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.
Make Summer Pop with a Super Snack
(Family Features) When it comes to summer snacking, it’s hard to top the combination of favorite seasonal flavors.
You can enjoy both the sweetness of freeze-dried strawberries and popped popcorn, a whole grain that’s 100% unprocessed with no additives, hidden ingredients or GMOs, in this three-ingredient Strawberries and Cream Popcorn recipe.
Just drizzle white chocolate over popped popcorn then sprinkle with ground freeze-dried strawberries for a perfectly delicious way to meld all your favorite flavors of summer into one easy, convenient snack.
Find more summer snacking solutions by visiting Popcorn.org.
Strawberries and Cream Popcorn
Recipe courtesy of The Popcorn Board
Servings: 4-6
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 6 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
- In small food processor or spice grinder, pulse freeze-dried strawberries until finely ground. Place popped popcorn in large bowl. Drizzle melted chocolate over top; toss until well coated. Sprinkle evenly with ground freeze-dried strawberries; toss until well coated.
- Scrape onto large parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spreading into even layer.
- Let stand at room temperature 30-60 minutes, or until chocolate is set and hardened. To serve, break into pieces.
- Tips: To melt chocolate, place chocolate chips in heatproof bowl set over saucepan of barely simmering water, stirring 3-5 minutes, or until smooth.
- To melt chocolate in microwave, place chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Microwave on medium, stirring every 30 seconds, for 1-2 minutes, or until smooth and melted.
SOURCE:
What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Food and Drink newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
The beloved bite-sized favorite returns nationwide with new meal options and a social media twist
For years, KFC customers flooded social media with one simple request: Bring back Popcorn Chicken.
Now, after more than three years off the menu, the fast-food chain has answered that call. KFC announced the nationwide return of its iconic Popcorn Chicken, reviving one of the restaurant’s most requested menu items in recent memory.
Originally introduced in the early 1990s, Popcorn Chicken quickly became a favorite among fans who appreciated its crispy, bite-sized pieces that were perfect for dipping, sharing, or enjoying as a quick snack. The menu item disappeared from restaurants in 2023, sparking years of online petitions, comments, and customer requests asking for its return.
According to KFC, those voices did not go unheard.
“We read every comment, every DM, and even every online petition signature,” said Melissa Cash, Chief Marketing Officer for KFC U.S. “The message was impossible to ignore.”
The company says the return is part of its broader “Kentucky Fried Comeback” strategy, which focuses on reconnecting with longtime fans while introducing new ways for customers to engage with the brand.
Three Ways to Enjoy Popcorn Chicken
Customers can now order Popcorn Chicken in several different formats, while supplies last:
- $10 Popcorn Chicken Bucket – A 16-ounce bucket served with four dipping sauces, designed for sharing.
- Popcorn Chicken Big Box ($10.99) – Includes 6 ounces of Popcorn Chicken, two Original Recipe Tenders, medium fries, a medium drink, two dipping sauces, and a chocolate chunk cookie.
- Popcorn Chicken Combo ($8.49) – Features 6 ounces of Popcorn Chicken, medium fries, a medium drink, and one dipping sauce.
Prices and participation may vary by location.
More Than a Menu Item
KFC isn’t just bringing back the food—it is also embracing internet culture.
To celebrate the return, the company partnered with GIPHY to launch a collection of exclusive Popcorn Chicken-themed GIFs featuring Colonel Sanders. The animated reactions are designed to appear alongside the familiar “grab the popcorn” moments that dominate social media during sporting events, reality television, and other viral moments.
The campaign reflects how restaurants are increasingly extending product launches beyond the dining room by engaging customers through social media and digital platforms.
The Power of Nostalgia
The return of Popcorn Chicken highlights a growing trend across the restaurant industry: the revival of discontinued menu favorites.
Major restaurant chains have increasingly found success bringing back nostalgic products after years of customer demand. Limited-time returns often generate excitement on social media while encouraging longtime customers to revisit the brand.
For KFC, Popcorn Chicken represents more than just another menu option—it is a reminder of a product that helped define the chain for an entire generation of customers.
Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, paired with fries, or shared with family and friends, fans once again have the chance to enjoy one of KFC’s most recognizable comfort foods.
The returning menu item is available now at participating KFC restaurants nationwide while supplies last.
Why This Matters
The revival of Popcorn Chicken demonstrates how customer feedback—especially through social media—can directly influence menu decisions. Rather than relying solely on introducing new products, brands are increasingly looking to nostalgia and fan favorites to reconnect with loyal customers while attracting a new generation of diners.
Related Links
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Foos and Drink newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
(Family Features) If you’re in a tight spot for a last-minute potluck barbecue, don’t just throw together any salad. This Queso Cheese Corn Salad features a zesty homemade dressing and a salad base with a bit of heat (if you dare). Discover more cookout recipes by visiting Culinary.net.
Queso Cheese Corn Salad
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6
Dressing:
- 2 limes, juice only
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cans whole corn, drained
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)
- 1 hot pepper (optional)
- 1 cup shredded queso cheese
- freshly chopped cilantro, for garnish
- To make dressing: In bowl, mix lime juice, mayo, salt and sugar.
- In separate large bowl, mix corn; bell pepper; onion, if desired; hot pepper, if desired; and queso cheese.
- Pour dressing over corn mixture and mix well. Top with cilantro.
SOURCE:
Culinary.net
What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Food and Drink newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
