A Toast to the Gulf Coast

Southern hospitality and mouthwatering cuisine is a cornerstone of Gulf Coast culture. New Orleans is an obvious destination for dining, but if your invited to “experience the coast” you should graciously accept the invitation. I am fortunate to have friends who grew up there. Recent celebrations, in Pass Christian, Mississippi, brought me down for a return trip to the area and am excited to share.

A fun way to start out your evening. Serve up these delicious :: Mint Mojitos with Raspberries.

Appetizers, were Charbroiled Oysters, brought in from Drago’s. A local favorite, on a busy day, these guys will turn out over 900 dozen a day! They will ship to you overnight via Fedex in the US and come with the fixin’s – garlic, butter, seasonings, Parmesan and Romano, complete with the tray to roast them in.

Dinner, was catered by The Sycamore House. Here’s a little history — The Sycamore House occupies a National Register property overlooking historic Main Street in old town Bay St. Louis. Originally a pair of 19th century Acadian cottages, the sides of The Sycamore House were combined into a single dwelling in the 1850’s. Owners, Stella LaGardeur and Michael Eatham, both chefs who attended the CIA, in Hyde Park, NY, own and operate this top-notch eatery. They came in search of a home and restaurant and found both.

The authentic character, historic buildings and friendly folks are just a few of the reasons why Southern Living Magazine named Bay St. Louis one of “50 Best Places to Live in the South in 2016.” After the feast, the Right Lane Bandits, who are regulars at The House of Blues, played live sets, until the it was onto the next morning’s excursion to the Gulf of Mexico, for a day of boating, not to mention, a Pirate Festival. Bon Temps Roulet~!

Photos below by the talented Ann Madden.