Foodie News
Coastal Mississippi’s Exciting Evolution: New Restaurants, Attractions, and Experiences for 2025!
Hey there, fellow adventurers! Get ready to pack your bags because Coastal Mississippi is about to unleash a vibrant array of new restaurants, attractions, and developments that are set to redefine your beach getaway. With the promise of over ten fabulous new destinations sprouting up along the picturesque coast, and the thrilling news of recent James Beard nominations for local chefs, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for this beloved region.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
First and foremost, let’s talk about the culinary scene. Coastal Mississippi is well-known for its delectable dishes, and this year, it’s raising the bar even higher. Local chefs Austin and Tresse Sumrall from White Pillars in Biloxi have earned a nomination for Best Chef: South, making waves with their farm-to-table créative cuisine. If that’s not enough, Vestige in downtown Ocean Springs, run by Chefs Alex Perry and Kumi Omori, is nominated for Outstanding Hospitality—another testament to the top-notch dining experiences around here.
Discover New Dining Gems
Prepare your taste buds for the exciting new eateries making their debut across Coastal Mississippi:
- Barracuda Taco Stand in Bay St. Louis offers irresistible tacos served with fresh tortillas and a margarita garden ideal for al fresco dining.
- The District Coffee Company in Pascagoula has quickly become a local favorite, combining great brews with a charming, dog-friendly atmosphere.
- At The Garage at Cash Alley, located in downtown Ocean Springs, you’ll find an energetic throwback vibe, serving up delightful street eats like loaded nachos and scrumptious desserts.
- For a cozy evening, head over to Oak & Vine for exquisite whiskey and wine pairings in a friendly local setting.
And for those who fancy a little something different, Catch 110 boasts a coast-inspired menu complete with a stunning patio perfect for sipping cocktails while enjoying the picturesque views. Not to mention the modern cocktail lounge, Magnolia Room, serving unforgettable tapas alongside classic drinks, making it a must-visit!
Fun for Everyone
Coastal Mississippi isn’t just about indulgent dining—it’s also creating spaces for everyone to enjoy. The Inclusion Playground at Town Commons in Gautier is a groundbreaking 10,800 sq. ft. playground designed for children of all abilities, ensuring every family can find joy together.
Are you feeling sporty? The Picklr, an indoor pickleball facility in Biloxi, is a great new spot for both seasoned players and novices to sharpen their skills while bonding with fellow enthusiasts.
Accommodations with a Twist
After a day of adventure, where will you rest? Enter The Hotel Vela, a boutique hotel created by our James Beard-nominated chefs, which offers not just a place to stay but an experience filled with culinary delights and luxurious comfort. Pair your stay with evenings at the onsite Siren Social Club, known for its unique menu of European flavors.
Embrace the Outdoors
Don’t miss the picturesque Harrison County Sand Beach, newly equipped with accessible Mobi-mats, allowing everyone to truly enjoy our stunning beaches. Plus, the beloved Depot District in Bay St. Louis continues to charm visitors with its relaxed atmosphere, now featuring a new Back Yard Beer Garden.
Convenient Connections
Travelers rejoice! Coastal Mississippi has recently partnered with Breeze Airways to offer affordable nonstop flights from Gulfport-Biloxi to Orlando. This service opens the doors to not only connecting new travelers to our vibrant coast but also sets the stage for even more adventures!
The Future Looks Bright
As Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi Tourism, beautifully puts it, “We’re excited to kickoff 2025 with an exciting array of fun and delicious new offerings.” Whether you are a foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking relaxation, Coastal Mississippi is shaping up to be a destination that truly has it all.
So, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and start planning your trip to Coastal Mississippi for an unforgettable experience in 2025. For more information on all the new developments and unique experiences awaiting you along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, visit CoastalMississippi.com.
Here’s to new adventures, tasty bites, and sun-soaked memories along the breathtaking coast! 🌊✨
About Coastal Mississippi: Coastal Mississippi is the organization charged with promoting South Mississippi as a tourism and convention destination worldwide. Its mission centers on attracting ever-increasing numbers of leisure, convention, sports, and business visitors to the area. It is dedicated to maximizing the travel and tourism industry for South Mississippi. Visit CoastalMississippi.com to learn more.
Source: Coastal Mississippi
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Read the original press release:
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Food and Beverage
Mix a Little Luck into Your Big Game Menu
Picture this: Your team is down three points, but the taste of victory is just one field goal away. Sometimes, all you need is a little luck and a whole lot of guac. Dip into good fortune this football season with help from this Good Luck Guac recipe.
Mix a Little Luck into Your Big Game Menu
(Family Features) Picture this: Your team is down three points, but the taste of victory is just one field goal away. Sometimes, all you need is a little luck and a whole lot of guac. After all, an estimated 250 million pounds of avocados are consumed during the Big Game each year, according to Hass Avocado Board Volume Data. That’s enough to fill 30 million football helmets with guac – but filling your belly instead is a win-win for good luck and great flavor. Dip into good fortune this football season with help from Avocado From Mexico’s Guac Guru, Rob Riggle, whose visionary Good Luck Guac recipe is ready to share just in time for the Big Game. Whether you’re in it for the football, the commercials or the snacks, this recipe can score major points with your entire crew.
Crafted for fans of every team, this bold, golden twist on a favorite football snack is infused with ingredients associated with good luck – edible gold flakes and pomegranate seeds – to get you through the most nail-biting moments of the game. The star ingredient is fresh, high-quality Avocados From Mexico that offer good taste, good nutrition, and good times. Beyond delicious dips, chips and lots of fun, hosting a watch party can also be a lot of work. Make sure your hosting duties don’t create interference or put you on the sidelines with these tips: Get a jumpstart on party prep. The day before the game, tidy up your space and prepare as much of the food as you can. For dishes best served fresh – like guac – take care of the ingredient prep, like chopping veggies. Create comfortable seating and viewing areas. For a watch party, you’ll want plenty of room for guests to sit comfortably where they can see the screen and have easy access to the guac. If there’s not enough space in the living room to fit everyone, consider bringing a TV to the kitchen so people can snack and watch at the same time. Know your guests. From non-alcoholic beverage options to additional entertainment like board games and kid-friendly activities, become a next-level party host by providing a setup tailored to your guests’ needs. One thing almost everyonecan agree on: Guac made with Avocados From Mexico can be the star of nearly any party’s snacking lineup. Make it your team’s lucky day with more game day recipes at AvocadosFromMexico.com/recipe. 
Good Luck Guac
Recipe courtesy of Rob Riggle on behalf of Avocados From Mexico- 4 Avocados From Mexico, halved, pitted and peeled
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon onion, minced
- 3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch edible gold leaf flakes
- In large bowl, mash avocados until chunky-smooth.
- Fold in lime juice, onion, pomegranate seeds and salt until well combined.
- Garnish with edible gold leaf flakes.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Food
What Are Comfort Foods—and Why Do We Crave Them?
Comfort foods go beyond taste—they offer emotional reassurance, cultural identity, and nostalgia. Learn why we crave them and how they connect us.
What Are Comfort Foods—and Why Do We Crave Them?
Food & Beverage | The Knowledge Comfort foods are more than just meals—they are emotional touchstones. From a bowl of chicken noodle soup to a plate of mac and cheese, comfort foods provide familiarity, warmth, and reassurance during moments of stress, illness, or nostalgia. While comfort foods vary by culture and personal experience, their purpose is universal: they make us feel grounded, safe, and connected.What Defines Comfort Food?
Although comfort foods differ from person to person, they often share common characteristics:- Familiar and nostalgic – Foods tied to childhood or family traditions
- Warm and filling – Soups, casseroles, stews, and baked dishes
- Emotionally satisfying – Comforting beyond physical hunger
- Rich in carbohydrates or fats – Which can influence mood-regulating chemicals in the brain
The Science Behind Comfort Foods
There is real science behind why comfort foods make us feel better. Carbohydrate-rich foods can increase the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and promote a sense of calm. Warm foods also play a role. Studies suggest that warmth can enhance feelings of safety and emotional comfort, which may explain why soups, stews, and hot meals are commonly craved during stressful times or colder seasons. In short, comfort foods don’t just satisfy hunger—they support emotional well-being.Comfort Foods Are Cultural
Every culture has its own version of comfort food, shaped by tradition, availability, and shared history:- United States: Mac and cheese, meatloaf, mashed potatoes
- Mexico: Tamales, pozole
- Italy: Pasta, lasagna
- Japan: Ramen, curry rice
- India: Dal with rice
Why We Turn to Comfort Foods
People often crave comfort foods during moments of emotional or physical vulnerability, including:- Stress or anxiety
- Illness or fatigue
- Homesickness
- Major life changes
- Celebrations and family gatherings
More Than a Meal
Comfort food isn’t about indulgence or nutrition alone—it’s about connection. These dishes link us to people, places, and moments that shaped us. That’s why comfort foods endure across generations, cultures, and changing trends. Comfort food doesn’t just feed the body. It feeds the moment.Related Reading
- Why We Crave Comfort Foods – Smithsonian Magazine
- Why Comfort Foods Comfort – Psychology Today
- Why Comfort Foods Make Us Feel Better – Harvard Health
- Comfort Food and Cultural Identity – National Geographic
- The Science Behind Comfort Foods – BBC Future
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
social media
The Viral Backlash: How a Chef, a TikTok Influencer, and One Moment Changed a San Francisco Restaurant
TikTok Influencer vs Chef: A viral TikTok confrontation between Chef Luke Sung and a food influencer led to backlash, a restaurant closure, and a major rebrand in San Francisco.
The Viral Backlash: How a Chef, a TikTok Influencer, and One Moment Changed a San Francisco Restaurant
In mid-2025, a San Francisco restaurant found itself at the center of a viral controversy—not because of its food, but because of an interaction between a well-known chef and a TikTok food influencer. The incident sparked a broader conversation about power, professionalism, and the growing influence of social media in the hospitality industry.What Happened at Kis Cafe
The incident involved Chef Luke Sung, a respected name in the Bay Area culinary scene, and a TikTok micro-influencer known online as @itskarlabb. The influencer had been invited to Kis Cafe for a planned promotional collaboration. According to the influencer, during her visit the chef questioned her follower count—around 15,000 at the time—and allegedly implied that her audience was not the “type of people” who would dine at his restaurant. She later described the exchange as humiliating and dismissive. After leaving the restaurant, she shared her experience in a TikTok video. The post quickly went viral, gaining millions of views and triggering a wave of online backlash.The Internet Reacts
Although the influencer initially did not name the restaurant or the chef, internet users quickly identified Kis Cafe. The restaurant’s review pages were flooded with criticism, and the incident became a flashpoint in online discussions about elitism, influencer culture, and accountability. Within days, Kis Cafe issued a public apology and announced that Luke Sung was no longer affiliated with the restaurant in any capacity.Chef Luke Sung Responds
Chef Sung later released a public apology, acknowledging that his behavior was condescending and inappropriate. He stated that there were no excuses for the way he treated the influencer and accepted responsibility for the incident. The apology, however, did little to slow the momentum of public reaction.The Restaurant Closes — and Reopens
Not long after the controversy, Kis Cafe announced it would close. In the months that followed, the space reopened under a new name, Bosque, with new leadership and no involvement from Sung. The rebrand was seen as a clear attempt to move forward and distance the business from the viral episode.The Influencer Effect
Meanwhile, the influencer at the center of the controversy saw her follower count surge dramatically, growing from a modest audience into hundreds of thousands of followers almost overnight. The incident highlighted the real-world impact that even “micro-influencers” can have—and how a single moment, captured and shared, can reshape careers and businesses.Why This Story Matters
This controversy underscored a major cultural shift: social media is no longer separate from real-world industries like dining and hospitality. Online platforms can amplify personal experiences into powerful narratives with lasting consequences. As of early 2026, the restaurant operates under a new identity, the chef has stepped away from the project entirely, and the influencer continues to grow her platform. The episode remains a cautionary tale about professionalism, respect, and the power of digital voices. Get The Knowledge. More stories like this are available at STM Daily News.Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
Authors
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
