Downtown Vicksburg's culinary scene set to welcome Relish - The Vicksburg Post

Downtown Vicksburg’s culinary scene set to welcome Relish

Published 9:14 pm Friday, October 23, 2020

: Jason and James Penley will open their downtown Vicksburg restaurant — Relish — on Wednesday. (Courtland Wells/The Vicksburg Post)

Vicksburg natives Jason and James Penley are embarking on a new adventure.

While the brothers have worked extensively in the restaurant and liquor industry, respectively, neither has owned their own business — until now.

Wednesday, Relish Bistro, a casual restaurant in downtown Vicksburg, will open.

As brothers, both Jason and James have traveled in different directions but now have joined together to bring both of their talents to the table.

“We are home and so happy to be back in Mississippi, to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning a business,” Jason said.

Jason, who is a chef, will manage the back of the house.

Jason studied at the University of Southern Mississippi and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management. He furthered his studies at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta and began his career at the Reynolds Plantation at Lake Oconee, Ga. He then worked at Commander’s Palace and Cochon’s in New Orleans, Blackberry Farms in Tennessee and Juliet’s in Austin.

With his background in the restaurant industry and extensive culinary knowledge, Jason said, “Our goal (at Relish Bistro) is to use the freshest ingredients, locally sourced and made from scratch.”

James will be managing the front of the house, where there will be a variety of wines and spirits.

While there will be favorites, James said, there will also be some “unexpected” new items.

Both Jason and James said they are looking forward to the opportunity to work together to bring their guests a pleasurable dining experience.

“I look forward to sharing all that I have learned in my 20 years to Vicksburg and surrounding areas,” Jason said, with James adding, “I will work for your satisfaction to ensure we have what you need for an enjoyable experience.”

Located at 1104 Washington St., Relish Bistro will be offering lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Hours are from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., and from 5 to 10 p.m.

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

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