New Orleans hospitality industry hosts event to benefit Typhoon Haiyan recovery

A collective of more than 40 New Orleans-area chefs and industry suppliers will come together, December 16 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, for a unique fundraising culinary experience, NOLA Chefs’ Aid for the Philippines. Designed to support the relief efforts in the Philippines following the devastating Super Typhoon Haiyan, the event will feature Philippine-inspired cuisine, dance, music and national dress.

“My grandparents were born in the areas flattened by the typhoon and I still have family and friends in the affected areas,” said Nina Camacho, event organizer. “As a local Filipina, I felt it was my responsibility to help in any way I can. The support from the culinary community, the ACF-New Orleans Chapter and the Hilton New Orleans Riverside has been overwhelmingly and incredibly generous.”

Mayor Mitch Landrieu

Event attendees will have the chance to rub elbows with Honorary Co-chairs New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Political Commentator James Carville and the Creole Queen of New Orleans Cuisine Leah Chase during the VIP Patron Party, Dec. 16 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. VIP tickets are $100 in advance at www.NOLAChefsAid.com and $125 at the door.

Restaurateur Ralph Brennan, GW Fins Executive Chef Tenney Flynn and Brigtsen’s Executive Chef and Owner Frank Brigtsen are Chef Committee Co-Chairs and have let their support and expertise in developing the event.

Ralph Brennan

“The strength of the New Orleans hospitality industry has always been an asset in times of need, whether for another member of our industry or for an entire community,” said Ralph Brennan. “And while it is our business to serve each person that visits our restaurants, it is out of genuine concern for all people that we choose to put our business aside and serve others in situations such as what has happened in the Philippines.”

In addition, the Philippine American United Council of Louisiana; Filipino American Lions Club of Louisiana; and Robert Romero, Honorary Consul General of the Philippines are supporting this endeavor. Jazz Trumpeter Duke Heitger and Friends will provide entertainment throughout the evening, while guests enjoy cultural dance and costumes by local Filipinos.

“If you are excited by adventurous cuisine like Lapu-Lapu Kinilaw, Oxtail Adobo, Tokwa’t Baboy, Lumpia or Dinuguan with Mini Puto or Lechon Baboy, you won’t want to miss this event,” said Camacho.

The main event will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $50 in advance and can be purchased at www.NOLAChefsAid.com. Tickets are $75 at the door.

100 percent of the proceeds benefits the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) and its Typhoon Haiyan fund. 

Participating restaurants, chefs and suppliers are: ACME Oyster House, Brigtsen’s, Broussard’s, café B, Café NOMA, Chef CK’s Hot Shoppe, Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop, Charley G’s, Coca-Cola, Commander’s Palace, Community Coffee, Cook Me Somethin’ Mister, Cowbell, Deanie’s/The Red Maple, Drago’s Restaurant, Happy Kajun, Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Hyatt Regency, Jubilee Restaurant, JW Marriott, Kid Chef Eliana, Kingfish, LaBella’s Catering, Luke, Milkfish, Mizado, MoPho, Restaurant Cotton, R’evolution, Southern Eagle, The Fairgrounds, The Happy Italian, The Irish House, The Salty Swine, Three Muses, Trey Yuen, Tulane/Loyola Soxedo, Upperline, Vega Tapas, Viva La Waffle/Tsunami Sushi and Ye Olde College Inn.