New Orleans Food & Wine Experience
What began as a small, intimate, one-day gathering of wineries and chefs 20 years ago has grown into a grand celebration of wine and food attracting more than 10,000 people each year over a five-day weekend.
The New Orleans Food & Wine Experience (NOWFE), which takes place May 22 through 26, 2012, includes Wine Dinners hosted by more than 30 New Orleans area restaurants; Vinola, NOWFE’s premium tasting event; the Royal Street Stroll, NOWFE’s signature event in the heart of the French Quarter, and Culinary Seminars. The weekend culminates with Grand Tastings with more than 175 wineries showcasing over 1000 wines plus 75 chefs serving culinary delights from our region.
New this year: an international cake competition and tasting from 8:30 to 11 p.m. May 25. Invited pastry chefs for the Big Gateaux Show include Vanessa Fiorini of Toronto, Canada; Solandie Exantus of the Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans; Bronwen Weber of Frosted Art Bakery & Studio in Dallas; and Vinnie and Michelle Garcia of The Bleeding Heart Bakery in Chicago.
Each chef, assisted by a local culinary student, will create spectacularly designed cakes, to be displayed and tasted at a burlesque themed after-party following the Grand Tasting. All cake entries will be on display at the Saturday Grand Tasting in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
This year 100% of the proceeds from NOWFE will go towards two causes: fighting hunger and supporting culinary education.
(Photo courtesy of NOWFE)
