Get Insider Knowledge From Some of Our Favorite Local Chefs!
Vassilli (Bill) Bouloukos, Chef/Managing Partner
The Happy Catering Company
What’s the best way to cook a steak at home?
Steak is the most unappreciated protein. We cook it to death. Of course, my family and I battle between "too bloody and too done," but you can please both. First of all, make sure to but a steak that is at least 1-1 1/2 thick. I like a boneless steak, ribeye or a New York strip (salt and pepper steaks at least a few hours before cooking). First, preheat a cast iron skillet with some butter on the stovetop. At the same time preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Once butter starts smoking, place steaks on pan and cook each side for a crisp outside texture to sear in the flavors. Once seared, transfer pan with steaks into oven. Then, use a thermometer to select your choice of wellness. I like to let my steak rest before slicing. But remember, a hot steak is a great steak.
What’s your favorite fast food?
Wow...you know, I get anxiety at drive through fast food lines. We try to eat healthy, but, on some occasions, nothing beats a great Milo’s burger and fries.
Who has the best pizza in town?
Man, tough question...Davenport’s, Slice...but in my neighborhood of Homewood, it has to be the Pizzeria GM by the Gianmarco’s guys. It’s very authentic with new combinations every week.
Favorite under-the-radar spot in Birmingham?
Giuseppe’s Café in Southside.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when cooking at home for guests?
Overseasoning foods and over cooking.
What’s your favorite dish to make for houseguests?
We love fresh seafood. There’s nothing better than some great shellfish and fresh halibut.
What’s your one ‘can’t-live-without’ kitchen utensil?
Easy one...my wine tool! It makes cooking much more fun. A little in the pot and a little in the chef. Opa!
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Jorge Castro, Chef/Owner
Cantina Tortilla Grill
What’s the best way to cook a steak at home?
With the company of the family, grill, cook out, etc.
What’s your favorite fast food?
Zaxby's
Who has the best pizza in town?
Slice and Bettola
Favorite under-the-radar spot in Birmingham?
Marty's GM and Sushi Village
What’s the biggest mistake people make when cooking at home for guests?
Letting other people get involved
What’s your favorite dish to make for houseguests?
Baked chicken with bacon and veggies
What’s your one ‘can’t-live-without’ kitchen utensil?
A good knife
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Jennifer Mims, Owner
Real & Rosemary, Caveat Coffee
What’s the best way to cook a steak at home?
Marinate the steak as early as possible with salt so it will tenderize. Be sure to let it rest after cooking for the best flavor.
What’s your favorite fast food?
Chick-Fil-A
Who has the best pizza in town?
Bettola
Favorite under-the-radar spot in Birmingham?
Masaman Thai Kitchen
What’s the biggest mistake people make when cooking at home for guests?
Underestimating the time needed to cook a complete meal. Prep vegetables the night before to save time and allow yourself an extra hour the day of your event.
What’s your favorite dish to make for houseguests?
In the winter, I make white chicken chili. It’s also available by the quart at Real and Rosemary!
What’s your one ‘can’t-live-without’ kitchen utensil?
A good set of knives is key. My favorite is an 8” Shun chef knife.
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Katie Strickland, Owner/Creator
What’s the best way to cook a steak at home?
Marinate the steak in a mix of soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried basil, dried parsley, pepper, hot sauce, and fresh garlic. Keep in fridge for up to 8 hours. Add butter to a cast iron skillet over medium high heat and add the steak to hot butter. Let it sear for 2 minutes (don’t touch it!). Flip the steak, add more butter underneath, and sear for 2 more minutes. Keep adding butter and turn every 30 seconds until it cooks to medium rare - it will take about 5-10 minutes!
What’s your favorite fast food?
Hands down - Chick-Fil-A! Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Except I always crave it on Sundays!
Who has the best pizza in town?
Vecchia Pizzeria in the Preserve in Hoover!
Favorite under-the-radar spot in Birmingham?
Hotbox at Parkside - an adorable airstream on the back patio of the bar!
What’s the biggest mistake people make when cooking at home for guests?
Not planning ahead, rushing and having a dirty kitchen when people arrive! Cooking dinner for guests is a process. You’ve got to plan the meal, shop for your recipes and plan the cooking process to make sure everything is coming out of the oven or stovetop at the right time, while still giving you time to clean up! The only time this wouldn’t matter is if you’re wealthy enough to have a “Work Kitchen” and an entertaining kitchen!
What’s your favorite dish to make for houseguests?
Salmon Cakes with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette is always a huge hit - but if you want something even the kids will like, make Chicken & Dumplings!
What’s your one ‘can’t-live-without’ kitchen utensil?
A really nice knife and heavy wooden cutting board! Oh, and a well seasoned cast iron skillet.
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Mac Russell, Executive Chef/Owner, Good Soil Group
Whistling Table/SmoothRock Cafe/Shindigs Catering LLC
What’s the best way to cook a steak at home?
I prefer 2" porterhouses and I keep them in the freezer for when we are in the mood. You can bring it out of the freezer straight into the pan. I sear it in my grandmama's cast iron in garlic mushroom-infused olive oil. I sear the one side until a dark caramel color. When you flip it over, throw into a 400 degree preheated oven and let it go for 7 minutes. Then I take it out, put it back on the gas top, add a clove of garlic and thyme, 5 tablespoons of butter and let melt and turn brown. Then, butter baste the steak until all the edges are caramelized and crunchy.
What’s your favorite fast food?
My favorite fast food is Miss Dot's Hot Mac Attack with Brussels Sprouts Slaw
Who has the best pizza in town?
Mafioza's GetAway and I add fresh garlic
Favorite under the radar spot in Birmingham?
The Pit for their Breakfast sandwich
What’s the biggest mistake people make when cooking at home for guests?
The biggest mistake is not keeping it simple, or, not hiring Shindigs!
What’s your favorite dish to make for houseguests?
Late night or breakfast food
What’s your one ‘can’t-live-without’ kitchen utensil?
My chef's knives
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Tyler Smith, Restaurant Manager
Iron City Grill
What’s the best way to cook a steak at home?
Seared in a cast-iron skillet then finished in the oven!
What’s your favorite fast food?
Arby’s
Who has the best pizza in town?
Slice for quality and creativity, Alfredo's on Green Springs for price
Favorite under-the-radar spot in Birmingham?
Original Pancake House
What’s the biggest mistake people make when cooking at home for guests?
Always timing!
What’s your favorite dish to make for houseguests?
Something new
What’s your one ‘can’t-live-without’ kitchen utensil?
Spoons…that’s the only answer
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Diane Olexa, Chef/Owner
Olexa's
What’s the biggest mistake people make when cooking at home for guests?
The biggest mistake people make is trying to bake and ice a cake for guests the same day they are entertaining. It is best to bake a cake the day before so the flavors have time to marry. This gives time for the cake to set and not fall apart. Cakes always taste better the next day!
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