Savoring Birmingham's Culinary Tapestry: A Vibrant Celebration of Food, Culture, and Community

Birmingham, Alabama, is set to host a captivating four-day festival that celebrates the city's rich culinary heritage and diverse cultural traditions. The second annual FOOD+Culture Festival, scheduled for September 19-22, promises to be a gastronomic delight, showcasing the talents of renowned chefs, local artisans, and passionate food enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.

Immerse Yourself in Birmingham's Culinary Odyssey

Honoring the Pioneers of Birmingham's Culinary Scene

The FOOD+Frank event will be a highlight of the festival, as it pays tribute to the father of Birmingham's modern culinary landscape, Frank Stitt. The renowned chef and restaurateur, known for his acclaimed establishments Highlands Bar and Grill, Chez Fonfon, and Bottega's dining room and cafe, will present the Frank Stitt Award for Industry Excellence to Glenn Roberts, the visionary behind Anson Mills in South Carolina. Roberts has revived the use of heritage corn, rice, and other Southern grains, making a significant impact on the region's culinary heritage.The cocktail reception at the Birmingham Museum of Art on Thursday, September 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., will provide a captivating backdrop for this celebration of Birmingham's culinary pioneers and their enduring influence.

Honoring the Culinary Contributions of Greek Immigrants

The FOOD+Heritage event, a multi-course seated dinner under the stars at Pepper Place on 29th Street South, will shine a spotlight on the rich culinary contributions of Greek immigrants and their families. These trailblazers have left an indelible mark on Birmingham's culinary landscape, dominating the city's barbecue, meats-and-three, fine dining, and hot dog scenes throughout the 20th century and into the present day.The dinner, scheduled for Friday, September 20, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., promises to be a captivating exploration of the diverse flavors and traditions that have shaped Birmingham's culinary identity.

Celebrating the Vibrant Farmers Market and Local Talent

The FOOD+Market Mix event at the Saturday morning Market at Pepper Place, one of the nation's oldest pop-up farmers markets, will be a celebration of the region's agricultural bounty and the talented individuals who bring it to life. Farmers, female chefs, storytellers, and authors will take center stage, showcasing the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that define Birmingham's culinary scene.This event, scheduled for September 21 during regular market hours from 7 a.m. to noon, will offer a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the local food culture and connect with the passionate producers and artisans who call Birmingham home.

Embracing the Spirit of Southern Tailgate Culture

The Southern Living's FOOD+Fire event, set for Saturday, September 21, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark on 32nd Street North, will be a celebration of live-fire cooking and the vibrant tailgate culture that is so deeply rooted in the South.Attendees will have the chance to savor the smoky flavors of barbecue and other live-fire creations, while also immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Southern fall tailgating.

Grits, Grooves, and Gastronomic Camaraderie

The FOOD+Funk event, the festival's Grits and Grooves brunch, scheduled for September 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sloss Furnaces, will be a delightful fusion of Alabama's passion for grits and the infectious rhythms of New Orleans. The renowned Dirty Dozen Brass Band will take the stage, providing a lively musical backdrop to the celebration of this beloved Southern staple.In addition to the captivating performances, the FOOD+Friends Dinner Series will offer a unique gastronomic treasure hunt, as visiting guest chefs collaborate with local restaurants to create surprise menus that showcase the industry's camaraderie and shared passion for culinary excellence.