Stewpot's Taste of Mississippi

THANK YOU!!!

2011-03-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

A HUGE thank-you to all the restaurants who participated in this year's event as well as to all of you who came out to support Stewpot. I think it's safe to say a good time was had by all!

Congrats to our winners!
BEST APPETIZER: Babalu Tapas and Tacos/Table 100
BEST ENTREE: Julep
BEST DESSERT: Crazy Cat Bakers
BEST DRESSED TABLE: Ameristar Casino

More Judges!

2011-03-23T05:50:00.000-07:00

A few more judges to mention... we're excited to have you judge this year's event!

Alan Burrow, certified retirement counselor and former event planner for March of Dimes
Markita Cackett, Jackson Convention and Visitors' Bureau
Marshall Ramsey, editorial cartoonist

See you all Monday!

Introducing Our Judges

2011-03-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

We're pleased to announce more celebrity judges for Taste of Mississippi on Monday!

Lindsey Slater from the Fox STORMTRACK Weather Team. A Milwaukee native, Lindsey joined Fox 40 in February 2009.
Judge James Graves Jr., United States 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. A Clinton native, Judge Graves previously served as Presiding Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court and is the third African American ever appointed to the 5th Circuit and the first from Mississippi.
Kingfish from Jackson Jambalaya, one of the city's most popular and provocative blogs about politics, culture and life in Jackson.
Madalan Lennep, PMP, President and Owner of Pharos Consulting Services, a technology consulting company. She is a lifetime member of the Junior Auxiliary of Madison-Ridgeland and has served on the Madison-Ridgeland Academy Board of Trustees for five years.
Megan West of 16 WAPT News. She comes to Jackson from Washington, D.C., where she worked as an associate producer at the Hearst-Argyle Television News Bureau.
Howard Ballou of WLBT. A 2007 inductee into the Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, Howard has been with WLBT since 1984 and is a very active volunteer with Stewpot Community Services.
An anonymous representative from the EatJackson blog. Writers of the blog say they are not professional food critics, they just like good food, good service and a good dining experience. They give very honest reviews and welcome customer comments for every review.
Coleen O'Brien of The Rug Place. Coleen is an experienced Taste of Mississippi judge and always donates a great rug for the auction. She's a great Stewpot supporter.
Jill Barnes-Buckley, Associate Pastor for Community Ministry at Northminster Baptist Church. She has served at various capacities for Stewpot, including special projects coordinator and executive director.
Julie Spencer, community volunteer and paralegal at Wright Law Firm in Ridgeland. A Madison native, Julie is a member of the Board of Directors for Raise Your Pints and a Logistics Committee Member for Wild Pursuit for the Cure (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Mississippi), as well as an avid Stewpot supporter.

Preveiw Party Tonight!

2011-03-03T06:23:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the Preview Party at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame from 6-8! Come check out the art and silent auction items and enjoy some delicious food and drinks on us! Admission is free, but a $25 donation is suggested.

A special thanks to Taste of the Islands, VIP Grand Events, WalMart in Clinton, Gallo Winery, Southern Beverage, Greenbrook Flowers, Cake Diva and That Special Touch!

TWO FREE TICKETS!!!

2011-03-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

Once we reach 300 fans on our new Facebook page we'll be giving away TWO FREE TICKETS to Taste of Mississippi! Everyone who likes our page is eligible for the drawing, so please suggest to all your friends!

Preview Party Next Week!

2011-02-23T06:51:00.000-08:00

The Preview Party for the 23rd annual Taste of Mississippi will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 3, 2011, at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, 1152 Lakeland Drive in Jackson.

The event will be a special preview of Taste of Mississippi, which is scheduled for Monday, March 28th at Highland Village. Hosted in a new venue this year, the Preview Party provides guests with the opportunity to sample food and drinks from some of Jackson’s best restaurants, as well as preview and purchase items before they are auctioned at Taste of Mississippi.

Items featured at a special “buy it now” price that night such as artwork by Jackson-area artists, restaurant gift certificates and handmade jewelry. Items not sold during the Preview Party will be featured in a silent auction during Taste of Mississippi.

Food and drinks will be provided by local vendors, including several downtown restaurants. Admission is free, although a $25 donation is recommended.

We hope to see you there!

Celebrity Judge Announced!

2011-02-16T06:55:00.000-08:00

Matthew Sheeter
Viking Cooking School
Cooking School Manager

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Such is the philosophy embraced by Matthew Sheeter, graduate of the prestigious Johnson & Wales University and newly appointed Cooking School Manager for Viking Cooking School. Since 2002, Chef Matthew has worked with Viking Cooking Schools both in Atlanta and St. Louis as Cooking School Coordinator and General Manager respectively.

Prior to joining Viking, Sheeter worked as an assistant banquet manager, hotel chef, recipe developer, and Manager for the Kroger School of Cooking. Growing up in the Midwest surrounded by gardens and apple orchards, Matthew fondly recalls eating almost exclusively from the family garden. There he developed his passion for cooking with real ingredients. Recently, Chef Matthew was honored to assist culinary luminary Giuliano Bugialli with his recreational culinary program in Tuscany where cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients is a way of life.

We are thrilled to have Matthew Sheeter sign on as a celebrity judge for this year's Taste of Mississippi!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T08:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours! Here's a list of more restaurants we have signed up for Taste of Mississippi on Monday, March 28th! YUM! Enjoy your date night and we hope to see you next month!

Adams Produce
Amerigo
Auditorium
Beagle Bagel
Biaggi's Restorante Italiano
Blue Bell Ice Cream
Cedar Grove Mansion Inn & Restaurant
Cerami's Italian Restaurant
Char
Classic Catering by Chris
Cosmopolitan Catering by Macy
Crazy Cat Bakers
Crown Restaurant
Ely's Restaurant & Bar
Julep
Kathryn's Steak & Seafood
Mint
Olga's Fine DIning
Parker House
Paul Anthony's Butcher Market
P.F. Chang's China Bistro
Que Sera
Restaurant Tyler
Ro Chez
Ruchia India
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Sophia's Restaurant at Fairview Inn
Soulshine Pizza
Sportsman's Lodge
Steam Room Grille
King Edwards Grill
VIP Grand Events
Walker's

Find our group on Facebook and "like" us or check our website for upcoming news!

Silent Auction Items

2011-02-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

We've had a great number of silent auction items donated so far. Take a look!

Pewter Platter from The Everyday Gardner
4 Vinovino Champagne Glasses & Duval Leroy Champagne from Kat's Wine
Black Serving Bowl and Tray from Persnickety's
2 Museum Tickets, lunch for two at Gin Mill Gallery and t-shirts from B.B. King Museum
$100 Gift Card to Bravo/Broad Street/Sal and Mookie's
Purse from Funky Monkey
Hand Mixer from Viking
Family/Dual Membership to the Mississippi Museum of Art
$75 Gift Certificate to Watercolor Salon
2 IPL Laser Treatments from Body Anew Medical Spa
Two-night stay and dinner for two at Beau Rivage
Pink Python Embossed Handbag by Sandra Roberts from Cook & Love Shoes
Two 18-hold green fees with cart from Refuge Golf Course
One-night stay for 2 at Bally's Casino
2 Buffet Tickets at Diamond Jack's Casino
Bike tune-up from The Bike Rack
Spa Pedicure at Aqua the Day Spa
$25 Gift Certificate at B. fine art gallery
Gail Pittman Tango Collection serving bowl and tray
Family Night Fun Pack (five board games)
Photography Session from Denise Edmondson Photography

MUCH, MUCH MORE to come! Stay tuned!

A New Year!

2011-01-31T12:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to our Taste of Mississippi blog! We have lots of exciting updates planned for this year's event, so go ahead and mark your calendar for Monday, March 28, 2011!

Restaurants signed up for this year's event as of today: AJ's, Babalu, Bravo, Broad Street, Sal and Mookie's, Giardina's, Julep, Lumpkins BBQ, My Cup Runneth Over Bakery, Strawberry Cafe, and Two Sisters Kitchen.

Check back for updates and find us on Facebook!

Just for the Guys!

2010-03-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

We've got a few silent auction items and Taste of Mississippi items designed with the guys in mind!

How about a full-sized replica helmet signed by Herschel Walker? It can be yours today for the Buy It Now price of $325!

Or how about our cool T-shirts for this year's event? These are actually perfect for girls or guys! They're made of 100% pre-shrunk cotton and are only $20 plus $4 shipping and handling.

We also have gift certificates to restaurants and stores all over Jackson, gym memberships, and great weekend get-aways available in our silent auction! Don't miss out!

A sneak preview is available this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Highland Village. If you buy your Taste of Mississippi tickets in advance you'll be entered in a drawing for $50 in Highland Village Jingle Coins. For every ticket you buy OR silent auction item you buy, you get an entry in the drawing. It's a win-win situation!

Thanks to our friends at Beagle Bagel!

2010-03-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

We want to give a special thank you today to our friends at Beagle Bagel's newest location at Highland Village for catering last night's volunteer meeting for Taste of Mississippi. The food was delish!!

Visit Beagle Bagel's website for more information!

Celebrity Spotting!

2010-03-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

Taste of Mississippi is exactly a week from tonight, and it's the perfect time to buy tickets! Tickets for this year’s event are $65 in advance and $80 at the door. Tickets are available online at http://www.tasteofms.org/ and at Everyday Gourmet, Bebop, McDade’s, Fresh Ink, the Highland Village Office and the St. Andrew’s Cathedral bookstore.

We have a great group of celebrity judges signed on to judge this year's event including:

Author and Restaurateur Robert St. John is native of Hattiesburg. For the last 20 years has served as executive chef, president, and CEO of the Purple Parrot Café, the Crescent City Grill, and the Mahogany Bar in Hattiesburg and Meridian. St. John has been featured on The Food Network, The Travel Channel, and the Turner South network. He has two television projects in development and is a creative force in the gourmet food business. St. John has written seven books in the last six years.

WLBT News Anchor Howard Ballou has been in the broadcast journalism profession for more than 20 years. He has won several awards of excellence in his field, including United Press International's "Best Documentary" category for a report he did on Tennessee Drunk Driving Legislation. In 2007, Ballou was inducted into the Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame having anchored and reported for the top rated 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts since 1984. In addition to his anchoring at WLBT, he is currently a general assignment reporter and has served as producer and executive producer for the station.

Viking Cooking School Chef Matthew Sheeter is a graduate of the prestigious Johnson & Wales University and newly appointed Cooking School Manager for Viking Cooking School. Since 2002, Chef Matthew has worked with Viking Cooking Schools both in Atlanta and St. Louis as Cooking School Coordinator and General Manager respectively. Prior to joining Viking, Sheeter worked as an assistant banquet manager, hotel chef, recipe developer, and Manager for the Kroger School of Cooking.

Come out to Highland Village Monday and spot your own celebrities at Taste of Mississippi!

Sneak Peak!!

2010-03-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

All silent auction items will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Highland Village tomorrow for a SNEAK PEAK! All pieces can be purchased at a "Buy It Now" price before the silent auction during Taste of Mississippi.

Come by Highland Village between 10 and 2 tomorrow (Friday, March 19th) to buy your Taste of Mississippi tickets and you'll be entered in a drawing for $50 in Highland Village Jingle Coins. For every ticket you buy OR silent auction item you buy, you get an entry in the drawing. It's a win-win situation!

Here are just a few highlights...

Bottletree Bakery, Oxford, MS by Vickie Overstreet (26" x 32"), Buy It Now Price $800

Flat Out 1 & 2 by William Dunlap (22" x 17"), Buy It Now Price $1,800

Golfer by Eric Jones (28" x 40"), Buy It Now Price: $500

Visit our website for photos of all the silent auction items. See you at Highland Village!

Get Your Tickets Today!!!

2010-03-12T08:47:00.001-08:00

Don't miss Jackson's favorite feast! Tickets for Taste of Mississippi are $65 in advance and $80 at the door.

Get your tickets now at http://www.tasteofms.org/. Tickets are also available at Everyday Gourmet, Bebop, McDade's, Fresh Ink, and Highland Village offices.

See you March 29th!!

Giving Back

2010-03-10T10:40:00.000-08:00

Last week, members of the Taste of Mississippi planning committee served lunch at Stewpot. They helped prepare the meal packages for Meals on Wheels and then helped serve plates buffet-style in the Community Kitchen.

More than 7,000 volunteers serve in the Community Kitchen each year, and at least 10 volunteers are needed each day of the week to help keep this rewarding ministry going. For information on volunteer opportunities, please contact stewpot@stewpot.org.

Preview Party only six days away!!

2010-03-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

WHEN: Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 5-8 p.m.
WHERE: Electric Building in downtown Jackson, 308 East Pearl St.

The Preview Party will be a progressive party that highlights downtown Jackson real estate and gives a preview of Taste of Mississippi. The lobby and areas on three floors of the building will be open for touring during the party. Items for sale that evening will be artwork by Jackson-area artists, handmade jewelry, and t-shirts and aprons from Stewpot. Food and drinks will be provided by local vendors. Admission is free, but a $20 donation is suggested.

Come check out downtown Jackson in support of Stewpot and Taste of Mississippi!

Preview Party Planned!

2010-02-11T10:49:00.000-08:00

The Preview Party for this year's Taste of Mississippi will be a little different than in past years. It will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, at the Electric Building, 308 East Pearl St., in downtown Jackson.

The event will be a progressive party that highlights downtown Jackson real estate and gives a preview of Taste of Mississippi. The lobby and areas on three floors of the building will be open for touring during the party.

Guests will be able to purchase items for sale that night such as artwork by Jackson-area artists, restaurant gift certificates and handmade jewelry. Items not sold during the Preview Party will be featured in a silent auction during Taste of Mississippi.

Food and drinks will be provided by local vendors, including several downtown restaurants. Admission is free, although a $20 donation is recommended.

We'd love to see you there!

WANTED: Dedicated Volunteers

2010-02-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

We need volunteers to help solicit donations for Taste of Mississippi Preview Party and Silent Auction. We're looking for someone to help generate donations of artwork, jewelry, vacation getaways, etc.

If you are outgoing and would like to help Stewpot by making some phone calls and/or visits to business people in search of Preview Party and silent auction pieces, please contact us. We'd love to have your help!

Just in time for Valentine's!

2010-02-02T12:53:00.000-08:00

This Valentine's Day, why treat your sweetheart to dinner out at only one fine restaurant when you can treat them to the best that 40 or more have to offer ?

For about the same amount of money as you would spend on a nice evening out with your significant other, you can buy two tickets to Taste of Mississippi! Tickets are $65 in advance and can be mailed to you in time for Valentine's Day if you order now. Visit our website, http://www.tasteofms.org/, to order tickets or for more information.

We look forward to seeing you at Highland Village on Monday, March 29! And Happy Valentine's Day!

Remember Stewpot This Christmas!!

2009-12-16T14:05:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe it's been almost a year since Stewpot's Taste of Mississippi. We're happy to announce this year's event date:

Monday, March 29, 2010

Highland Village

Jackson, Mississippi

Also, we have some fabulous last-minute Christmas gift ideas as seen above. All merchandise is available at Stewpot. Call 601-353-2759 for more information.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

We set a record!!!

2009-05-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

All the money has been calculated, and we raised a record-setting $114,000 for Stewpot during this year's Taste of Mississippi! And this figure could go even higher as people continue to purchase Taste of Mississippi merchandise.

Speaking of merchandise, you can still buy Taste of Mississippi T-shirts and aprons on our website at www.tasteofms.org. These items make great Mother's and Father's Day gifts! There are only a limited number available, so be sure to order yours soon.

A couple of other things...
• Congratulations again to the 2009 Taste of Mississippi restaurant award winners: Best Entrée - Biaggi's, Best Appetizer - Walker's, Best Dressed Table - Atlantica Grille, Best Dessert - Crazy Cat Bakers.
• We'd like to say a special thanks to our sponsors, participating restaurant and beverage vendors, partners, volunteers, in-kind donors and ticket buyers.

And finally, mark your calendars for Stewpot’s next big fundraiser, Trustmark’s Red Beans & Rice Festival, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 31. Held at Trustmark Park, the event is fun for the entire family. Be watching for more information closer to the event.

Thanks for helping to make Taste of Mississippi such a great success!

And the winners are...

2009-04-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

Best Entrée - Biaggi's
Best Appetizer - Walker's
Best Dressed Table - Atlantica Grille
Best Dessert - Crazy Cat Bakers

We had a great turnout for Taste of Mississippi Monday night and LOTS of delicious food! Thanks to everyone who came to support Stewpot! Look for more updates in the coming weeks on how much money was raised during the event.

Today's the Day!

2009-03-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

We hope you're all getting geared up for Taste of Mississippi tonight! There will be an exciting addition to this year's event: a raffle for a pair of earrings donated by Albriton's Jewelers. All you have to do is fill out the information on the back of your Taste of Mississippi ticket and turn it in to a volunteer at the ticket entrance. The drawing will take place during the event, and the winner will be announced. You do not have to be present to win. (Please note, comp tickets do not have a raffle ticket on the back.)

Additional raffle tickets may be purchased at the event for $10 each, 6 tickets for $50 or 15 tickets for $100.These earrings would make a great Mother's Day gift! Here's the description: Ladies 18 kt white gold Bellarri multi-colored stones and diamond earrings. The waterfall of color accents peridot, citrine, garnet, rubelite, amethyst and blue topaz. Retail value is $2,075. You can view a picture of the earrings by going to our website.

Another announcement... We received a new live auction item on Friday. It's an Argentina Unlimited Dove Hunt Package by ARGOS Hunts. It includes lodging for 5 days/4 nights, all meals and beverages, translator, personal aide, world-renowned guide and spa option. The winner will be responsible for air transportation and ammunition. There is no time restriction on when this trip may be scheduled.

We're counting down the hours until tonight's event! You can purchase tickets in advance on our website until noon today or stop by one of our ticket locations, also listed on the website. Tickets are $80 at the door. We can't wait to see you there!

Don't Miss Out!

2009-03-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Only three days to go until Taste of Mississippi Monday night at Highland Village! The live auction, featuring auctioneer Jim Wilkirson, will begin at 8 p.m. in the Atrium.

The following is a preview of the live auction items:

Works of art by Mississippi artistsArtists include Tony DiFatta, Bill Dunlap, Ginny Futvoye, William Goodman, Pryor Graeber, Mathew Puckett and Lynn Green Root.
Dinner at Walker's for 8 to 10 People - Wine pairings with sommeliers Leslie or Nathan McHardy. Six-course tasting menu to be planned out with Chef Derek Emmerson.
South American Dinner for 8 to 10 People Featuring Chef Luis Bruno - Chef Luis Bruno will prepare a fabulous South American dinner, paired with Chilean and Argentinean wines by sommelier Scott Jackson.
An Evening of Southern Cuisine and Culture for 8 to 10 People - Chef, author and restaurateur Robert St. John will prepare an extraordinary meal, while artist William Dunlap and Southern writer Julia Reed entertain your guests.
2009 SYM USA Scooter from Got Gear Motorsports - Model HD200 scooter with 15.3 horsepower, 4-stroke engine; retail value with taxes, title and insurance is $4,700.
Hand-Woven Chinese Soumack Rug from The Rug Place of Jackson - 8x10 wool Chinese soumack, flatweave, reversible, red background, blue border with cantaloupe and gold accents (retail value $1,299).

We'll also be auctioning two autographed sports items from the Manning brothers:

A Full-Size New York Giants Helmet Signed by Eli Manning - The helmet is autographed by Eli Manning, inscribed with his Super Bowl MVP award, and is in a beautiful display case.
An Official NFL Football Signed by Eli and Peyton Manning - The football, which is in a display case, is signed by both Eli and Peyton Manning, with inscriptions for their consecutive Super Bowl MVP awards.

Click here to view artwork, rug and autographed helmet and football.

Hurry! The cutoff for purchasing tickets online is Monday, March 30, at noon.

Tune In and Stop By!

2009-03-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

Clear Channel Radio will be doing a live remote from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Highland Village to promote Taste of Mississippi. Come buy your Taste of Mississippi ticket in advance and take advantage of some special promotions!

During the remote, each ticket sold will be put into a drawing for $50 in Highland Village Jingle Coins to be given away at the end of the broadcast. Also, Taste of Mississippi raffle tickets can be purchased at two-for-one prices during the remote.

Taste of Mississippi merchandise will also be available for purchase during the broadcast. We hope to see you there! Only four days to go until Taste of Mississippi!

We hope you're hungry...

2009-03-24T17:41:00.000-07:00

We have a total of 48 restaurants signed up to participate in Taste of Mississippi next Monday! That's less than a week away, but there's still plenty of time to get your ticket in advance for $65. Visit our website to purchase tickets. Our t-shirts are now available for purchase online, too. We hope to see you on the 30th at Highland Village... and be sure to bring your appetite!

Adams Produce
AJ's on the Lake
The Alumni House
Amerigo
Atlantica Grill
Bass Pecan Company
Beagle Bagel
Biaggi's
Blue Bell Ice Cream
BRAVO!
Broad Street Baking Company & Café
The Bulldog
Candela's Seafood Grille
Cedar Grove Mansion Inn & Restaurant
Cerami's
Char
Community Coffee
Crazy Cat Bakers
The Crown Restaurant/Taste of Gourmet
Elixir
Ely's Restaurant & Bar
Giardina's
Hal & Mal's
Julep
Kathryn's Steakhouse
Mint
Olga's Fine Dining
Pan-Asia
The Parker House
Paul Anthony's Market
Pavoni's
PF Chang's China Bistro
The Pizza Shack
Que Sera
Ro' Chez
Ruchi India
Sal & Mookie's
Savor Jackson
Seattle Drip
Sophia's
Soulshine Pizza
Sportsman's Lodge/Barista Coffeehouse & Café
Strawberry Café
Steam Room Grille
That Special Touch
Two Sisters Kitchen
VIP Grand Events
Walker's

Going Once, Going Twice, SOLD!!

2009-03-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

Taste of Mississippi will include both a live and silent auction with plenty of opportunities for you to bid on some incredible items.

The live auction, featuring auctioneer Jim Wilkirson, will include works of art by Mississippi artists, as well as vacation packages. Items being auctioned this year include:

Works of art by Tony DiFatta, Bill Dunlap, Ginny Futvoye, William Goodman, Pryor Graeber, Mathew Puckett and Lynn Green Root

Hand-Woven Chinese Soumack Rug from The Rug Place of Jackson - an 8x10 wool Chinese soumack, flatweave, reversible, red background, blue border with cantaloupe and gold accents (retail value $1,299).

Dinner at Walker's for 8 to 10 people with wine pairings with sommeliers Leslie or Nathan McHardle - Six-course tasting menu to be planned out with Chef Derek Emmerson.

The silent auction will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature local art, dinners, merchandise and vacations including the following items:

Strand of chocolate pearls and matching bracelet, donated by Carter Jewelers, retail value $300
Viking 5 qt. stand mixer, retail value $400
Viking professional blender, retail value $150
Viking food processor, retail value $300
Viking 2-slot toaster, retail value $250
Viking 6-piece cookware set, retail value $710
Overnight stay at the Old Capitol Inn
Gift certificate from Atlantica Grill
Gift certificate from Ro' Chez
Overnight stay at Diamond Jack Casino
"A Day in the Delta" lunch for two at The Crown Restaurant and tickets to B.B. King Museum
Framed, matted 20x24 "Iris" by Jodie Ruck
Gift certificate from Seattle Drip
Gift certificate from the Sportsman's Lodge
Framed, matted "Angels with Gazing Ball" by Diane Vick
Gift certificate from Two Sisters Kitchen
Overnight stay and dinner buffet for two at Rainbow Casino
Framed, matted watercolor still life by Susan Wellington
Gift certificate from Bravo/Broadsteet and Sal & Mookie's
Gift certificate from Cedar Grove Mansion, Inn & Restaurant
Three framed, matted 16x24 floral botanicals by Jodie Ruck
Overnight stay at Fairview Inn, including dinner for two at Sophia's
Hand-crocheted afghan
Gift certificate from A.J.'s on the Lake
Framed, matted watercolor landscape by Linda Blackwell
Gift certificate from Ely's
Dinosaur painting for child's room by Wanda Vialet
Gift certificate from Steam Room Grille
Gift certificate from Nick's
"Pansies in a Red Vase" by Regis Gordon
Gift certificate from Kathryn's
Gift certificate from Ruchi India
One-of-a-kind mono print "Frolic" by Laurel Schoolar
"Thomas Jefferson on Wine" from University Press
"You Are Where You Eat" from University Press
"Pleasant Journeys and Good Eats Along the Way" from University Press
"Growing Up in Mississippi" from University Press
Lamp and lampshade from Chandelier
Floral tapestry from The Rug Place of Jackson

T-shirts for sale!

2009-03-17T11:09:00.001-07:00

This year, we've designed some Taste of Mississippi t-shirts that will be for sale the night of the event for $20. It's an easy way to add a t-shirt to your collection and support Stewpot at the same time!

We'll also have t-shirts available for purchase during our Clear Channel live radio remote at Highland Village from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. next Friday the 27th. Mark your calendars and come join in the fun!

Grassroots Giving

2009-03-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

More than 120 people a day are fed in the Community Kitchen and 50 meals are delivered to shut-ins in the area. Volunteers are always needed to lend a hand in the Stewpot Community Kitchen. Anyone is welcome to eat the Stewpot noon mean - no questions asked.

More than 7,000 volunteers serve in the Community Kitchen each year, and at least 10 volunteers are needed each day of the week to help keep this rewarding ministry going. If you're interested in volunteering, contact Tara Lindsey at tlindsey@stewpot.org or 601-353-2759.

Exciting Events!

2009-03-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Taste of Mississippi will have a ticket booth set up at Que Sera during the Fondren After 5 event until 8 p.m. Feel free to stop by and say hello!

Tickets are $65 in advance and $80 at the door and are now available at Be-Bop Record Shop, Fresh Ink, The Everyday Gourmet, Diva Dog Boutique and the Highland Village office. You may also purchase them online at www.tasteofms.org or by calling Stewpot at 601-353-2759.

Also, be sure to watch WLBT's "Midday Mississippi" show tomorrow, March 6, at 12:30 p.m. to catch our friend Jeff Good, owner of BRAVO!, Broad Street Baking Company, and Sal & Mookie's cooking up something tasty and talking about Taste of Mississippi. We'll have a special guest on the show every Friday this month to promote the event, so tune in!

Calling All Restaurants!

2009-03-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

As of yesterday, we have 36 restaurants signed up for this year’s event on March 30. We’re adding even more restaurants almost every day, which just means more delicious food for you to try if you come to Taste of Mississippi!

Here is a list of some of the restaurants participating this year. Check our website periodically for updates.

Adams Produce
Amerigo
Atlantica Grill
Beagle Bagel
Biaggi’s
Blue Bell Ice Cream
BRAVO!
Broad Street Baking Company & Café
Candela’s Seafood Grille
Cedar Grove Mansion Inn & Restaurant
Char
Community Coffee
Crazy Cat Bakers
The Crown Restaurant
Hal & Mal’s
Julep
Mint
Paul Anthony’s Market
PF Chang’s China Bistro
Que Sera
Ro Chez
Sal and Mookie’s
Seattle Drip
Sportsman’s Lodge
Two Sister’s Kitchen
VIP Grand Events
Walker’s

Times are tough; Stewpot needs your help

2009-02-25T13:40:00.000-08:00

You read the harsh news every day that times are tough. Businesses are closing. Tenured employees are losing their jobs left and right, causing homes to go into foreclosure and vehicles to be repossessed. In a harsh economic climate, many non-profit groups can’t survive, either.

Stewpot’s needs only grow during a time like this. With more and more people out of jobs, more people need food, decent housing, jobs and childcare. That’s the purpose of Stewpot. While much of the financial support comes from church congregations, Stewpot receives the majority of its funding through individuals and businesses.

Taste of Mississippi is the largest fundraising event for Stewpot, and last year’s event raised more than $112,000 for the organization’s 17 ministries. Help make that amount even larger this year because Stewpot needs your help more than ever. Tickets for the event are $65 in advance and $80 at the door. You can purchase tickets online at http://www.tasteofms.org/ or by calling Stewpot at 601-353-2759.

Something sweet for your sweetheart!

2009-02-12T06:38:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a last minute Valentine's Day gift, how about tickets for two to Taste of Mississippi? It's a great bargain at $65 a ticket in advance for a night out with food from more than 35 fine restaraunts. Bet you can't find that kind of deal anywhere else! Visit our website at http://www.tasteofms.org/ or call Stewpot at 601-353-2759 for more information.

As a special treat for visiting our blog, we’re sharing an indulgent Valentine’s recipe, compliments of pastry chef Mary Beth Addington of Broad Street Baking Company and Cafe, one of this year’s Taste of Mississippi restaurants. We hope you enjoy!

Mary Beth’s Mascarpone Cheesecake
Cheesecake:
2 lb. cream cheese, room temperature
4 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 lb. mascarpone cheese, room temperature
7 eggs, room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla

Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tbsp. granulated sugar

For the crust:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine crumbs, butter and sugar and press into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and remove to cool completely while mixing filling.

For the filling:
1. Heat oven to 300 degrees. Cover sides and bottom of springform pan well with aluminum foil. Find a roasting pan that is large enough for the springform pan to sit inside.
2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add mascarpone cheese and beat until combined. Add vanilla extract, then eggs, gradually until just combined.
3. Pour into cooled crust and place in roasting pan. Place pan in oven and fill with warm water halfway up the outside of the springform pan.
4. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until center is just set but jiggles slightly. Allow water bath to cool 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove cheesecake from roasting pan and cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate overnight before serving.

It's more than just a soup kitchen...

2009-02-09T09:04:00.000-08:00

Stewpot Community Services is much more than a soup kitchen. Stewpot’s 17 ministries – including shelters, counseling, food and clothing services, community development projects and children’s programs – provide assistance to people from all walks of life.

It all started in 1981 when representatives from seven Jackson churches came together across denominational lines to discuss a problem they all had in common – consistent requests for food and assistance from the poor and homeless in the downtown area. The seven churches – Calvary Baptist, Capitol Street Methodist, Central Presbyterian, Galloway United Methodist, St. Andrew's Episcopal, St. Peters' Catholic and St. James Episcopal – came together and created what is known today as Stewpot Community Services.

The original Stewpot was located on West Capitol Street in an old service station. From its beginning, Stewpot was housed in Central Presbyterian Church on West Capitol, on the western edge of downtown Jackson. When the church closed its doors in 1992, the Presbytery of Mississippi entered into an agreement, which essentially donates the property to Stewpot. In honor of Central Presbyterian Church, the property is now known as the Central Urban Ministry Center.

From its beginnings, the goal of Stewpot has been to promote, develop, stimulate and encourage physical and spiritual development by providing nutritious meals. The Stewpot kitchen was a success almost instantly. The Community Kitchen provides a noontime meal to anyone – no questions asked – seven days a week.

Stewpot Community Services, which began as a single soup kitchen, has grown into an organization that provides thousands of men, women and children with hot meals, groceries, clothing, shelter, child care, mentoring and other programs to nurture them and help them get back on their feet. In these hard economic times, you might be surprised just how many people need help each and every day.

For more information on Stewpot’s ministries, visit the organization’s website at http://www.stewpot.org/.

Be A VIP!

2009-01-29T11:56:00.000-08:00

This year, Taste of Mississippi is offering individual sponsorship packages starting at $150. This is the perfect way to give a little more and get a little more in return, and don't forget your contributions are helping Stewpot!

The levels of sponsorship are as follows:

FRIEND - Receive one ticket to Taste of Mississippi on March 30, one ticket to the Preview Party on February 27, a commemorative gift, recognition on the event website and in the Stewpot newsletter. Donation level $150.

HOST- Receive two tickets to Taste of Mississippi on March 30, two tickets to the Preview Party on February 27, a commemorative gift, recognition on the event website and in the Stewpot newsletter. Donation level $300.

PATRON - Same items as the Host but also receive access to a VIP Lounge area at Highland Village during Taste of Mississippi on March 30. Donation level $500.

BENEFACTOR - Receive four tickets to Taste of Mississippi on March 30, four tickets to the Preview Party on February 27 and a listing as a Host of the Preview Party, a commemorative gift, recognition on the event website and in the Stewpot newsletter. You also receive access to a VIP Lounge area at Highland Village during Taste of Mississippi on March 30. Donation level $1,000 and above.

For more information, contact Susan Frazier at sfrazier@stewpot.org or 601-353-2759.

Best of Jackson Awards

2009-01-27T10:49:00.000-08:00

Stewpot Community Services was named Best Non-Profit Organization in the 2009 Best of Jackson Awards by the Jackson Free Press!

The organization was founded in 1981 by several Jackson congregations to provide assistance to residents of central Jackson who were in need of food, shelter, clothing, love, and encouragement. Over the past 25 years, Stewpot has grown from its original ministry, the Community Kitchen, to a faith-based organization encompassing more than 17 ministries. Today, more than 70 congregations support Stewpot.

For more information on the many services offered by Stewpot, visit www.stewpot.org.

We've got you covered this Valentine's Day!

2009-01-21T13:21:00.000-08:00

This Valentine's Day, why not buy your sweetie a ticket to Taste of Mississippi? It's not just dinner out at one nice restaurant, it's one night of fine food from more than 35 area restaurants! Now that's a bargain!

Tickets are $65 in advance and $80 at the door. You can purchase tickets online at http://www.tasteofms.org/ or by calling Stewpot at 601-353-2759. As we get closer to the event, tickets will be available for purchase at other ticket outlets. This year, ticket buyers will be eligible for raffle drawings throughout the evening, so be sure to fill out the information on the back of the ticket.

Restaurants that participated in last year's event included Adams Produce, AJ's, Amerigo, Basil's, Beagle Bagel, Biaggi's, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Bon Ami, BRAVO!, Broad Street Baking Company & Café, The Bulldog, A Catered Affair, The Catfish Institute, Cedar Grove Mansion Inn & Restaurant, Cerami's, Char, Community Coffee, Crazy Cat Bakers, Del Sol, Elixer, Giardina's, Hal & Mal's, Huntington Grille, Julep, Morton A’s Catering, Nick's, Old Venice Pizza Company, Olga's Fine Dining, Obbies Cakes and Chocolates, Pan-Asia, Parker House, Paul Anthony's Butcher Market, Paula's Seafood & Meat Market, PF Chang's China Bistro, Que Sera, Rapport, Ro' Chez, Ruchi India, Sal and Mookies, Schimmel's, Seattle Drip, Shapley's, Sophia's Restaurant at Fairview Inn, Sportsman's Lodge, Steam Room Grille, Super Suppers, Taste of Gourmet, Three Sisters & A Mixer, Two Sisters Kitchen and Walnut Circle Grill.

There are so many choices for an enjoyable night out, and with Taste of Mississippi, you won't have to choose! Your sweetheart will love you for it, trust us!

Eleven weeks to go and counting!

2009-01-14T13:19:00.001-08:00

The Taste of Mississippi committee met Monday night for the first time and is already working hard to make this year's event even bigger and better than last year. There will be much more information available in the coming weeks, but for now, here are a few announcements...

This year, there will be an opportunity for individual sponsorship. By donating a little extra money you will be entitled to certain benefits the night of the event. The details are still being determined, and we'll post more information very soon.

Tickets have been printed and will go on sale as soon as PayPal is up and active on our website. Tickets for this year's event are $65 in advance and $80 at the door. Also, ticket buyers will be eligible for raffle drawings throughout the night this year, so hold on tight to your ticket stub!

We always need volunteers for the night of the event. Volunteers bartend and pour wine, register attendees for the live auction, collect tickets and help replenish restaurant supplies as needed. In return for working a two-hour shift, volunteers purchase their tickets at half price. It's a great deal and a lot of fun!

We’re still looking to fill some committee positions. If you'd like to help, please let us know! More information to come once we know more about what positions are available.

Keep checking back here and on our Facebook group and website for more details. We hope to see you there!

Welcome and Bon Appetit!

2009-01-07T07:42:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our blog! We thought this would be a great way for you to get acquainted with the Taste of Mississippi event and keep up with all the latest news and updates.

Taste of Mississippi has been a much anticipated event in the Jackson area for more than 20 years, and we're proud to announce that it has been named a Top 20 Event for March 2009 by the Southeast Tourism Society. The best events across the Southeast compete to receive this prestigious designation. The Top 20 Events publication is sent to more than 1,600 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations and AAA publications - reaching millions of people.

Taste of Mississippi is the largest fundraiser for Stewpot Community Services in Jackson. All proceeds benefit Stewpot, whose mission is to serve the needs of the poor, elderly and disabled in the Jackson area. Last year's event raised more than $112,000, all of which went directly to Stewpot's 17 ministries. This year, we hope to raise even more money!

So mark your calendars for Monday, March 30, 2009, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Highland Village!

The event includes culinary tastings from more than 40 fine restaurants, a live auction featuring Mississippi artwork and vacation packages, a silent auction and live music.

Be sure to check out our website http://www.tasteofms.org/ and our Facebook group, Stewpot's Taste of Mississippi, for more information.