The Slow Food movement and its principles have inspired Alabama Chanin’s commitment to slow fashion. We take their mission of Good, Clean, Fair to heart, as we attempt to make responsibly, grow connections in our community, and espouse sustainable practices. In order to further these beliefs, we look to build relationships with others who want the same basic things. One of the most gratifying and successful ways we have built these communities is through our Friends of the Café dinner series. It is nearly impossible to believe, but this series is now five years old. Over the years, we have been lucky to host the following chefs and their teams:

2014: Chris Hastings, Vivian Howard, Ashley Christensen, Jim N’ Nick’s BBQ’s Nick Pihakis and Drew Robinson

2015: Lisa Donovan and Angie Mosier, Anne Quatrano, Rob McDaniel

2016: Frank and Pardis Stitt, Rodney Scott, Adam Evans, Sean Brock

2017: Scott Peacock, Ashley Christensen, Asha Gomez

2018: Steven Satterfield, Rebecca Wilcomb, John Currence with Eric Solomon, Kelly English and Cameron Razavi

We have also hosted Pableaux Johnson for his Red Beans and Rice Roadshow and began a Supper Club series, featuring our own café chefs and other community food experts.

To honor the element of community that is central to our mission, the proceeds from each of our dinners have been donated to the Southern Foodways Alliance. Our company feels a kinship with the SFA and Natalie has a personal connection to the organization, so partnering with them is a natural fit. We hope to continue our relationship with the organization for years to come.

We will be announcing the lineup for our 2019 Friends of the Café dinners and other café events next week. Stay tuned as Alabama Chanin makes a place at the table for each of you.