FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     

Media Contacts: 
Jessica Sigmundsson | jessica.sigmundsson@nochi.org
504-635-0017

Leslie Doles | leslie.doles@nochi.org
504-442-8983

Deux Fuegos Pop-Up Restaurant Presented by NOCHI’s Spring ’26 Cohort Opens May 19

Proceeds Benefit NOCHI’s Scholarship Fund

April 20, 2026, NEW ORLEANS, LA – The New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute’s (NOCHI) Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts Spring 2026 cohort invites guests to experience Deux Fuegos, a bold, cross-cultural pop-up restaurant rooted in the shared spirit of Louisiana Creole and Mexican traditions. The pop-up opens for lunch beginning Tuesday, May 19, at NOCHI’s downtown campus, 725 Howard Avenue.

Meaning “two fires,” Deux Fuegos explores the connection between two rich culinary traditions, honoring their history, ingredients, and resilience, while creating something entirely new. Each dish reflects a thoughtful balance of flavor and technique, resulting in a menu that is both rooted in tradition and forward-looking.

Guests will enjoy a dynamic dining experience with an emphasis on quality ingredients. Prioritizing cultural authenticity and sustainability, Deux Fuegos presents dishes designed to spark conversation and celebrate the shared language of food. The full menu will be released soon.

Reservations are now open for this culinary experience at www.nochi.org/deux-fuegos. Seatings are available from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM on the following dates: 

  • Tue., May 19 – Fri., May 22
  • Wed., May 27 – Fri., May 29
  • Tue., June 2 – Fri., June 5
  • Tue., June 9 – Fri., June 12

Proceeds and donations from Deux Fuegos will support the NOCHI Scholarship Fund, helping to open doors for aspiring chefs and bakers who rely on financial assistance to enroll. Guests can donate by attending or contributing online at nochi.org.

“Deux Fuegos captures the essence of what we strive to teach at NOCHI: respect for tradition, curiosity for innovation, and the power of storytelling through food,” said Gerald Duhon, NOCHI President & CEO. “Our students are bringing these ideas to life in a way that is both thoughtful and deeply personal.”

This original concept is dreamed up and executed entirely by the students as the capstone project of their NOCHI education. To determine the concept, students are broken into small groups to design menus, create recipes, develop a budget, and establish a brand, all drawing from knowledge gained in their previous courses. This work culminates in a live pitch day, where local industry experts are invited to campus to evaluate each group’s presentation. Feedback is immediate, and the questions asked allow for NOCHI students to experience what it might be like to pitch their own business plan in the future.

While the pop-up pitch experience is a competition, as the winning concept is then executed by the full cohort, it is also a nurturing environment that provides support as our student work to collaborate on bringing their culinary visions to reality. This sets NOCHI apart from many other culinary schools and is an invaluable part of our students’ educational journey.

NOCHI’s certificate programs in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts include over 650 hours of hands-on instruction covering 25 industry-relevant subjects. Graduates emerge prepared for immediate employment in New Orleans and beyond.

For more information or to make reservations, visit http://www.nochi.org/deux-fuegos or contact NOCHI at (504) 635-0017.

About New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute 
New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that educates a community of learners to sustain an ever-evolving hospitality industry. NOCHI offers a platform for professional and personal growth, increasing access and minimizing barriers to career pathways while supporting the promotion and economic development of the culinary arts and hospitality industry. 

NOCHI is committed to offering programs that give industry-developed and industry-recognized training for long-term career opportunities in a variety of fields, from food and beverage to hospitality, as well as enthusiast courses for the at-home gourmand. The city’s rich culinary heritage and culture make NOCHI the perfect setting for an institute where future generations of talent and industry leadership will be developed. For more information on its facility and classes, please visit their website: https://www.nochi.org/.