Farm to table restaurants (restaurants who source their food as locally as possible) are starting to appear in the state of Mississippi, and I can't be more thrilled. County Seat Restaurant is one of the Jackson, MS area's own pioneers for this sustainable way of dining. Last week, we had our chance to dine at the Chef's Table and experience up close the passion behind Chef Jeremy Enfinger's mission.
County Seat is a brand spankin' new restaurant in the Town of Livingston, a new development here in Madison County. Planned for development in different phases, the town square currently includes two restaurants, a cooking school, gas station, mercantile store, a barbershop, an office building and a sweet shoppe. The Thursday night farmer's market is my family's favorite summer spot to gather for sweets, eats, and water slide fun.
Ben and I were immediately impressed upon arriving at the County Seat (named after the town's history of being Madison County's first county seat). Parking was easy, and we were welcomed at the door with a warm smile and enthusiastic greeting.
After entering through the doors, my breath was taken away with the beauty of the interior decorating! Since Ben is such a woodworking man, he was quite in awe, too, with the reclaimed wood tables and chairs, the barn doors lining the private party room, and the industrial lighting.
To the right, you could enter the bar area and stay around for a craft beer, or choose to sit at one of the community style tables.
After taking a quick tour, we were seated at a long farm table set up for the evening, right in front of the open show kitchen.
On a regular evening, I definitely would have chosen this same side of the restaurant, to enjoy watching the food fired up on the grill, in one of those beautiful high back booths. But, really, each area of seating is a dining experience. I didn't manage to snatch a photo, but there is also outdoor patio seating overlooking the beautiful land of Livingston, so you can catch a glimpse of the sunset over dinner.
Speaking of dinner, let's talk about the food Chef Jeremy served us that night. We were able to sample a portion of the restaurant's dinner menu. Loving it all, my favorites included the blue crab gratin, pickled red onion rings, bluefin tuna, and the sweet potato soufflé. Ben and I actually couldn't get enough of that sweet potato soufflé.
Chef Jeremy and his wife were very gracious hosts, stopping often to our table to explain the dishes, the history behind the restaurant, the equipment (make notice of the grill when you visit!) while getting to know us, further revealing the passion involved. I love that they believe in my same blog concept of experience joy and community while "seated at the table."
Thank you, Chef Jeremy, for inviting us to be guests at your table. We'll be back on our own while looking forward to tasting the rest of your menu and making new friends at your community table!
County Seat Restaurant
115 Livingston Church Rd.
Flora, MS 39071
Disclosure: We were neither compensated nor asked to write this post. Chef Jeremy Enfinger hosted our dinner at the County Seat Restaurant in which we decided to share our experience with you. All opinions are our own.
