This five-day nonprofit festival is the ultimate way for a foodie or wino to experience the Big Easy. Events take place all around the city with wineries from across the country and more than 75 local restaurants. As if that's not enough reason to participate, all proceeds go to various organizations that fight hunger and support culinary education. You just can't beat "eating and drinking for a good cause!"
In addition to the classic events like the Wednesday Wine Dinners, the Royal Street Stroll and the ever-popular Grand Tastings, this year will include a birthday celebration like no other. The Big Gateaux Show will feature a burlesque-themed cake competition between four pastry chefs with the winner to be determined by celebrity judges. King Cake Vodka cocktails and champagne will be flowing as guests taste their way through the competition at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in the heart of New Orleans.
This lowly little intern can hardly contain her excitement! I've had the privilege of working on this fabulous event since January and absolutely cannot wait to see the final product. Judging by the food we enjoyed during our four-day tasting excursion through the city for the Fleur de Lis Culinary Awards Competition, this year is going to be phenomenal. Here's to hoping I can escape the event management madness long enough to steal a scallop and have a swig of chardonnay! Cheers!