Essayer OR - Gratuit

Setting Sail

The Local Palate

|

The Local Palate Spring 2025

Chef Hunter Evans reboots a century-long culinary legacy in Mississippi

- JIM BEAUGEZ

Setting Sail

When chef and restaurateur Hunter Evans would run through his grandmother's kitchen in New Orleans as a kid, the aromas of boiling shrimp and crab wafting through the air left a lasting impression.

Years later, those formative memories inspired Evans to pursue culinary arts as a profession—and in 2024 led him to rescue The Mayflower Cafe, a signature downtown eatery in Jackson, Mississippi, with a legacy stretching back nearly a century.

“This place seems like it embodies the city so much—it felt bigger than a restaurant,” says Evans, a 2023 James Beard Best Chef: South semifinalist. “There was excitement that this will live on, and there was hope, especially for the downtown area, but for the city as a whole. It’s such an iconic place for the city.”

In a region best known for South-ern soul food and barbecue, much of contemporary Jackson cuisine can be traced to the chamfered entrance of The Mayflower Cafe, founded on West Capitol Street in 1935 by Greek immigrants George Kountouris and John Gouras. The popular gathering spot has served fresh Gulf seafood to generations of Jacksonians and is one of the first restaurants to serve comeback sauce, which is still placed on every table.

When third-generation owner Jerry Kountouris decided to close its doors in early 2024, Evans and Cody McCain, his partner in the acclaimed Belhaven neighborhood brunch and dinner spot Elvie’s, stepped in and acquired The Mayflower.

The Local Palate

Cette histoire est tirée de l'édition The Local Palate Spring 2025 de The Local Palate.

Abonnez-vous à Magzter GOLD pour accéder à des milliers d'histoires premium sélectionnées et à plus de 9 000 magazines et journaux.

Déjà abonné ?

PLUS D'HISTOIRES DE The Local Palate

The Local Palate

The Local Palate

DEEP BREATH

It's time to turn off all devices, set your intention, and breathe. This is the year of mindful, meditative travel, and these three wellness-focused Southern destinations are built for restful self-discovery.

time to read

7 mins

The Local Palate Spring 2025

The Local Palate

The Local Palate

CORN IS LIFE

Chef Julio Hernandez has created his own version of authenticity at his Nashville restaurant

time to read

10 mins

The Local Palate Spring 2025

The Local Palate

The Local Palate

Exploring Identity

A Nashville pastry chef experiences the healing power of family recipes

time to read

2 mins

The Local Palate Spring 2025

The Local Palate

The Local Palate

Better Together

One collection of history and cookery is a recipe for the perfect cookbook

time to read

3 mins

The Local Palate Spring 2025

The Local Palate

The Local Palate

Balancing Act

Rhubarb goes sweet, savory, and fermented at this Georgia restaurant

time to read

1 mins

The Local Palate Spring 2025

The Local Palate

The Local Palate

Setting Sail

Chef Hunter Evans reboots a century-long culinary legacy in Mississippi

time to read

3 mins

The Local Palate Spring 2025

The Local Palate

The Local Palate

Have the Last Word

Two spins on a pre-Prohibition era cocktail in Louisville

time to read

2 mins

The Local Palate Spring 2025

The Local Palate

The Local Palate

Table Art

Bring home hospitality from these Southern artisans and designers

time to read

1 min

The Local Palate Spring 2025

The Local Palate

The Local Palate

deviled & Delicious

We asked six chefs for recipes that prove deviled eggs can be as unique as the person who makes them. From wasabi and Cajun seasoning to pepper jelly and potato chips, what you mix into your filling and what goes on top will take these well-loved Southern staples to the top of your dinner party hit list.

time to read

6 mins

The Local Palate Spring 2025

The Local Palate

The Local Palate

Infusion of Spirit

How Houston's celebrated bar pro keeps her 10-year- old cocktail program future oriented

time to read

4 mins

The Local Palate Spring 2025