Chris and Laura Zapalowski, the chefs and co-owners of Homewood Gourmet, strive to keep their dishes fresh and creative while incorporating local and seasonal ingredients. Chris brings the flavor of New Orleans cuisine, while Laura adds a traditional Southern flair to everything she touches.

The Baby Bleu Salad is anything but typical. A creation of previous chef and owner Franklin Biggs, it showcases a lighter side of the South, with flavors that can only be found in nature.

It’s a dish pulled almost exclusively from Alabama’s own backyard, featuring fresh citrus and bright-red strawberries served over a bed of baby greens. The spicy pecans combined with blue cheese pack a punch, while the honey-balsamic vinaigrette pushes this dish into the realm of refreshing perfection.