NEW ORLEANS, LA (November 1, 2007) – Preparations are under way in New Orleans for the Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s 3rd Annual Carnivale du Vin which will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.

The sold out event will feature a four-course seated dinner with wine pairings, prepared by world’s top chefs Emeril Lagasse, Mario Batali, Drew Nieporent, Eric Ripert, Aarón Sanchez, Nancy Silverton, and Rick Tramonto; joining leading vintners including Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat, Suzie and Paul Frank of Gemstone Vineyard, Donald Patz and James Hall of Patz & Hall, Suzanne Pride Bryan of Pride Mountain Vineyards, and Carol and Fred Schrader of Schrader Cellars. The evening will conclude with a wine auction and gala, featuring one-of-a-kind art by Burton Morris, culinary, wine and lifestyle packages, with entertainment by jazz musician Jeremy Davenport and The Original Blues Brothers Band.

Friday evening, leading sponsors and vintners will be honored during an event kickoff reception, where they will preview the weekend’s festivities and experience cuisine by esteemed New Orleans chefs Frank Brigtsen of Brigtsen’s, Joel Dondis and Tariq Hanna of Sucre, Tory McPhail of Commander’s Palace, Susan Spicer of Herbsaint, and Tom Wolfe of Peristyle.

Throughout their stay, guests are encouraged take in the local arts and music scene, and to dine at these participating restaurants for a chance to enjoy the chef’s culinary talents and local flavor firsthand. The culinary community has played a vital role in the city’s recovery with ongoing support for the arts, education and outreach.

“I’m honored to have such an outpouring of support from my friends in the culinary and wine communities who have contributed to make Carnivale a success,” says Emeril Lagasse. “It is unbelievable to have such an all star team volunteer their time and talents for the children of New Orleans.”

In 2006, Carnivale du Vin raised an overwhelming $2.5 million in the city of New Orleans, and was ranked fourth by Wine Spectator as one of the “Top Ten U.S. Charity Auctions”. Funds raised allow the Emeril Lagasse Foundation to provide funding for culinary education and children’s summer programs to disadvantaged youth, playing a major role in the rebirth of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. The proceeds are being distributed to the community based on grant applications and proposals, to 501c3 nonprofit organizations that are instrumental in providing culinary educational outreach opportunities to children in New Orleans and surrounding parishes.

Filed Under: Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Press Releases