Messina’s is proud to bring home 1st Place: People’s Choice – Best Appetizer at Tasty Bites of the South 2025, presented by the National Association for Catering & Events (NACE) New Orleans. On Thursday, August 14, 2025, top chefs from across the area gathered at the Hotel Fontenot for a delicious showdown—where Chef Mark Daniels wowed guests with his Deconstructed Duck Rangoon – Satsuma Pepper Jelly Glaze.
A panel of local luminaries helped judge the competition, including Greg Reggio (Taste Buds Management), Shelby Latino (FOX 8’s NOLA Now), Tamsy Kambi (TamLovesToEat), Poppy Tooker (Louisiana Eats!), and Henry Heaton (American Cancer Society; Co-Founder and ACS staff partner to Shuck Cancer New Orleans). In addition to the celebrity panel, attendees cast ballots in the People’s Choice vote. Categories recognized included Best Tasty Bite, Best Dessert, and Best Presentation. Tickets treated guests to 25+ bites, a full open bar, live entertainment by DAT BAND, VIP access, and more.
Most importantly, up to 50% of event proceeds supported Shuck Cancer, benefiting the Access to Care Grant Program and the American Cancer Society. We’re honored to be recognized by our peers and community—huge thanks to NACE New Orleans, the organizers, judges, and every guest who tasted and voted.
