Down Island is coastal slang for “down on the island”, which is most often used by mariners or islanders to describe their location. For example, “Sorry I can’t make it — I’ll be down island this weekend.”

Born and raised on the Mississippi Sound, Chef Janca owes his creative spirit to the barrier islands that make up the Gulf Island National Seashore. He has visited, camped, and cooked on these islands hundreds times in his life, particularly Horn and Petit Bois Island. Needless to say, this special place has shaped him into the artist and chef he is today.

Put simply, Down Island combines Chef Janca’s passion for Gulf South cuisine and southern hospitality roots to create a creative, adventurous and inviting atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.