In celebration of their new collaborative tableware, Natalie and Cathy Bailey of Heath Ceramics host a party at the Seale, Alabama home of Butch Anthony. The story includes Natalie’s children; Maggie Anthony-Chanin (then nine-years old) and Zach Chanin (then chef of The Factory Café). Makers, artists, friends, and chefs drive and fly many miles to be a part of the day. Bon Appétit features the gathering in their October 2015 issue. The story, entitled “Alabama Getaway,” is a 10-page spread complete with recipes, stories, and celebration.
The roster of guests and collaborators include (in alphabetical order):
Cathy Bailey of Heath Ceramics
Nicholas Pihakis of Jim N’ Nicks Bar-B-Q
Brooks Reitz of Jack Rudy Cocktail Co.
Erin Reitz of The Commons
Rinne Allen, Lee Smith, and family
Jeff and Angie Mosier of Placemat Productions
Will Harris of White Oak Pastures
Chef Rob McDaniel of SpringHouse (and, later, Helen)
Jason Wilson, Brad Wilson, and David Carn of Back Forty Beer Co.
Bob Gay of Papa’s Nubbin’s grocery
Trey and Will Sims of Wickles Pickles
Deepest gratitude goes to Melany and Drew Robinson and Polished Pig Media (now Sprouthouse Agency) team for long-lasting friendships, endless advice, years of press and PR support, and for organizing this feature.
John Henry Toney passed away on October 24, 2019. His spirit, and artwork, will forever be a part of the Alabama Chanin family.
Read the full piece from Bon Appétit here.
Find more from Bon Appétit here.
Slide 1: Buttery Cayenne Pecans and Roasted-Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Toasts, dinnerware by Heath Ceramics, from “Alabama Getaway” by Andrew Knowlton, Bon Appétit magazine, October 2015, photograph by Annabel Mehran
Slide 2: Sour Cream Biscuits and pickled vegetables, dinnerware by Heath Ceramics, appliquéd table runner by Alabama Chanin, from “Alabama Getaway” by Andrew Knowlton, Bon Appétit magazine, October 2015, photograph by Rinne Allen
Slide 3: Friends and family gathered before the meal at Butch Anthony’s home in Seale, Alabama, photograph by Rinne Allen
Slides 4–5: Preparation of Roast Chickens and Sausages, photographs by Rinne Allen
Slide 6: Co-hosts Natalie Chanin and Cathy Bailey of Heath Ceramics, bundled in the sun on the brisk October morning, photograph by Rinne Allen (read more about Natalie’s dear friend Cathy, and the many inspiring projects on which the two have collaborated throughout their friendship)