New MPB Series 'Southern Dish' Spotlights Mississippi's Chefs and Restaurants

The series, hosted by state Sen. Lydia Chassaniol, aims to engage visitors and residents by introducing them to the state's culinary offerings.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:36pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a plate of Southern-style fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread, repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the vibrant food culture highlighted in the 'Southern Dish' series.The new 'Southern Dish' series from Mississippi Public Broadcasting aims to showcase the state's diverse culinary traditions and promote Mississippi as a destination for food-loving travelers.Winona Today

For over a year, Mississippi state Sen. Lydia Chassaniol and a Mississippi Public Broadcasting film crew have been traveling across the state to create a new TV series called 'Southern Dish'. The series will introduce viewers to restaurants and chefs throughout Mississippi in order to tell the state's story through its food.

Why it matters

The new 'Southern Dish' series from MPB aims to boost tourism and local pride by highlighting Mississippi's diverse culinary landscape. As local news outlets continue to struggle, this series provides an opportunity to showcase the state's vibrant food culture to both residents and potential visitors.

The details

The 'Southern Dish' series will feature restaurants and chefs from across Mississippi, giving viewers a taste of the state's unique regional cuisines and food traditions. The series is hosted by state Sen. Lydia Chassaniol, who has been working with the MPB film crew to travel the state and document these local culinary stories.

  • The 'Southern Dish' series has been in production for over a year.
  • The series is set to premiere on Mississippi Public Broadcasting in the coming months.

The players

Lydia Chassaniol

A state senator from Winona, Mississippi who is hosting the 'Southern Dish' series for Mississippi Public Broadcasting.

Mississippi Public Broadcasting

The public television and radio network producing the 'Southern Dish' series to showcase Mississippi's culinary landscape.

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What they’re saying

“For well over a year, state Sen. Lydia Chassaniol of Winona and a Mississippi Public Broadcasting film crew have been crisscrossing the state with a delectable purpose. That is to create a new TV series that will engage the state's would-be visitors and its residents by introducing them to restaurants and their chefs statewide in order to tell Mississippi's story through their food.”

— Susan Montgomery, Author

What’s next

The 'Southern Dish' series is expected to premiere on Mississippi Public Broadcasting in the coming months, providing viewers across the state and beyond a closer look at Mississippi's vibrant food culture.

The takeaway

In a time when local news coverage is dwindling, the 'Southern Dish' series from Mississippi Public Broadcasting offers an opportunity to celebrate the state's culinary diversity and promote Mississippi as a destination for food-loving travelers.