The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) gathered fans of its annual culinary and wine-focused festival with the “Ella Brennan ‘Stand Up for Your Hometown Awards” gala dinners on Tuesday, June 8. The dinners took place concurrently at three locations: Galerie de Galatoire, Rib Room and Broussard’s.
Traditionally, each year the board of directors of NOWFE awards the Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award to one individual who has made a lifetime commitment to the hospitality industry, reflecting the passion and longstanding impact of the honor’s namesake. This year, NOWFE honored 13 organizations for their unwavering love and extraordinary response to supporting our community.
Winners of the 2021 Ella Brennan “Stand Up for Your Hometown” Awards were: Al Copeland Jr. of The Al Copeland Foundation; Phil Moseley & Ronnie Evans of Blue Oak BBQ; Robert Peyton & Troy Gilbert of Chef’s Brigade; Zeid and Marv Ammari of Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts; Erich and Jennifer Weishaupt of Lagniappe Krewe Emergency Relief Fund; Devin De Wulf of Feed the Front Line and Feed the Second Line; Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski of Link Restaurant Group; Jennifer Kelley Killian of Louisiana Hospitality Foundation; Lauren Darnell of MiNO Foundation; Melvin Rodrigue of the National Restaurant Association; Zach Strief of Port Orleans Brewing Co.; Charles Armstrong of Peewee’s Crabcakes On The Go; and Isaac and Amanda Toups of Toups’ Meatery.
A VIP reception took place first, followed by a dinner gala. Proceeds benefit the many local organizations NOWFE supports throughout the year.
On Friday, June 11, and Saturday, June 12, NOWFE revealed the winners of the 2021 Culinary Awards at Grand Tasting Events, which took place at The Sugar Mill. Honorees were decided by a distinguished panel of judges who previously visited each restaurant, chatted with the chef and tasted their dish.
NOWFE 2021 took place from June 8-13. The nonprofit has showcased culinary excellence in our community for more than 29 years and gives proceeds to causes that support culinary education.
Event At A Glance
What: “Ella Brennan ‘Stand Up for Your Hometown’ Awards” gala dinners, benefiting New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
When: Tuesday, June 8
Where: Broussard’s