The farm-to-table and local food movements have become national trends, and Mississippi restaurants are ahead of the game. Producing, delivering and serving local products in a way that showcases the food’s natural beauty has become common in almost every corner of the state. Here are some of our best suggestions for eating farm-to-table style:
1. Parlor Market – Jackson, Miss.
Found in the downtown area of Jackson, Parlor Market prides itself on offering locally farm products, providing patrons information each week on where the food was farmed. The restaurant was the brainchild of the late Craig Noone, who dreamed of creating a hot spot for inventive local fare, featuring a new spin on southern favorites. Diners can expect to find items like duck carbonara, Mississippi rabbit and gulf redfish.
2. Delta Bistro – Greenwood, Miss.
Featuring award-winning cuisine of James Beard-nominated chef and co-owner Taylor Bowen Ricketts, Delta Bistro’s unique cuisine is presented in an equally unique setting, a modern, contemporary interior tucked inside a beautifully restored historic building located one block north of The Alluvian hotel in downtown Greenwood. Their menu includes items like fried alligator with comeback sauce, cast iron quail, smoked elk and duck ragu.
3. Big Bad Breakfast – Oxford, Miss.
Owned by renowned Chef John Currence, Big Bad Breakfast certainly lives up to its name and has quickly become one of Oxford’s most popular eats. One visit to BBB will guarantee you never look at a breakfast plate the same again. Whether it’s the house-cured tabasco/brown sugar bacon, crispy southern fried chicken or the Anson Mills steel cut oatmeal, you’ll be talking about coming back before you’ve left the table.
4. Crescent City Grill – Hattiesburg, Miss.
Robert St. John has spent more than three decades in the restaurant business. Twenty-seven of those years have been as the owner, CEO and chef of Crescent City Grill, Purple Parrot Café, Mahogany Bar, Branch, and Tabella, all in Hattiesburg. At Crescent City Grill, customers can look forward to a New Orleans fare with a Mississippi twist. Popular dishes include the sloppy roast beef po’ boy, corn and crabcake bisque and eggplant Orleans.
5. The Manship – Jackson, Miss.
The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen is located in the historic Belhaven neighborhood of Jackson. The creation of Chef Alex Eaton and entrepreneur Steven O’Neill, The Manship transforms the essence of Mediterranean food and southern classics. Eaton and O’Neill strive to capture the cuisine of the countries surrounding the Mediterranean, while maintaining a southern flair. The menu designs are based on the relationship between the chef and farmers, and the food available at the moment. Some items you’ll find on the menu include heirloom tomato bisque, farmer’s market pizza, duck leg confit, and a long list of fresh, seasonal vegetables.
Story and photos courtesy Visit Mississippi website
