Chef Austin Sumrall of White Pillars restaurant in Biloxi
It may be cold outside this winter even here in the Deep South, but there are plenty of things to do in Mississippi to keep you busy – and warm!
Before we get to our top picks for your January calendar, there are a few “need to know” things happening around the state like…
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- Fine & Dandy led by Chef Jesse Houston and Ray Scott Miller is now open at The District at Eastover in Jackson. Their menu features a variety of gourmet burgers made from house-ground beef on homemade buns. Here’s a tip: You must save room for one of their homemade shakes. Fine & Dandy is open Monday – Thursday, from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and on Sunday from 11 a.m – 9 p.m.
- The Bank by Pizza Shack has opened in Clinton, Mississippi. Jacksonians have long been a fan of these signature pizzas piled high with epic toppings. A new twist on the local concept has recently opened in a tiny former bank location at 200 W. Leake St in downtown Clinton. Hours are Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Order to-go to avoid crowds.
- Mardi Gras events kick off this month on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. For family-friendly celebrations and a smaller town feel to the annual revelry, don’t miss a wide array of opportunities posted here.
- News you can use: Acclaimed chef Mitch McCamey of Neon Pig (Tupelo and Oxford) and Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen (Tupelo) fame is set to open King Chicken later this month or early next year in Beldon (near Tupelo). Follow progress on their Instagram – this opening is sure to be a winner, winner chicken dinner!
- In case you missed it, uber popular Tupelo coffee and dessert shop, CRAVE is expanding with the addition of Fire and Ice. Owners Tiffany and Brad Franks purchased two small shaved ice stands to complement Crave. The 400-square-foot stand near the entrance of Ballard Park will feature hot drinks and baked goods. The 250-square foot stand at Veterans Park will serve mainly snacks and shaved ice and will reopen in March.
- One of our favorite farm to table restaurants in Mississippi has snagged one of our favorite Mississippi chefs to lead them into the future. Table 100 in Flowood announced earlier this month that they’ve appointed Payton Warren, formerly of Seafood R’evolution, as their new Executive Chef after the fall departure of long-time chef Mike Roemhild. Warren worked under Roemhild in the early days of Table 100, so he’s no stranger to this kitchen and is sure to continue its legacy of thoughtful ingredient sourcing and hearty, approachable menu choices.
- The historic White Pillars has been rescued from condemned status to a sparkling gem along the shores of the Mississippi Sound in Biloxi. Now open for dinner. Chef Austin Sumrall and his wife Tresse are pleased to bring their take on the farm to table concept seasonal ingredients and Southern cuisine.For more information on the restaurant, or to book a special event, please visit biloxiwhitepillars.com or call 228.207.0885.
What’s Happening in January // Mississippi Calendar
Now, when it comes to your calendar, here are our top picks for enjoying the best of Mississippi in January:
Annual WAMA Craft Beer Tasting
Date: January 18, 2018
Drink your way through a selection of beers from the best breweries on the coast.
Location: Walter Anderson Museum of Art (WAMA)
Address: 510 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS, 39564
Contact Information: (228) 872-3164
Time: 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Price: Non-Members $20 , Members $15
Starkville FrostBite Half Marathon
Date: January 20, 2018
A portion of the proceeds from the race will be donated to a local charity.
Location: Begin on Main Street and incorporate the cotton district, Mississippi State University Campus and Starkville’s historic district
Contact Information: starkvillefrostbitehalf@gmail.com (Brad Jones)
Time: 9:00 a.m.
* Post Party/Award Ceremony at 12:00 p.m. after marathon
Price: 5K: $35.00 registration fee
10K: $50.00 registration fee
Half Marathon: $70.00 registration fee
Oxford Traveling Tapas Hotel Hop
Date: January 21, 2018.
Visitors will make four stops at participating hotels offering tapas, a signature drink as well as a wine option. Each group will be transported from hotel to hotel by the Double Decker bus (you must ride with the transportation provided).
Location: Group A: meets at Graduate Oxford to check in at 5:00 p.m.
Group B: meets at Chancellor’s House to check in at 5:00 p.m.
Park on the square, metered parking is free on Sundays, or in free public parking lots
Contact Information: (662) 232-2477
Time: 5 – 9 p.m.
Price: $55.00
Pop Up Oxford Cocktail Party
Date: January 22, 2018
Learn about the fascinating history of rum, its distillation process, and its role in drinks both classic and contemporary. A featured cocktail and snacks will be served.
Location: Big Bad Breakfast
Address: 719 N Lamar Blvd, Oxford, MS, 38655
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Price: $15 advance purchase
$20 at the door (cash, check only)
Robert Burns Dinner at Seafood R’evolution
Date: January 25, 2018
Experience the charming and rich culture of Scotland by commemorating one of their most celebrated poets. Enjoy Scottish cuisine done by Seafood R’evolution’s favorite Scot, Chef Simon Brown.
Location: Seafood R’evolution
Address: 1000 Highland Colony Pkwy Ste 9015, Ridgeland, MS, 39517
Time: 6:30 p.m
Southern Prohibition Beer Dinner
Date: January 29, 2018
Enjoy a five-course dinner created by Chef Dan Blumenthal to bring out the flavors of Southern Prohibition’s best brews.
Location: Sal and Mookies
Address: 110 Lameuse St. Biloxi, MS, 39530
Time: 6 p.m.
Price: $60 per person or $30 for food
Babylonstoren Wine Tasting
Date: January 31, 2018
Seafood R’evolution welcomes Charl Coetzee, winemaster from Babylonstoren in Simondium, South Africa, to present and expound upon the delicate notes and flavor profiles of exceptional vintages.
Location: Seafood R’evolution
Address: 1000 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, MS, 39157
Time: 6 p.m.
Price: $60 per ticket (excluding tax and gratuity)