James Beard Event Brings Together Chefs and Farmers to Celebrate Louisiana Cookery
’Chefs for Louisiana Cookery’ Highlights Local Ingredients including Louisiana-Grown Rice
Arlington, VA, March 10, 2010- Louisiana rice farmers will participate in one of the most distinguished culinary gatherings of the year, "Chefs for Louisiana Cookery," sponsored by the James Beard Foundation in New Orleans on March 21st. Nearly 30 of the city’s top chefs will partner with local farmers to create dishes that showcase the state’s bounty of quality ingredients, including Louisiana-grown rice.
Rice farmers Jimmy Hoppe and Jeff Durand will represent the Louisiana Rice Promotion Board (LARPB) and USA Rice Federation. Hoppe Farms produces Louisiana favorites including aromatic jasmine rice and "popcorn rice." Jeff Durand is a St. Martinville farmer of rice and crawfish, two culinary staples of the region.
"I’m proud that our members will represent the Louisiana rice industry at this exciting culinary event that connects farmers with chefs who choose U.S.-grown rice," LARPB Chairman Kevin Berken said.
New Orleans restaurateur Dickie Brennan, owner of three popular restaurants and chair of the event committee commented, “With growing consumer interest today in knowing where our food comes from, the event will provide a unique opportunity to educate the public and the media about Louisiana rice and other local foods, while sampling dishes by our outstanding chefs.”
Louisiana’s vast agricultural resources allow its chefs to use the highest quality local ingredients in their restaurants. As the nation’s third-largest rice producer, the state grows mostly long-grain rice which is widely used for its culinary versatility.
"Chefs for Louisiana Cookery" is open to the public and celebrates the announcement of the 2010 James Beard Foundation Award nominees on March 22. Tickets may be purchased on louisianacookery.com. Proceeds will go to the James Beard Foundation Scholarship Fund, which helps aspiring chefs complete their culinary education.
The USA Rice Federation is the global advocate for all segments of the rice industry, conducting programs to build awareness and usage of U.S.-grown rice. U.S. rice accounts for over 80% of the rice consumed in America. It is grown and harvested by farmers in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas according to the highest quality standards. The U.S. produces an abundance of short, medium and long grain rice, as well as organic and specialty rices including jasmine, basmati, arborio, red aromatic and black japonica, among others. Look for the U.S. rice industry’s "Grown in the US" logo on packages of 100% domestically grown rice. For more information, visit www.MenuRice.com