Homecoming Chef Feature: Jay Parmegiani

Written on June 8, 2018.

Chef Jay Parmegiani first became interested in cooking at the age of twelve while preparing food for guests in his father’s restaurant, Jacques’ Café, located in Vicksburg, MS. Jay learned many of his culinary skills by watching his father and learning about foods from different regions in France where his father grew up.

Following high school, Jay moved on in his career as a cook on the hot line at BRAVO! Italian Restaurant and Bar. It was there that Chef Dan Blumenthal took Jay under his wing and helped guide his hand towards volume cooking with finesse. Jeff remembers Jay fondly: “Jay was super popular with everyone… the nicest kid… always laughing. And he was so passionate about his work… he really wanted to please. I would go out of my way to report favorable customer comments about a dish that Jay made, and he would just beam with pride. I love Jay and I am thrilled his is coming home for this event!”

After his tour of duty at BRAVO!, Jay moved to Miami and while working in several area restaurants, he attended and graduated from the culinary program at Johnson and Wales University in Miami in 1999.

Jay returned home to Vicksburg and worked side by side with his at Jacques’ Café for a decade. With plenty of experience under his belt, in early 2009, Jay opened his first restaurant, ROCA Restaurant & Bar, offering guests his innovative interpretation of southern cuisine with European touches.

In the summer of 2015, Parmegiani opened his second restaurant, 10 South Rooftop and Bar, with co-owner Tim Cantwell. 10 South is located on the 10th (top) floor of the First National Building overlooking most of Vicksburg, the Yazoo River, Centennial Lake and the Mississippi River. Visitors from all over the world stop in to check out the amazing view and dine on fresh spins of southern cooking in the casual open-air environment. Chef Jay and his eatery recently won the 27^th annual Outstanding New Development Project Award by the Mississippi Main Street Association.

Jay is fortunate to be married to the love of his life Kara. They are the proud parents of four sons, Blake, Ethan, Eli and Drew.

Jay’s featured dish for our Homecoming Dinner:

radishes / buttermilk espuma / carrot-lime vinaigrette / chermoula

To read more about our Homecoming Dinner and see the rest of the menu click here.

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