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The Ella Brennan Award was presented to restaurateur Ralph Brennan, President of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group. The award recognizes one individual each year who has made a lifetime commitment to the hospitality industry through extraordinary leadership, personal and professional accomplishments and philanthropic contributions to the community. “We are thrilled to honor such an industry icon,” says Ted Selogie, 2016 NOWFE Board President. “Ralph has been on the ground level of so many of our long-standing events – a pioneer in that arena – and has made significant contributions to the hospitality industry and our community during a career spanning nearly four decades.”

Cameron Perry served as Event Chair, and Greg Reggio was the emcee. Chef Ruth Varisco of Nunez Community College was the keynote speaker; Nunez Culinary Program is NOWFE’s 2016 Beneficiary. Selogie and 2017 NOWFE Board President Traci Beninate were also in attendance.

The NOCCA Jazz Ensemble provided musical entertainment throughout the event. Seven local restaurants catered, including: Balise, Brennan’s, Commander’s Palace, Emeril’s Delmonico, SoBou, Tableau and The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. Southern Glazer’s Wines & Spirits, Republic National Distributing Company, Wine’s Unlimited and Southern Eagle provided beer, wines and spirits. More than 220 attended the event.
 


EVENT AT A GLANCE

What: “Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award Gala,” benefiting New Orleans Wine and Food Experience
When: Thursday, October 6
Where: Ritz-Carlton

 

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