The Southern Food and Beverage Museum (SoFab) announced a new and distinct project this year, the National Culinary Heritage Register, a list of culinary products, processes, inventions, traditions and establishments that are at least 60 years old and have contributed significantly to the development of American cuisine and its culture.
Qualifications for the register include: An association with the origin of, or a take on, a distinctly American food or beverage; an association with the origin of, or being well-known for, a specific regional food or beverage; or an association with a traditional and/or uniquely American way of preparing a food or beverage.
Though SoFab focuses on Southern Food, the Culinary Heritage Register is a national project, and so its first listings include the McGinnis Sisters Special Food Stores of Pittsburgh, Penn., West Hollywood, Calif.’s Dominick’s Restaurant and our own Historic French Market in New Orleans.
“We are honored to be included and recognized as a culinary heritage site,” says Amy Kirk Duvoisin, French Market Marketing Director, of the recognition.
“The French Market is a place I have known since childhood,” adds Jon Smith, SoFab’s Executive Director. “It is crucial to me that we maintain our connection to the true food culture of New Orleans. Our placement on the National Culinary Heritage Registry confirms what we locals have known all along.”
SoFab is also responsible for bringing the city events such as The History of Brewing in New Orleans, a presentation on brewing hops in the Big Easy; Kids’ Menu: Storytelling with Nancy Wilson of Mam Papaul’s Food Products; and a series on New Orleans’ Best Ethnic Restaurants with Ann Benoit, author of Broussard’s Restaurant and Courtyard Cookbook.
