What’s next for Vestige after James Beard honor? Ocean Springs restaurant has big plans
“What a weekend!” the owners of Vestige restaurant said after attending the James Beard Awards in Chicago as a nominee for best restaurant in the nation.
Owners Alex Perry and Kumi Omori, along with team members Carson Neaves and Angela Turnage, spent last weekend at the awards in Chicago instead of their usual nights at Vestige restaurant in Ocean Springs, and the magnitude of the experience didn’t escape them.
“We met so many wonderful and inspiring people, heard some incredible stories of love and perseverance. We left feeling energized and excited to keep pushing,” they posted on Facebook when they returned to South Mississippi.
It was the next to last award presented June 10 in an hours-long ceremony coined the “Oscars of food.” People from Ocean Springs and across the Coast were disappointed when instead of hearing “Vestige,” Langbaan Thai-style restaurant in Portland was announced as the winner in the category.
Vestige congratulated the winners and thanked the Beard Foundation “for letting our tiny restaurant and team share a category with incredible restaurants from all over the country.” Three of the other nominees were from major cities and the fourth from a small city in West Texas.
Vestige also saluted the two restaurants from New Orleans who won in their categories — Dakar NOLA and Jewel of the South. “We hope to drive over and experience your delicious offerings soon,” the Vestige post said.
Top restaurant in ‘a foodie town’
Being among the top 5 restaurants in the country is an honor for Vestige — and for Perry’s hometown, says Ocean Springs Mayor Kenny Holloway.
“We are so fortunate to have Vestige in Ocean Springs,” he said. “This honor is well deserved for their dedication to culinary excellence and exceptional creativity. Their passion and hard work for their craft showcases their innovative menus, commitment to quality ingredients and outstanding dining service.”
Vestige saluted the community, saying on Facebook: “Thank you Ocean Springs for cheering us on the whole time. Your love and support is felt and appreciated!”
Winners of the Beard Awards said how much business has increased since they were nominated for the prestigious awards.
The same has happened at Vestige.
“We have been getting a lot of inquiries for reservations,” Chef Perry said. “We only have eight tables, so our small dining room can fill up quickly!”
The five-course tasting menu each night at Vestige is $99 and features locally-sourced ingredients and encourages those who dine there to try something new.
“Ocean Springs has become a top foodie town that really brings a variety of creativity,” said Cynthia Sutton, president and CEO of Ocean Springs Chamber-Main Street.
“The authenticity of the paring of the food that Vestige creates and presents is like no other,” she said. “Their passion for the craft is why they are recognized by these awards.”
What’s next
Being named one of the top 5 restaurants in the country hasn’t changed Vestige, Perry said, just energized the chefs and staff.
“We will keep doing what we do best,” he said by offering an, “ever-changing menu that reflects our roots, and have fun while doing it.”
Perry said he is ready to take the farm-to-table concept to the next level.
“I look forward to doing more collaborations with Mississippi/Southern producers,” he said, “small scale farmers, sustainably managed seafood, craft spirits makers — all the delicious things. They make it exciting to keep exploring what it means to be a small independent restaurant.”
Before this year’s nomination by the Beard Foundation for best restaurant, Perry was nominated as a top chef in the south three years and his wife, Kumo Omori, was nominated with him in two of those years.
Vestige is in a small building under the oak trees on Washington Avenue in Ocean Springs. While the reputation of the chefs and the restaurant would allow them to move to a larger location or city, they are right in the middle of what Southern Living and other publications call one of the most charming downtowns and best beach towns in the South.
Within a few blocks of the restaurant, Springs Hotel just opened, Walter Anderson Museum of Art is expanding with The Traveler that salutes the artist and his world travels, plus new shops, more restaurants and popular festivals keep people and accolades coming to the city.
