Don't miss your chance to 'Sample the South'

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September 27, 2008

By Ida Brown / senior staff writer The Meridian Star Sat Sep 27, 2008, 10:29 PM CDT

Looking for a palate-pleasing pleasure? Just a something to arouse the senses and satiate the appetite?

Then The Star's upcoming Sample the South is sure to satisfy. The premiere tasting event will feature numerous area restaurants and caterers serving samples of their best dishes.

And if that's not enough, how about a cooking contest featuring dishes prepared by local cooks and judged by world-renowned restaurateur, chef, food writer, author – and one of the nation's only food/humor columnists – Robert St. John?

Both events will get under way Tuesday at the Temple Theater Ballroom and, according to Debby Delshad, a Star ad sales representative and coordinator of the event, it is the best of both worlds under one roof.

"Our goal is to give our readers a little something different – where they could enjoy sampling foods prepared by area restaurants and caterers, and have an opportunity to show off their own cooking skills," Delshad said.

The event is generating much excitement, not only from those who plan to attend, but also those serving.

"I'm excited about it; I think this is a good way for me to reach Meridian like I haven't before," said Susie Hammendort, owner of The Coffee Bean in Philadelphia.

Hammendort will "reach out" to local tastes with her popular chicken salad.

"It's homemade and our biggest selling item," she said.

Tracy Castleman, executive chef of Pearl River Resort, promises not to disappoint with samples from the resort's newest restaurant additions, Miko and Remo's.

"They will be exclusively from our menus – in small samples," he said.

Castleman describes Miko as "contemporary food for the palate" and Remo's as "Italian delight; more of the rustic Remo's in New York City."

Also in the mix will be samples from St. John's local restaurant, Crescent City.

"We are definitely going to be preparing some of our favorite dishes for participants to sample," said Robin Farquhar, restaurant manager.

"And we know that he is looking forward to seeing what Meridian area cooks have prepared," Farquhar said.

St. John will perform double duty at the event, serving as emcee for the tasting and judge for the cooking contest.

Local cooks submitted recipes for their best soup, best cornbread and best cobbler recipes. Winning submissions were chosen randomly within the proper food categories.

"If their dish was selected, they will prepare it to be presented at our Sample the South tasting event," Delshad said.

St. John will announce a first-place winner in each category; a prize of $100 will be awarded to each.

In addition to enjoying samples of great local delicacies as well as watching local cooks showcase their culinary skills, those attending Sample the South will have the opportunity to win door prizes, goody bags will be given to the first 300 ticketholders, plus attendees will get to vote for the best exhibit booth in the show. Prizes for best booths will be $200, first place; $100, second place; and $50, third place.

For the grand prize, a new refrigerator, stove and dishwasher will be given away.

"This is going to be such a great event – fantastic food, lots of giveaways and prizes," Delshad said. "We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the fun."

Get Your Sample

What: Sample the South

When: Tuesday, from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Where: Temple Theater Ballroom

Tickets: $15

For more information: Contact Debby Delshad at (601) 693-1551, Ext. 3244

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