Page 86 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2017

DININGGUIDE southern charm
story by Lynn Lofton
photos courtesy of The Sycamore House, Mary Mahoney’s and Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant
Throughout Mississippi food is more than sustenance;
it brings people together, whether dining at home or
in restaurants. There’s nothing like home cooking, but sometimes that style of cooking is blended with the ambiance of restaurants located in historic houses. Sycamore House in Bay St. Louis, Mary Mahoney’s in Biloxi and Aunt Jenny’s in Ocean Springs are among several restaurants of this type on the Coast.
“Mississippi’s restaurant scene represents diverse concepts in unique settings, and the Coast has an outstanding tradition of doing that,” said Mike Cashion, executive director of the Mississippi Restaurant and Hospitality Association. “From the glitz of a fine dining restaurant to the comfort of a country dinner table, customers can find virtually any type of dining they desire within the borders of the Coast.”
Cashion feels there’s no better way to experience
the fascinating history of
the Coast and state than by dining in some of the historic homes that can be found. “Guests are encouraged to get a taste of the history and lore associated with these beautiful buildings, as well as a sample of some great dining traditions,” he said.
Sycamore House is listed
on the National Register of Historic Places. The structure originally was a pair of
19th Century cottages that were combined into a single dwelling in the 1850s.
Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, built in the 1700s, is one of the oldest homes in America and has operated as a restaurant for fifty years. The elegant setting includes a New Orleans-style courtyard.
Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant is located in a quaint 19th Century house with wainscoting, ceiling fans and views of the nearby bay.
“The Coast’s story is steeped in rich history, cultural heritage and good food,” Cashion added. “Several restaurants have found a way to combine all three into one experience, offering visitors the opportunity to dine in
a location with its own individual tale or legend. Charming, rustic and intriguing, these homes- turned-restaurants are part of the Coast experience.”
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The Sycamore House
210 Main St., Bay St. Louis 228.469.0107
110 Rue Magnolia, Biloxi 228.374.0163
Aunt Jenny’s Catfish
Resturant
1217 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs 228.875.9201