FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Brustman Carrino Public Relations
nola@brustmancarrinopr.com
305.573.0658

WHAT
The 1st annual Top Taco - presented by Paddlewheeler Creole Queen - will be a festive evening and culinary competition benefitting One Heart NOLA; a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the city's foster children. The event showcases over 40 of New Orleans' acclaimed restaurants; 24 spirits and beverages; live entertainment by 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.

WHEN
Thursday, March 23, 2017 6:30PM; 5:30PM entrance for 1st Tasting and VIP ticketholders

WHERE
Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza, New Orleans, Louisiana (view on Google Maps)

WHO

EVENT JUDGES
Jose Ralat -author of American Tacos: A History and Guide to the Taco Trail North of the Border
Alon Shaya - Executive Chef and Partner of Domenica, Pizza Domenica and Shaya
Ian McNulty - food writer for New Orleans Advocate
Abigail Gullo - Head Bartender of Compère Lapin
Liz Williams - Founder and President of the Southern Food & Beverage Museum (SoFAB)
Emily Coleman - Director of Partnerships of Tales of the Cocktail®
Frank Brigtsen - Owner of Brigtsen's Restaurant
Andrew Marin - Food and cocktail writer for Where Y'at
Dominique Macquet - Chef
Charles Divins - WDSU Morning Anchor
Michael Durbin - Texas Taco Council
Alessandra Madrid and Maggie Robert - Bloggers, Babes & Beignets
Kimberly Patton-Bragg - Owner/operator of Three Muses Maple
Leroy Mitchell - Whistle Monsta
Aaron Wilkinson - Lead vocalist of Honey Island Swamp Band
Jason Rogers Williams - New Orleans City Councilman
Linda Green - "Yakamein Lady" and winner of Food Network's Chopped: Pride of New Orleans
Hank Staples - Proprietor of Maple Leaf bar
Sal Agnello - Beverage Director of Ace Hotel

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
Johnny Sanchez
Superior Grill
Jacques Imo's
Canal Street Bistro
Velvet Cactus
Nacho Mama's
Mizado
Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant
Felipe's Mexican Taqueria
Barcadia
Kingfish
Bourbon House
Blue Oak BBQ
Drago's
Butcher
Juan's Flying Burrito
Patois
bacobar
Rum House
The Backyard
Carreta's Grill
Del Fuego
Tequila House
Araña
Bayou Burger & Sports Company
Tacos and Beer
La Casita
Brugger's Barbecue & Barrel Proof
Lula's
Masquerade
PF Chang's
El Paso Mexican Grill

SPIRITS/BEVERAGES
Tres Generaciones
Hornitos
Barefoot Wine & Bubbly
Evamor Water
El Tesoro
Sauza Blue
Lunazul
Casa Noble
Patron XO
Maestro Dobel
1800 Tequila
Cuervo Tradicional
Gran Centenario
Tito's Vodka
El Silencio
Fortaleza
Espalon
Peligroso
Ghost Tequila
Casamigos
Hussong's
Patron
Don Julio
Exotico
El Mayor
Tequila Ocho
Corona Beer
Negra Modelo
Modelo Especial
Dekuyper
03
Patron Citronage

In addition to tasty bites and libations, Top Taco will also feature a curated silent auction with one-of-a-kind packages, laser tag, and a VIP Lounge aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen - with culinary creations from ten exclusive VIP restaurants: Vincent's, Cowbell, Chiba, Horn's, Tracey's, Pirogue, Feeling's Café, Namese, Norma's Bakery and Midway; live music by Muevelo, private Extra Anejo tequila tastings, premium open bar provided by Jim Beam Global and a Patron XO-infused dessert station featuring La Boulangerie and Laurel Street Bakery.
PRICING:

General Admission passes are $65 per person
First Tasting tickets are $85 and include early entry
VIP discounted tickets are $125 per person which includes early entry plus the VIP Lounge experience on the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen

To purchase tickets visit www.toptaconola.com

Follow Top Taco NOLA on social media at www.facebook.com/TopTacoNOLA.
Video, images and interviews are available upon request.

###

 

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 501c3non-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.