Paradigm Gardens Announces Spring 2026 Chef Showcase Series Lineup
Paradigm Gardens recently announced the return of its Chef Showcase series this year.
The event is organized into three evenings with collaboration between chefs, live music, and dining against a garden in an urban setting. It is located on 1131 S. Rampart St. and will take place on March 10, April 14, and May 19 from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.
2026 Details
For the event, Paradigm Garden is expanding its attendance capacity by 25% for spring 2026, following a history of sold-out events, and allowing guests to purchase before tickets quickly disappear. This season, six new award-winning restaurants will be introduced to the series, elevating the event that organizers call the "most ambitious Chef Showcase lineup to date," according to a press release. On all three nights, the lineup includes eight Michelin-recognized restaurants, five James Beard nominations, and one restaurant name in The New York Times' "Top 50 in America."
Event Atmosphere
Chef Showcase is one of Paradigm Gardens' flagship public event formats that brings together three to five chefs per night, creating a collaborative menu prepared on a wood-fire grill and oven. The dishes will highlight seasonal produce that is grown at the venue and from nearby sources. This emphasizes a farm-to-table atmosphere. Also, each event will pair the culinary experience with a live performance by local artists, creating an evening that blends food with musical atmosphere and community.
"Chef Showcase (formerly 'Paradigm Gardens Concert Series') started as a way to bring great chefs into the garden and create a night that felt intimate, creative, and distinctly New Orleans," Joel Hitchcock Tilton of Paradigm Gardens said in a press release. "Over the years, demand has grown to the point that many events have sold out, and we've had to level up both the production and the guest experience. What I'm proud of is that even as it's grown, it still feels personal, chef-driven, and true to the farm-to-fork spirit that defines Paradigm Gardens."
Featured Eateries & Artists
On March 10, guests can expect music from Zac Maras & Cactus Thief alongside dishes from Addis NOLA and Hungry Eyes, which are both new to Chef Showcase, in addition to Good Catch, Pomelo, and La Petite Grocery.
On April 14, the event will feature a performance by Mikayla Braun. In terms of the culinary lineup, featured restaurants include Mister Mao, Here Today Rotisserie, La Boulangerie, and Saint Claire, which is new to the series.
On the last day, May 19, there will be a musical performance by Tri-Fi and a restaurant roster including Coquette and three restaurants new to series: Turkey and the Wolf, LUFU NOLA, and Dakar.
Additional Details
Tickets for entry are $100 and include access to the event, food, drinks, and musical entertainment. Entry times are staggered throughout the evening with timing assigned on tickets, but all attendees will be able to enjoy the music at 7:15 p.m. and have access to all food options. There are mixed drinks and local craft beer included, and guests can also bring their own beverages, but attendees must be over 21 to drink.
The specific menus vary by day and are usually released the week before each event on the Paradigm Gardens' Weekly Beet newsletter and Instagram page.
