"You eat with your eyes” is the adage guiding Emily Burgess, executive chef at the Mississippi Museum of Art, when she prepares for an event. Everything—from the food to the flowers to the serving pieces—must be fresh, local, and breathtakingly beautiful. “The food has to taste as good as it looks,” she says, “and look as good as it tastes.” The annual International Ballet Competition gala attracts a crowd of about 800 from all over the world. This year was the first time Burgess hosted the affair, and she wanted to give it some Southern flair, showcasing local favorites in visually arresting color. (click to read more and view gallery)




