Calabama - The Pop Up Run by a Southern Girl in a Cali World

You never know how much you need a good southern meal to remind of you a world that exists far outside of LA, where the hustle isn't quite as crazy and a home cooked meal is always on the table waiting for you. Bringing some southern roots and a passion to see people connect and bond over food, we met up with Cara Haltiwanger to hear about how she brought that southern charm by the way of food to our larger than life, City of Angels. 

Were you born and raised in Los Angeles? If not, what coerced you to pack up your life and relocate?

I was born and raised in Alabama. Birmingham is my birthplace, but I spent most of my time in Mobile and Gulf Shores, AL. I moved to LA when I was 24. While a senior in college, I ended up taking a road trip to LA from Alabama and completely fell in love. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to be in California. I graduated college, packed up all my stuff, and moved out here not knowing anyone. My only goal at the time was to try and survive in this big ass city. I haven't left since.

The name Calabama has such a homey, Southern-fusion ring to it. How did it come about?

My pop up restaurant, plus our line of hot sauce and bbq sauce, is called Calabama. To me it means, a Southern girl living in a Cali world. And my tag line, "keep comin home" is to remind folks of where they come from and what home means to them. 

What inspired you to create pop-up foodie shops throughout LA and how would you describe the process of it all?

My inspiration for pop up shops came from my desire to not only work for myself, but to create a sense of community, something I find myself always wanting more of in huge place like LA. I love to feed people, and I love to have people connect and bond over food. This pop up thing has accidentally become the most amazing way to meet and connect with people in my community, I would have otherwise never met.

The process of it all has been unconventional to say the least! I've made a TON of mistakes, tried a million different things and recipes, and have been humbled by all of it.  My path is definitely my own. For a long time, I felt like what I was doing wasn't enough, or that it had to be more complicated, more elaborate, to get people's attention. Turns out, that isn't true.

The name and the food are reminiscent of country warmth. Has that been a goal to bring those qualities to this massive city?

Yes, my style of food and the name all come from my childhood memories, experiences, and time with my family. Both of my parents are AMAZING cooks and come from other amazing cooks. Almost every single recipe I use is a family recipe. I riff on some of them, but most of the time, I don't change anything. I'm convinced the simplicity of my cooking is what makes it a success. Plus, I like preserving them as they are, instead of updating them. All of my inspiration stems from home and family, and bringing a sense of that to LA through food.

What would you say to young entrepreneurs settling here that may feel a bit out of water?

I would say to the young folks, especially youth that are coming to LA from somewhere else; just pick your path and stay on it. If you know your passion, don't deviate from it, and don't let anyone tell you HOW to do anything. There isn't one right way. Pick one thing, believe in it, and do it well. Also, it's ok to feel out of place. It could be the exact thing that sets you apart.

OK, lastly, we’ve heard and experienced the sensation of your breakfast sandwiches at West Hollywood’s Coffee Coffee espresso shop. Where else can we find your grill and when?

My pop up schedule for now is:

  WED @ Mojo Cafe 

  FRI @ Misson Workshop LA

  SAT/SUN @ CoffeeCoffee

*All pop ups are from 8am until noon or I run out. 

Follow Cara and find out all locations/address and times of pop ups on Calabama's instagram - @calabama