We survived Super Bowl LIV Weekend in New Orleans and took advantage of many activities held throughout New Orleans. For both of us it was our first time living in a Super Bowl city. New Orleans really knows how to throw a party. Being the birthplace of Jazz and offering a delicious melting pot of cuisines, there was plenty to partake. It’s also Mardi Gras season, so purple, green and gold flags and banners decorate buildings, people bring out their sparkles and the energy level is high.
The culinary highlight of the weekend was Taste of the NFL on Saturday February 8, at the National World War II Museum. The event was a fundraiser for nonprofit, GENYOUTH, whose mission is to tackle student hunger. We like to refer to it as “The Grill Meets the Gridiron for “Championship FOODball.” NFL Players are teamed up with chefs who prepare signature dishes. The Chef- Host Committee included Andrew Zimmern, Carla Hall, Tim Love, Lasheeda Perry, and Mark Bucher.
Andrew Zimmern and Billy Harris on stage
But the real stars for us were the more than 20 local chefs who cooked, demonstrating that New Orleans is a champion city when it comes to hospitality and good food. A huge “high five” to these local NOLA participants: Restaurant R’evolution, Brennan’s, Dakar Nola, Rosedale, Restaurant August, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, Crawbabies, Zasu, Acme Oyster House, Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Medium Rare, Palace Café, Cafe Sbisa, Sticks N’ Things, Jamaican Jerk House, Vyoone’s, Deelightful Roux School of Cooking, Flava King NOLA, NoLa Cookie Co., Cupcake Fairies, Adrian’s Bakery, Louisiana Pralines, Unikakes, Dough Nyuyerner’s Bakery, and Grey Bird Bakery.
Additional Taste of the NFL culinary talent included Chef Thomas Wenrich, Senior Director of Culinary at Tyson Foods; Chef John Capon, honorary Walmart big game chef, and Chef Justin Timineri, Certified Executive Chef at Fresh From Florida.
The athletes were all tall, well-dressed and graciously chatting with fans and signing footballs. There was a large silent auction offering travel lots. We were impressed by all the autographed NFL memorabilia including signed helmets and jerseys up for auction.
New Orleans Saints Linebacker Demario Davis and his wife, Tamela Gil Davis, owner of The F Word catering, with culinary students.
with Charles Woodson, NFL player turned vintner
Of course, there were major sponsors whose generosity Taste of the NFL’s mission and special events. The Big 3 are: Frito-Lay, Quaker, and the PepsiCo Foundation. We lugged home bags of Tostitos, Cheetos and Doritos and Quaker Oats instant oatmeal.
This year’s net proceeds will support nutrition programs and delivering critical school meal equipment packages to high-need schools throughout Louisiana. Taste of the NFL proceeds also support school nutrition programs with equipment grants in all 32 NFL Club markets across the nation. Information: www.tasteofthenfl.com
Super Bowl LIV may now be another page in the NFL history books, and the City of Philadelphia is flying like an eagle savoring the sweet taste of victory. But New Orleans has also scored a Big Win and one that was needed after the shock and sadness of the January 1 terrorist attack. The city delivered what is does best: exceptional hospitality in an “only in NOLA” style. We hope this Super Bowl experience also delivers return visitors and more high-profile events.
NFL Player Mark “Mighty Mouse” McMillian with the team from Second Harvest