NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience kicks off its 30th-anniversary event with the annual Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award Gala honoring Chef Frank Brigtsen. NOWFE will showcase wine and food and offer culture, art, music, and authentic New Orleans experiences. Attendees can expect opportunities to mingle with winemakers, chefs, and industry insiders at one-of-a-kind encounters and larger events.
The event takes place June 7-12 at various locations.
Named USA Today’s 10Best for Best General Food Festival, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience has showcased the culinary excellence in our community for 30 years alongside national and international wines at wine dinners in many of the city’s finest restaurants; at VINOLA, a premium tasting event; at dozens of culinary labs, experiences, and special events; and ultimately at the Grand Tastings. NOWFE is a non-profit organization with proceeds going to causes supporting culinary education. It has raised more than $1.5 million for local nonprofit organizations.
Purchase tickets at www.nowfe.com or by calling (504) 655-5158.
The Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement In Hospitality Award Gala
Tuesday, June 7, 7 pm (6 pm, VIP Reception), The Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
Each year the Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award is presented to a recipient who has made a lifetime commitment to the hospitality industry through extraordinary leadership, personal and professional accomplishments, and philanthropic contributions to the community. The award is named for legendary restaurateur Ella Brennan in honor of her deep passion and commitment, which has made a significant and longstanding impact on the New Orleans hospitality industry. This year, Chef Frank Brigtsen is the honoree.
Wine Dinners
Wednesday, June 8, 7 pm, various restaurants
Vinola
Thursday, June 9, 2 pm, The Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
Foodies and oenophiles of all experience levels share an appreciation for fine wines and excellent cuisine. Vinola offers guests an intimate setting to sample various rare and highly valued wines expertly paired with delectable foods crafted by local chefs. Winemakers will present elite wines from around the world, while award-winning chefs will be on hand to serve and talk about their food and what inspires them in its creation. Attendees will walk away from this event having had one-on-one conversations with winemakers and chefs and a new appreciation for wine and food.
Labs
Friday, June 10 – Saturday, June 11, various times, The New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute (NOCHI)
Get schooled by top wine professionals and celebrated chefs through their exciting presentations on what’s hot in the wine industry and culinary world. There is something for everyone from novice foodie to expert oenophile. Attendees will walk away with a wealth of new information and fresh ways of looking at wine and food.
Experiences
Friday, June 10 – Saturday, June 11, various times & locations
Step out for a one-of-a-kind, interactive wine and food encounter that showcases New Orleans’ unique culture and style. These real-life experiences take guests on journeys through neighborhoods, culinary styles, and some lagniappe fun one wouldn’t expect. Don’t miss out; these are limited space opportunities.
Grand Tastings
Friday, June 10, 6 pm, The Sugar Mill
Saturday, June 11, 2 pm, The Sugar Mill
Grand Tastings at NOWFE showcase wines from around the world and food served by New Orleans’ finest chefs. Wine connoisseurs will take pleasure in meeting winemakers, asking questions, and tasting special appellations from across the globe. Novice wine drinkers will simply enjoy the experience of trying many new wines and learning what they like about different styles, varieties, and price ranges.
Tournament of Rosés
Saturday, June 11, 6:30 pm, 500 block of Fulton St.
Get your game on and head to Fulton Street for this unique opportunity to see the world through rosé-filled glasses. Taste through premier rosés—both still and sparklers—from France, Spain, Italy, the United States, and the Southern Hemisphere. Then you be the judge, cast your vote for your favorite in NOWFE’s fourth annual People’s Choice Wine Awards. Best of Show, Gold, Silver, and Bronze will be awarded. Bonfire Catering will provide tasty bites to accompany the wines.
Burlesque, Bubbly & Brunch
Sunday, June 12, 11 am, Omni Royal Orleans
Join Trixie Minx and her Burlesque Beauties for a one-of-a-kind NOWFE experience: Burlesque, Bubbly & Brunch. The event will feature a plated brunch prepared by the chefs at the Omni Royal Orleans, bottomless sparkling wine by Luc Belaire, and a burlesque performance you are sure to remember.
Queens & Cocktails
Sunday, June 12, 3 pm, Omni Royal Orleans
NOWFE’s newest event, Queens & Cocktails, will be an afternoon of fun featuring Trixie Minx & her glamazon friends performing in NOWFE’s first-ever drag show. Join us for lots of lip-sync, libations, and a meal you are sure to remember!
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