John Currence, Top Tailgate Chef

Sept. 1, 2011 - PRLog -- College football is competitive both on and off the field.  Nowhere is this truer than in the SEC. Every ounce of energy expended by football players on the field is matched off the field by fans with tailgate parties that are legendary.  Tony Chachere is looking for the best tailgating recipe from the SEC schools. Representing the University of Mississippi is a recipe from Oxford’s most recognized restaurant found in Oxford’s most popular cookbook; Square Table: A Collection of Recipes from Oxford, MS.

A recipe from Square Table Cookbook has been selected a top 12 finalist in the 2011 Tony Chachere’s Tailgating Cook-off Competition. The Catfish and Tasso Savory Cheesecake recipe from City Grocery is just one Square Table recipe that highlights both traditional tailgating fare and recipes from the restaurants in Oxford.  The twelve finalist recipes will be displayed at www.css-sports.com from 5 pm CST on August 19 through Friday, November 11. During this time the general public will have the opportunity to view and vote on their favorite recipes. At the conclusion of the Judging Period, the top three finalists with the highest number of votes will be declared the “Cook-off Champions”. The Grand Prize Winner and Cook-off Champion with the most votes will be announced November 18. The three Cook-off Champion recipes will be featured in SportsNite this November or December (the “Cook-off Feature”).

James Beard Award Winning Chef John Currence provided the recipe for this signature dish from his flagship restaurant, City Grocery.  Currence is an active supporter of the arts community in Oxford, having served on the board for the Arts Council and being a culinary asset in the making of Square Table Cookbook. The book, published in 2005 and now in its fifth printing, was created as a fundraiser for the Arts Council. Currence is a supporter of southern food and culture through the Southern Foodways Alliance, Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, Oxford Film Festival, and Mississippi Restaurant Association and through his restaurants is actively involved with community events.

Given the dedication that Currence has placed on preserving culinary tradition and supporting the community, it’s no wonder that his Catfish and Tasso Savory Cheesecake recipe has been chosen as a top 12 finalist in the tailgating competition. “I am proud to represent my community in this contest. Square Table is an important fundraiser for the arts in our community and I hope if you enjoy this recipe you might visit Oxford, enjoy the wonderful food, art and great college football weekends. You can also pick up a copy of the cookbook to support the arts,” shared John Currence.

“It’s an honor to have a James Beard Award Winning Chef as an active supporter of the Arts,” said Wayne Andrews, Director of the Arts Council. Voting begins on August 19th with the finalist announcement on November 18th.  The Arts Council will feature a link on their website www.oxfordarts.com for supporters to vote. If you would like to get a copy of this recipe and the other great recipes found in Square Table you can order the book through the Ole Miss Alumni office, directly from the Arts Council on their website or through Square Books.

Visit www.aroundthesquaretable.blogspot.com to learn more recipes from Square Table!

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The YAC presents high level arts and supports over 20 different various groups. All of this is made possible by the support of individuals and businesses, through memberships and donated funds.