EVENT DATES:
May 26-29, 2016

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Liz Bodet, 504.583.5550; lizbodet@gmail.com

FORAGING, FISHING AND A FRANCO-SPANISH HOG WAR
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience 2016 offers Seminar and Experience Program

New Orleans, Louisiana - The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) has announced it's 2016 Seminar and Experience Program, as part of the annual event which takes place May 26 - 29, 2016. In its 24th year, NOWFE has garnered recognition as one of the premier wine and food festivals in the country. In addition to the Seminar and Experience Program, NOWFE will host its Wine Dinners, Royal Street Stroll presented by Rouses, Vinola, the Big Gateaux Show, and new this year, one culminating Grand Tasting.

he 2016 Seminar and Experiences Program includes interactive wine and food sessions showcasing New Orleans' unique culture and style. This year's exciting lineup includes Foraged Flavors, an inside look at how and where foragers and chefs hunt and gather for South Louisiana's indigenous ingredients; Cast Iron Chef, Fishing on the bayous of Louisiana with Chef Donald Link and Garth Hodgson of Krug Champagne followed by dinner at Cochon, where the catch will be cooked; and Franco Spanish Hog War, a friendly battle between a team consisting of Co-Founder and Executive Chef of Hogs for the Cause versus a competition team from Hogs for the Cause, wherein their weapons are hams, sausages, roasted pig, Rosé, wines, and ciders.

OTHER SEMINARS OF THE 2016 SERIES INCLUDE:
New World Oysters & Old World Wines: Past winners of the Louisiana Seafood Cook-off and husband and wife team Cody & Samantha Carroll will highlight the modern oyster movement along the Gulf Coast, and how new flavors and salinities are changing not only the accouterment, but the wines we would pair with them. Master Sommelier, Evan Goldstein will pair the wines.

Wine, Women & Wagyu: Chef Sara Toth of Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse will showcase the quality beef being raised in LA and what makes wagyu so special. She'll also share some big reds and reveal their unexpected places of origin, setting up for a special pairing by Master Sommelier Madeline Triffone.

Blind Ambition: Think you have a great palate? Put your money where your taste buds are. Join Chef Laura Martinez, Charlie Trotter alum and the only blind chef in the country running her own restaurant (La Diosa in Chicago), for a blind taste test of both food and wine. Taste is comprised of more than just the taste buds on your tongue. Learn from Chef Martinez how smell, texture, temperature and even psychology boost your taste sensations.

Riedel Tasting: Put your nose and taste buds to the test with our Riedel Comparative Glass Workshop. Experience the impact that the size and shape of a wine glass makes on your favorite vino in a fun and informative tasting hosted by Riedel Representative Chris Hillin. Each guest will receive a 4 glass red and white tasting kit that will be theirs to keep (a $140 value). This year we will be pairing four incredible offerings from some of the top wine producers in the world with your stemware. From newbies to the world of wine, to the most seasoned connoisseurs, this seminar is not one to miss!

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES INCLUDE:
French Quarter "Cellar Strut": Sommelier Sara Kavanaugh will lead a lively tour around the French Quarter where you will have an unprecedented look into some of the city's most impressive wine cellars. Sample special selections in the cellars of Antoine's, Brennan's and Restaurant R'Evolution. A history tour guide will accompany this small group, sharing an historical perspective on wine and food in the French Quarter.

Hong Kong Phoodie: Accompany award winning chef Phillip Lopez from Root/Square Root as he takes you off-the-beaten-path to the Hong Kong Food Market. Experience the market the way a chef does. Touch, smell and taste new seasonal items and be inspired by what looks interesting that day. Then return to Square Root, where the chefs will transform your edibles into a meal not soon to be forgotten.

Flour Power: Artisan bread making is on the rise in home kitchens, with a subtle revolution taking place. See how the current artisan bakery trend is taking hold in New Orleans with a personal tour of Bellegarde Bakery. Owner Graison Gill, a 2016 Star Chefs Rising Star Award Winner, and Megan Forman share why their breads stand apart from the rest. Enjoy samples of their handcrafted breads on this unique tour.

 

Members Only: Dance the night away at an 80s themed pool party with the sounds of DJ Bryce Nice sponsored by Moet & Chandon. Like totally chow down on the righteous nosh presented by host chefs Justin Devillier of Balise and La Petite Grocery, Rebecca Wilcomb of Herbsaint, Justin Girouard of French Press (Lafayette, LA), and Adam Bannasch of Zambra (Asheville, NC). It'll be a totally radical night to get up close and personal with some pretty illin' chefs at a rad St. Charles Avenue Mansion.


For more than 24 years the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience has showcased the culinary excellence in our community alongside national and international wines at wine dinners in many of the city's finest restaurants; at VINOLA, a premium tasting event; at the iconic Royal Street Stroll Presented by Rouses; at dozens of culinary seminars and demonstrations; at the Big Gateaux Show; and ultimately at the Grand Tasting. NOWFE has raised more than $1 million for local non-profit organizations. In 2015, the Southern Food and Beverage Museum was the beneficiary of 40% of the event proceeds. The remaining 60% was shared by the University of New Orleans, School of Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Program, Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation's ProStart Program, Delgado Culinary Arts School, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts' Culinary Program, the John Folse Culinary Institute and the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans. For more information please visit www.nowfe.com.

# # #