This summer brings the much-anticipated return of one of the Gulf South’s most popular culinary events: the Natchez Food & Wine Festival, happening Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29.
Prepare to sample the region’s diverse and delicious foodways at this highly regarded gathering, back after a four-year hiatus. Regional chefs known for their inventive work treat diners to sumptuous tastes at the cornerstone event, Tastings Along the River. The weekend also encompasses seated dinners at historic homes, culinary workshops, wine, liquor and cheese tastings, a cookbook nook and lots more.
The largest event, Tastings Along the River, takes place Friday, July 28 at the Natchez Convention Center. Sample inventive delicacies prepared by 25 regional chefs from Natchez, Jackson, Memphis, the Mississippi Delta, Louisiana and other locations. Among them you’ll spot Chef and Host of America's Test Kitchen Bridget Lancaster, former Hell’s Kitchen contestant and Baton Rouge chef Chris Motto from Baton Rouge's Jubans Restaurant; Hattiesburg chef and former Food Network Star contestant Katie Dixon, chef Tori Loomis (aka The Gatherin' Girl); James Beard “Best Chef South” semi-finalist chef Jesse Houston from Jackson, MS, and many more high caliber culinary artists.
Steve Klise
Each chef will serve a tasting portion of a featured dish that capitalizes on the rich alchemy of Mississippi food traditions. Prepare to savor soulful influences from the Delta region, the seafood bounty of the Gulf Coast, and the wide spectrum of fresh produce from local farms fueled by a year-round growing season.
The tasting event also includes samples of fine wine and spirits, along with live music. A secret panel of culinary professionals will judge the tastings and vote on their top three dishes. New Orleans restaurateur and culinary icon Dickie Brennan, the evening’s emcee, will announce the winners. A ticket to the event also gives access to the “after hours chefs’ party” held across the street from the Convention Center at 100 Main. It’s a great place to enjoy a cocktail and nab a selfie with your favorite chef.
Lining up a tasting paddle at Natchez Brewing Company
The festivities continue Saturday, July 29 with a variety of events to excite your tastebuds. At 11 am, sample four craft cocktails at the Cathead Mixology at Smoot’s event. Held at one of Natchez’s favorite watering holes, the session features tips for making lively and balanced summer bracers with Cathead’s master mixologist, T. Frances.
The fun continues at Dunleith’s Castle Restaurant with a 1:30 pm Wine and Cheese Tasting by St. James Cheese Company. Sample your way through the wonderful world of cheese with the New Orleans based purveyor, which sources fine cheeses from the region and globe. The event will also feature premium pours from wine maker Gallo and cooking demos. From 5 pm to 7 pm, don’t miss the fun loving Beer, Brats and Bocce event to be held at the Natchez Brewing Co, a spirited gathering with outdoor bocce competitions, grilled brats and cold, craft beer.
Saturday night features seated dinners at Dunleith and Stanton Hall in which teams of chefs combine forces to create menus that dazzle. Each participating chef will prepare a given course that’s also paired with fine wines. It’s a second-to-none culinary experience you’ll be talking about for years.
Visit natchezfoodandwine.com for more information.
