Page 89 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2023

Chef Loren Gautier, owner and head chef at One Thirty One Lameuse in Biloxi, loves the idea of adding less- common flavors to popular dishes.
His knowledge of spices and flavors is impressive, as well as his ability to apply this knowledge in the kitchen.
One of Chef Gautier’s favorite things
to cook with is sugar. He appreciates its complexity and its potential. Sugar can become many things, bringing new depths to classic dishes. For Gautier, it almost always provides just the right balance. The Szechuan Catfish at One Thirty One is a dish that highlights the spicier side of Chef Gautier’s palate. Sichuan peppercorns
and chili paste make up the base of this spicy dish that combines Southern comfort with Asian flair. Fried catfish filets sit atop a corn and lima succotash and Alabama hot slaw made with spicy pickled vinegar. Everything is drizzled with Gautier’s signature Szechuan sauce, and the balance of sweet and spicy is spot on.
Chefs Alex Perry and Kumi Omori
are masters of their craft when it comes
to taking their dishes to entirely new
flavor levels. Their restaurant, Vestige, in downtown Ocean Springs showcases a five-
course menu that is nothing short of other worldly. Perry and Omori pride themselves on using as much locally sourced
product as possible, with an emphasis on sustainability.
Chef Perry explains the difference between seasoning and flavoring food is quite different, noting that a seasoning, such as salt, is used to bring out natural flavors of food, while flavoring modifies the taste. And although they are two separate concepts, they work together like a dance, telling a narrative that can only be found in that one particular dish. The Gulf Yellowfin Tuna is a sight to behold, seasoned with soy sauce and then flavored with ingredients such as locally-foraged prickly ash and Magnolia flower jelly.
Any outing at Vestige is an epic dining experience that showcases some of the best flavors you can find.
But what do you do if you want to try your hand at your own culinary creation, yet you’re like me and have absolutely no clue on how to start? Check out Spice and Tea Merchants of Ocean Springs. This place is a mecca of spices, seasonings, and all things flavor. With over 300 varieties
of spices and seasonings to choose from, it
might seem a little overwhelming at first, but the staff at Spice and Tea Merchants is knowledgeable and friendly and more than willing to help get you started.
Owner and Founder Lisa Freeman wanted to share her love of spices with Coast residents. To her, mealtime should be a special and enjoyable experience. Experimenting with new tastes and flavors is definitely an important element of the process.
Want something a little extra on your steak? The Saugatuck Steak Rub is a
shop favorite for grilling. Maybe you
want to update your inventory of Creole seasonings? Try the Bloody Mary Mix seasoning, which goes great with weekend brunch or even a homemade Bloody Mary Dip. Or perhaps you want to get entirely out of your comfort zone? Simply let Spice and Tea Merchants know what you like
to eat, and they can take care of the rest. Moroccan Chicken Skewers with a Za’atar Greek Salad and homemade Tzatziki
can be made in no time. Spice and Tea Merchants can provide you with a full- proof recipe to handcraft an incredibly amazing and flavorful meal.
Gulf Yellowfin Tuna from Vestige.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
May 2023 | 89
Schezuan Catfish from One Thirty One Lameuse.
One Thirty One Lameuse
131 Lameuse St., Biloxi 228.207.1689 www.onethirtyonelameuse.com
Vestige
715 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs 228.818.9699 www.vestigerestaurant.com
Spice and Tea Merchants
630A Washington Ave., Ocean Springs www.spicemerchants.biz/ocean-springs-spice-store