AUGUSTA, Ga.—Pittsburgh natives and one of Augusta, Ga.’s best-known culinary secrets has been revealed to the world, thanks to the literary efforts of the internationally renowned publication known as Southern Living magazine.
Jackie M’s Restaurant and Catering, a small Augusta business, was featured in the food section of the magazine’s November edition. The book featured specialty menus that were developed by Jackie M, in addition to her penchant for producing uniquely delectable Thanksgiving Day meals.
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| FAMILY AFAIR—Owners of Jackie M’s Restaurant and Catering from left: Clinton McCalla Sr., Jackie McCalla, and Clinton McCalla Jr. enjoy their newfound fame.
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The Southern Living article was appropriately headlined: “A Smokin’ Good Thanksgiving.”
The article’s author, Norman King, said the Augusta family-owned firm deserves the worldwide recognition.
Before moving to Augusta, the McCallas lived in Pittsburgh for several years.
Mr. McCalla worked as an engineer with Westinghouse Electric Corp. and their children attended schools in the Bethel Park school district, Mrs. McCalla said.
“They are very Southern, but they have a unique twist and they were just the ideal fit for our magazine,” said King. King added that he and his staff at the magazine’s Birmingham-based headquarters were particularly “blown away” after sampling Jackie M’s’ cheesecake.
“We sampled at least 5,000 varieties, but hers stood out,” he said. Jackie M’s was founded in 2001, by Jackie McCalla, who with the support of her husband of 30 years, Clinton McCalla Sr., and adult children, Clinton McCalla Jr. and daughter, Janean McCalla-Dunston, the family affair has developed into a quiet storm throughout metro Augusta, among her many catering clients and restaurant patrons.
Mrs. McCalla humbly describes the national publicity as a milestone.
“It’s truly something to cherish for years to come,” she said. To be featured in this magazine—and to have our menus spotlighted is something our grandchildren can acknowledge,” she said.
Specifically featured menus were Jackie M’s baby back ribs’ dry rub seasoning, smoked gouda cheese grits and ham soup-based butter beans.
(For more information about Jackie Ms Catering and Restaurant, access www.jackiems.com or call 706-738-6055.)
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