Chefs Evening is an event with the intent of highlighting the best of local cuisine.
Participating parties this year include Don’s Seafood, Jacmel Inn, PJ’s Coffee,
Roux and Brew and Champagne Beverage. The Lion’s Roar / Sara Patrick

Chefs Evening is a celebration combining food, fundraising and fun for everyone involved. Southeastern Foundation and the Office of University Advancement have paired with local restaurants and various student organizations to plan the 31st annual Chefs Evening March 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the War Memorial Student Union Ballroom.

Besides unique cuisines and fruity beverages, guests can look forward to new restaurants and a raffle where the winners will receive bottles of wine. 

Some of the local restaurants that will be participating include Buddies Bar and Grill, Cate Street Seafood Station, Don’s Seafood, The Caboose and more. Beverages will be served by Champagne Beverage, Roux and Brew, PJ’s Coffee and others.

New to the event will be Acquistapace’s Covington Supermarket. They will sponsor a wine and cheese table.

Also being featured will be cuisines from Chef Doyle Orlando, the executive chef at Jacmel Inn, located in downtown Hammond. The inn is best known for its fine cuts of meats and fresh seafood. Some of Jacmel Inn’s speciality dishes include a grilled filet mignon, lobster shrimp with crab meat, fried calamari and grilled pork ribeye. Orlando will be presented by President John L. Crain during the President’s Toast prior to the main event. 

Not only does Chefs Evening publicize restaurants and breweries, but the event benefits academic programs and scholarship awards.

“Chefs Evening raises around $100,000 for Southeastern each year. The Foundation always hopes to exceed the amount raised in the previous year,” said Lauren Williams, the Interim Director of Annual Giving.

According to Williams, Chefs Evening has many “key players [who make it a] recurring successful event.”

“The continued success would not be possible without the Southeastern Foundation staff, corporate and media sponsors, restaurants and vendors, event volunteers, several departments on campus, and of course, our wonderful event guests,” said Williams.

Companies throughout the community who help sponsor Chefs Evening include Whitney Bank, Regions Bank, The Daily Star, Northshore Broadcasting, North Oaks Health System, La Capitol Federal Credit Union, Lamar Advertising and more. For the first time, Regions Bank will be the Premium Sponsor of Chefs Evening.

The fundraiser is open to all Southeastern alumni and friends. 

Students interested in volunteering to help decorate before and assist in clean up after the event should contact Williams at [email protected] or call 985-549-5224.

Guest can purchase per table or tickets. Pricing includes $1,500 for a Patron table and $600 for a specific reserved table. Individual guests can purchase a single ticket for $75 each. For those who wish to attend the President’s Toast, pricing is $125 per guest.

For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, contact [email protected] or visit the Chefs Evening Facebook page.