Meet Kristen Farmer Hall: Harvest Wine & Food Festival

Kristen headshot

“The Essential was named as such because we wanted to be an everyday part of life in downtown Birmingham - an all-day cafe that was essential to your day.”

Meet Chef Kristen Farmer Hall, owner of Birmingham’s hottest new café, The Essential. You can meet Chef Kristen and try some of her incredible pastries at the Al Fresco Reserve Tasting and in the VIP tent at Harvest Wine & Food Festival this October! 

What are you most known for? I'm most known for pastries that are modern, yet nostalgic. I love to create things that are bring both comfort and curiosity.

When did you know you wanted to be a chef? I often say that sometimes things choose you, and pastry definitely chose me. I left a career in fundraising and community relations to pursue pastry.

What’s an ingredient that you can’t live without? Salt! Salt is such an important ingredient in pastry.

What’s your favorite wine pairing? My favorite wine pairing is a butter croissant and a glass of Pinot Blanc.

What’s the inspiration behind your restaurant names? The Essential was named as such because we wanted to be an everyday part of life in downtown Birmingham; an all-day cafe that was essential to your day. Bandit is named after our very first venture in pastry. My daughters and I became known as the "Baking Bandits" when we would leave treats of baked goods on neighbors’ doorsteps.

What are you most proud of accomplishing throughout your career? I'm most proud of the work we are doing to build a challenging, yet positive work environment in our restaurants.

The 3rd Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival returns to WaterColor October24 - 26.

Purchase Tickets 

Published on Monday, September 16, 2019

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