Classically European but distinctly Southern.

That’s how Chef Jay Parmegiani describes his new restaurant, Roca, located at the Vicksburg Country Club, 127 Country Club Drive.

The restaurant opened to the public this week. 

Evening hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Roca will be open for lunch Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We are excited to offer Vicksburg residents some unique menu options,” Parmegiani said. “I am so happy to see this day finally arrive.”

Blend of techniques

Roca is named after his great-great-grandmother, Emanuelle Roca, from the 1800s. Parmegiani wanted to represent both his European heritage and his Southern roots. He blends Old World cooking techniques he learned from his father, Jacques Parmegiani, with ingredients indigenous to the South.

The elder Parmegiani has been the chef at Jacques Cafe since 1988.

Fresh breads,

desserts, pizzas

After a complete renovation and with more than 85 seats available for dining, Roca has an open exhibit kitchen, where fresh breads and desserts are baked from scratch every morning. Specialty pizzas are made and cooked in a brick oven, and interesting menu items are prepared by hand daily.

“Our goal is to provide flavorful creative food, quality wines, and personable service in a visually stimulating atmos-phere,” Parmegiani said.

 Born in Grenada, Miss., the younger Parmegiani moved to Vicksburg with his parents at age 4. He attended public schools here, and in 1999 graduated from the culinary program at Johnson and Wales University in Miami.

He is married to the former Kara Adams, and they have three sons, Blake, Ethan and Eli.

For additional information, call Roca at 601-638-0800.

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Marketing consultant Erin Hern contributed to this story.