6 minute read
FOOD
from 6.2.22
COMPTON COMES ALIVE
Busy Homewood Chef Jeffrey Compton Takes Home Alabama Seafood Cook-Off Crown; Set to Open New Restaurant
By Ally Morrison
Jeffrey Compton was just taking his cooking back to his roots when he won the 7th Annual Alabama Seafood CookOff on May 18.
Compton, executive chef at a new restaurant opening in Homewood called The Battery, grew up in Destin, Florida, eating fresh seafood and produce from the Gulf region.
“The competition entailed using Alabama gulf seafood along with Alabama produce to highlight the Alabama way of doing things when it comes to seafood,” Compton said.
“I feel like I represent Alabama culture and Alabama seafood well,” he continued. “I grew up on the gulf coast in Destin, and I’ve lived in Alabama for almost seven years now. Not only do I know the gulf and seafood, I know fresh farmers and produce from across the region and I feel like I can represent their food properly.”
The competition, sponsored by Alabama Gulf Seafood, pitted Compton against three other chefs. It was held at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, where the terrace provided the chefs a beach backdrop while they prepared their dishes.
Compton’s winning dish was a butterpoached redfish along with new potato and blue crab salad, spring vegetables, herbs and lemon bay aioli.
Compton will advance to the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans on Aug. 6, where chefs across the nation will compete for the title of top seafood chef in America.
He Did Quit His Day Job
Compton moved from Destin to Alabama when he was 22 to study accounting at Southern Union State Community College. While in college, he worked for chef David Bancroft part time at Acre in Auburn.
He soon realized he didn’t want to sit behind a desk for the rest of his days, so he switched career paths.
“I love the chaos a little bit too much to have that be my everyday routine,” Compton said. “I feel like that’s what organizes me, some of that chaos. Plates crashing, people yelling and cooking for 300 people a day, that’s what I enjoy.”
Compton said his favorite meal to cook is a whole roasted flounder with a brown butter baking sauce.
Compton’s most notable cooking experience happened in the past two years with the filming of a Food Network television show.
“I was recently on Food Network for ‘Vegas Chef Prizefight,’” Compton said. “I was in Las Vegas for almost six weeks shooting six episodes. I was a finalist and made it to the last episode.”
Hosting the show was chef and television personality Anne Burrell, with co-host Scott Conant, a celebrity chef, restaurateur and cookbook author.
Courtesy
Jeffery Compton is part of the team preparing to open a restaurant in Homewood called The Battery in the spot on Central Avenue where the Little Donkey used to be.
Opening The Battery
Compton is part of the team preparing to open a restaurant in Homewood called The Battery in the spot on Central Avenue where the Little Donkey used to be.
“I’ve been a part of this team for about a year,” Compton said. “We’re just now getting into our building after completely renovating it. We’re hoping to open in about a month.”
When asked to describe the atmosphere of the new establishment, Compton narrowed it down to two words: sophisticated and Southern.
“We’re a sophisticated Southern bar and grill,” Compton said. “The food will be both upscale and casual. People can expect a bar and grill feel, lively atmosphere, fun drinks, great food and tons of appetizers.”
Compton said the favorite part of his new endeavor is getting to know the Homewood community.
“I’ve met some of the community in the past couple of months through doing events with our owner, Ben Chappell, and I’m ready to continue to grow and keep relationships alive,” he said.
FOODIE NEWS
Summer’s Bounty
Farmers Markets Offer Fresh Food and Local Crafts Throughout the Summer
Family fun at The Market at Pepper Place on May 21, from left, Lindsay, Coco, Blake and Poppy Shipp.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
The Market at Pepper Place
Birmingham’s largest weekly farmers market takes place every Saturday morning. It offers patrons goods from local farmers, food producers, artists and chefs and entertainment from local musicians. When: Saturdays, 7 a.m.-noon. Where: 2829 Second Ave. South, at Pepper Place.
Market Day at Glenwood
Happening every Thursday during spring and summer, Glenwood’s main campus fills with local growers and makers at each Market Day. Residents and staff at Glenwood take part, too, giving residents real-world experience. The market is open rain or shine. When: Thursdays, 3-6:30 p.m. Where: 150 Glenwood Lane.
Vestavia Hills Farmers Market
Held every Wednesday through Aug. 28, the Vestavia Hills Farmers Market is an outreach ministry of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, created to bring local crafts and seasonal goods to the community. When: Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: 741 Montgomery Highway, Scout Square.
Levite Jewish Community Center Brings Back Food and Culture Festival
The Jewish Food and Culture Festival returned May 15 after a two-year break, hosted by Levite Jewish Community Center.
Attendees learned about the Jewish culture, increasing their knowledge of the food, dance and faith. The event also included live music, improv comedy, bounce houses, a climbing wall and an all-day petting zoo.
Proceeds from the event will benefit LJCC’s Jewish programming, which spans from clubs to theater programs.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
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FAMER’S MARKETS
From page 17
West Homewood Farmers Market
This popular farmers market is held every Tuesday in June and July, and the first Tuesday in August. It features some of the region’s favorite food trucks, local farms and live music. When: Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Where: 160 Oxmoor Road.
Ross Bridge Farmers Market
Enjoy local produce, live music and kids’ activities every Friday from May 13 to July 29. Food trucks, vendors and live music are among Ross Bridge’s many festivities. When: 4-8 p.m. Where: 2101 Grand Avenue, Hoover.
Andy’s Farm Market
Tables full of vine ripened tomatoes, Chilton County peaches and Silver Queen corn are just some of the favorites that keep customers coming back to Andy’s Farm Markets. When: Mondays through Saturdays, various hours. Where: Andy’s garden center and nursery locations in Vestavia and Hoover.
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