Local guests will have the opportunity to see the intricate details that go into preparing several cuisines during a mouthwatering culinary experience. 

 “The Culinary Arts Series is one of the premiere events the Hammond Regional Arts Center puts on each year,” said Media Coordinator for HRAC Tara Bennett. “It offers guests to not only taste delicious cuisine, but also serves as an opportunity to see how the food is prepared and developed right before their eyes.”

On May 9, Chef Peter Sclafani of Ruffino’s will be featured in the Culinary Arts Series.

According to Bennett, Sclafani was chosen because of his “unique mash-up of southern Italian and French Creole cuisine.” Bennett admitted that a committee of “dedicated board members” organized the Culinary Arts Series. 

“We take a look at the rich culinary offerings of southeast Louisiana and feature some of the leading chefs in the business in order to introduce the city of Hammond to different culinary history and techniques,” said Bennett.

Bennett encourages both community members and students to attend in order to enjoy a variety of delicious food and to witness the talent of local chefs.

“Students will discover the value of culinary practices by seeing firsthand how much attention to detail is put into each dish from the starting appetizers all the way to dessert,” said Bennett. “Plus the food is really, really delicious. Guests will reap the rewards of this one-night only chance where chefs from around the region will create a delicacy that may not be on their restaurant’s traditional menu.”

Bennett expresses the importance of cultural art events being held in the local community, as well as revealing future tourism goals. 

 “Arts and culture help create economic growth for Hammond by drawing in tourism,” said Bennett. “The end result is to have our city become just as progressive as major tourism draws such as New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette.”

According to Bennett, each of the Culinary Arts Series dinners will be held at the Alack Culinary Equipment Superstore 17420, on Hwy 190. Although all of the dinners will take place at the same location, each dinner will be different. 

The Culinary Art Series will begin on May 9 with Sclafani and continue through August of 2016.

The following chefs will also be featured: Carrollton Market Chef Jason Goodenough on Jun. 13, Tope Là Restaurant Chef Tommy Masaracchia on Jul. 11 and Tana Chef Michael Gulotta on Aug. 8. 

According to Bennett, a special extra dinner will feature Chef Josh Burris of Mariner’s Inn on Monday, Sept. 12 at HRAC.

Tickets for the 2016 Culinary Arts Series are currently on sale. 

According to Bennett, business formal is the attire for the evening. Individual tickets are $65 for HRAC members, $75 for non-members and seating is limited.

For more information on HRAC and the Culinary Art Series, visit hammondarts.org or call 985-542-7113.