Acclaimed Chef Sets Roots in Biloxi

Chef John David Forde, of Starkville, was named the new chef for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s City Line Café. The restaurant is located in the Hospitality and Resort Management Center on DeBuys Road in Biloxi.

Forde, who graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Austin, Texas, in 2012, has worked for James Beard award-winning chefs John Besh, Stephan Pyles and Michael Sohocki.

Forde has already begun work at the café, which is scheduled to open officially on September 27. While the menu remains much the same as the previous one, Forde and MGCCC culinary students will feature a number of new creations throughout the year.

Forde will also head up catering for the Hospitality and Resort Management Center, which is a new offering for events held at the center.

“We are so excited to add Chef J.D. to the list of incredible chefs who run our programs,” said Lisa Bradley Palermo, director of Business Development and Hospitality and Resort Management at MGCCC. “City Line Café has always been a student and faculty favorite. Everyone loves the idea enjoying of a top-notch culinary experience that supports student learning. The addition of catering services is an exciting venture for us at HRM, and Chef J.D. has the experience and skill set to meet the needs of every client we serve.”

The café is open daily 10 a.m.-1 p.m., serving lunch, coffee and pastries, all made by MGCCC’s instructor chefs and culinary students.

For daily specials and more information, visit the City Line Café Facebook page.

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