The 15th Annual Gold Medal Chefs Gala and Hospitality Awards showcased the impeccable talents of chefs and mixologists of our fair city. The multi-experience event began in the champagne room where previous winners were recognized and bubbly was passed around. The curtains parted, and the crowd moved into the second room which highlighted Kami Divine's Lavender Fields of Provence cocktail, a delightful purple drink that tasted of a springtime garden. This drink won the Four Roses Bourbon Cocktail Competition at Tales of the Cocktail this summer. The passed hors d'oeuvres of lamb meatballs with tzatziki and chicken and waffle skewers were a hit as you perused the wonderful silent auction items.
Finally, we were plunged into the atmospheric third room where a harpist's dulcet tones made it feel like entering heaven. Hilton Riverside provided the three-course feast of Peach and Burrata Salad, Beef Tenderloin and Cajun Shrimp Surf and Turf, and a decadent S'mores Crunch Mousse. Chef Wiley Lewis of Delacroix Restaurant and Chef Samuel Murillo of the Hilton Riverside received the coveted Gold Medals, and Pam St. Pierre and Robert Giancontieri received Lifetime Achievement Awards. The lively live auction for priceless experiences including a bespoke cocktail experience and an Orlando resort stay raised thousands for the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation.
The 15th Gold Medal Chefs GALA & Hospitality Awards will honor Chef Wiley Lewis of Delacroix Restaurant and Chef Samuel Murillo of Hilton New Orleans Riverside on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
