Teen Mortgage’s decision to schedule a tour through SXSW booking congestion came with its share of complications. Shortly before departure, we were notified our Atlanta show had fallen through but our booking team had secured a last minute gig in Alabama. We were to perform at Birmingham Bandstand, an open mic style event held at a bar called The Nick that sometimes features touring acts. The opportunity was approached with some understandable skepticism. But from years of DIY touring, I’ve learned to keep an open mind and salvage what we can from every show, you never know who will be there and what relationships you might create. The Nick proved no exception. In attendance that evening was JP Holland, owner and executive chef of The Fig and Watkins Branch Bourbon and Brasserie.

We met Mr. Holland while awaiting our set. He informed us he was excited to see us come to Birmingham and said, “You have no idea how much you guys get played in our kitchens.”  It never gets old to learn our art is out there connecting with people I’ve never met. I feel an obligation in that relationship to never phone-in a performance.  Even if just Mr. Holland was in the audience, he deserves nothing less than our best effort for his time. Happy to say, he was not only satisfied with our service but reciprocated with his own gesture of appreciation, saying, “I know you guys probably want to go back and get some rest before you hit the road… but if you want…. I’ll head back to the restaurant, fire up the grill and cook you one hell of a steak.”  Even if I had to get up at 5 a.m. there was no chance I was passing up the opportunity to live out our own VICE Munchies episode.  

In the darkness, The Fig Tree resembles an unassuming ranch style house.  We could have easily driven right past it if we had not been warned this was the case. As we made our way into the rear parking lot, my excitement intensified noticing numerous large planter boxes lining the side. We followed the stairs towards the only lit room and let ourselves in. Inside we were met with the cozy dining area containing four tables and a handful of stools at the bar. We later learned that we were standing in the original restaurant which has expanded to several other rooms and outdoor dining areas. Being that we were there after hours, menus, receipts and other bookkeeping elements of the day were laid out. JP appeared from the kitchen and offered us several adult beverages and asked how we prefer our steaks cooked before retreating back to operations. I looked trying to put The Fig ethos together in my head and with each minute the picture grew into focus making JP’s culinary passion more evident. He re-emerged at one point holding a massive cluster of chestnut mushrooms he enthusiastically explained are grown for The Fig in Auburn, Alabama.   

Our excitement was palpable when the plates arrived. What laid before us was more than an artfully crafted meal. Without a shred of exaggeration, the New York strip he prepared is one of the best steaks of my life. It came draped over a bed of fingerling potatoes, asparagus and stalks from the aforementioned mushrooms wading in a shallow pool of auburn demi glace. It was an elegantly balanced meal, unpretentious and familiar but distinctly elevated. We enjoyed it paired with conversation with the chef, bonding over life, a shared love of heavy music and third shift war stories from his tenure at Waffle House.

I see JP’s restaurant as an extension of his person, an embodiment of the part of his personality and creativity he chooses to share with the community. The Fig’s own website describes it as southern classics with a modern twist. Evidenced by the planters in the parking lot, The Fig commits at extraordinary lengths to sourcing farm-to-table ingredients. JP explained during the pandemic they even participated in a breeding program to keep a nearly extinct bloodline of pigs from dying out.  I would go so far to recommend going out of your way to visit either of his establishments based on the chef alone. His cuisine more than matches his charm. I’ll be looking for any excuse to visit my new friend in Birmingham, whenever I get the chance.   

Ed Barakauskas is the drummer in Teen Mortgage. Their newest single, “Sick Day,” is available on all streaming platforms.

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