Birmingham Welcomes Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark for Cookbook Launch Events
This weekend in Birmingham, local food enthusiasts and fans of culinary excellence will have the chance to meet Kelsey Barnard Clark, the renowned chef and winner of Season 16 of “Top Chef.” Clark is back in the Magic City for two exciting events surrounding the release of her latest cookbook, “Southern Get-Togethers: A Guide to Hosting Unforgettable Gatherings.”
Kickoff Event at Helen
The first event will take place on Friday, November 1, starting at 4 p.m. at Helen, located at 2013 Second Avenue North in downtown Birmingham. This cocktail hour will feature an engaging conversation between Clark and Betsy Cribb Watson from Southern Living, offering a unique perspective into Clark’s culinary journey and the inspiration behind her new cookbook.
Tickets for this event are available for purchase and include a signed copy of the cookbook, providing both a delightful discussion and a keepsake for attendees. Given Clark’s popularity, those interested are encouraged to secure their tickets soon.
Cooking Demo at Pepper Place
The weekend festivities continue on Saturday, November 2, when Clark will host a free cooking demonstration at The Market at Pepper Place. The demo will start at 9 a.m. and is expected to draw a crowd eager to see Clark in action, showcasing one of the recipes from “Southern Get-Togethers.” Additionally, attendees have the opportunity to purchase copies of the cookbook on-site, which Clark will happily sign.
The Pepper Place farmers market is located at 2829 Second Avenue South in Birmingham and operates from 7 a.m. to noon, providing plenty of time for shopping and enjoying local produce before the demo begins. This supportive community space is known for promoting local vendors while connecting residents with fresh and high-quality food options.
About the Cookbook
Clark’s new cookbook, “Southern Get-Togethers,” is her second publication. Following her first book “Southern Grit: 100+ Down-Home Recipes for the Modern Cook,” released in 2021, this latest offering focuses on practical and delightful ways to host a variety of gatherings. From backyard barbecues to gameday parties and tailgate events, the book features an array of recipes and hosting tips to inspire home cooks.
Among the recipes included is Clark’s much-talked-about smoked brisket, which she shared with local outlets earlier this fall. The new cookbook aims not only to share delicious recipes but also to create memorable experiences for friends and family coming together.
Clark’s Achievements
In addition to her “Top Chef” victory, Clark was recently recognized as a 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: South, sharing this honor with Rob McDaniel of Helen. Clark’s restaurant, KBC, located in Dothan, Alabama, has garnered rave reviews for dishes such as the Burnt Ends Melt—a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
This weekend is a wonderful opportunity for Birmingham residents and visitors to support a local culinary talent and learn more about creating their own memorable gatherings. Attendees at both events can look forward to delicious food inspiration and a chance to engage with one of Alabama’s finest chefs.
For those looking to refine their entertaining skills, Clark’s events promise to be both educational and enjoyable, showcasing the warmth and heart of Southern hospitality.
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
