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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — March 4, 2010
Contacts:
Judy Rusignuolo, (703) 236-1453,
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Rob Yunich, (703) 236-1444,
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NEW ORLEANS — Louisiana rice farmers will participate in one of the most distinguished culinary gatherings of the year, "Chefs for Louisiana Cookery," on March 21 at Kingsley House. The event occurs the afternoon before the nominees for the 2010 James Beard Foundation Awards are announced and will feature nearly 30 of New Orleans' top chefs partnering with local farmers to create dishes that showcase Louisiana's quality ingredients, such as rice.
Rice farmers Jimmy Hoppe and Jeff Durand will represent the Louisiana Rice Promotion Board (LARPB) and the USA Rice Federation. Hoppe Farms produces a large amount of the Louisiana favorite aromatic jasmine rice and "popcorn rice," which will be sampled at the event along with several varieties of Louisiana rice.
"I'm proud that our members will represent the Louisiana rice industry at this exciting culinary event that connects farmers with chefs who choose U.S.-grown rice," LARPB Chairman Kevin Berken said.
New Orleans restaurateur Dickie Brennan, owner of three popular restaurants and chair of the event committee said, "With growing consumer interest today in knowing where our food comes from, the event will provide a unique opportunity to educate the public and the media about Louisiana rice and other local foods, while sampling dishes by our outstanding chefs."
Louisiana's vast agricultural resources allow its chefs to use the highest quality local ingredients in their restaurants. The nation's third-largest rice producer, the state grows mostly long-grain rice, which has cooked grains that are separate and fluffy. Celebrated for its versatility, long-grain rice is often used in dishes that require rice grains with a distinct shape and texture.
Participating chefs have either demonstrated their talent at the James Beard House in New York or have been recognized through the James Beard awards program. The majority of chefs that will be showcased at the event are based in New Orleans, but other regions of the state will be represented.
"Chefs for Louisiana Cookery" is open to the public and tickets may be purchased on louisianacookery.com. Proceeds will be donated to the James Beard Foundation Scholarship Fund, which helps aspiring chefs complete their culinary education.
Kingsley House is located at 1600 Constance Street in New Orleans. |
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