Southeastern generates student support through Chefs Evening
Monday, May 17, 2021
by: Tonya Lowentritt or Rene Abadie 
CHEFS EVENING UNDER THE STARS - While COVID-19 prevented Southeastern from holding Chefs Evening in 2020, the event was able to return for 2021 with a unique spin—held outside on the field of historic Strawberry Stadium and titled “Chefs Under the Stars.”
HAMMOND – Chefs Evening is a decades-long Southeastern Louisiana University tradition,
bringing members of both the university and area communities together each spring
for an elegant evening of food and drinks from some of the region’s best restaurants
and caterers.
While COVID-19 prevented Southeastern from holding the 2020 edition, the event
was able to return for 2021 with a unique spin—held outside on the field of historic
Strawberry Stadium and titled “Chefs Under the Stars.”
Nearly 400 guests attended the event, together contributing over $75,000 to Southeastern
students. All funds raised will help provide vital student scholarships and support.
Organized by the Southeastern Foundation, Chefs Under the Stars featured many
familiar elements, including opportunities to indulge in a wide variety of delicious
cuisine or take home a prize from the raffle.
New for this year’s special edition event were performances by the University
Jazz Ensemble and the Faculty Jazz Quartet, creating a one-of-a-kind dining and entertainment
experience under the evening sky in the heart of Southeastern’s campus.
Chefs Under the Stars was sponsored by Premier Sponsors MCC Real Estate and Shelby
LaSalle, Jr. LLC; Platinum Sponsor First Guaranty Bank; Gold Sponsors American Bank
& Trust, Entergy, and Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction; Silver Sponsors Dawn Cantrell,
Hancock Whitney, La Capitol Federal Credit Union, and North Oaks Health System; Bronze
Sponsors Mele Printing and Southeastern Catering. Wine Sponsors included Merrill Lynch
Wealth Mgmt./R.K. Hoddinott and Wells Fargo Advisors/Andre’ Theriot.
Participating restaurants included Acquistapace’s; Aramark Corporation; Benedict’s
Plantation; Blackened Brew, LLC; Cate Street Seafood Station; Cena, Hammond; Champagne
Bev/Gnarley Barley; Crescent Bar; Crescent Crown Distributors; Don’s Seafood & Steak
House; Jacmel Inn; One Thirteen Restaurant; Our Mom’s Restaurant & Bar; Salty Joe’s
BBQ Shop; Sarita’s Mexican Grill & Cantina; The Cakery; The Cocoa Bean Bakery & Café;
and Trey Yuen Restaurant.
