News Summary
As the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, the culinary scene along the Gulf Coast reflects a blend of loss and growth. While beloved restaurants disappear, new establishments emerge, showcasing resilience and a shift in dining culture. Writers like Kara Kimbrough highlight the significant changes, from the nostalgia of pre-Katrina favorites to the excitement surrounding new dining options. The Gulf Coast’s culinary identity continues to evolve, attracting attention for its innovation and potential Michelin star recognition.
Biloxi, Mississippi — As the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, the culinary landscape of the Gulf Coast is being reevaluated, reflecting both losses and gains since the catastrophic event. Hurricane Katrina, regarded as the worst natural disaster to strike Mississippi and its neighboring states, reshaped numerous communities, including their dining scenes, leading to both nostalgic memories and new beginnings.
Kara Kimbrough, a food and travel writer from Mississippi, recalls the optimism that surrounded the recovery efforts in the years following the disaster. She highlights the encouraging words of Gulfport’s then-mayor, Billy Hewes, who believed in the revival of the region’s culinary offerings. However, many beloved establishments that once defined the area’s dining experience did not return, creating a significant void in the local food culture.
Among the restaurants that Kimbrough misses are several key establishments popular before the hurricane. Annie’s in Pass Christian was celebrated for its shrimp and gumbo, Dock of the Bay in Bay St. Louis was known for its tasty appetizers, and Mary Mahoney’s Café served as a 24-hour haven for gumbo, beignets, and biscuits. Their absence is felt deeply by the community, reflecting how integral these dining spots were to the Gulf Coast identity.
Despite these losses, the past two decades have seen the emergence of new gastronomic offerings that enrich the region’s culinary scene. Notable additions include BR Prime in Beau Rivage, which offers fine dining experiences, Taranto’s in Woolmarket, Murky Waters BBQ in Gulfport, and both Cuz’s and the Silver Slipper’s Jubilee Buffet in Bay St. Louis. These new venues signify a shift towards a “bigger and better” dining atmosphere across the coast.
While Kimbrough acknowledges that the Mississippi Gulf Coast will never fully regain its pre-Katrina charm, the development of these new restaurants has contributed to a reinvigorated culinary scene. The area has also garnered attention, with some establishments under consideration for Michelin star ratings; Vestige and White Pillars have already received recognition from the James Beard Foundation for their culinary excellence.
The vitality of this culinary revival is further underscored by the recent remarks of Jim Cantore, a Weather Channel meteorologist known for his harrowing experience during Hurricane Katrina. Cantore was spotted in Bay St. Louis, where he commended the city’s development and diverse dining options on social media, expressing admiration for the positive changes in the area.
However, the Gulf Coast culinary scene is not without its controversies, as illustrated by the recent backlash against aspiring food influencer Kartavis Buchanan, known as Big Tae Eats. Buchanan received criticism for his negative reviews of local restaurants, which many have labeled “rage baiting.” His critiques sparked a debate about the importance of respectful feedback for small business owners. Local influencer Matthew Bounds called for a more considerate approach when reviewing restaurants in the community.
Despite challenges, the culinary scene on the Mississippi Coast continues to evolve positively. A promising sign of this resurgence is the planned reopening of Rickey’s in Waveland, a beloved restaurant prior to Katrina. Its return has been welcomed enthusiastically, further signaling a renewed culinary spirit among locals. Mayor Jay Trapani of Waveland expressed excitement about the restaurant’s reopening and the anticipated impact it will have on the local dining landscape.
As Mississippians reflect on the impact of Hurricane Katrina two decades later, the culinary landscape serves as a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the unwavering dedication to preserving the region’s rich food heritage while embracing new culinary adventures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Pass Christian: A Historic Coastal Gem Rebuilt After Katrina
Oxford Named Best Small City for Foodies
Explore Southern Heritage and Charm in Mississippi Towns
Mississippi’s Gas Stations Serve Up Legendary Local Eats
Discovering the Unique Charms and Hidden Gems of Mississippi’s Small Towns
Additional Resources
- Oxford Eagle: Gulf Coast Restaurants We Still Miss
- Sun Herald: Weather News
- NOLA: Rickey’s Reopening in Waveland
- Sun Herald: Entertainment and Restaurants
- WXXV: Beloved Restaurant Return After Katrina
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
