Hidden Gems In The Deep South, Mississippi

One may not think of Hattiesburg, Mississippi when they think of great food cities in the U.S., but it's not as unlikely as you might think, given the culinary wealth located in nearby New Orleans to the south and Jackson, Mississippi to the north.

Enter Chef Robert St. John, columnist, restauranteur, philanthropist, and owner of New South Restaurant Group. The group is uniquely comprised of four separate concept restaurants which share one large kitchen and that kitchen is where South Mississippi magic happens. Day in and day out for nearly three decades, the restaurants have been providing locals and tourists with delicious foods that deliver a singular signature St. John style.

From this one kitchen food is served to guests at Crescent City Grill (family cajun-inspired Southern food), The Mahogany Bar (Draft Magazine's 100 best beer bars in America for three years in a row), Branch Cocktail Bar (cosmopolitan small plates and spirits), and Purple Parrot Cafe (fine dining, steaks and seafood, with an over 1000 label wine list.) Signature dishes include Pasta Jambalaya from Crescent City, a three-day brined and marinated fried chicken at Branch, a killer late night menu at Mahogany Bar, and crabcakes from Purple Parrot.

Food is sourced locally when possible, and over eight tons of fresh Gulf fish is prepared each year. If you find yourself in South Mississippi, be sure and stop by New South Restaurant Group. St. John and crew serve Southern Hospitality with a distinctive culinary flavor, a legitimate mix of old and new that is found best in local gems.