CELEBRATE WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH & GLOBAL RECEYCLING DAY AT COMPÈRE LAPIN WITH REAL ENTREPRENEURS OF NEW ORLEANS KICK-OFF DINNER
Chef Nina Compton | El Guapo | Glass Half Full Collaborative
WHAT: Honoring Women’s History Month and Global Recycling Day, Chef Nina Compton’s Compère Lapin is teaming up with the Real Entrepreneurs of New Orleans, with support from OpenTable, to host an intimate, three-course dinner at the award-winning Warehouse District restaurant. The evening will feature Caribbean-Creole cuisine; bespoke cocktails and zero-proof libations featuring El Guapo bitters, syrups, and mixers; recycled glassware made from reclaimed bottles; and intentional conversation about building women-owned businesses that create lasting community impact. Tickets will be available for $160 per person, which includes a menu and beverage pairing. A portion of the proceeds benefits Glass Half Full to support glass recycling, coastal restoration, and local job creation. The 3-course menu is as follows:
1st Course
Caribbean Chopped Salad
Tuna Tartar with a Coconut Lime Vinaigrette
2nd Course
Brown Stewed Whole Fish
Fried Buttermilk Chicken with Jerk Honey Butter
Coconut Rice & Peas
Collard Greens
3rd Course
Bread Pudding with Passion Fruit and Pineapple
WHO: Nina Compton, James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Compère Lapin, Christa Cotton, Founder of El Guapo, and Franziska Trautmann, Co-Founder of Glass Half Full.
WHEN/WHERE: The benefit dinner takes place on Wednesday, March 18th, at 6:30 PM. Compère Lapin is located at The Old No. 77 Hotel, 535 Tchoupitoulas Street, in New Orleans. Seating is limited and requires advance reservations. For more information, please visit www.comperelapin.com, and to make a reservation, visit OpenTable.
MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH:
Honoring The Hospitality Industry’s Revolutionary Women
Chef Nina Compton, Compere Lapin, New Orleans
Image: Nina Compton
Chef Nina Compton is a St. Lucian–born, James Beard Award–winning chef whose work celebrates heritage, resilience, and bold creativity. After honing her craft in top kitchens around the world, she made New Orleans her home, where she has become a defining voice in the city’s modern culinary scene. She is the chef-owner of the acclaimed Compère Lapin, which opened in 2015 and has been celebrated nationally and locally for its Caribbean-inspired Louisiana cuisine, as well as Nina’s Creole Cottage at Caesars New Orleans. Named Best Chef: South by the James Beard Foundation and recognized globally for her singular point of view, Compton is also the author of KWÉYÒL/CREOLE: Recipes, Stories and Tings from a St. Lucian Chef’s Journey, releasing in April 2025, which traces her path from St. Lucia to Jamaica, Miami, and New Orleans. A former Top Chef finalist and passionate advocate for representation in the hospitality industry, she continues to lead with culture, confidence, and purpose, making her a powerful force to celebrate this International Women’s Day.
Lanell Dufforc, Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, New Orleans
Image: Lanell Dufforc
With 28 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Lanell Duffourc brings a wealth of leadership and insight to her current position as General Manager of The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery in New Orleans, where she oversees all aspects of the property’s operations, from financial performance and marketing initiatives to staff development and guest experience. Her strategy focuses on personalized service, empowering her team to anticipate needs, continuous improvement, and infusing the hotel’s unique spirit with authentic Crescent City culture. She attributes The Old No. 77’s success to its distinctive blend of history, artistry, and culinary excellence, elements that immerse guests in the local culture and set the property apart in New Orleans’ competitive hospitality landscape. While running a hotel in the dynamic city presents challenges such as fluctuating tourism patterns and seasonal weather extremes, Lanell embraces the opportunity to offer guests unforgettable stays year-round by highlighting the city’s creative energy, cultural richness, and attractions. Outside of work, Lanell enjoys exploring New Orleans’ art and music scenes, traveling, and discovering new restaurants and experiences that reflect the city’s vibrant culture. She is also a current and founding board member of Rock Beats Cancer, an organization that raises funds and supports local musicians during their struggle with cancer. Her love for creativity, food, and people continues to inspire the way she leads, making The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery not just a place to stay but a place to create long-lasting memories.
Bonnie Borges, Charmant, New Orleans
Image: Bonnie Borges
Bonnie Borges is a seasoned hospitality leader whose career spans fine dining, high-volume restaurants, and catering, with a rare balance of operational expertise and guest-centered vision. As co-owner and General Manager/Sommelier of the newly opened European-style bistro in Mid-City, Charmant, Bonnie plays a pivotal role in shaping the space's identity, service philosophy, and sense of place. Her sommelier background informs Charmant’s thoughtfully curated wine program, which champions approachability and discovery through small producers, grower Champagnes, distinctive varietals, and rotating reserves. Designed to welcome both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers, the list features by-the-glass offerings, flights, and tableside pours that complement the brasserie-inspired menu. At the heart of Bonnie’s work is a belief that wine is about connection. Through Charmant, she and her husband, Chef Chris Borges, have created a neighborhood restaurant rooted in warmth, craftsmanship, and the joy of gathering.