Vicksburg recently played host to a group of international caterers from 12 states and Canada. Their goal was two-fold:

First, to learn how the people, the different cultures, the river, the Delta, the Blues and rock & roll and the flood of 1927 all came together to influence the rest of the country’s taste in music and food. And second, to form bonds and have the opportunity to share experiences and ideas with fellow travelers.

The weeklong trip was organized by the International Caterers Association and led by Pascagoula caterer and ICA board member Richard Chenoweth, owner of a restaurant and catering business called “Scanton’s.”

From the Peabody to New Orleans

The tour began in Memphis at the famous Peabody Hotel and ended in New Orleans, with many stops in between.

In Greenwood the caterers stayed at the newly restored Alluvian Hotel and toured a catfish farm and processing plant and the Freshwater Prawn Farm. The tour also included a trip to Indianola sponsored by the Catfish Institute to visit the BB King Museum and dine at the Famous Crown Restaurant.

 The next stop was Vicksburg. The caterers spent the afternoon at the BB Club, where they toured Storycook Favorites’ venue and catering facility. The group was served refreshing southern treats and lunch by ICA member Story Ebersole and her staff.

Southern Foodways

While at the BB Club, the caterers met with Mary Beth Lasseter, associate director of the Southern Foodways Alliance.

Lasseter talked about diverse food cultures of the changing American South. She stressed the Alliance’s mission to preserve, promote and chronicle the region’s culinary standard bearers.

She also outlined “The Mississippi Delta Hot Tamale Trail,” an Alliance documentary project.

From Vicksburg, the caterers traveled to Natchez for a reception and dinner at one of the mansions in that Southern city and then on to New Orleans to sightsee on their own.

Food Lovers’ Paradise

“The Mississippi Yearning trip was an opportunity not to be missed,” Chenoweth said.

“Fellow caterers shared their experience in a casual atmosphere, inspiring food, American history and culture, and true Southern hospitality. Mississippi is a food lover’s paradise and adventures through the region can lead you to discover everything from fried catfish to homemade hot tamales to some of the best fine dining to be had anywhere.”

The visiting caterers were certainly treated to the finest.