FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Brustman Carrino Public Relations
nola@brustmancarrinopr.com
(305) 573-0658

Early Bird tickets are now on sale for the highly anticipated Top Taco Festival Presented by Paddlewheeler Creole Queen, the inaugural taco and tequila festival benefitting One Heart NOLA, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the city's foster children. The event will take place on Thursday, March 23, 2017, 6:30PM at Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza - the convivial outdoor gathering place set against the backdrop of the Mississippi River.

Local restaurateur Shane Finkelstein of Nacho Mama's is bringing Top Taco to the Crescent City - a New Orleans edition of the highly successful Top Taco Denver, which launched in 2013 and has since become the number one summer food festival in that city. Sponsored by Corona; Hilton Riverside Hotel (offering discount rates for Top Taco attendees); Outlet Collection at Riverwalk; and Performance Food Group which is unveiling its new Mexican food line, Contigo, Top Taco NOLA will bring foodies and philanthropists together to sip and sample gourmet creations from over forty (40) of New Orleans hottest chefs and mixologists. Rounding out the evening will be live entertainment from Los Poboycitos and Afro-Cuban jazz and groove band Otra, a silent auction, and the chance to crown winners in four categories: Top Creative Taco, Top Traditional Taco, Top Creative Cocktail and Top Traditional Margarita.

Chefs from restaurants such as Johnny Sanchez, Patois, Jacques Imo's, Lucy's Retired Surfer Bar, Bourbon House, Juan's Flying Burrito, Mizado, Blue Oak BBQ, Carreta's and Superior Grill, among many others will be paired with tequilas and spirits including Don Julio, Avion, Casa Noble, 1800 Tequila, Exotico, Milagro, Ghost Tequila and others to create festive and flavorful cocktails.

In the private VIP Lounge aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen, guests can enjoy a full open bar, exclusive tequila tastings, and one-of-a-kind culinary creations from Vincent's, Cowbell, Chiba, Horn's, Tracey's, and Midway. Tasty confections from Norma's Bakery, and Laurel Street Bakery will be paired with innovative libations featuring Patron XO. VIPs will also enjoy private performances by Mariachi Jalisco US and Margie Perez's Latin band Muevelo.

A limited number of Early Bird Tickets are available at discounted prices until February, 14, 2017, making it a perfect Valentine's Day gift for the foodie in your life. General Admission discounted passes are $50 per person; First Tasting tickets are $75 and include early entry; and VIP discounted tickets are $110 per person which includes early entry plus the VIP experience on the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. To purchase tickets - and view full list of participating restaurant and spirits - please visit www.toptaconola.com.

For sponsorship information please contact Shane Finkelstein at shane@toptaconola.com or call 504-237-5667.

Follow Top Taco NOLA on social media at www.facebook.com/TopTacoNOLA.

Video, images and interviews are available upon request.

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About One Heart NOLA
The vision for One Heart NOLA began in 2008 by two foster families who recognized that the needs of foster children, birth families and foster families were greater than the State was able to provide. With a grass roots effort, we began spreading the word about the various needs to family, friends, neighbors and church members as well as going to garage sales asking for the children's items that didn't sell. People were so happy to give knowing that local children would be the recipients. It didn't take long for an empty bedroom to become a resource center benefitting children and families in need. In October 2015, One Heart was granted its 501c3 non-profit status. Run by volunteers, One Heart NOLA remains a grass roots operation believing that people best help people. 100% of the money donated to the organization goes to the children.