The Southern University at Shreveport Foundation will host the 17th annual Gentlemen’s Cooking Classic 6-9 p.m. June 18 at the Shreveport Convention Center.
This event features exquisite dishes prepared and served by area politicians, civic and community leaders.
The theme for this year’s event is “Cooking with Southern Riders.” In a new twist, hosts have invited “all riders” (trailriders, motorcycle riders, and car clubs and social clubs) to join the ranks of other participating men, women and lil/junior chefs to prepare and share their own special dishes. For one day only these Southern Riders will exchange their cowboy hats, horses, leathers, motorcycles and cars for an apron and spatula to support the fundraising efforts for Southern.
Chef Ernest Palmisano and Tina Palmisano, owners of Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant in Shreveport, will again serve as chair and co-chair of the Lil and Junior Chefs portion of the event featuring chefs ranging in ages 7 to 13. The Foundation invites all individuals interested in participating as Men Chefs, Lady Chefs and Lil and Junior Chefs categories to participate. Past celebrity participants include Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler; former mayor of Shreveport Cedric B. Glover; former mayor of Shreveport Keith Hightower; Sen. Greg Tarver; former U.S. Congressman Jim McCrery; and Sheriff Steve Prator.
Tickets are $35 for adults, $12.50 for children 6-10 years and free for those 5 and under. Tickets can be bought at the Southern University at Shreveport Foundation office located at 610 Texas St., Suite 400, and the Southern University at Shreveport campus at 3050 MLK Jr. Drive.
The popularity of the Gentlemen’s Cooking Classic continues to grow each year, and boasts of holding the community’s record for the most participating chefs for a food event. Through the efforts of these distinguished gentlemen and community support, the Foundation has been able to reinvest more than $500,000 in educational scholarships.
To participate, contact the Foundation’s office for a chef or sponsorship application. For additional information, contact Frank Williams at [email protected], or Emily Owens at [email protected], or 670-9681.
