Chefs and Connoisseurs

Local chefs teamed up with visiting chefs in 10 New Orleans homes to prepare meals inspired by each visiting chef’s respective restaurant. Each intimate dinner seated 20 guests, with the exception of chef John Besh, who hosted a meal for 30 at his home on the bayou.

Participating chefs and hosts included: Michael Anthony hosted by Todd Pulsinelli of Restaurant August at the home of Jessica Bride and Nick Mayor; Vishwesh Bhatt hosted by Phillip Mariano of Domenica at the home of Sid Bhansali; Ashley Christensen hosted by Paul Robert of Besh Steak at the home of Becky and Dick Currence; John Currence and Tiffany Derry hosted by Drake Leonards of Luke at the Billy Reid store; Paul Kahan hosted by David Slater of Emeril’s at the home of Mary Matalin and James Carville; Edward Lee hosted by Michael Gulotta of MoPho at the home of Anne and Billy Grace; Aaron Sanchez hosted by Miles Landrem of Johnny Sánchez at the home of Jennifer and Fred Heebe; Chris Shepherd hosted by Brian Landry of Borgne at the home of Frances and Calvin Fayard; Gail Simmons and John Besh hosted by Chef Erick Loos of La Provence at the home of Jenifer and John Besh; Michael Solomonov hosted by Alon Shaya of Shaya at the home of Diane and Alan Franco; and Marc Vetri hosted by Anthony Acanio of Emeril’s Delmonico’s at the home of Sue Ellen and Joseph Canizaro.

There was also a special “Young Supporters Reception” for 75 guests at the Billy Reid store, a favorite local purveyor of Besh’s.

Following the dinners, nine of the country’s most talented pastry chefs prepared a dessert after party at Borgne Restaurant.

The event raised more than $150,000 to support the initiatives of The John Besh Foundation, which provides the funding, structure and support to support individuals in the New Orleans community with the passion, creativity and knowledge to enact change in their culinary worlds. 


EVENT AT A GLANCE

What: “Fêtes des Chefs,” benefiting The John Besh Foundation
When: Saturday, March 21
Where: Private homes throughout New Orleans

 

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