New Orleans Seafood Festival
September 10 – 12, 2010

Despite the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the 4th Annual New Orleans Seafood Festival will take place this September 10th through the 12th in Lafayette Square across from historic Gallier Hall on St. Charles Avenue in downtown New Orleans.

The free 3-day festival kicks off Friday, Sept 10 at 4pm and features live entertainment, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, local arts and crafts and world-famous cuisine from top New Orleans restaurants and caterers.

Festival-goers can dine on delicacies from Acme Oyster House, Arnaud’s, Café Giovanni, Carnival Brands, Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Galatoire’s, Mr. B’s Bistro, King Creole, Pontchartrain Point Café, Red Fish Grill, and others. All proceeds from the festival will benefit the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation (LHF).

Sponsors of the New Orleans Seafood Festival include: Harrah’s, Miller Lite, Metairie Bank, Renaissance Publishing, Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board, the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Southern Comfort, Absolut Vodka, Jack Daniels and Malibu Rum.

The festival’s entertainment schedule is still to be announced. Check local listings as the date gets closer. 

About the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation

The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to offer greater access to culinary education and arts, while providing support for the health and social welfare of children across the state. The LHF executes this through community outreach, children’s education, hospitality industry financial assistance and benevolence.

On July 19, 2010, the LHF issued the following statement in regard to the oil spill:

“The fourth annual New Orleans Seafood Festival will take place Sept. 10 – 12 as planned. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will not hinder this year’s lively celebration. Louisiana’s seafood is being rigorously tested to ensure it is safe and healthy to eat. Proceeds from this year’s event will support hospitality-related businesses affected by the oil spill.”

For more information, visit www.louisianahospitalityfoundation

I’m always asked so here’s my official endorsement for the best bowl of gumbo in the city.  Ready???  The Gumbo Shop.  It’s located at 630 St. Peter between Chartres st. and Royal.  Not only is the gumbo out of this world they have all the other traditional New Orleans favorites such as jambalaya and red beans and rice.  So if ya wanted to know there is my opinion–and that’s all it is.  However after re-reading this post I may have to contact them about sending some royalties my way…..

The Lighthouse is open Thursday thru Monday starting @ 4:30pm.  Stop up for your favorite drink, a hot pizza and wings, or just to hang out and chat with others from across the globe.  The IMAX movie “Hurricane on the Bayou” is always available and shown by request—JUST ASK!!!.  Let the good times roll!!!!