Louisiana Seafood title sponsor of second We Live to Eat Restuarant Week

The second annual We Live to Eat: Louisiana Seafood Restaurant Week features specialty cuisine from nearly 50 area eateries—from local favorites and world-renowned establishments offering both casual and fine dining fare. September 10-16, diners will have 14 chances to take advantages of the two-course lunch specials for $20 and three-course dinner offerings for $35.

During the kick off press conference Friday, Sept. 7, Louisiana Restaurant Association President/CEO Stan Harris made a special presentation to an individual who, for 40 years, has advocated for Louisiana’s seafood industry--Harlon Pearce. As the chair of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board (LSPMB) for the last 13 years and given Louisiana Seafood’s title sponsorship, there was no better time to recognize him before restaurateurs, chefs and members of the media.

“Harlon has been an integral part of the Louisiana seafood industry for more than 40 years and has been the public face of the industry during Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, Rita and Isaac and during the BP Oil Spill,” said Harris. “He has been incredibly supportive of the LRA and is a consistent and entertaining presence at the Louisiana Foodservice and Hospitality EXPO every year.”
 

In recognition for his 40  years of service to Louisiana's
seafood industry, LRA President/CEO Stan Harris
recognizes Harlon Pearce at the We Live to Eat:
Louisiana Seafood Restaurant Week press conference.

Establishments participating in Restaurant Week were asked to use Louisiana seafood as a main component in the appetizer or entrée portion of the specialty menus.  From Gulf shrimp, fish, oysters, crawfish, crab and even alligator, all six of the Louisiana seafood species can be found peppered throughout the decadent menus in traditional and innovative preparations.

“One restaurant is serving an Alligator Bolognese, which is not something you see every day,” said Harris. “Crab cakes, seafood gumbos, grilled fresh Gulf fish and oysters on the half shell are just some of the standouts from our great chefs.”

We Live to Eat: Louisiana Seafood Restaurant Week is recurring for the second year and is brought to the dining public by the LRA Greater New Orleans Chapter. Designed to deliver diners to restaurants during a slow period given the heat, this year’s Restaurant Week will also be a much needed reprieve for those area residents who went days without power and sadly, many of which experienced flooding in their homes due to Isaac’s storm surge.

Losing power is one thing, but having hurricane-related home damage like flooding is something beyond inconvenient,” added Harris. “We hope that those families impacted by Isaac will find themselves at a participating restaurant next week and feel a sense of normalcy and hope during the recovery period.”  

The availability of Louisiana Seafood is extremely important to New Orleans restaurants. The LRA would be remiss not to mention the fishers that were impacted by Hurricane Isaac. Given their location, some fishers were negatively impacted, while others are able to continue to bring in fresh catch for restaurants. The LSPMB is assessing the damage to the fishing industry and will keep the LRA and public informed through its website. 

Regardless of your reasons for dining out during Restaurant Week, our establishments look forward to hosting you, your family and friends Sept. 10-16.

Bon Appetit!