Day 2

The Other Side Gifts in Senatobia, Mississippi is so named because it's on the other side of City Drug Store. The owners Lynn and Debbie Barham and their staff (Hey Robin!) could not have been more gracious. As you can see from the pictures, they really know how to make a fantastic Annieglass display. The store has such a fabulous mix of gifts that I had to pick up a few.

I wanted to arrange a special dinner for my hosts Judy and Ray Lyle. Judy introduced Annieglass to Mississippi and Alabama ten years ago and the love-fest still continues. Annieglass National Sales Manager, Roger Fargeon, worries how soon every man, woman and child in both states will soon own a piece of Annieglass, if not already.

I attribute the popularity of Annieglass here to the fact that women love to entertain, they appreciate the handmade quality because they were raised to discern the difference from mass produced goods and the shops are fabulously merchandised with knowledgeable owner/buyers and retail staff. I humbly believe that these three facts, along with a few others too lengthy to go into here, collide to create a special unique situation.

Chef Nick Apostle of Nick's Restaurant in Jackson , Mississippi and Chef Matthew Kajdan of The Mermaid Cafe in Madison , Mississippi (Nick's other restaurant) were pressed into service by Nick's lovely daughter and recent Annieglass bride, Katy Hedglin to prepare a special meal at the lakefront home of the Lyle's. The menu was prepared in front of us and we got a cooking lesson as well!

• Broiled Ricotta with Mediterranean olives and sun dried tomato relish on toasted ciabatta bread

• Arugula salad with Mediterranean olives, feta cheese and fresh dill served with crusty peasant bread

• Pan roasted salmon with a tomato vinaigrette over sautéed fresh spinach