With a passion for community (and a slight obsession with really good food), Chef Dixie Evans is on a mission to bring people together one plate at a time. As the creator of the Taste of White County Culinary Showcase, she’s turning up the heat on what it means to support local—giving restaurants, food trucks, caterers, bakers, and chefs a chance to shine while the community eats very, very well.

Based in Searcy, Arkansas, Dixie is a personal chef and the force behind Hot Mess Kitchen—a brand built on the belief that incredible food doesn’t have to be fussy to be unforgettable. Her style? Elevated, bold, a little indulgent, and always served with a side of personality. She’s especially known for her gluten-free creations that taste anything but “gluten-free.”

But this event isn’t just about the food (okay… it’s mostly about the food). It’s also about connection, community, and giving back. Proceeds from Taste of White County support local nonprofits, because Dixie believes a strong community is built the same way as a great meal—thoughtfully, intentionally, and with a whole lot of heart.

With a background in leadership, business operations, and nonprofit work—including her time as Executive Director of the Literacy Council of White County—Dixie knows how to bring people together and make things happen. And if there’s a little chaos behind the scenes? Well… that’s just part of the Hot Mess Kitchen charm.

So come hungry, bring your friends, and get ready to taste your way through some of the best bites White County has to offer—because when Chef Dixie hosts, it’s not just an event… it’s an experience.

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