JACKSON, Miss. —Miller Hospitality, the Jackson-based restaurant development company behind Fine & Dandy, today announced Jesse Houston as culinary director and acting executive chef of Fine & Dandy. An award-winning chef, Houston brings a creative dynamic to Miller Hospitality that will be instrumental in Fine & Dandy’s culinary development. Slated for a fall opening in The District at Eastover, Fine & Dandy is an upscale burger restaurant that will include a lighter, more progressive take on American classics.
“I have been watching Jesse develop as a chef since he worked with Craig Noone and I thought, 'here’s a guy that’s adding something new to the culinary scene in Jackson,'” said Ray-Scott Miller, President of Miller Hospitality. “He has this crazy ability to make forward-thinking food approachable. Besides that, his food tastes amazing.”
A James Beard Semi Finalist for “Best Chef South” in 2016, Houston most recently worked in Jackson at Saltine Oyster Bar, a concept he opened in 2014 that was named one of Bon Appétit’s “Best Restaurants” and one of Southern Living’s “Best New Restaurants.” He first moved to Jackson in 2010 to assist Chef Craig Noone in opening Parlor Market, and he briefly worked under John Currence at City Grocery in Oxford. A native of Dallas, Houston attended Texas Culinary Academy and has been featured in Garden & Gun, Southern Living and Bon Appétit. Most recently, Houston has traveled the world to explore cuisine with stops in Japan and Vietnam, as well as a four-month residency in Tulum, Mexico.
Fine & Dandy introduces a fresh approach to Southern hospitality that will be evident in the restaurant’s food and service, but also in its modern yet comfortable dining space, thoughtfully designed to deliver an experience perfect for sharing time with family or drinks with friends.
About The District at Eastover The District at Eastover represents the best of mixed-use urban revitalization in the heart of Mississippi’s capital city. Conveniently located between Jackson’s historic Eastover and Fondren neighborhoods and adjacent to the I-55 corridor and the University of Mississippi Medical Center, The District offers a transformative destination characterized by boutique shopping, acclaimed restaurants, thoughtfully-planned office space and luxury residential living opportunities. Learn more about The District at www.thedistrictateastover.com.