What a night! The MISI and Messina’s Catering & Events had the pleasure of hosting the sixth annual Tasty Bites of the South Culinary Competition on August 3. This year, we decided to join the fun and compete, too. And we came home with a trophy!
Hosted by the NACE New Orleans chapter, this year’s event drew a record crowd of more than 250 guests. More than 25 talented chefs and caterers from across New Orleans filled The MISI with creative bites, desserts and plenty of friendly competition. Guests spent the evening tasting, sipping, enjoying live entertainment and voting for their favorites.
Messina’s Director of Culinary Chef Mark Daniels and Chef Aaron Poret represented our team with two delicious creations: Savory Bayou Short Rib on a Peppadew Grit Cake and Sweet Lemon Brûlée Cookies. We were thrilled when those cookies earned second place in the Judges’ Choice competition for Best Dessert!
The New Orleans events community truly showed up for the occasion, contributing more than $100,000 in donated vendor services. The evening included plenty of memorable touches, from live baby alligator and snake photo opportunities to the Crescent City Connection Bridge glowing blue in honor of the event.
It was such a treat to welcome so many talented members of our local culinary and events community to The MISI. The evening was even more meaningful because proceeds benefited the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and its work supporting the spirits and hospitality industry.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the night happen and to all the guests who came ready to taste, vote and celebrate. We had a blast hosting, competing and sharing the evening with you. We’re already looking forward to next year!
