The PLEASE Foundation--an Impactful Foundation in New Orleans
The PLEASE Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that contributes scholarships, leadership training, and counsel to at-risk students in New Orleans. With the assistance of PLEASE, at-risk students have the tools essential for their success in college preparatory high school. PLEASE's endmost purpose is for every student to be accepted into college. From the years 2014-2021, 100% of PLEASE's high school graduates were accepted into college.
A One Night Benefit Event
On Thursday, October 27, 2022, Top Taco will host an all-inclusive taco and tequila event at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, LA with proceeds going towards the PLEASE Foundation.
In 2021, Top Taco raised over $30,000 for the PLEASE Foundation. Event producer Shane Finkelstein attributes the constant support of Top Taco's participating restaurants and sponsors for the means to host the 2021 event. The event had its debut in 2017 and has since raised over $100,000 for local non-profit organizations.
"Top Taco is back at Lafreniere Park, but this year we are moving to the waterfront area and islands surrounding the spacious pond," Finkelstein commented. "Every year, we aim to exceed expectations and this move will allow us to take advantage of the infrastructure in place so that we can bring back our popular entertainment elements."
The 2022 event will feature three stages of live music, the mezcal tent, Lucha Libre, and the Casamigos Contest. Attendees will also appreciate innovative pop-up bar areas and DJ lounges, tequila tastings, dazzling visual elements, and live Latin music by Otra and Muevelo.
A new, exciting addition to the 2022 event will be a taco competition and BBQ demonstration on the islands in the VIP area emceed by infamous Mississippi restaurateur Brad Orrison of The Shed and organized by World-BBQ Champion James Cruse. The city's eight best barbecue joints will duel for NOLA Boards awards, and of course, bragging rights.
"The VIP BBQ competition is huge at Top Taco Denver", commented Finkelstein, "so why not bring it to New Orleans and show off the amazing BBQ joints we have in the city?"
At the event space's central lawn, Top taco celebrity judges and fans select the winners for Top Traditional Taco, Top Creative Tequila Cocktail, Top Traditional Margarita, Top Vegetarian Taco, and Top Creative Taco.
Attending restaurants include, but are not limited to, prior winners Velvet Cactus, The Joint, Los Jefes, Southern's, Habaneros, Johnny Sanchez, Palm&Pine, and Felipe's. Confirmed spirits include Milagro, Hornitos, Patron, Ghost Tequila, Avion, Corralejo, Who Dat Spirits, Casamigos, Wetlands Sake, and Don Julio.
Desi Vegas Smokehouse, Smoked, Gonzo's Smokehouse & BBQ, NOLA Cochon King, and Frey Meat Company are the featured BBQ Competitors.
Ticket Information
Tickets for Top Taco 2022 are available now, with the early-bird discount price starting at $50. Regular ticketing opens include $135.00 VIP, $105.00 Early Entry/First Tasting, and $85.00 General Admission. Once an individual enters the festival boundaries, all food, entertainment, and drinks are included. For more information, individuals can visit www.toptaconola.com.
