LouisianaTravel.com

2008 Royal Street Stroll

2008 Royal Street Stroll

2008 Grand Tasting

2008 Grand Tasting

2008 Grand Tasting

2008 Grand Tasting

I am a New Orleans-born food fanatic who has never missed a New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) in 18 years. Over time, my palate has become more keenly polished but my appetite for the thousands of wines and countless dishes served up over the five-day event has never been satiated.
 
My favorite evening in the French Quarter is NOWFE’s Royal Street Stroll, Thursday from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. It’s a street party as only New Orleans can throw one. At the “Stroll,” I indulge in the pleasures of trying on glistening, antique jewelry and ogling art in galleries that display everything from Old Masters’ oils to cutting edge modern sculptures. Along with a huge spectrum of wines, there are delectable nibbles served outdoors all along the stroll and in the shops of Royal Street. This year, I’m starting my sipping early at Vinola, the premium wine tasting and auction at the Ritz-Carlton. The least expensive wine poured at Vinola is $75 a bottle – a rare opportunity indeed. Luckily, Vinola ends just as the stroll begins so I won’t have to miss a moment!
 
For a foodie like me, Thursday night’s newest event “Feastival,” NOWFE’s first ever celebrity chef gala, is a must! This event, which follows the Royal Street Stroll is a rare  opportunity to see world-renowned chefs such as Michel Richard from Washington, D.C.’s Citronelle, Paul Kahan from Blackbird in Chicago and Rick Browne, Public TV’s “guru of BBQ,” cook and serve their signature dishes, in person.
 
Friday and Saturday offer a panoply of choices for food and wine education. Eight intensive seminars bring together chefs and winemakers to address new tastes and trends. Because I’m an admirer of the sustainability work John Besh is doing with his gardens and farms at La Provence in Lacombe, I’ve registered for “Farm Fresh with John Besh.” Here, I’ll learn about his latest innovations in going green. Later in the day, I intend to balance all that healthiness with some excess when I “Eat Like A Pig” with Cochon Restaurant’s Donald Link. I know his boudin will taste extra delicious when paired with a selection of Rhone Valley Wines.
 
The Grand Tastings that take place Saturday and Sunday in the Superdome are a grand value as well. I’ve have yet to work my way through everything offered from the 400 wineries and 50 restaurants participating, but I never miss any of the entertaining cooking demos.
 
The spirit of competition has always ruled the Grand Tastings. The dishes served are judged by an expert panel and awarded a coveted first, second and third place each day. Imagine foie gras done three ways, the most delectable duck breast on perfect polenta or classic crabmeat ravigote from New Orleans’ classics standard bearer – Galatoire’s  Restaurant.
 
This year, Bravo’s Top Chef: Season 5 contestants along with winner Hosea Rosenberg will be onstage at Saturday’s Grand Tasting, presenting their signature dishes. The competition continues Saturday, at the Superdome, as Louisiana chefs battle for the blue-ribbon at the Seafood Contest. The winner goes on to the Great American Seafood Cook-Off, a national competition later in the summer. Last year, I was thrilled to see Galatoire’s young chef, and local talent, Brian Landry take the crown with his Sautéed Cobia with Louisiana Crab Butter. 
 

For more information visit: www.nowfe.com or call (504) 529-WINE (9463)