New hip restaurant and bar offers more than just food and drinks. See where it is

April Sellers and Kaki Knight searched high and low for the perfect place for their new restaurant.

They knew they wanted to be in Downtown Meridian, but finding what they wanted proved difficult. When they finally settled on 2112 Eighth Street, Fare on Eighth was born.

The two Meridian transplants had come together from separate food businesses and decided to try and make a go of it together.

"Neither one of us was getting any rest, so we decided to not have rest together," Sellers said.

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While the restaurant has been open since the beginning of the year, the official ribbon cutting will be April 25.

"This is really a dream come true for us," Sellers said.

Sellers comes to the project, having been running her own business, Clean Plate, a local meal prep service that specialized in fresh, organic foods that were delivered to her customers' front doors.

Knight brings her charcuterie skills to the table from her former business, Charcuterie Chick, where she offered a variety of options for watch parties, baby showers, work parties, engagement parties or just a date night in.

Now the two combine for food that is never sprayed with herbicides, pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. It is all sustainably sourced, non-GMO, no preservatives, organic, and always local.

So, there is good food, appetizers and house-made cocktails contain only the best ingredients.

"Every element of our drinks use fresh ingredients, house-made syrups, infusions, and bitters to create an exceptional drinking experience," Sellers said.

The interior is relatively small with seating for 38 that could be expanded to 50.

"A major focus of ours was the ambiance," Sellers said. "We want people to have an experience and for this to become a destination for people."

They also pay homage to the local heritage as there is a wall mural of the historically famous Meridian woman who was celebrated as a leader of the Romani people.

At the front of the restaurant, there is a grab-and-go cooler. All of their rotating, weekly options are available to take home. They also have grab-and-go breakfast options, charcuterie plates and more. In addition, they will have quarterly in-house cooking classes. Charcuterie 101, Wine and Cheese pairings, eating clean at home and others will be offered.

"We are also excited to extend our catering options with charcuterie grazing tables, clean small bites and other hot options," Sellers said.

There is also a private chef service offered for those wanting ways to incorporate clean eating in their life, have food allergies or just need help meal planning.

"This is really a labor of love," Sellers said. "We believe in what we are doing and what this brings to Downtown Meridian. We are a part of our community, and we want this area to feel like we are serving their needs in so many different ways."

Ross Reily can be reached by email at [email protected] or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on Twitter @GreenOkra1.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: New Meridian MS restaurant opens to large crowds