The 26th Annual New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (NOWFE) found new, creative, and exciting ways to celebrate culinary treasures of this unique Southern region of Louisiana; specifically, the French Quarter. Just the mention of this famed area conjures images of a slow pace, decadent desserts, five-star dining, sunny blue skies, and live music on every corner---and that’s exactly what you get. Over the course of four days, I took advantage of everything NOWFE offered including an array of seminars, tours, special dinners, and experienced world-renowned restaurant gems, historical sights, and bars featuring jazz that you can only find in The Big Easy.
The late night Bourbon Street partying was left for the younger crowd as I comfortably enjoyed the first night of NOWFE at R’evolution Restaurant at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, one of 25 participating restaurants in Wine Dinners. Chicago’s former Tru chef, Rick Tramonto, created a distinctive menu that left diners speechless. Melissa Moholt-Siebert and Greg La Follette of Ancient Oaks Cellars, carefully chose wines to not just accompany the dishes, but to accentuate the intensity
of the complex flavors. From a 2015
Chardonnay with Peaches and Cream Burrata
topped with Thai basil to my favorite Pinot Noir
with the Veal Porchetta and Kombu cured tuna
with forest mushrooms, we all learned more
about sustainable and organic farming
practice and how owners stay true to their
vision. The table, elegantly set, seated at least
30 guests who, by the end of the night, all
became good friends as indicated by the
evening’s din that was a hat continuously
crescendoed with each course. The grand
finale of a chocolate tart accompanying a
luxurious Cabernet Sauvignon ended this
remarkable dinner that will remain a highlight
of the NOWFE experience.