T
chef ’s corner
Tupelo, Mississippi, locals who enjoy fresh, delicious food know they can count on The Neon Pig Cafe and Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen. The Neon Pig, which opened in June 2012, and Kermit's Outlaw Kitchen in business since last August, are owned by Chefs Mitchell McCamey and Seth Copeland. “We have great local regular customers, people who love fresh, tasty food and support the mantra ‘Save Tupelo, Eat Local,’ and we’re constantly getting new customers who've heard about us through the grapevine, articles and even Yelp,” says McCamey. Neon Pig, located at 1203 N. Gloster Street in Tupelo is an old-school butcher shop, market and cafe. They break down whole, locally sourced cows, chickens and pigs in the shop, have Gulf Coast seafood brought in fresh three times a week, and supply the community with fresh produce, milk and eggs from area farms, in addition to serving house-ground burgers, wraps, poboys and sandwiches with quality craft beer, which is also often local. The Neon Pig’s custom Smash Burger features aged filet, ribeye, New York strip, sirloin and Benton's bacon – made into a rich and smoky burger that melts in your mouth. The Bash Burger is aged brisket, fine and smooth, and according to the chefs it is the “leanest and cleanest” burger you've ever had. The Butcher Shop at the Neon Pig brings Tupelo the highest quality of meat along with hand-cut steaks bought from local farmers. The butcher shop also offers house-cured meats such as sausage and bacon. Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen is at 1234 Main Street in Tupelo, Mississippi, and features awardwinning homemade recipes, an extensive draft beer selection, and good old-fashioned service in a friendly atmosphere. The daytime menu includes sandwiches, poboys and burgers, and by night the wood-burning grill gets fired up and loaded with steaks from The Neon Pig, fresh fish and hot chicken. Fresh vegetables and fruit from local farms plated on metal pie tins and wooden planks create a more rustic, outlaw environment. Neon Pig’s butcher shop Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner specials are always customer favorites. Special celebrations hosted by KOK include Christmas parties for businesses, New Year’s and Valentine’s dinners and several craft beer events. July 2014 • athomemms.com | 87