Your yummy gameday snacks shouldn’t just be for meat-eaters. Here are 5 vegetarian-friendly tailgate treats that will keep your meatless guests satisfied without shackling them to the veggie tray.
Juice of 2 lemons 4 avocados, peeled and seeded 1 ¼ cups red onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper Multigrain tortilla scoops (Leslie likes Tostitos) Garnishes: cherry tomatoes, jalapeños; seeded and chopped; and freshly chopped cilantro
Combine lemon juice and next 5 ingredients in a medium bowl. (I like to squeeze the juice of the lemons first to prevent the avocados from turning brown.) With a potato masher or fork, combine ingredients until smooth and creamy; cover tightly and refrigerate. Prepare the garnishes for filling; refrigerate until ready to fill. Makes approx. 48 bites.
Thinly slice sweet potatoes (peel on), and place in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat both sides thoroughly. Add rib rub, and toss until well coated. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, allowing plenty of space between slices. (You will probably need two baking sheets.)
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and crisp.
1 pound bow-tie pasta, cooked according to package directions 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved ½ cup pepperoncini slices ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved ½ cup green onions sliced (about one bunch) ¼ cup sweet onion, diced 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped Lemony-Dill Dressing (recipe below) ½ cup pine nuts, toasted ½ cup Romano cheese, grated Basil leaves for garnish
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncini slices, and next 4 ingredients. Toss with Lemony-Dill Dressing, and refrigerate for several hours, if desired. Before serving, top with toasted pine nuts, grated Romano cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
Lemony-Dill Dressing: ¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon oregano
Whisk all ingredients in a medium-size measuring cup.
You can make this easy 5-ingredient dip in about 5 minutes with items you may already have in your pantry.
1 (15.5-oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 (15.25-oz.) can whole-kernel corn, drained 1 (16-oz.) jar chunky salsa 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, and stir to combine. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Serve with tortilla chips. Yields 4 cups.
Everything but the Bagel seasoning salt Lemon wedge 1½ ounces vodka ½ ounce lemon juice 3 ounces bloody Mary mix ½ ounce dill pickle juice Dash of Worcestershire sauce Salt and pepper to taste Dash of hot sauce (optional) Celery stalk or dill pickle wedge
Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of Everything but the Bagel seasoning salt into a small plate. Moisten the rim of a glass with lemon wedge. Dip to coat the rim of the glass in the seasoning. Carefully add ice to the glass, being careful not to knock the salt off the rim. Add vodka and next 5 ingredients, and, if desired, hot sauce. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Garnish with a celery stalk or a dill pickle wedge.
“The secret ingredient in the Bloody Mary recipe is the dill pickle juice—don’t skip this step!”
1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half 6 small carrots, peeled 4 parsnips, peeled and cut on the diagonal 1 red onion, quartered 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons honey Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine all cut vegetables in a zip-top bag; add oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Seal bag, and toss to coat vegetables thoroughly.
Place large baking sheet into the preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Pour vegetables onto the preheated baking sheet. (They should sizzle.) Bake until Brussels are golden brown and remaining vegetables are tender, about 40 to 45 minutes.
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces (Leslie likes Conecuh) 1 medium onion, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained 1 (16-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained and chopped 1 (14.5-ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth ½ teaspoon oregano ½ teaspoon pepper Salt to taste Hot cooked rice
Cook sausage over medium-low heat for 5 to 8 minutes, until lightly browned. Add onion, green pepper, and garlic; sauté until tender.
Add beans, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Serve over rice.
2 tablespoons butter 1 onion, finely chopped 2 medium carrots, diced 2 stalks celery, diced 6 cloves garlic, minced 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, diced 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 6 cups chicken broth 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1 pound 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste 1/2 teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend, rinsed and drained* 1 tablespoon rosemary, finely chopped 2 bay leaves 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half Celery tops or leaves for garnish
Heat butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add carrots, celery, garlic, and mushrooms, and sauté for 3 more minutes. Add in the flour, and stir continuously for 1 more minute.
Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring to incorporate with the flour without any lumps. Add the chicken breasts and next 5 ingredients. Let the soup reach a simmer; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 40 to 45 minutes until rice is tender. (Stir occasionally so that what is on the bottom of the pot does not scorch.)
Remove chicken breasts, shred the meat with two forks, and return to the pot. Add milk or half-and-half, stirring to combine. Remove the bay leaves, and season with additional salt and pepper. Garnish with celery tops or leaves before serving.
*Note: If you are unable to find a wild rice blend, substitute a (6.2-ounce) box of Ben’s Original Long Grain & Wild Rice, and reduce the cooking time to 20 to 25 minutes.
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, finely chopped 1/4 c up fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced Zest of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper 4 (8-ounce) bone-in pork chops Olive oil Fresh sage and lemon slices for garnish
Combine chopped sage and next 5 ingredients in a small bowl. Place pork chops on a platter or baking sheet. Drizzle both sides with olive oil, and sprinkle each side of pork with herb mixture. Allow pork to come to room temperature, 30 to 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an 11-inch or larger cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat. Place seasoned pork chops into hot skillet, and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Place skillet into oven, and cook until pork is done, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, and garnish with fresh sage and lemon slices.
4 pounds ground beef 1 large, sweet onion 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 medium green or poblano peppers 3 to 4 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 (14-ounce) cans tomato sauce 3 (14-ounce) cans fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles 1½ teaspoons salt ½ teaspoon black pepper Toppings:sour cream, shredded cheese, jalapeños, chopped green onions, crackers, and chips
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain off fat; add onion, garlic, and peppers, and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. Add spices, and cook another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add remaining ingredients, combining well. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat, and simmer, mostly covered, allowing a small amount of steam to escape, for at least an hour but longer if you have time. To serve, top with suggested assorted toppings.
Slow Cooker Method: Cook beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain off fat, and transfer to a slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients, and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5 to 6 hours.
Taking possession of an old house is like holding the keys to history in your hand. While it is a privilege to be the current caretaker of a home that has witnessed so much, it can also feel like the way you live in the house has to go back in time to fit inside its walls.
Not so, says this dream team of local design professionals who prove that it is possible to bring an old home into modern times without losing any of its charms. “What is so wonderful about a historical property is that there are already so many beautiful features and details to build around,” says architect Cherri Pitts.
For this 1929 Mountain Brook Tudor originally designed by Warren Knight & Davis, Cherri’s goal was to start a new chapter for the house. “I wanted to make sure it could provide a great flow and function and still feel historic,” she says. To that end, she reworked the floorplan.
In the kitchen, the team focused on making sure new features offered a fresh approach that still shared the spirit of the home. “We added the washed-pine ceiling to bring warmth to the ivory custom cabinets,” Gary says. “Traditional pewter hardware helps maintain the history of the house.”To give the living room a conversational tone, Richard says they circled up the furniture instead of placing it against the walls. Gary adds that moldings and beams were existing. “We painted them the trim color to let them be seen but not be the star,” he says. A grid of watercolors by a Russian artist makes a strong statement.
Like most old homes, it was a warren of separate, small rooms with a kitchen tucked in the back corner of a hallway away from the home’s other public spaces. Cherri’s new plan, she says, “involved a few power moves.” She turned the former dining room and kitchen into the main bedroom and bath. The formal living space became a dining area big enough to host a crowd. “The original living room made for the perfect entertaining space,” says Cherri. “And it has doors to the new expanded front terrace.”
The existing den and game room became an open living space and kitchen. “They are separated by a double-sided fireplace and have doors to the pool and porch,” says the architect.
Cherri’s reconfigurations resulted in a main level that speaks to a contemporary lifestyle while respecting and celebrating the home’s history. “This house had gorgeous and expansive fenestrations, side porches linking the interiors to the lawn and pool, beautiful stair details, and original oak flooring,” Cherri says. “We did not want to lose any of these historic gems. Instead, we wanted to build on what was there and do it respectfully.”
The main bedroom took the location of the home’s former dining room. Sheers and pleated shades offer privacy while maintaining the light, open feeling.Cherri converted the original kitchen into a spacious bathroom. “The big, leaded-glass window at the freestanding tub was a new addition that paid homage to the Tudor language of the home,” she says.
The decorating magic of designers Richard Tubb and Gary Olivieri also added to the home’s renovate and refresh story. “Painting rooms all the same color makes the home feel fresh,” Richard says. He chose a soft ivory rather than a stark white, which can go blue and cold. “In sunlight, ivory appears as a different color in every room because of the play of the light—much like a strand of antique pearls.” Gary concurs, adding that “many times we paint the walls, trim, and ceilings the same color but use different sheens for contrast. The walls seem to disappear, creating a soft and soothing palette as a backdrop.” And for any owner of an old home, that offers the chance to write your own history on those storied walls.
Garden Scape
Landscape designer Holley Camp opened up this yard and garden to give the home some breathing room. Here’s her advice for refreshing a historic lot.
Prune tall, established trees to let the sunlight in. Underplant with shorter trees such as dogwoods, redbuds, and crepe myrtles.
Brighten up a dark exterior with pea gravel, seen here in the rear courtyard, and light-colored pavers.
Opt for white and light plantings—especially in the shade. Holley chose hues of white and pale blue for the plant palette.
Consider the relationship between indoors and out. “We created outdoor spaces for living in the garden while also making sure we had gorgeous sight lines from every room in the house,” Holley says.
The sunroom, with its olive-green walls, deviates from the interior’s ivory palette to create a cozy cocoon.
Old House, New Tricks
Keep all the character but update your home for today. This home’s design team offers tips that work whether you live in a historic Tudor or a dated rancher.
REARRANGE In older homes, the dining room is often small while the living room is large but not used because there is also a den or keeping room. “I often swap the spaces,” Richard says. “The small, original dining room can easily become an intimate seating area with a sofa and two chairs.”
TOP TO BOTTOM Low ceilings? “Finish your floors in a darker color to make the ceiling seem higher,” Richard says. Soaring ceilings? “A lighter finish on flooring brings ceilings down to a more comfortable height.”
STAND TALL Richard suggests raising kitchen counters from the standard 36-inch height to 37.5 inches from floor to countertop He adds that since most older toilets are low to the ground, it’s a good idea to install a comfort-height toilet for a better fit.
COLOR “I like to use as few colors as possible,” Gary says. Richard agrees: “Sometimes rooms don’t flow well, but you can create a flow by painting all walls the same color.” Both designers suggest painting walls in an eggshell finish, trim in high gloss, and the ceiling flat—all the same hue.
BE PATIENT “Prepare for the unexpected because you never know what you may run in to,” Gary says. “And when you feel like the project will never end, just remember that you will forget all of that when the project is complete and you are enjoying your home.”
END GAME “Be sensitive to the home’s original details, and take your cues from it when possible,” Cherri says. “The intent should be not to be able to tell there was a renovation once it’s complete. It should blend seamlessly with what is there.”
“The new location of the dining room offers spacious seating for 10 guests,” Richard says. The fireplace is believed to be original to the house.
The Legacy of Warren Knight & Davis
William T. Warren, Eugene H. Knight, and John E. Davis formed Warren Knight & Davis in 1921. Over the years, the architecture firm became an integral part of not only the development of Birmingham but also of the state of Alabama—and ultimately much of the Southeast. The trio designed many well-known structures such as the Alabama Power Building, Independent Presbyterian Church, the Country Club of Birmingham, and the Swann House.
RESOURCES Architect: R. Cherri Pitts, AIA, Studio C Architecture Interior Design: Richard Tubb and Gary Olivieri, Richard Tubb Interiors; Landscape Design: Holley Camp, holleygardens
A row of boxwoods divides the garden into two distinct spaces. The fountain side is formal with neatly-trimmed greenery. The area with the rose towers is more free-flowing thanks to an abundance of flowering perennials. Photo by Jean Allsopp
When Sara and Russell Ford purchased their 1926 Tudor almost 25 years ago, they had kids at home and a wish list that included a new kitchen and garden. But, as it usually happens, the children took priority and the home projects turned into “we’ll do it one-of-these-days.” Five years in, the couple managed to create a garden in the side yard, but the back of the house was left to grass and asphalt. Twenty more years in, they knew it was time to take action. “We waited until our kids were out of college before renovating,” Sara says. “Russ and I both believed that if we couldn’t do it right, it wasn’t worth doing.”
Working with designer Linda Beth Martin, the Fords started with a kitchen overhaul. As that project neared completion, they engaged landscape architect John Golightly Wilson for help with the rear view. “The kitchen addition has floor-to-ceiling doors that open to the outdoor space,” John says. “Those doors served as the catalyst to create our dream garden.”
The garden plan started with a conversation as well as John’s early hand sketches. He then turned those sketches into a combination of 3D modeling and computer-generated plans. From there, more ideas evolved, and the final plan unfolded.
With a few parameters from the Fords, John put colored pencil to paper and began sketching a plan—one that would evolve across conversations and shared ideas. “The Fords’ attention to detail—from planning to construction—was a huge part of the success of this garden,” John says. “I also relied on the skills of Fry Construction for the complicated fountain construction, as well as Green Again to install the landscape.”
Garden elements helped define two distinct spaces while uniting them with each other and the home. “There’s a yin and yang happening between the two areas,” says Sara, who studied horticulture at Mississippi State University. “On the fountain side, the only color comes from the purple iris in the spring. Everything else is just green. However, the statue garden is mostly flowers. There’s more color, and the plants get a little wilder and spill out onto the paths.”
In both spaces, John and the Fords carefully considered materials that would fit in with the age of the home. For example, the fountain wall repeats the home’s chert rock foundation while hand-moulded bricks on the fountain and along the paths mimic the home’s exterior.
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Other elements hearken to traditional forms. A symmetrical series of obelisks guide the roses (Rosa Penelope) upward, an arched gate and opening provide garden portals, and a bronze sculpture depicting a girl with a bird in hand offers a modern take on classic garden statuary.
The garden just finished its third growing season, and the Fords continue to enjoy watching it evolve and change with the seasons. Forgoing a regular maintenance service, they prefer to do the work themselves. “Russ and I are both gardeners so we spend a lot of time out there,” says Sara. “Russ painted the fence, gate, and obelisks. And we are always adding and editing. Right now, we’re taming the wild, late-summer look and finding options for fall interest.”
The Fords found the bronze sculpture by Tom Corbin at a gallery in Atlanta. Integrating the piece into the garden design, John centered it on pavers in front of living room windows and surrounded it with four Winter King Hawthorns (Crataegus viridis ‘Winter King’).
“Residential landscape design should complement the personalities and lifestyles of our clients. We strive to create spaces that serve as timeless canvases for outdoor living.”
— John Golightly Wilson
Get to Know John Golightly Wilson
Birmingham native and Clemson graduate John Golightly Wilson, has 25 years of experience in residential landscape architecture and garden design. From tidy courtyard gardens and exterior renovations to master designs for new construction and estates, Golightly Landscape Architecture provides comprehensive and site-specific plans designed to draw clients outside and into the garden.
RESOURCES Landscape architect: Golightly Landscape ArchitectureGeneral contractor: Fry Construction, Inc. Landscape contractor: Green Again, Inc.Masonry: Birmingham StoneFountain: Fountains of Birmingham Brick: Old Carolina Brick Fountain bowl: Design by Golightly Landscape Architecture; carved by Tracery Stone Gate hardware: Brandino BrassPots flanking fountain: Elegant Earth House renovation: Linda Beth Martin Interiors Path lights: Copper Moon
Mississippi State and Auburn graduate Emily Dance is well-versed in Brooklyn and Manhattan, having lived in both. She has worked in the fashion industry at Lele Sadoughi as director of sales and operations for the international and domestic wholesale accessory business, but now she’s switching gears to work as a software engineer sourcer for Google. Emily’s ultimate goal? To be the in-house talent acquisition specialist for a fashion brand.
HOME IS: A four-bedroom apartment in Chelsea that I share with friends. My room is 11 feet by 6 feet, so I sleep in a twin bed next to wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling clothing racks.
CITY ADVENTURE: There’s no better way to see the Statue of Liberty than from the seat of a Jet Ski! Book a guided tour with Sea the City Tours.You’ll ride your own Jet Ski across the East River, around Staten Island and Lady Liberty, and up the Hudson.
BRUNCH: Get to Ruby’s by 10am to beat the crowds (there are three locations). It’s an Australian cafe known for its mix of hearty burgers, pastas, and fresh grain bowls. Get the fried chicken burger with fries and garlic aioli.
LATE LUNCH:American Bar in the West Village offers classic American food with a clubby, English vibe. It is also a hotspot for sighting celebrities.
DINNER: Don Angie, my favorite Italian restaurant in Manhattan, is known for the lasagna for two. It comes cut like slices of a roulade served in a shallow casserole dish topped with cheese and sauce.
LET’S GO SHOPPING:I like to start on Bleecker Street in the West Village. I stop at Maje, LoveShackFancy, Anine Bing, Cynthia Rowley, and local designer Dauphinette, just to name a few. Once I hit Houston Street, I wind through SoHo to check out Kirna Zabête, The RealReal, Zara, and Bloomingdale’s. Madison Avenue favorites include The Westside and Everafter (for kids). Also, it’s hit and miss, but don’t skip the 260 Sample Sale. They have locations in Nomad/Flatiron (260 5th Avenue) and in SoHo on Wooster.
COCKTAILS & LATE NIGHT:Sometimes you have to travel over to Brooklyn to appreciate Manhattan in ALL her glory. Westlight in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn is a rooftop bar at The William Vale hotel. It offers 360-degree views of New York City. Be sure to make reservations beforehand so you can skip the line. After cocktails, head over to Pete’s Candy Store, a Williamsburg local favorite. Different local musicians play on the hour, every hour. Grab a drink, take a seat, and pass a few dollars to the fresh talent serenading you. End your evening at Ponyboy, a funky dance club in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood with the best new and old disco hits around.
STAY:Other than the Plaza Hotel and Lotte Palace, I would recommend The Standard. Both locations (Meatpacking District and NoHo) are superb and in the middle of everything. The service is consistently good, and the rooms are spacious with great views. Tip: Choose your hotel largely based on location and what part of town you want to spend most of your time (up vs. down, east vs. west).
MOST EXCITED ABOUT: $30 for 30 at Lincoln Center! The New York City Ballet offers discounted tickets ($30) for patrons ages 13-30. I cannot wait for live performances to ramp back up.
BROADWAY IS BACK! WHAT SHOULD WE SEE? Mean Girls has the absolute best set design and hilarious pop culture references. Moulin Rouge is all the rage right now. And I am still waiting for the revival of Legally Blonde the Musical.
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE THING TO DO IN THE CITY? Run. I never thought I would say that in a million years!! I picked up running during the pandemic with a local run club, West Village Athletic, just to stay social since we couldn’t do much. We run 3-5 miles and always end with a coffee and chat together at Bluestone Lane. It is the best way to see true ins and outs of the city. We run three different routes per week down the Westside Highway, across the Brooklyn Bridge, and up Central Park. The views never get old, and I have met my best friends through it all!
Delia Folk & Alison Bruhn
Delia Folk moved to NYC in 2014. She worked on the buying team at Barneys before she and her mom, Alison Bruhn, co-founded the lifestyle brand The Style That Binds Us (thestylethatbindsus.com). “It’s a resource for all things style,” Delia says. “We created it so our community can live their most fashionable and fearless life.” Alison, a style and image consultant who studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, lives in Birmingham but travels to New York almost once a month. Here, they share their Big Apple favorites.
HOME IS:A studio apartment in the West Village that currently serves as a live/work space.
TIMELESS TOURIST SPOTS: The permanent and rotating exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art are always interesting. And there’s always something happening at Little Island at Pier 55, the manmade island park supported by 132 pot-shaped sculptures in the Hudson River. Another must-see for some sparkly jewels is the newly reopened Hall of Gems and Minerals at the American Museum of Natural History.
LUNCH:L’Avenue at Saks Fifth Avenue in Midtown has a great balcony that overlooks Rockefeller Center. There’s a private entrance that adds to the mystique of the Philipe Starck-designed dining space.
DRINKS:I love Bemelmans Bar in The Carlyle Hotel on Madison Avenue. The walls are covered in murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the classic Madeline children’s books.
Little Island
DINNER:For something a little different, reserve the gondola at The Lavaux Wine Bar in the West Village. You can imagine you are in the Swiss Alps while grazing on a cheese board or dipping from a fondue pot.
TAKE US SHOPPING:I always find a great new outfit at Bergdorf Goodman or any of the wonderful boutiques in SoHo. Favorites are FARM Rio and A.L.C.
STAY: I like The Mark Hotel for celebrity sightings. (It’s one of Meghan Markle’s favorite places to stay.) The hotel is in a beautiful neighborhood and is consistently ranked #1 by luxury travel brands.
ON MY LIST: The Dior exhibit at The Brooklyn Museum opens September 10th. I also am looking forward to “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” which opens September 18th at The Met. TheMoMA Sculpture Garden is featuring “Alexander Calder: Modern From the Start” through January 15. Tip: If you go at the end of the day, make reservations to eat at The Modern.
WHAT IS ON YOUR LIST FOR EVERY VISITOR? Jazz at The Whitby Bar in The Whitby Hotel (Oprah stays there) from 6 – 9 p.m. on Fridays, sunset drinks on the Cantor Rooftop Garden at The Met, and a meal at BG Restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman.
Julia Roddam
Julia moved to New York in 2019 to intern with Mignonne Gavigan (mignonnegavigan.com). She fell in love with the city and decided to stay. Now, as operations and special projects manager for the fashion jewelry company, Julia loves touting the company’s designs. “Mignonne Gavigan offers unique jewelry to elevate the everyday look, as well as special pieces for events,” she says.
HOME IS:A two-bedroom apartment in the Lower East Side. I recently moved out of a studio to gain extra space for when friends and family come to stay.
WHERE TO FIRST?Whenever family or friends come to town, I like to take them on the F or 6 train to Ralph’s Coffee on the Upper East Side for breakfast (the Greek yogurt with granola and berries paired with an iced latte is my go-to) and then take a walk around Central Park. We typically hit The Met right after since it is so close by. I would also recommend going to Jane’s Carousel in the Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) neighborhood of Brooklyn, not necessarily to ride it but at least to see it. If you can, try and take the ferry to Dumbo. You can’t beat a boat tour for $2.75. While there, stop in at Time Market for the most amazing view of the city and of the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges. And be sure to grab pizza at Juliana’s or a lobster roll from Luke’s Lobster.
WHERE ELSE SHOULD WE EAT? Have lunch at Serafina or Sant Ambroeus. Serafina is perfect if you want to split a couple of pizzas, and they have several locations around the city. Sant Ambroeus has a fantastic shaved brussels sprout salad. For dinner, visit either Aunt Jake’s or Dudley’s. Go to Aunt Jake’s if you haven’t had your fill of Italian food yet. The pasta is all handmade in-house each day, and you can build your own dish by selecting the type of pasta you would like paired with a great sauce. I also suggest trying their gin-and-pear cocktail. If you opt for Dudley’s, order the fried chicken sandwich or a burger. Either one will change your life.
TAKE ME SHOPPING: My go-to for fun jewels for any occasion is always Mignonne Gavigan. I am most definitely biased, but it’s hard not to be when you’re surrounded by it every day. Accessories are the perfect finishing touch and can change up anything you already have in your closet. Feel free to make an appointment to stop by our showroom, or book a virtual appointment through our website. If you want designer finds for a deal, hit Ina on Prince Street in Nolita. Then, head over to Bleecker Street in SoHo. Start at Ulla Johnson and make your way to the West Village, popping into stores as you go. Afterwards, drop by Dante for a cocktail. Their espresso martini is what dreams are made of. They also have a nice list of small plates if you need a snack.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATION: I always point to The Ludlow Hotel in the Lower East Side. It’s a boutique hotel in a great area with amazing views of the city. The coffee shop next door to the hotel has become my morning go-to.
GETTING AROUND:When Covid hit, I definitely adjusted the way in which I get around the city. While I mostly walk everywhere now, the subway is the fastest, cheapest, and most convenient way to get around. If you’re here for a full weekend, get a weekly unlimited card so you won’t have to stress about refilling the value if you swipe more than you anticipate. I like to reserve those Ubers for when my energy is low.
WITH THE CITY OPENING BACK UP, WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT THIS FALL? I can’t wait to get dressed up again and go out more with friends and family. In November, I’m going to a Heather McMahan comedy show. Music Man with Hugh Jackman is hitting Broadway in December. It’s definitely on the top of my list.
Antiques at the Gardens • September 30 – October 3, 2021
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is pleased to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Antiques at the Gardens (AATG) this fall! Presented by IBERIABANK (a Division of First Horizon Bank) and created by a committee of 150 dedicated volunteers, Birmingham’s premier antiques show will include talks by nationally and internationally acclaimed interior designers, floral designers, architects, and landscape architects.
The three-day show welcomes 21 celebrated dealers offering furniture, fine art, vintage and fine jewelry, silver, rugs and textiles, home decor and garden accessories.
Friday, October 1, 11 a.m.
Red Diamond Lecture Series, Sponsored by Red Diamond, Inc.
Charlotte Moss
Christopher Spitzmiller
Mark D. Sikes
Charlotte Moss is known for her timeless aesthetic, layered interiors, southern warmth, and keen eye. Her honors include the New York School of Interior Design’s Centennial Medal and The Royal Oak Foundation’s Timeless Design award. She is named one of Elle Décor’s Grand Master List of Top Designers and is on the Advisory Board of The New York School of Interior Design, where she holds an honorary doctorate degree. In 2022, she will deliver the commencement address for Virginia Commonwealth University, her alma mater. Charlotte has used her experience culled from 35 years of decorating homes to design licensed collections with Century Furniture, Fabricut, Stark Carpet, Pickard, P.E. Guerin, Soicher Marin, IBU Clothing Artemis Design Company, and more. She has published 11 books. Her latest, Charlotte Moss Flowers (Rizzoli, 2021), will soon be followed by Home: A Celebration: Notable Voices Reflect on the Meaning of Home (Rizzoli, 2021) to benefit No Kid Hungry. She is Emerita Trustee of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello; on the Boards of The Bone Marrow Foundation and The Madoo Conservancy; a member of the International Council of Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens; and on the Board of American Corporate Partners, where she mentors veterans.
Friday, October 1, 2 p.m.
Christopher Spitzmiller draws inspiration from classical forms and gem-like colors for his iconic lamp designs. Drenched in bold vibrant rich glazes, the lamps are of timeless appeal and luxurious quality. Currently, Christopher is expanding his designs to table ware and other ceramic accessories. His work is often featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Elle Décor, Departures, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. He has had the honor of making lamps for the current Oval Office and the past two White House administrations.
Friday, October 1, 4 p.m.
Cocktails & Conversation
Mark D. Sikes is known for his all-American sensibilities and fresh takes on classical aesthetics. His interiors have been featured in Architectural Digest, Veranda, Elle Décor, House Beautiful, The Wall Street Journal, C Magazine, Milieu, and Domino, and he is a member of Elle Décor’s A-List. Mark’s first book, Beautiful, was a New York Times best seller. More Beautiful, from Rizzoli, debuted in September 2020.
Saturday, October 2, 11 a.m.
Tastemaker Panel, Presented by Veranda Magazine
Cathy Kincaid
Corey Damen Jenkins
Ken Pursley
Matthew Carter
Cathy Kincaid is highly respected for her sense of color and design and for her commitment to restoring old houses and filling them with traditionally stylish antiques and furnishings. She is a recipient of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s John Staub Award, and her work has been featured in Farrow & Ball: The Art of Color and D. Porthault Linens. In Fall 2019, Rizzoli published The Well-Adorned Home by Cathy Kincaid.
Corey Damen Jenkins mixes vivid colors with layered patterns to create architecturally inspired spaces that are polished, inventive, and unexpected. Magazine cover stories include House Beautiful and Traditional Home. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Detroit News, and Vanity Fair. Corey is a member of Architectural Digest’s AD100. In 2020, he was named to Elle Decor’s A-List. His first book, Design Remix: A New Spin on Traditional Rooms (Rizzoli), was released in March 2021. A son of Detroit, Corey is a tireless advocate for many charities. He resides in New York City.
Ken Pursley is a principal and partner at Charlotte, N.C.-based Pursley Dixon Architecture. An Auburn graduate, Ken credits his interest in residential design to mentor Bobby McAlpine. Firm accolades include Veranda/ADAC architecture firm of the year and Southern Living home of the year. Magazine features include Veranda, Traditional Home, House Beautiful, and Milieu. His book, Finding Home: The Houses of Pursley Dixon, will be publishedthis fall by Rizzoli.
Matthew Carter creates dynamic, timeless interiors. His firm is known for finding life for antiques and heirlooms as well as designing spaces that respect history but feel relevant for today. Although based in Lexington, Kentucky, Matthew has current and recent projects spanning the globe. In January 2021, he was named one of Veranda’s “Next Legends.” His work has been published in House Beautiful, Veranda, Traditional Home, C Magazine, Southern Living, and The New York Times, as well as in books such as Fortuny Interiors by Brian Coleman, Linens: For Every Room and Occasion by Jane Scott Hodges, Kentucky: Historic Houses and Horse Farms of Bluegrass Country by Peter Estersohn, and Beige is Not a Color by Carlos Mata.
Saturday, October 2, 2 p.m.
Fernando Wong, Presented by Flower Magazine
Fernando Wong
Fernando Wong is an internationally recognized landscape designer. He has been called a “design genius with the soul of a poet” by Elle Décor, “one of the most important landscape designers in America” by Architectural Digest, and a “landscape legend” by Forbes. His new television show, “Clipped” with Martha Stewart on the HGTV and Discovery Plus channels, debuted in May 2021. In April, he won the prestigious Palladio Award for his landscape design on a 3-acre, John Volk-designed estate that recently set a Palm Beach record for lakefront when it sold to Charles Schwab for $71 million. Commercial projects include the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club in Miami, the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach, the sculpture garden of the ICA Museum in Miami, the Starwood Luxury Collection Perry Lane Hotel in Savannah, a National Park for the Bahamian Government, and a master plan for the Lyford Cay Club in Nassau.
Sunday, October 3, 11:30 a.m.
Sunday with Suzanne
Suzanne Tucker
Suzanne Tucker believes that by surrounding ourselves with the authenticity of thoughtful design and timeless architecture, we enrich and enhance the quality of our lives. One of the country’s leading interior designers, she is known for her personal approach and enduring style, attention to detail, and passion for architecture and the decorative arts. Architectural Digest has honored her repeatedly on the AD100 list of top designers, and she is included in the Elle Décor A-list. Suzanne and her husband/partner Timothy F. Marks founded Tucker & Marks in 1986. Suzanne Tucker Home was launched in 2010 with textiles, tabletop, and home furnishings. Suzanne’s books include Rooms to Remember, The Classic Interiors of Suzanne Tucker (The Monacelli Press, 2009) and Suzanne Tucker Interiors—The Romance of Design (The Monacelli Press, 2013). A third book is planned for publication in 2022.
Sunday, October 3, 1:30 p.m.
James Farmer, Sponsored by LICOA
James Farmer
James Farmer is a southern author and interior designer known for his ability to create beautifully familiar and welcoming homes. He is the author of The Wall Street Journal best-selling books A Time to Plant, Sip & Savor, Porch Living, Wreaths for All Seasons, A Time to Cook, Dinner on the Grounds, A Time to Celebrate, and A Place to Call Home. His most recent publication, Arriving Home, features design projects from Georgia to Connecticut. His work has been published in Southern Living, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Southern Home, Flower, and more. As a frequent event speaker, James lights up the room with his natural grace and warmth. Whether designing homes or sharing his gardening expertise, he is truly a fresh voice for his generation. James proudly has built his business in his hometown of Perry, Georgia.
For tickets visit bbgardens.org/antiques. Ticket proceeds benefit the nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Follow show announcements and reveals on Facebook and Instagram @antiquesgardensbham.
