Twinkling holiday lights and perfect weather welcomed guests to the gracious home of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Estess for the Dec. 8, 2022, Climbers Club Guest Night. A festive table of sumptuous holiday fare was presented in the dining room. Guests delighted in the classical music of the string trio of the University of Southern Mississippi as the party flowed onto the back patio.

The Jan. 12, 2023, meeting of the Climbers Club was held in the lovely home of Mrs. Michael Said. Celebrity Chef Katie Dixon was the afternoon’s speaker. Katie engaged the club with entertaining stories of the journey that led her to the exciting career she now enjoys.

Katie grew up in Brookhaven, the daughter of Henry and Vicky Newman. She is a graduate of Brookhaven Academy. She now lives in Hattiesburg with her family, where she is owner and head chef of the Birdhouse Cafe. Opened in 2017, Katie’s wish was “to create an environment where everyone leaves feeling loved, nourished and inspired.” The Birdhouse Cafe offers a range of power foods from acai bowls and salads to healthy takes on traditional, southern fare. Katie also offers a full service meal prep program, a healthy sweet treats menu, private dining, event catering, and cooking classes.

Additionally, Katie serves as a spokesperson for the MS UProot Campaign — a campaign with the objective of “building a healthier Mississippi from the ground up.” She was awarded Best Chef of the Pine Belt in 2017 and Best Personality & Best New Restaurant in the Pine Belt for 2018. Mississippians and fans from around the country will recall cheering for Katie as she became a finalist on MasterChef Season 7 and Food Network Star Season 14.

In addition to expanding her restaurant concept into other locations, Katie has recently published her first cookbook, “Be Nourished.” It is “for the reader looking for plant-based recipes made from easy-to-find ingredients.” The club was delighted to be served a delicious assortment of afternoon refreshments selected from her cookbook and kindly prepared by Katie.

At the conclusion of the program, members enjoyed obtaining their own copies of “Be Nourished” which Katie graciously inscribed for them.