NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Robb Report announced the return of its annual Culinary Masters, taking place May 7–9, 2026. Following a successful 2025 edition in Nashville, the signature event continues its evolution, arriving in the dynamic culinary and cultural capital of New Orleans. Bringing together a roster of nationally recognized chefs alongside some of the city’s most compelling local talent, the program offers guests an immersive experience that captures the essence of New Orleans both on and beyond the plate.
The weekend will be hosted by Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report’s culinary editor and digital director.
The Four Seasons New Orleans Anchors the Weekend
Set at the edge of the French Quarter along the Mississippi River, the Four Seasons New Orleans serves as the event’s home base, placing guests within the energy of the city while offering a refined retreat throughout the weekend.
Opening Night at the Four Seasons
The weekend begins Thursday evening with an opening reception, setting the tone for what’s to come. Guests are then welcomed to a multi-course gala dinner at Chemin à la Mer at the Four Seasons, where each course is presented by a different Culinary Master—an orchestrated progression of flavors that reflects the breadth of talent assembled for the occasion.
Throughout the evening, live musical performances weave through the experience, lending a distinctly New Orleans sense of occasion to the night.
Immersive Experiences Across the City
On Friday, Top Chef winner Buddha Lo, known for his precise, globally influenced approach, will lead an intimate, hands-on cooking class and brunch. Reimagining the structure of a full English breakfast through a New Orleans lens, Chef Lo will guide guests through a refined interpretation that blends classic technique with the city’s depth of flavor. The afternoon continues with a mixology experience inspired by New Orleans’s storied cocktail culture, alongside additional curated activities in and around the French Quarter. That evening, guests will venture out across the city for a series of privately reserved dining experiences, each selected individually from a lineup curated by Robb Report’s editors. The night concludes with a late-night afterparty, bringing the group back together to close out the day.
“Culinary Masters is a celebration of exceptional taste, talent, and the cultural context that shapes it,” said Luke Bahrenburg, president, Robb Report and Head of Luxury, PMC. “New Orleans offers a uniquely rich backdrop—where culinary tradition, creativity, and community converge in a way few cities can match.”
Event information: HERE
Registration: HERE
