ARNAUDVILLE – Chefs with expertise in African-American, Cuban, Thai, Italian, German, Lebanese, and Mexican foods will be appearing nightly at Town Market Centre here, beginning Saturday, Oct. 25 through Friday, Oct. 31, to demonstrate a variety of dishes.
Leading up to the World Cultural Economic Forum, scheduled for the end of the month in New Orleans, the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is promoting a series of “Passport Events” throughout the state. Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu has embarked on an ambitious plan to market Louisiana’s culture and history to the world, and Arnaudville is right in the middle of it.
The Arnaudville Area Chamber of Commerce decided to apply for a grant to feature a little bit of history through the cuisine of south Louisiana. The result is the brainchild of Maureen Little, owner and chef of Virtual Bistro Catering – a week-long series of tastings and lectures by chefs from throughout Louisiana detailing the effects of seven different cultures on the food of south Louisiana. Maureen described it as “a little bit of history on a plate.”
Beginning at 6 p.m. each day the chefs will lecture and take questions about their respective types of cuisine, while preparing some of their favorite dishes. Samples of the dishes will be served to the audience.
On the agenda are Chef Dennis Hutley of Le Parvenu Restaurant in Kenner; Christina Nicosia, an instructor at the Louisiana Culinary Institute; Jim Urdiales, owner of Mestizo restaurant in Baton Rouge; Fred Reggie, former chef and an expert on Lebanese food; and Jintana Guillaumino, co-owner of Pimon Thai restaurant.
Each wave of immigrants has added a bit of spice and tradition to the food of our area. This heady mixture, coupled with our local ingredients, gives us a wide variety of dishes and restaurants to delight local gourmets.
This is an opportunity for food-lovers and families to learn about the people who make south Louisiana a rich mélange of exciting food, music and culture, while enjoying samples of the cuisine these people brought with them. History has never been this much fun or tasted so good.
Cocktails and wine will be available for purchase.
Tickets are $15 per person, per night or $100 for the week-long series and can be purchased through the Arnaudville Area Chamber of Commerce by calling 754-5316 (leave your name and phone number and your call will be returned) or online at www.culinaryworld.homestead.com.
The schedule of chefs is on the Web site.
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