Wood-fired Brisket Flatbread with Horseradish Cream
Confit of Tomato Salad with Kalmata Vinaigrette “I really had no intention of getting back into the restaurant business,” Regina reveals. “But Doug wanted to open a rum distillery, the King’s Tavern was available, and it seemed like the perfect place.” Regina had just ordered a woodfired pizza oven for her home. When a concept for the new restaurant began to take shape, she decided to construct the oven at the restaurant instead. Several months of renovations were needed before King’s Tavern could open for business. Finally, in September 2013, the historic restaurant welcomed the general public once again. The restaurant’s specialty, under the direction of Executive Chef Allison Richard, is handcrafted, woodfired flatbreads topped with an array of mouthwatering toppings such as brisket and horseradish cream, smoked bacon and shaved Brus-
Wood-fired peppered oysters
sels sprouts, or shrimp and smoked tomatoes. Like many chefs, Regina is enthusiastically embracing the farm-totable movement. Her menu items are seasonal and she is even making her own mozzarella for the flatbreads. The bar features craft beer and cocktails, unique Italian sodas, and craft bottled sodas. Bar manager Ricky Woolfolk frequently offers mixology classes on weekends. In Spring 2014, Doug and the Charboneau’s son, Jean Luc, plan to open Charboneau Rum Distillery in the restaurant’s former bar. The pair plan to sell white rum and eventually aged rum in small quantities. It will also have a tasting room and provide tours. Rum may not be the only spirit residing in King’s Tavern. The restaurant is notorious for ghost sightings, the most famous named Madeline,
a young girl who was supposedly murdered and then buried within the building’s walls. Regardless of whether the story is true, the lore has earned Madeline her own dish on the menu. However, staff and visitors over the years have reported seeing apparitions walking throughout the tavern, including Regina herself. “I don’t believe in that kind of thing, but there was one instance during renovations when I was meeting with the construction crews and we all saw a shadow move across the room and block out the light. Whether it was Madeline, I don’t know.” Maybe there is a reason the tavern’s tagline reads, “Spirits of All Kinds.” edm King's Tavern 619 Jefferson St., Natchez 601.446.8845 eat. drink. MISSISSIPPI • 73
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Shaved Apple and Parmesan Salad Topped With Crispy Proscuitto