Page 154 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2016

DINING feast time
RESTAURANT RMONTH
story by Lynn Lofton
esidents and visitors are people a taste of what our restaurants have invited to dine out and enjoy to offer,” said Ashley Peresich, executive South Mississippi’s restaurants director of the association.
during September. It’s been Boyle pointed out that September is proclaimed Restaurant Month traditionally a slow month for restaurants by the Coast Chapter of the and the Restaurant Month promotion
Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant should help spur sales. “We reached out to
Association. Participating restaurants will offer all sorts of specials to entice diners to come out and be part of this first-time campaign.
Not only will diners enjoy great meals, they’ll also take part in helping community non-profit organizations. Cafe Climb and Extra Table were chosen to receive $1 for every meal purchased at a participating restaurant.
“We encourage folks to come out and taste new menu items or favorites at reduced rates, and also to be part of community donations,” said John Boyle, association president and director of operations for the Descher McDonald’s Organization. “They’ll be part of a great experience.”
Restaurant Month will be kicked off at Chefs of the Coast and run through the end of the month. “It’s a natural fit because the chefs will be at this event and that will give
other cities that are doing it,” he said. “That helped us put a strategy in place to identify what needed to be done. We knew we have enough talent here to get it up and running, and to create a foundation for future years.”
Three restaurants at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino — BR Prime, Jia and Stalla — are participating. “It’s the tenth anniversary of Restaurant Month in Las Vegas and we know ours will grow and be successful too,” said Mary Cracchiolo Spain, public relations director. “It’s an opportunity to showcase what we have to locals and visitors.”
The Restaurant Association is working with the Regional Tourism Commission with the hope that Restaurant Month will become a tourist draw for September. “We have a great culinary story to tell here with our fresh seafood and many other dining options,” Spain said.
Chefs of the Coast
September 8, 6-9 p.m. at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum www.chefsofthecoast.org • 228.236.1420
154 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • September 2016 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net