On this very special episode of Kitchen Chat: A Taste of Luxury, History and Hospitality, host Margaret McSweeney takes us on a sweet, very personal journey home. Broadcasting from the vibrant culinary heart of her beloved hometown, Birmingham, Alabama, Margaret has a Kitchen Chat with Leigh Sloss-Corra, the dynamic Executive Director of The Market at Pepper Place. Margaret and Leigh are both members of Les Dames d’Escoffier and first met during the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) conference in Birmingham. Margaret serves on the board for IACP.

Here’s a look at our video chat:

The Market at Pepper Place is celebrating its 25th anniversary and is a thriving farmer’s market place which serves as the city’s epicurean epicenter. The Market at Pepper Place is a brilliant example of striking the perfect balance between urban renewal and a testament to the power of local Southern food roots and artisans Birmingham is world renowned for. Leigh’s sister, Cathy Sloss Jones was an integral part of launching this farmers’ market along with Chef Frank Stitt and Chef Franklin Biggs who realized that something needed to be done to ensure the ongoing viability of Alabama farmers and locally sourced food. Each weekend, guests can enjoy a cooking demo. Margaret was quite impressed with the international flavors at this market. A native of Nepal, Prarthana Pandey, owner of Dalle Momo cooked dumplings and flavorful dipping sauces to sample.

Margaret and her childhood friend, Melanie sipped refreshing Thai Tea and Butterfly Pea Tea from Tay’s Tea.

In a conversation that beautifully encapsulates the show’s pillars, Margaret and Leigh explore the rich History of the Pepper Place district, its transformation from an industrial hub to a culinary focused cultural landmark.

Many thanks to Great British Tea Party for sharing this post. Something that the GBTP community will love is that the Birmingham Museum of Art owns the largest collection of Wedgewood outside of England. Definitely a great place to visit on a trip to Alabama.

What is your favorite feature at your favorite farmers’ market?

Savor the day!

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