In celebration of Commander’s Palace’s 125th anniversary and New Orleans’ Tricentennial, the Commander’s Family of Restaurants will host a day-long discussion about the past, present, and future of food and hospitality in America on Monday, September 17, 2018 at The New Orleans Orpheum Theater. The day will consist of a variety of provocative sessions led by industry experts and thought leaders, such as Danny Meyer, Will Guidara, Barbara Lynch, John T. Edge, Emeril Lagasse, Dominque Crenn, Ashley Christensen, David Wondrich, and more. Discussion topics include the growth of American cuisine, hospitality, technology, females in the restaurant industry, New Orleans, and cocktail culture.
The event is a resurrection of the American Cuisine and Hospitality Symposium that Commander’s Palace Matriarch Ella Brennan hosted in 1983. It was considered by many to be a seminal moment in the history of the modern American food movement. Headlines following the event read, “Is There an American Cuisine?” The 2018 American Cuisine and Hospitality Symposium will not only examine how we got here, and shine a light to where we are headed, but also honor the life and career of Miss Ella, who passed away this May at the age of 92.
“On the occasion of this monumental year for our family, business, and city, we are bringing together the best of food and hospitality in America to discuss how we continue to make it even better. It will be progressive, forward thinking and, most importantly, fun!” shares Ti Adelaide Martin, Co-Proprietor of Commander’s Palace.
The event is organized by the Commander’s Family of Restaurants, with support from the following sponsors: 2018 NOLA Foundation, The New Orleans Orpheum Theater, The Roosevelt New Orleans, and Mountain Valley Spring Water. Tickets will be on sale to the public on June 29, 2018. More information, including the full lineup of participants, event details, and panel topic will be released in the coming weeks. For more information, please visit www.ACHSymposium.com and follow along on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
About Commander’s Palace
Commander’s Palace, nestled in the middle of the tree-lined Garden District, has been a New Orleans landmark since 1893. Known for the award-winning quality of its food and its convivial atmosphere, the history of this famous restaurant offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ storied past and has been the go-to destination for Haute Creole cuisine and whimsical Louisiana charm. The winner of seven James Beard Foundation Awards, including Lifetime Achievement Award for Ella Brennan in 2009; the Who’s Who of Food & Beverage Award for Ella Brennan in 1984 as well as the Who’s Who of Food & Beverage Awards for Ti Martin and Lally Brennan in 2018, Commander’s Palace has evolved into a culinary legend. Under the past watchful eye of family matriarch Ella Brennan—and now with co-proprietors Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan at the helm—the Brennan family’s dedication to perfection has never wavered. A steady parade of renowned chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Paul Prudhomme, Jamie Shannon, and now James Beard Foundation Best Chef South winner Tory McPhail have made Commander’s Palace the world-class restaurant what it is today and its leading-edge Haute Creole cuisine reflects the best of the city.
About New Orleans Tricentennial
The 2018 NOLA Foundation is the support organization for the City of New Orleans 300th Anniversary. The commemoration not only marks where we have been, but also sets the course for where we are going. Our city is becoming safer, schools are improving, and our economy is getting stronger—but we still have work to do in building a bridge to the next 300 years. We are building a new airport, redeveloping our storied riverfront, and creating a 21st-century medical corridor. These efforts, among many others, are creating a pathway to prosperity for all the citizens of New Orleans and securing for the future a NEW New Orleans—where everyone individually does well and, as a result, we as a community do well. Our work toward 2018 has been 300 years in the making. We welcome you to join us in commemorating the past and creating the future. For more information, visit www.2018nola.com.
About The Roosevelt New Orleans
Opening in December 1893, the legendary Roosevelt hotel, a proud member of the Waldorf Astoria brand, has represented everything that makes New Orleans the most incredible destination. With 504 elegant rooms, of which 125 are suites the Roosevelt New Orleans has welcomed Presidents, Royalty and New Orleans’ own kings and queens of Carnival. In the 1930s the hotel dominated the music scene with the world famous Blue room performances of Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Tina Turner and the longest single venue engagement of the Glen Miller band. Through the years the most enduring institution in the hotel is the Sazerac bar, proud namesake of the official drink of New Orleans and home to the yearly Storming of the Sazerac a recreation of the 1949 day when women normally admitted only on Mardi Gras day demanded and received equal status and the right to drink our famous concoctions. Visit our website at TheRooseveltNewOrleans.com, or stay in touch with our Twitter page: @TheRoosevelt_NO and hastag #RooseveltStories.
About The Mountain Valley Spring Water
The Mountain Valley Spring Water Co. is the authentic American natural spring water. Headquartered in Hot Springs, Ark., the iconic brand has been serving consumers since 1871. The brand’s spring and sparkling waters are still bottled today from the abundant natural artesian spring source originating from deep within the valley’s granite-based geologic formation, giving it its unique mineral content and taste profile. Twice named “Best-Tasting Water in the World,” Mountain Valley Spring water is delivered to home and offices across the country. The brand can also be found in fine retailers, natural grocery and traditional supermarkets. Mountain Valley Spring is a Great Range Capital corporation.
