Southeastern's Chefs Evening scheduled March 26
Monday, April 3, 2023
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – Chefs Evening, Southeastern Louisiana University Foundation’s largest
annual fundraising event, returns Sunday, March 26.
Chefs Evening brings together the region’s best chefs, caterers, bakers, and
mixologists for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience, made possible in part by Platinum
Sponsor First Guaranty Bank. Guests can savor delicious food, sip tasty concoctions,
place bids in the silent auction, and even toast with Southeastern’s President John
L. Crain. At the end of the night, guests will vote for their favorite dishes and
the restaurants with the “Best Savory Dish” and “Best Sweet Dish” will take home the
Chefs Evening awards.
“Chefs Evening has become a tradition of the university and an essential part
of the Southeastern Foundation’s mission to secure financial resources for the critical
needs of our students and academic programs,” said Vice President for University Advancement
Wendy Lauderdale. “Our guests experience the delicious cuisine of dozens of the best
restaurants and caterers around the region, an open bar, a large silent auction, and
a unique opportunity to mingle with friends, all while supporting the university and
the success of its students.”
For sponsors and VIPS, the evening will begin at 4 p.m. with the President’s
Toast, an intimate gathering at the President’s residence featuring exclusive hors
d’oeuvres from the chefs at Jacmel Inn Restaurant and Crain’s personal wine selections.
At the toast’s conclusion, attendees will make their way to Southeastern’s Pennington
Center for the main Chefs Evening event, which lasts from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Many regional restaurants will be participating in Chefs Evening for the first
time, such as BATTER, Blythewood Event Center, Lele’s FOOD Laboratory, Luma Coffee,
Mariner’s Inn, Shack’s Restaurant, Tchefuncte’s Restaurant and University Donuts.
Several local favorites are making their return as well, including The Boston, Cate
Street Seafood Station, Cena, Champagne Beverage, The Crescent Bar, Don’s Seafood
and Steak House, Eddie’s Famous Frozen Custard, Jacmel Inn, Lee’s Drive In, Le Saigon,
Oak Knoll Country Club, One Thirteen, Our Mom’s Restaurant and Bar, Roux and Brew,
Sarita’s Grill and Cantina, Southeastern Catering, The BLVD Lounge and Grill, The
Cakery, The Cocoa Bean, The Depeaux, Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, Walk On’s Sports
Bistreaux and Wiseguys.
Funds raised at Chefs Evening provide vital support for student scholarships
and academic programs. Southeastern Foundation’s many partnerships help continue and
elevate this event, thus providing an important platform for boosting the success
of the region’s university and its students.
Special thanks to First Guaranty Bank, Hancock Whitney, Dr. John and Mrs. Georgianne
Poteet, American Bank, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, BROC, Entergy Services,
Inc., Fidelity Bank, Holly and Smith Architects, Kent Design Build, La Capitol Federal
Credit Union, Merrill Lynch, North Oaks Health System, Vexus, Wells Fargo, S and W
Foods, Romano Promo, Mele Printing, and the Northshore Media Group.
For more information or to purchase tickets for Chefs Evening and the President’s
Toast, visit southeastern.edu/chefsevening or email chefs@southeastern.edu.
