Chef Merle Phillip was a far cry from Alabama growing up across the bridge from elite Manhattan. Her parents — who were avid travelers –passed a love of different cultures and cuisines on to their daughter.

We are fortunate that the well-trained taste-buds and culinary crafts of Chef Phillip have made their way to the Rocket City.

After relocating to North Alabama with her husband Les Phillip — a former Navy pilot who made a Congressional bid in 2010— the couple began The Budding Chef Cooking School as a project to involve aspiring chefs in the art of cooking. Then, in 2011, Merle and Les Phillip opened The Eaves restaurant in downtown Huntsville.

The Food

The menu offers exotic fare like the ‘Eaves Bistro’– their version of the French croque monsieur — that pairs smoked ham and Gruyere on French bread, then tops it with Bechamel sauce.

If the menu alone does not tempt you, consider what is up next for the do-it-all Chef Phillip: an exciting series of events, which includes the launch of a much-anticipated Valley Room.

New Series

This Friday night Huntsville will have the chance to experience The Eaves like never before with the opening of The Valley Room. Now downtown boasts a second non-smoking venue with specialty cocktails, and this one includes an exclusive appetizer menu and live entertainment.

Kicking it all off is Ndala featuring Ryme who will perform to celebrate the first of many memorable Friday evenings at The Eaves. Happy hour priced drinks will be offered at the launch party, and thereafter every Friday night from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. There is no cover charge, and reservations are recommended but not required.

You’ll also be able to register for upcoming events at the Eaves Friday. Just look for Our Valley Events’ Digital Media Wizard Larkin Grant. She’ll have the OVE iPad!

Homegrown Partnership

That, however, is not enough for the ambitious Chef Phillip. She recently liaised with Homegrown Huntsville to create two specialty events beginning in July and lasting throughout the fall. Ashley Ryals, owner of Homegrown Huntsville said of the collaboration,

“We partnered with The Eaves to provide event consultation and put Merle’s ideas into action. Merle has innovative, out-of-the-box ideas that will make The Eaves a place not only for fine-dining but also where you can come take a painting or dance class, learn how to cook, or come on a Friday night and enjoy live music. The Eaves is exactly the type of clients Homegrown wants to work with, because Merle is helping make downtown a more vibrant place.”

Art with an Appetite

Art With An Appetite is an innovative new class fusing art, imbibing, and cuisine. First, participants paint a wine glass, then they learn a sangria recipe and drink their concoction. Finally, Chef Phillip will demonstrate how to prepare the evening’s meal. The best part is that guests are served the dishes she creates while she teaches the cooking class.

Dates: July 26th, August 30th, September 27th, October 25th
Time: Classes start at 6:00pm
Cost: $45
Registration: Click here or call 256-489-1752

Dinner and Dancing

Dinner & Dancing will transform The Eaves into a ballroom studio. Bring your dancing shoes for a themed evening — ranging from Caribbean to Tango —where guests can expect a different cultural treat at each exposure. At this premiere event you will receive one hour of dance instruction that is followed by a cooking demonstration in the theme of the evening. Classes are limited to 30 people. For example, you could learn to tango and then dine on tapas created in front of you by Chef Merle. [spacer size=”0″]

Dates: August 17th, September 21st, October 19th
Time: Classes start at 6:00pm
Cost: $45
Registration:  Click here or call 256-489-1752