Homewood Gourmet

Chris and Laura Zapalowski are the co-owners and chefs of Homewood Gourmet. Chris brings his love of New Orleans cuisine and heritage while Laura implements her classic Southern food style to their Homewood establishment. The Zapalowskis purchased Homewood Gourmet from its founder Chef Franklin Biggs in May 2010. They strive to keep Chef Franklin’s fresh, creative approach to food while incorporating as many local and seasonal products as possible. Chris grew up in New Orleans where he developed his passion for food and cooking. He has worked for Chef Anne Kearney while she was at Peristyle, for Chef Emeril Lagasse at Emeril’s Restaurant, and Chef Chris Hastings of the Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, Alabama. Laura is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and began her culinary career at Homewood Gourmet under Chef Franklin Biggs. She attended Samford University and The Institute of Culinary Education in New York City and has worked for The Food Network, Southern Living Magazine, Emeril’s Restaurant and Emeril’s Homebase as well as the Hot and Hot Fish Club. The Zapalowskis are members of The Southern Foodways Alliance, Slow Food Birmingham, Slow Food Crossroads and The Birmingham Originals. They live in Birmingham with their son, Ellis.

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