The 10th Annual Carnivale du Vin was a milestone event for the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. Not only has the Foundation raised millions of dollars over the years for culinary and arts youth-based organizations such as Cafe Reconcile, Edible Schoolyard NOLA, St. Michael's Special School, and the Youth Empowerment Project.
During this $1,000 a plate event, burlesque dancers posed with guests, chanteuse Meschiya Lake serenaded the crowd, famous chefs like Emeril Lagasse (natch), Michelle Bernstein, Roy Choi, Jacque Torres, and Jimmy Bannos cooked and/or mingled. Allegedly Jimmy Buffet was in attendance, as well as a whole host of California wine "royalty." Noted wine auctioneer Ursula Hermacinski exhorted the crowd of wealthy, tipsy patrons to be as generous as possible with their bids.
At the end, all were feeling warmed by wine, full of food, and, in a few cases, many thousands of dollars poorer.
