Birmingham Highlight: Cannella Gelato

After several trips to Italy, the founders of Cannella Gelato knew that Birmingham needed a taste of European escape. This local sugar haven originally opened it’s doors in the Brookwood Mall and have since relocated to one of the most beloved streets in Downtown Birmingham, Morris Avenue. You can now satisfy your sweets craving in one of Bham’s newest retail and residential developments, Mercantile on Morris. 

Photo Credit: Cannella Gelato

The aromatics do the talking when you enter Cannella Gelato. The shop is dressed in an array of fairy lights and feels incredibly special. Between their Everyday Signature flavors and their Seasonal selections, we sampled a little bit of everything. Every month is graced with a fresh lineup of seasonal flavors, giving you the opportunity to always try something new. Cannella Gelato prides themselves in using only all-natural ingredients, sourced locally as often as possible. We loved how they also provide treats on the counter for your fur babies - desserts for everyone!

The Bustle team’s current favorite flavors are Chocolate, Mint Cookies and Cream, and Cereal Milk. The chocolate gelato is so beautifully decadent and rich in flavor - instant comfort!

We know Mint flavored ice cream can be a polarizing flavor. You either love it or absolutely cannot stand it. For us, the marriage of Mint and Cookies and Cream is heaven. A perfectly fresh summer flavor. But, all the commotion goes to Cereal Milk. This flavor is a homage to one of the most cherished breakfast cereals of all time, Cinnamon Toast Crunch. You cannot get any better than that!

Photo Credit: Cannella Gelato

Cannella Gelato is the perfect date night delicacy. For couples that want to fulfill their inner child, we highly recommend getting dessert first then walking down Morris Avenue to Carrigan’s for cocktails and some of the best bites.

Visit Cannella’s website for their current lineup of Gelato mastery.

Date Night Done Right's Guide to the BEST Date in Birmingham

This week we are thrilled to introduce Joseph and Alex Bowker, the couple that is masterfully behind Date Night Done Right. Even though Joseph and Alex are from the same hometown, their paths didn’t cross until they met at The University of Alabama eight years ago. From the beginning, dating has been a significant cornerstone in their relationship and helped keep the ever-cherished spark alive.

“We love coming up with new, fun, and exciting ways to spend time together.”

— Joseph and Alex: Date Night Done Right

Most of us cut our teeth on the hope that we could find a lover that helps us ignite that giddy excitement time and time again - thanks Disney. We admire Date Night Done Right because they understand that the beauty of romance is in the intentionality. From cozy date nights at home to fun escapades around town, Date Night Done Right has a curated feed of date nights for all. Today, Alex and Joseph are taking us on their personal favorite kind of couples excursion, a progressive dinner around our favorite city. Join us as we take a romantic culinary tour around some of the most coveted spots in Birmingham!

DRINKS

The Bowkers suggest dawning off date night at Juniper for drinks. Our Bustle team also has a big crush on Juniper. (If you would like to see our full review, you can visit that blog post here.) The duo recommends the Buzz Word cocktail - truly one of the best gin drinks in Bham! Juniper also has a beautiful menu of mocktails for anyone who wants to go sans alcohol. Almost as essential as the bubbly, you can’t leave the restaurant without a quick photo sesh on the gold patterned swing in front of their gorgeous botanical wall.

Images by Mary Fehr and Juniper

APPETIZERS

Next, head to Ovenbird for appetizers. Their small plates are easily shareable and make for the perfect starter. Just as the Beef Fat Candle and Snapper Throat are Chris Hastings’ favorites on the menu, they are the Bowker’s favorites too! There is something for every culinary palate at Ovenbird. The small plate selection feels special every time.

Photos by Ovenbird Birmingham.

ENTREES

Photos by Helen Birmingham

Then, enjoy the main course at Helen, one of Esquire’s “best new restaurants in the U.S.” Pick from a variety of beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and seafood options. The Bowker’s go-tos are always the Coulotte and Seafood A La Plancha. Helen is a refreshed take on classic dining that pays homage to the restaurant owner’s memories cooking over the hardwood coals and smoke of his grandmother’s indoor grill. A sentimental taste to savor.

DESSERTS

End this cinematic evening with dessert at Bottega. Anyone with a love for sweets has not had a complete meal until they’ve eaten the coconut-pecan cake. The interior and exterior at Bottega is what all our date night dreams are made of. The lighting and decor is an open invitation for romance. All you need is a little dose of sugar to spark some coquettish conversation.

Photos by Bottega Birmingham

Visit Date Night Done Right on instagram to view their endless showcase of dating ideas. They also offer personalized date planning services tailored to each couple based on their needs and preferences. These services can be found on their website. The Bowkers love inspiring couples to never stop dating and live their best life together! 

Birmingham Highlight: Sidewalk Film

“I have a very simple definition of a good movie: a good movie makes you forget you’re watching a movie.”

— Michael Cimino

Sidewalk Film is undeniably one of the most sacred gems in downtown Birmingham. Located just downstairs from the beloved Pizitz food hall, this theatre has the unrivaled ability to make all who enter feel like an angsty teenager in their own coming-of-age story.

Most of us can remember what it felt like going to our hometown movie theatre for the first time in our adolescence. The neon lights and fresh popcorn felt like freedom. Who knew that the smell of overly buttered corn kernels would make us feel so powerful. Sidewalk Film embodies that emotion. The intimate setting and nostalgic decor excavate reminders of serotonin filled summers that we forgot existed. Not to mention their curated movie lineup is the best in the city. If you’re craving indie cinematic glory, this is the place to be. Sidewalk is the “cool older sister” for all of us. We guarantee that you’ll be sitting in your seat and pondering life for a minimum of 10 minutes after each film. 

Sidewalk Film began as a local film festival in 1998. For over two decades, this Birmingham based festival has been THE event. Filmmakers eagerly travel across the country every year to screen their work amongst enthusiastic crowds who are eager to devour independent cinema. The founders of Sidewalk wanted those thought-provoking moments to last longer than one week out of the year. Thus, Sidewalk Film & Cinema was born. Now we can get a cinematic hit of endorphins every weekend from Birmingham’s only non-profit theatre. Their heart is to provide a place of community and inclusion for all. From filmmakers to film lovers, we all need a safe space to escape.

Photo Credit: Sidewalk Film

Sidewalk is top tier for those looking to spice up date night or chill with friends. We highly recommend catching a movie then venturing upstairs to Pizitz for cocktails and poke bowls after. Visit their website to check out their weekly showings or get more information about their upcoming Film Festival in August!