Forks & Corks 2017: Meet the judges
The 2017 installment of Forks & Corks will see a lively competition of the flavors and personalities responsible for making Starkville’s culinary scene so vibrant.
The event will be held at The Mill Conference Center on Saturday, Aug. 19 and a limited number of tickets are still available for purchase.
Ticket prices run from $75 for an individual or $800 per table.
Proceeds from the event will underwrite the activities of the Starkville Area Arts Council (SAAC), which includes scholarships and arts grants.
Sponsors for the event include: Mississippi Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Arts, GSDP, MaxxSouth, LKS Events, The Mill, Courtyard Marriott, and Clark Beverage.
This event is a primary fundraiser for SAAC. The mission of the SAAC is to “promote the essential value of the arts music, dance, theater, literature, and visual arts for the cultural, educational, social, ethnic, and economic vitality of the Starkville Area.”
Participating restaurants include: Harveys, Central Station Grill, Bulldog Burger, Restaurant Tyler, Bin 612, MSU/ Aramark, CampHouse Grill, The Veranda, Lion Hills, Two Brothers and City Bagel
Event chair Angella Baker said the event has grown in popularity over the years and the SAAC anticipates this trend to continue.
“We are so excited to once again host the Forks & Corks,” Baker said. “The quality of judges this year is outstanding as well as chefs. We look forward to having another successful event.”
MEET THE JUDGES
faculty of Hinds Community College in 2016. He is involved with the National Restaurant Association and the ProStart programs at the state and national levels. He is also co-author of the National Restaurant Association Foundation text books used to teach culinary arts across the nation.
J.J. Carney
Carney is the publisher and founder of eat. drink. MISSISSIPPI, a bi-monthly magazine dedicated to the hospitality and food Mississippi is known for. A graduate of Hinds Community College, she also serves as associate editor of the Lawrence County Press and finance manager of the Copiah County Courier.
Carney is a graphic designer at all publications as well. Born and raised in Monticello, she currently lives in Ridgeland. She is married to John Carney, who serves as executive editor of eat. drink. MISSISSIPPI and is publisher of the Lawrence County Press.