Published: September 29, 2008 11:23 pm      

‘Sample the South’ tonight at Temple Theater

Samples of the best dishes from area restaurants and caterers will be served up at tonight's Sample the South.

Presented by The Meridian Star, the premiere tasting event also will feature a cooking contest of dishes prepared by local cooks and judged by world-renowned restaurateur, chef, food writer, author – and one of the nation's only food/humor columnists – Robert St. John, who will also emcee the event.

Local cooks submitted recipes for their best soup, best cornbread and best cobbler recipes. Winning submissions were chosen randomly within the proper food categories. St. John will announce a first-place winner in each category; a prize of $100 will be awarded to each.

Other highlights of the event will be door prizes, goody bags given to the first 300 ticketholders, plus attendees will get to vote for the best exhibit booth in the show. Prizes for best booths will be $200, first place; $100, second place; and $50, third place.

For the grand prize, a new refrigerator, stove and dishwasher will be given away.