The New Orleans Food and Wine Experience celebrated its 22nd year of year of eating and drinking over Memorial Day weekend, May 21 -24. This internationally known festival contains four days of events that include vintner dinners, the Royal Street Stroll and the amazing grand tastings.
For the past 22 years, NOWFE has showcased the culinary expertise in our city alongside national and international wines while raising more than one million dollars for non-profit organizations such as Café Reconcile, The John Folse Culinary Institute, NOCCA’a Culinary Arts Program, Edible Schoolyard of New Orleans, Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation Prostart Program and Delgado Community College School of the Culinary Arts.
This year I attended two of their events, The Royal Street Stroll and Saturday’s Grand Tasting. Thursday’s Royal Street Stroll is a true New Orleans block party on one of the most beautiful thoroughfares in the Vieux Carre. Hundreds of people walked up and down this lovely evening fanning themselves and tasting delectable wines at the over two dozen participating art, antique and gift shops. There was also food tastings and live music strategically placed along the street.
The Grand Tasting on Saturday was an overindulgence of your senses with music, unbelievable food from over 75 restaurants and over 100 wines available for tasting. This event was held at the New Orleans Convention Center was an impressive culinary experience. They also had the “King of Louisiana Seafood” Competition at the 7th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off. Ten chefs from across the state competed for this coveted title but the winner was Chef Aaron Burgau of Restaurant Patois with Chef Chris Montero of Café b in 2nd place and Chef Chip Flanagan of Ralph’s on the Park in third.
This is definitely one weekend not to be missed in NOLA. For more information on next year’s festival, go to www.nowfe.com.