A Toast to Taste: The Taste of Birmingham Showcases Birmingham’s Culinary Talent
Listed among I Love Alabama Food’s Can’t-Miss Alabama Food Fests and featured on Sweet Home Alabama’s travelogue site, The Taste of Birmingham is quickly carving out a culinary niche for itself in circles of Southern gourmands.
The Taste of Birmingham will return July 30 for its fifth consecutive year of spotlighting the city’s rich gourmet talent and to support the Birmingham Boys Choir, an artistic institute as “Birmingham” as barbecue or Barons baseball.
“Birmingham is fortunate to have artistic talents both in culinary and on stage — and this is a night we celebrate them both,” the Taste of Birmingham said. “This event captures the bright flavors of Birmingham, benefiting an organization that showcases the finest qualities of our community, the Birmingham Boys Choir.”
From atop Red Mountain, foodies will be able to sample from the legendary Birmingham flavors of Silvertron Café, the Bright Star, Gianmarco’s, the Fish Market and Demetri’s Barbecue while weighing in to determine the winner of the Taster’s Choice Award and Best Sweet and Best Savory dishes. The choir, currently in its 37th year, will entertain with local jazz performers throughout the evening. Proceeds from a silent auction and raffle will support the choir.
“Serving our city in many ways throughout the year, the BBC has broadened in its scope of age and diversity to offer this opportunity for learning to young men from various areas and is proud to have sent a portion of the proceeds from this event to benefit other important champions for children such as the Children’s of Alabama hospital and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, on behalf of prior winners,” the Taste of Birmingham said.
The event will culminate in an awards ceremony and fireworks display on the deck of The Club.
The Taste of Birmingham will take place at The Club, 1 Robert S. Smith Drive, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $100 and may be purchased at thetasteofbirmingham.com.
THURSDAY, JULY 23
Issues and Ales — WorkPlay. 500 23rd St. S. WBHM/90.3 FM continues its Issues and Ales educational series with a panel discussion with players, coaches, parents and scientists about the risks of playing the sport of the South. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Greg’s Hotdogs and Workplay. 5:30–8 p.m. Free. For more information, visit wbhm.org.
FRIDAY, JULY 24
Chopped: A Cooking Competition — Emmet O’Neal Library. 50 Oak St. The Emmet O’Neal Library’s adult program Standing Room Only presents it’s version of the Food Network cooking competition. Birmingham Westin executive banquet chef and Little Forest food director, Joshua Blackwell will judge. Free. 7 p.m. For more information, email amandaw@bham.lib.al.us.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
Hops and Heads Hullabaloo — Good People Brewery. 114 14th St. S. The Kevin Turner Foundation and Wise Up! Initiative are partnering with Good People Brewing Company for the first Hops and Heads Hullabaloo. Learn about concussions with games, food trucks, a silent auction and live entertainment by Grammy nominated, Dove Award winner Ty Herndon with Amber Hayes and Tyler Barham. $20. 2–11 p.m. For more information, visit hhhullabaloo.com.
Otey’s Fest 25 — Otey’s Tavern. 224 Country Club Park, Mountain Brook. Otey’s Tavern is celebrating its 25th year of operation with live musical entertainment from Hugh Rowe Thomas, The Hurlers, The Negotiators, Super T. Revue and Blues Old Stand. Otey’s chef of 23 years will be grilling cheeseburgers, blackened chicken sandwiches and hot dogs. $20. 5 p.m. For more information, visit oteysfest.com.
TUESDAY, JULY 28
Ten Percent Tuesday — Rojo. 2921 Highland Ave. S. This Tuesday, ten percent of dinner and drink sales will benefit Equal Access Birmingham, a free, student-run healthcare clinic powered by the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Menu prices vary. 5–11 p.m. For more information, visit rojobirmingham.com.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
Weekly Wine Tasting — Neighborhood Hops and Vine. 1712 28th Ave. S. Neighborhood Hops and Vine will be offering wine tastings every Wednesday at their new location in Homewood. Wine selections are sourced from small-production vineyards and represent brands such as Selbach, Elicio and Sensation. 5:30–7 p.m. Free. For more information, visit neighborhoodhopsandvine.com.
FARMERS MARKETS
Alabama Farmers Market — 344 Finley Ave. W. The Jefferson County Truck Growers Association operates and manages this year-round, self-sustaining market featuring local produce and products. Open daily. 6 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, visit alabamafarmersmarket.org.
Center Point Market — Reed-Harvey Park. 335 Polly Reed Rd., Center Point. Thursdays, through Aug. 27. 1–5 p.m. For more information, visit centerpointchamber.com.
Crestline Market — Urban Cookhouse. 29 Vine Street. Every Saturday through August 6, Urban Cookhouse features locally grown fresh produce at their Crestline location. 4–8 p.m. Free. For more information, visit urbancookhouse.com.
East Lake Market — East Lake United Methodist Church. 7753 First Ave. S. Fresh produce from local farmers, pastries, pies, jams, jellies and relishes are available every Saturday through October. 8–12 p.m. Free. For more information, visit eastlakefarmersmarket.org.
Gardendale Market — Gardendale Civic Center. 857 Main St., Gardendale. Fresh watermelon, corn, cantaloupe, okra, peaches and other vegetables and fruits are available every Thursday in Gardendale. 12:30–5 p.m. For more information, visit gardendalefarmersmarket.com.
Homewood Market — Soho Parking Lot/Downtown Homewood. 2850 19th St S. Every Saturday May 30 through August 15 Urban Cookhouse features locally grown fresh produce at their Homewood location. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. For more information, visit urbancookhouse.com.
Pepper Place Market — Pepper Place. 2829 Second Avenue S. Featuring produce and goods from Alabama-based farmers, chefs and artists, Pepper Place return for its 15th year. Open every Saturday through December. 7 a.m.–12 p.m. Free. For more information, call (205) 313-4120
The Summit Market — Summit Shopping Center. 214 Summit Blvd. Every Thursday from May 28 to August 13th, Urban Cookhouse’s Summit location offers their farmers market. 3–7 p.m. For more information, visit urbancookhouse.com.
Trussville Market — Beside Holy Cross Episcopal Church. 90 Parkway Dr., Trussville. The Trussville Fresh Market features herbs, prepared foods, honey, baked goods, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit and jam. Tuesdays 1–6 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m.–1 p.m. For more information, visit trussvillechamber.com.