” if they move around?

12:21 Sean Kelley
12:21
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
12:21
TheMessyEpicure:

I’ve eaten at Spoonfed once.

12:21 TheMessyEpicure
12:21
TheMessyEpicure:

I’ve eaten at Spoonfed once.

12:21 TheMessyEpicure
12:21
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
12:21
TheMessyEpicure:

Sean, if they use local ingredients they do.

12:21 TheMessyEpicure
12:22
[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]

Maybe we need a veggie truck.

12:22 Sean Kelley
12:22
Wade:

Also from Sean: “I like spoonfed. WHERE IS THE TAMELE CAR, Shaun? You’re holdin’ out.”

12:22 Wade
12:22
[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]

Or a tempura truck.

12:22 Sean Kelley
12:22
ShaunChavis:

There has been talk of a mobile farmers market. That would be great for the food deserts in Birmingham.

12:22 ShaunChavis
12:23
Wade:

How would that work, Shaun?

12:23 Wade
12:23
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
12:20
[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]

I like spoonfed. WHERE IS THE TAMELE CAR, Shaun? You’re holdin’ out.

12:20 Sean Kelley
12:24
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
12:24
Wade:

(Ah live chat, where some comments publish in triplicate, and some take 5 minutes to show up.)

12:24 Wade
12:24
[Ad] The Carb Lovers Diet

12:24
12:24
[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
12:24
ShaunChavis:

Ta-da! That’s been my life for 2 years.

12:24 ShaunChavis
12:25
ShaunChavis:

My boyfriend and I LOVED the tamale car tamales!

12:25 ShaunChavis
12:25
ShaunChavis:

Very spicy

12:25 ShaunChavis
12:25
Wade:

(The book cover is an ad for the new book from Shaun’s group at Health Magazine. Check it out.)

12:25 Wade
12:25
Wade:

Questions from the audience. Go!

12:25 Wade
12:25
[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]

Where are the best tamales in town for those of us who can’t get up that early?

12:25 DLinBham
12:26
ShaunChavis:

Thanks Wade.

12:26 ShaunChavis
12:26
[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]

Number 4 on the New York Times Bestseller’s List….this week.

12:26 Sean Kelley
12:26
Wade:

(Ah live chat, where some comments publish in triplicate, and some take 5 minutes to show up.)

12:26 Wade
12:26
Wade:

(Ah live chat, where some comments publish in triplicate, and some take 5 minutes to show up.)

12:26 Wade
12:26
ShaunChavis:

Jason, you have an answer for the tamale question? I have a man to wake up early for me 🙂

12:26 ShaunChavis
12:27
Wade:

I loved the tamales at Mancha’s, a long time ago.

12:27 Wade
12:27
TheMessyEpicure:

I refuse to wake up that early on Sunday, sorry, no matter how much I love tamales.

12:27 TheMessyEpicure
12:28
[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
12:28
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
12:29
ShaunChavis:

Does everyone know about the HICA tamales? I can explain if needed. Sorry about that

12:29 ShaunChavis
12:29
Wade:

Here’s the HICA site: http://www.hispanicinterest.org/

12:29 Wade
12:29
Wade:

Jason wrote about Chicago Mike’s in Homewood. Can you tell us why this place stood out for you?

12:29 Wade
12:29
[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
12:30
TheMessyEpicure:

Well, I’m from Chicago, so that was the initial appeal.

12:30 TheMessyEpicure
12:30
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
12:31
Wade:

Have you embraced the Birmingham-style hot dog?

12:31 Wade
12:31
[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
12:31
[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
12:31
TheMessyEpicure:

Sorta. I still prefer all-beef, but I can appreciate the pork-dog-with-chili thing.

12:31 TheMessyEpicure
12:31
[Comment From @Iva4Gov@Iva4Gov: ]

hello all. HICA tamales and Chicago Mike’s are IMMEDIATELY on my “to do” list!

12:31 @Iva4Gov
12:32
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
12:32
Wade:

See Birmingham’s Best Eats each day in August for more recipes, restaurants and recommendations.

12:32 Wade
12:32
[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
12:32
ShaunChavis:

I think that’s a challenge for a lot of us – hard to find good ethnic foods sometimes here.

12:32 ShaunChavis
12:32
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
12:33
Wade:

What are some of the good ethic food discoveries y’all have made?

12:33 Wade
12:33
TheMessyEpicure:

Mr. Chen’s

12:33 TheMessyEpicure
12:33
[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
12:33
ShaunChavis:

Mr. Chen’s!

12:33 ShaunChavis
12:34
Wade:

http://www.mrchenschinesecooking.com/

12:34 Wade
12:34
TheMessyEpicure:

I also love Taqueria mi Casita in the Palisades

12:34 TheMessyEpicure
12:34
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
12:34
[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
12:34
[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
12:35
ShaunChavis:

I’ll have to check out those Cuban Tamales!

12:35 ShaunChavis
12:35
TheMessyEpicure:

Trav, I’m going to Kool Korner tomorrow!

12:35 TheMessyEpicure
12:35
TheMessyEpicure:

Are they wrapped in banana leaves?

12:35 TheMessyEpicure
12:35
Wade:

Bring us some tamales!

12:35 Wade
12:35
[Comment From GigiGigi: ]

I’m a fan of Taqueria, too. Sitar on Southside is excellent, as well as Makarios.

12:35 Gigi
12:36
ShaunChavis:

I do like Sitar better than the other Indian places in town.

12:36 ShaunChavis
12:36
TheMessyEpicure:

Gigi, I live 3 blocks from Makarios and eat there twice a month at least.

12:36 TheMessyEpicure
12:36
[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
12:36
[Comment From travtrav: ]

Not sure about the wrapper. I think just husk. http://www.koolkornersandwiches.com/ has a pic

12:36 trav
12:36
TheMessyEpicure:

Sitar’s been hit or miss for me. Once it was fantastic, once not so great.

12:36 TheMessyEpicure
12:36
ShaunChavis:

I used to be married to an Arab, so I tend to cook my own Middle Eastern.

12:36 ShaunChavis
12:36
[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
12:36
[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]

I love Silver Coin Indian Grill in Hoover.

12:36 DLinBham
12:37
Wade:

Is the ethnic food diversity growing in the Birmingham area? Do people know about it?

12:37 Wade
12:37
ShaunChavis:

I think it’s growing, I think it needs a lot of support…

12:37 ShaunChavis
12:37
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
12:37
TheMessyEpicure:

i.e. the taco trucks

12:37 TheMessyEpicure
12:38
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
12:38
TheMessyEpicure:

and Mr. Chen’s—Mr. Chen used to cook at Red Pearl on West Valley

12:38 TheMessyEpicure
12:38
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
12:39
[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
12:39
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
12:40
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
12:40
[Ad] The Messy Epicure

12:40
12:40
TheMessyEpicure:

Birmingham is quite sophisticated about food for a city of its size I think

12:40 TheMessyEpicure
12:40
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
12:40
Wade:

(That’s Jason’s blog, one of the food writers serving up good recipes, reviews and recommendations. Check it out.)

12:40 Wade
12:41
TheMessyEpicure:

Thanks for the plug, Wade!

12:41 TheMessyEpicure
12:41
[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]

Thought I’d join in for the last 15 minutes or so.

12:41 Sheree
12:41
[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
12:41
[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]

Good example: Surin West. Not exactly ethnic thai.

12:41 Sean Kelley
12:41
[Comment From @Iva4Gov@Iva4Gov: ]

is there an “ethnic food fair”?

12:41 @Iva4Gov
12:41
ShaunChavis:

Hi Sheree!

12:41 ShaunChavis
12:41
[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
12:42
TheMessyEpicure:

There are actually several, Iva4Gov: There’s a greek food fair, a Lebanese food fair, the HICA tamales fair…

12:42 TheMessyEpicure
12:42
TheMessyEpicure:

The key is to go places you haven’t been before and order things you normally wouldn’t

12:42 TheMessyEpicure
12:42
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
12:42
[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
12:43
[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
12:43
ShaunChavis:

Yes. What Jason said. And take friends, it’s always more fun with friends.

12:43 ShaunChavis
12:43
[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]

I had some great food at the Lebanese festival last spring, April, I think.

12:43 Sheree
12:43
[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
12:43
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
12:44
TheMessyEpicure:

(speaking of ethnic food, Bettola is fantastic authentic Italian)

12:44 TheMessyEpicure
12:44
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
12:44
[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
12:44
[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
12:44
ShaunChavis:

Oh, and Camp Taco, Jason

12:44 ShaunChavis
12:45
TheMessyEpicure:

The fact is, you just can’t get high-quality food for the price of a 99-cent cheeseburger

12:45 TheMessyEpicure
12:45
TheMessyEpicure:

But you can if you’re willing to pay $6 or $7 for lunch

12:45 TheMessyEpicure
12:45
TheMessyEpicure:

yes, Camp Taco. That’s a really good model for a locally owned, cheap place making really good food

12:45 TheMessyEpicure
12:45
ShaunChavis:

Woody, anything’s possible. I know the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area has a lot going on coffee-wise, too.

12:45 ShaunChavis
12:45
[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
12:46
[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]

Coffee — we seem to have an increasing number of local roasters. I adore Primavera.

12:46 DLinBham
12:46
ShaunChavis:

The first time I ate at Camp Taco, I went back almost every night for a week

12:46 ShaunChavis
12:46
[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
12:46
[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
12:46
[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
12:46
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
12:47
[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
12:47
TheMessyEpicure:

Iva4Gov, do some research online

12:47 TheMessyEpicure
12:47
[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]

Camp Taco — sounds like my kind of place.

12:47 Sheree
12:47
[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
12:47
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
12:47
[Comment From GigiGigi: ]

@Iva4Gov sites like Yelp can help, too.

12:47 Gigi
12:48
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
12:48
Wade:

There’s a Foodie Book Club. What about a Foodie Eating Club?

12:48 Wade
12:48
[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]

thanks!

12:48 Iva4Gov
12:48
TheMessyEpicure:

To be fair, the Foodie Book Club IS a Foodie Eating Club…

12:48 TheMessyEpicure
12:49
ShaunChavis:

LOL Jason!

12:49 ShaunChavis
12:49
Wade:

Jason, Shaun and Sean are all founding members.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 Wade
12:49
ShaunChavis:

Jason and I have mused about starting a “supper club”…

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 ShaunChavis
12:49
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
12:49
[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]

How does “one” join the Foodie Book Club, Shaun?

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 Sheree
12:49
[Comment From Sean KelleySean Kelley: ]

They’re the same thing Wade!

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 Sean Kelley
12:49
[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]

@ Wade – now THAT sounds good to me!

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 Iva4Gov
12:49
ShaunChavis:

Just come! We meet the second Tuesday of every month.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 ShaunChavis
12:49
[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
12:49
[Comment From WoodyTheRoasterWoodyTheRoaster: ]

Thanks! You folks are great to share your knowledge. See you IRL!

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:49 WoodyTheRoaster
12:50
Wade:

What’s the book pick for September, and where can people pick it up?

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:50 Wade
12:50
[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]

Cool. Look forward to checking it out.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:50 Sheree
12:50
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
12:51
[Comment From GigiGigi: ]

I’ve got to bail, but thanks for the chat. Enjoyed it!

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:51 Gigi
12:51
TheMessyEpicure:

Thanks, Gigi

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:51 TheMessyEpicure
12:51
ShaunChavis:

Later Gigi!

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:51 ShaunChavis
12:51
Wade:

Why is it important to sit down together and talk food, even around books?

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:51 Wade
12:51
TheMessyEpicure:

Food is everything. Without it, we literally die. Food affects culture, ethnicity, family

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:51 TheMessyEpicure
12:52
ShaunChavis:

Exactly.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:52 ShaunChavis
12:52
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
12:52
[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
12:53
[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
12:53
[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
12:53
TheMessyEpicure:

Indian. Check out Sitar.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:53 TheMessyEpicure
12:53
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
12:53
ShaunChavis:

LOL Sean

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:53 ShaunChavis
12:53
[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]

Totally agree, Shaun.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:53 Sheree
12:54
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
12:54
ShaunChavis:

Iva do you like sushi? I’d start at Jinsei. It’s pricey, but, Jinsei.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:54 ShaunChavis
12:54
[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
12:55
TheMessyEpicure:

Nah, for sushi I’d say Ginza. Better and cheaper.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:55 TheMessyEpicure
12:55
ShaunChavis:

Ah, haven’t been there before.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:55 ShaunChavis
12:55
Wade:

Jinsei in Homewood, Ginza down 280 at Inverness Corners.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:55 Wade
12:55
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
12:55
[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]

oops. i have had Chinese. (clarification) i’m gonna jump on Indian.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:55 Iva4Gov
12:56
Wade:

Sitar: corner of University and 20th.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:56 Wade
12:56
[Comment From WoodyTheRoasterWoodyTheRoaster: ]

Best fish tacos in town?

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:56 WoodyTheRoaster
12:56
[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]

i don’t like sushi.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:56 Iva4Gov
12:56
ShaunChavis:

Indian food is so comforting to me. The spices are just…alchemy.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:56 ShaunChavis
12:56
ShaunChavis:

Best fish tacos: Grilled fish taco from Camp Taco.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:56 ShaunChavis
12:56
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
12:57
Wade:

I love the fish tacos at Cantina in Pepper Place and Cocina Superior (Brookwood Village).

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:57 Wade
12:57
[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]

going to Sitar. i’ll tell them you guys sent me! 😉

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:57 Iva4Gov
12:57
[Comment From WoodyTheRoasterWoodyTheRoaster: ]

OK – I’m there Shaun!

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:57 WoodyTheRoaster
12:57
[Comment From DLinBhamDLinBham: ]

Haven’t been to Sitar, but love Silver Coin on Lorna Road in Hoover.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:57 DLinBham
12:57
Wade:

See Birmingham’s Best Eats each day in August for more recipes, restaurants and recommendations.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:57 Wade
12:57
TheMessyEpicure:

Silver Coin is great too if you live closer to Hoover

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:57 TheMessyEpicure
12:58
Wade:

Closing thoughts from our panelists. Jason, why don’t you go first?

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:58 Wade
12:58
[Comment From WoodyTheRoasterWoodyTheRoaster: ]

Thanks Wade!

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:58 WoodyTheRoaster
12:58
[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
12:58
[Comment From ShereeSheree: ]

You are all such great resources for new places to check out.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:58 Sheree
12:58
Wade:

Sheree: We eat. A LOT.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:58 Wade
12:59
[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]

thank you everyone. i enjoyed it!

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:59 Iva4Gov
12:59
ShaunChavis:

Thanks Iva! Hope to see you around.

Wednesday August 18, 2010 12:59 ShaunChavis
12:59
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
1:00
[Comment From Iva4GovIva4Gov: ]

you too Shaun!

Wednesday August 18, 2010 1:00 Iva4Gov
1:00
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
1:00
[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
1:00
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
1:01
ShaunChavis:

Thanks everyone! This was so much fun. Thanks for putting this together Wade.

• • •

• • •

Hungry for more? Check out the menu of Birmingham’s Best Eats!

3 Yips for “Birmingham’s Best Eats: Live chat with our writers”

  1. Tweets that mention Wade on Birmingham » Birmingham’s Best Eats: live chat with our writers -- Topsy.com
    Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 12:52 pm
    1

    […] 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 […]

  2. trav
    Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 1:12 pm
    2

    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.

  3. Wade
    Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 2:28 pm
    3

    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 …

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