After nearly
two years of social distancing and virtual meetings, the Emeril
Lagasse Foundation
reunited with a team of top-notch chefs for a fun weekend. The New
Orleans-based non-profit organization hosted its 19th annual Carnivale
du Vin on November
5 and 6 in an effort to give back to the city's at-risk youth.
The weekend
kicked off with a beneficiary luncheon at the New
Orleans Board of Trade
and a patron celebration at The Sazerac House on Friday. The next evening, the
actual celebration got started at the Fillmore, where 400 guests enjoyed a wine
auction and a four-course gala dinner created by the Emeril's team and a group of aspiring
culinary students from NOCCA. Culinary talents such as Frank
Brigsten, Nina Compton, and Frank Syzmanski provided an assortment of delicious
food and wine for the event.
"[My wife]
and I remain ever grateful for the generosity of our donors, sponsors,
participating chefs, and the New Orleans community," Chef Emeril Lagasse said.
Sold at the
wine auction was a bottle of The Setting Wines's 2019 Glass Slipper Vineyard
Cabernet Sauvignon, which was purchased by one of the members of the Emeril
Lagasse Foundation's Advisory Committee Don Steiner. In fact, it surpassed the
record for the most expensive bottle of wine ever purchased at an auction.
"We are
humbled to be able to offer $1 million to the Emeril Lagasse Foundation and its
efforts to support youth," Steiner said.
According to
co-founders Jeff Cova and Noah McMahon, and winemaker James Katz, The Setting
Wines set a world record in 2017 when they sold a bottle of wine for $350,000.
They said that inspiring others is part of their "brand ethos."
"We are
truly honored and amazed to make history again, especially as part of an event
that means so much to us," McMahon said.
The
foundation raised a total of $3.75 million, which will go towards creating
educational and developmental programs for children living in New Orleans.
Organizations such as Visit South Walton, Ocean Reef Community Foundation, and Center
for Restorative Breast Surgery helped make the event possible.
"Their
continued support changes the lives of vulnerable children in our community,"
Lagasse said.
Since 2002,
The Emeril Lagasse Foundation has been dedicated to "creating opportunities to
inspire, mentor, and enable youth to reach their full potential through
culinary, nutrition, and arts education." So far, they've donated more than
$13.5 million to schools and charities, introduced Emeril's Culinary Garden
& Teaching Kitchen to over 2,600 students, and supported more than 35
non-profit organizations benefitting children.
To learn
more about the Emeril Lagasse Foundation and their past work, visit emeril.org.
