The Louisiana Restaurant Association Acadiana Chapter partnered with the UL Lafayette Department of Hospitality to host the third annual Acadiana Food and Wine Soirée on Wednesday. The event took place in the UL Student Union Ballroom on McKinley Street.
Guests enjoyed culinary specialties from some of the area's finest restaurants, along with wine tastings and entertainment from solo pianist Julie Williams.
"We are excited to bring the Acadiana Food and Wine Soiree back for its third year," said LRA Acadiana Chapter President Linda Arnaud. "The funds raised from this event will support future generations of the restaurant and hospitality industry through education and training, so why not eat and drink for a good cause?"
Participating restaurants included Zea Rotisserie and Bar, Randol's Restaurant, and more. Also at the event was a raffle drawing valued at $5,200.
A portion of the proceeds from the soiree will benefit the LRA Education Foundation and the UL Department of Hospitality Management. The LRAEF will use proceeds to further promote the restaurant industry as a career choice through its restaurant management and culinary arts program, ProStart, offered at eight Acadiana high schools.
Randy Daniel with the Acadiana Louisiana Restaurant Association, explained why the event is important for the next generation.
"Most of it goes to the UL Hospitality Department, which trains our next generation of chefs and restaurant managers and also ProStart which is high schoolers, I believe 26 high schools, across the state and it teaches them the basics of working in a restaurant and restaurant management. So, it's a four year program in high school... it's great and it's just great for us to be able to support."
